Multigenerational July Trip Intinerary Help

Question

What are some good things to do with young kids and must see sights in Salida/Buena Vista? My boys are 9 and 4. Planning on flying from Dallas into COS late July for 4-6 days. It will be me, husband, two boys and maybe my parents (70s) and niece (18y) and nephew (13y). Hoping to find a airbnb with nice scenery for my parents to hang out in case they don't come on outings with us, light to mid level hiking, cute town, ATV, rafting, and other sights/things to do. We do good on a schedule where we head out in the morning, come home to rest in the afternoon, and do a light activity in the late afternoon or evening. A day of driving to see sights is fine too since we can hop in and out of car. Thanks!

Answer

Salida and Buena Vista in Chaffee County offer a perfect mix of outdoor activities, scenic drives, and small-town charm, making them ideal for a multigenerational family trip. With kids, teens, and grandparents in your group, you can balance adventure with relaxation.

Airbnb/Lodging Suggestions:

Look for homes along the Arkansas River or with mountain views near Salida or Buena Vista. This gives your parents a relaxing spot to enjoy scenery and morning coffee while the rest of the group heads out for activities.
Consider properties with decks or patios, multiple bedrooms, and nearby parks or walking trails for easy access to nature without leaving the house.
Buena Vista has some newer vacation rentals with hot tubs or small pools, which can be great for evening relaxation with kids and adults.

Activities for Young Kids & Family-Friendly Outings:

Arkansas River Rafting: There are calm stretches suitable for children, as well as family-friendly guides who can accommodate mixed ages.
Easy Hikes: Check out trails like Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead (short sections for kids), Browns Canyon National Monument (flat scenic walks), or the Buena Vista River Park.
Salida Hot Springs Pool: Perfect for an afternoon splash that is low-impact for older family members.
ATV/Jeep Tours: Outfitters in Buena Vista offer guided tours that range from gentle scenic rides to more adventurous trails. Great for teens and adventurous adults.
Downtown Salida: Walkable historic downtown with boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries. Kids can enjoy ice cream or the small park near the river.

Must-See Scenic Sights & Drives:

Browns Canyon Scenic Drive: A beautiful route with easy pull-offs for photos and wildlife spotting.
Cottonwood Pass: Great for a day drive, stunning mountain views, and easy stops for photos and short walks.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs: The area has a river-fed pool and natural hot springs. Nice for a relaxing afternoon for the entire family.
Rainbow Trail/Arkansas Headwaters: Quick access to beautiful river views and wildlife. Great for short stops if some family members want a break from hiking.

Suggested Itinerary Outline:

Morning: Head out to a hike, river, or scenic drive.
Afternoon: Return to Airbnb for lunch and rest, especially for the 2-year-old or older grandparents.
Late afternoon/evening: Short walks in town, ice cream, or a gentle river activity (like tubing or splash time).
Optional full-day outing: Drive to Cottonwood Pass or Browns Canyon for sightseeing and short hikes; bring picnic for all ages.

With this approach, you get a mix of adventure and downtime suitable for all generations. Renting a car is essential for flexibility and allows for easy hopping in and out for photos, light hikes, and scenic drives. Be sure to pack layers, sunscreen, and plenty of water as Colorado summer days can be warm and sunny at lower elevations.

Multigenerational July Trip Intinerary Help

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