The Perfect Getaway: An outdoorsy family vacation in Denver
With its abundant outdoor adventures and mild summer weather, Denver is an ideal place to take the whole family for a memorable long weekend.
By Sarah Kuta | April 24, 2025 (Updated September 19, 2025)
Tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is Colorado’s laid-back, outdoorsy capital. Home to miles of trails, sunny parks, and crystal-clear rivers and streams, the Mile High City makes the perfect home base for an adventurous family vacation. From whitewater rafting and ziplining to hiking and bird watching, Denver offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Just remember to drink plenty of water and slather on sunscreen, as Denver’s 5,280-foot elevation is no joke! As you start planning your next getaway, use this family-friendly Denver itinerary as your guide.
Friday
Morning
Welcome to the Mile High City. Drop your bags at Hampton Inn Denver-West/Golden, which is ideally located for maximum family fun. Get the whole family settled into your Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton, then rally for the day’s adventures. First up? Dinosaur Ridge, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) away from the hotel and home to dinosaur tracks and fossils up to 150 million years old. See how many giant footprints your kiddos can spot along Dinosaur Ridge Trail, a mellow, paved path perfect for acclimating to the altitude.
Afternoon
Drive to the top of Lookout Mountain, a 7,377-foot (2,249 meters) peak just west of Denver. Stop at the Lookout Mountain Preserve and Nature Center to stretch your legs on the hiking trails and learn about Colorado’s unique plants and animals. At the summit, you’ll find a museum dedicated to William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, a Wild West celebrity in the late 19th century. Pay your respects at Cody’s grave, then take in the panoramic views of Denver from the observation deck.
Evening
Freshen up back at your hotel, then drive 9 minutes to nearby The Golden Mill for dinner. It’s a food hall, which means everyone in the family can order what they want, from burgers and barbecue to sushi and tacos — there's something for every palate, even picky ones. Afterward, stroll along the paved Clear Creek path and watch the sun dip behind the mountains. It’s been a long day, so turn in early and rest up for tomorrow.
Saturday
Morning
Fuel up for the day with the hotel’s free hot breakfast buffet, including the Hampton Waffle, then spend the morning moseying through the City Park Farmers Market. Here, you’ll find shady stalls brimming with fresh, colorful produce and other tasty goodies from more than 100 Colorado growers and purveyors. Watch a chef demo and jam out to the live music, then grab a snack or a quick lunch from one of the rotating food trucks.
Afternoon
Explore City Park, Denver’s 330-acre (134-hectare) outdoor oasis and hub for family-friendly activities. Hit the links at City Park Golf Course, cruise around Ferril Lake on a swan-shaped pedal boat, or bike around the paved, tree-lined trails. Afterward, retreat to the air-conditioned Denver Museum of Nature and Science to learn about everything from Egyptian mummies to dinosaurs. Or, if you have animal lovers in your crew, visit the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
Evening
Play ball! Catch a game at Denver’s baseball stadium, located in the heart of downtown. The stadium, which offers views of the towering Rocky Mountains, is one of the best places to watch a sunset in all of Denver. Be sure to keep an eye out for Dinger, the team’s purple dinosaur mascot, who’s happy to pose for photos with kids. If you haven’t filled up on hot dogs and nachos at the game, head to adjacent McGregor Square for a late-night bite.
Sunday
Morning
Get your adrenaline pumping with a white-water rafting adventure in Idaho Springs, a historic mining town under 30 minutes from your hotel. Book a guided excursion with one of the many experienced outfitters in the area, who will make sure the entire family has a safe and memorable day on the water. Most offer beginner-friendly trips with fun, splashy, low-stress rapids that are sure to elicit giggles from the kids and a few hoots and hollers from the adults, too.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Beau Jo’s, which has been dishing out hearty, Colorado-style pizza since the 1970s. (Notice a bottle of honey on your table? That goes on your crust.) If you’re craving even more adventure, soar through the air on one of Idaho Springs’ zipline courses. Or, for a slightly slower-paced afternoon, head to the Phoenix Gold Mine, only a few miles from Idaho Springs. Discovered during the Colorado Gold Rush in 1871, this kid-friendly site now offers underground tours and gold panning.
Evening
On your way back to the hotel, make a pit stop at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. This iconic open-air venue — made of natural, reddish-orange sandstone formations — hosts concerts, film screenings, events, and yoga classes throughout the summer. It’s also just a fun place to hike around and take in the views of Denver’s skyline. Cap off the evening with a relaxing family swim in the Hampton Inn Denver-West/Golden’s indoor pool and hot tub.
Monday
Morning
Colorado may be a land-locked state, but it still has plenty of refreshing lakes and reservoirs to help beat the heat. Venture 20 minutes south from the hotel to Chatfield State Park for a morning of swimming, standup paddleboarding, and fishing on the large manmade lake — with the snow-capped Rockies as the backdrop. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a few colorful hot air balloons soaring in front of the mountains.
Afternoon
Grab your binoculars and head to Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, a lush 700-acre (283-hectare) working farm and native plant refuge situated along Deer Creek. This tranquil area is a birding hotspot thanks to its fragrant wildflower gardens, pristine ponds, and dense forests. Keep an eye out for fluttering wings while exploring the 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of nature trails, then head to the butterfly house to see these delicate flying creatures up close.
Until Next Time!
Denver’s abundant sunshine, outdoorsy lifestyle, and diverse, kid-friendly activities make it the perfect destination for an adventurous family vacation. And since each season in Colorado is different, you’ll want to start planning a return trip ASAP. Fall means hikes among golden-yellow aspens, while winter means skiing or snowboarding down glittering, powder-covered slopes. Your long weekend in Denver may be coming to an end, but you’ll be heading home with plenty of memories from your time in the Mile High City.
Sarah Kuta
Sarah Kuta is a Denver-based journalist who covers travel, food, science, history, and more. She has lived in Colorado for more than a decade and regularly adventures all over the state with her two dogs, Daisy and Angus. Her writing appears in Smithsonian magazine, National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Lonely Planet, and many other publications.
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