Last minute Family Trip

Question

Flying into Denver Thursday before Thanksgiving and staying a week. Family of 3( 7 ) yr old son. He wants to see mountains. Only been to Colorado in summer. We are from New Orleans so not used to icy or snow conditions. I know weather will be unpredictable. Trying to think of best ideas for booking lodging. Split trip in two? Estes park/RMNP and Colorado Springs area? Would love to visit Breck, Vail, and other ski towns I just don’t think this time of year sounds like this trip. Opinions and itinerary welcome!

Answer

Visiting Colorado in late November, especially the week before Thanksgiving, can be magical but also unpredictable in terms of weather. Snow is possible in higher elevations, and roads may be icy, especially for visitors from warmer climates like New Orleans. For a family with a 7-year-old, a combination of mountain scenery, easy outdoor activities, and kid-friendly experiences is ideal.

Splitting your trip into two locations—Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the Colorado Springs area—is a practical plan. This approach allows you to see two different sides of Colorado without spending too much time driving on potentially snowy roads each day.

Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Days 1–3: Estes Park & RMNP – Stay in Estes Park to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. Easy hikes like Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Alluvial Fan are suitable for children. Wildlife viewing (elk, deer) is a highlight. Consider a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road if conditions allow.
Days 4–5: Colorado Springs – Drive south to Colorado Springs. Attractions include Garden of the Gods (kid-friendly walking paths and easy rock formations), Pikes Peak (via the Pikes Peak Highway or the Cog Railway if open), and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Additional tips for a smooth trip:

Book lodging as soon as possible, as the holiday week fills up fast. Choose places with easy access and off-street parking for snow conditions.
Check road conditions daily. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website provides updates on chain requirements and closures.
If you want to visit ski towns like Breckenridge or Vail, plan just a short visit to the town itself rather than skiing—downtown areas are picturesque, with restaurants, shops, and scenic views.
Pack layers, waterproof boots, and warm gear. Even if snow is light, temperatures will be colder than you are used to.

Optional activities that are kid-friendly:

Short sledding/tubing at Estes Park or local Colorado Springs parks if snow is available.
Family-friendly scenic drives (Peak to Peak Highway, Gold Belt Tour in Colorado Springs).
Interactive museums or indoor activities for cold/windy days (Denver Museum of Nature & Science if passing through Denver).

Overall, splitting your week between Estes Park / RMNP and Colorado Springs provides a balance of mountain scenery, family-friendly activities, and manageable driving distances, without committing to early-season ski trips that may not have reliable snow. This also keeps travel more relaxed for a child not accustomed to icy conditions.

Last minute Family Trip

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions