Family Quick Weekend

Question

Flying in 9/5 Friday at noon. Catching Rockies game that evening when opens at 4:30pm. What is worth doing in that time frame with 8 year old son. Saturday plan to rent a car, do Georgetown railroad, coors in golden then back to game at 4:10pm. Fly out Sunday early. Is that doable and any suggestions welcome. Wish we had more time and will be back to show him more of the beauty of Colorado!

Answer

For a quick family weekend in Denver with an 8-year-old, your plan is ambitious but definitely doable if you prioritize a few key activities and plan your timing carefully.

Friday:

Arriving around noon gives you time for a quick lunch near your hotel or Coors Field. Consider kid-friendly options like Wynkoop Brewing Company or nearby casual spots in LoDo.
Since the Rockies game opens at 4:30pm, you have a few hours. You could do a short walk along the 16th Street Mall, explore Union Station, or let your son enjoy some time at Confluence Park near downtown. These are all close to the ballpark and won’t require heavy travel.

Saturday:

Renting a car in the morning is ideal. Drive to Georgetown for the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Trains often depart mid-morning, and the ride lasts about an hour. Your son will likely enjoy the historic train and scenic views.
Afterward, drive to Golden (roughly 20-30 minutes). You can tour Coors Brewery if your son is interested in the history and the soda samples or grab lunch in downtown Golden.
Make sure to allow enough time to return to Denver for the 4:10pm Rockies game. Traffic can be moderate, especially on I-70, so plan to leave Golden by early afternoon to ensure you make it back on time.

Sunday:

With an early flight, it’s best to stick to the airport and skip additional sightseeing. Denver International Airport is easy to navigate, but give yourself at least 2 hours for check-in and security.

Suggestions and tips:

Consider leaving large luggage at your hotel while exploring Friday afternoon to make moving around easier.
Pack water, snacks, and sunscreen, especially for outdoor activities like the train ride or ballgame.
Be flexible with timing—traffic, lines, and weather can affect your plans, so having a couple of backup options (short downtown walks, Union Station exploration) is helpful.

Overall, your plan is feasible and balanced for a quick visit with an 8-year-old. You’ll get a nice mix of sports, history, and light sightseeing while keeping travel manageable. For a longer future visit, exploring the mountains, Denver Zoo, or museums would be ideal additions.

Family Quick Weekend

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