5 days in Colorado w/kids - suggestions

Question

I'll be visiting Colorado for the first time end of July with the family. Kids are 5 and 8 and don't mind driving. We fly into Denver airport for 5 days/4 nights. Our return flight leaves at 3pm.

My question is since it's a short time is it better to stay in Denver or Boulder (home base ) and check out surrounding area garden of the gods, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Emerald Lake Rocky Mountain National Park. There seems like some great stuff close to the city.

Drive straight to Glenwood Springs do the Alpine Coaster, hot springs and maybe visit Aspen Maroon Bells.

As a family we enjoy small towns, farmers markets, farm to table food, hiking & gardens.

Any thoughts suggestion appreciated! Thanks for your input!

Answer

For a 5-day, 4-night family trip to Colorado with kids aged 5 and 8, you have two main approaches depending on how much driving your family enjoys and the type of scenery and activities you want to prioritize. Both options have merits, so it’s a matter of balancing convenience, sightseeing, and variety.

Option 1: Stay in Denver or Boulder as a Home Base

This approach minimizes daily packing and unpacking while letting you explore nearby highlights:

Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) – About 1.5 hours south of Denver. Scenic drives, short walks, and kid-friendly viewing areas make it accessible for children.
Eldorado Canyon State Park – Near Boulder. Offers short, easy hikes with beautiful canyon views. The kids will enjoy spotting rock climbers and wildlife.
Emerald Lake & Rocky Mountain National Park – About 1.5–2 hours from Boulder/Denver. Accessible trails around Bear Lake and Nymph Lake are suitable for young children.
Boulder and Denver local attractions – Explore farmers markets, botanic gardens (Denver Botanic Gardens), and family-friendly museums like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Advantages:

Less daily driving and more flexibility with kids.
Ability to explore a mix of natural and urban attractions.
Access to farm-to-table restaurants and small-town charm in Boulder or surrounding towns.

Option 2: Drive straight to Glenwood Springs and explore the Western Slope

This plan focuses on mountain adventure and small towns, with less back-and-forth driving:

Glenwood Springs – Hot springs, the Alpine Coaster, and family-friendly hiking. Great for a full day of relaxation and fun.
Aspen & Maroon Bells – Iconic scenery, easy trails suitable for kids (Bear Lake-style hikes), and small-town charm with shops and cafes.
Small towns along the way – You can stop in places like Vail, Minturn, or Leadville for short walks, farmers markets, and local food.

Advantages:

Scenic mountain driving and stunning alpine views.
Concentrated access to Western Slope attractions without returning to Denver daily.
Unique experiences like alpine coasters, hot springs, and iconic Maroon Bells hikes.

Other considerations:

For Option 1, you can still see a lot of Colorado’s highlights without moving hotels, which is easier with young children.
For Option 2, the drive to Glenwood Springs is longer from Denver (around 3–3.5 hours), so factor in travel time and energy levels for kids.
End of July is busy, so make reservations for Alpine Coaster, Maroon Bells shuttle, and hot springs in advance.
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so pack layers and plan flexible indoor activities if needed.

Summary Recommendation:

If your family enjoys shorter drives and a mix of nature plus small-town charm, staying in Denver/Boulder as a base is the more relaxed option. If your kids love alpine adventures and you don’t mind longer drives, focusing on Glenwood Springs and Aspen gives a high-mountain experience with iconic scenery. Either way, incorporating local markets, botanical gardens, and easy hikes will make the trip memorable for the whole family.

5 days in Colorado w/kids - suggestions

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions