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Denver - 2 nights 3 days

Hi everyone, I will be going to Denver from January 11th to 13th. I plan to stay in Denver and go to Vail and Breckenridge. I welcome itinerary and activities suggestions. I also need suggestions on where to stay in Denver. I was looking downtown but I don't know if it's safe. Vail is not within our budget to stay. We will be 2 adults and a 6 year old child and we rented a Jeep.

Thank you.

Visiting Denver for 2 nights and 3 days in January with a 6-year-old provides a nice mix of city activities and mountain day trips. Staying in Denver gives you flexibility, and with your Jeep, you can comfortably make day trips to nearby mountain towns like Vail and Breckenridge.

Where to Stay in Denver:

  • Downtown Denver: Convenient for restaurants, museums, and city attractions. While downtown is generally safe in main areas like LoDo (Lower Downtown), it’s wise to avoid less busy streets at night.
  • Cherry Creek: Upscale, walkable, safe, and with plenty of restaurants and shopping. Slightly farther from mountain highways but still convenient.
  • LoHi or Union Station area: Trendy neighborhoods with easy access to food, coffee shops, and the city’s highlights.

Suggested Itinerary:

  • Day 1 (Arrival / Denver exploration): Check into your hotel, explore downtown Denver or Union Station, have lunch or dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. You can also visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or Denver Zoo if your child enjoys interactive exhibits.
  • Day 2 (Day trip to Breckenridge): Depart early for Breckenridge (~1.5–2 hours). Spend the day doing family-friendly activities:
    • Sledding or tubing at Carter Park or Breckenridge Recreation Center
    • Walk Main Street to explore shops and grab lunch
    • Optional: Take the BreckConnect Gondola up to Peak 8 for views or short snow activities
    Return to Denver in the evening.
  • Day 3 (Day trip to Vail or nearby): Drive to Vail (~2 hours). Even if staying in Vail is out of budget, you can still enjoy:
    • Walking around Vail Village and Lionshead
    • Family-friendly snow activities or ice skating at the village rink
    • Lunch in the village
    > Return to Denver by late afternoon or evening for your departure.

Additional Tips:

  • With your Jeep, ensure it is equipped for snow and icy mountain roads.
  • Check mountain road conditions before departure, as weather in January can be unpredictable.
  • Pack warm clothing for the child and consider indoor activities in case of bad weather.
  • If you want to limit driving, you could skip Vail and focus on Breckenridge and nearby Frisco or Keystone for easier access.

This plan balances city exploration, family-friendly activities, and manageable mountain day trips, making it enjoyable for adults and your 6-year-old alike.

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