Go West Young One (and even younger one)
July 12, 2016 8:44 AM Subscribe
Looking for some advice on where to go for a family vacation in Colorado.
We’re a family of four with a 9 year old and a 5 year old. The 9 year old is very adventurous; the 5 year old less so but still wants to do everything big brother does.
We definitely want to do rafting/float trips, horseback trail ride, and some moderate/light hiking. We would like to do (but don’t have to) a mine tour, alpine slide, and a good zoo/animal park. I have seen the previous questions on Denver but we would prefer to be in a smaller town/area.
Our major constraint on the rafting float/trips and trail ride is that there is an option open to 5 year olds AND a more adventurous option that is open to 9 year olds. Ideal would be for the activities to take place near a town or hotel/resort that would have fun activities for 5 year old while 9 year old rafts.
Budget is up to $300/night. We’ll have a car and can visit multiple spots but would prefer to find a resort or town where we can spend most or all of our time.
Right now we’re leaning toward Glenwood Springs but would welcome suggestions for other areas or towns. Specific hotel or activity recommendations are more than welcome!
We’re a family of four with a 9 year old and a 5 year old. The 9 year old is very adventurous; the 5 year old less so but still wants to do everything big brother does.
We definitely want to do rafting/float trips, horseback trail ride, and some moderate/light hiking. We would like to do (but don’t have to) a mine tour, alpine slide, and a good zoo/animal park. I have seen the previous questions on Denver but we would prefer to be in a smaller town/area.
Our major constraint on the rafting float/trips and trail ride is that there is an option open to 5 year olds AND a more adventurous option that is open to 9 year olds. Ideal would be for the activities to take place near a town or hotel/resort that would have fun activities for 5 year old while 9 year old rafts.
Budget is up to $300/night. We’ll have a car and can visit multiple spots but would prefer to find a resort or town where we can spend most or all of our time.
Right now we’re leaning toward Glenwood Springs but would welcome suggestions for other areas or towns. Specific hotel or activity recommendations are more than welcome!
I doubt there is a zoo or alpine slide down there, but the ouray, montrose, telluride area is beautiful.
posted by lab.beetle at 9:46 AM on July 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by lab.beetle at 9:46 AM on July 12, 2016 [1 favorite]
There isn't much in terms of "attracitons" in Ouray/Ridgway/Montrose/Telluride but, yeah, it's gorgeous. You could go to the hot springs in Ouray, there are a ton of places to hike and Telluride is a fun town to hang out in and there is usually some type of outdoor music concert at either of those places throughout the summer.
I just booked some tours and we were in a similar situation in terms of age spans. I found it easiest to call up the tour company and explain your situation. They were able to create a custom tour for us that included a jet boat ride and a jeep tour. (This was in Moab but I'm sure it would be the same for just about any place that offers this type of thing.)
posted by dawkins_7 at 10:15 AM on July 12, 2016
I just booked some tours and we were in a similar situation in terms of age spans. I found it easiest to call up the tour company and explain your situation. They were able to create a custom tour for us that included a jet boat ride and a jeep tour. (This was in Moab but I'm sure it would be the same for just about any place that offers this type of thing.)
posted by dawkins_7 at 10:15 AM on July 12, 2016
Glenwood Springs is awesome. You can get there via Amtrak or by bus from Denver, should you wish. The Pullman is a great restaurant, too. Have fun!
posted by cyndigo at 11:59 AM on July 12, 2016
posted by cyndigo at 11:59 AM on July 12, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by jabes at 9:12 AM on July 12, 2016 [1 favorite]