Family Fun in Denver, CO and Rocky Mountains

Day 1: Exploring Denver

Denver, CO on July 2, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze Eatery

Start your day with delicious pancakes and breakfast tacos at Snooze Eatery to fuel up for a day of exploration.
Drive or walk to Snooze Eatery in downtown Denver. It takes about 15 minutes.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Denver Zoo

Visit the Denver Zoo to see a variety of animals from around the world. Don't miss the interactive exhibits for kids.
Drive from Snooze Eatery to Denver Zoo. It takes about 20 minutes.
$$, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Linger

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Linger, located in a former mortuary with rooftop seating and global small plates.
Drive from Denver Zoo to Linger. It takes about 15 minutes.
$$, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Explore interactive exhibits at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, perfect for all ages.
Drive from Linger to the museum. It takes about 10 minutes.
$$, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Union Station

Head to Union Station for dinner at one of the many restaurants inside this historic transportation hub.
Drive from the museum to Union Station. It takes about 15 minutes.
$$, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: More of Denver

Denver, CO on July 3, 2024

9:00AM

Denver Botanic Gardens

Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens with diverse plant collections.
Drive from your hotel to the gardens. It takes about 20 minutes.
$$, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Avanti Food & Beverage

Enjoy a variety of food options at Avanti Food & Beverage, a modern food hall with rooftop seating.
Drive from Denver Botanic Gardens to Avanti Food & Beverage. It takes about 15 minutes.
$$, 1-2 hours

2:00PM

Shop at Larimer Square

Explore the historic Larimer Square for shopping, dining, and local boutiques.
Drive from Avanti Food & Beverage to Larimer Square. It takes about 10 minutes.
$, 2 hours

4:30PM

Family Time at City Park

Relax at City Park with playgrounds, paddleboats, and stunning views of Denver's skyline and the Rocky Mountains.
Drive from Larimer Square to City Park. It takes about 15 minutes.
$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange

Experience a taste of the Old West at The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver's oldest restaurant serving game meats.
Drive from City Park to The Buckhorn Exchange. It takes about 15 minutes.
$$$, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Arrival at Rocky Mountain NP

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on July 4, 2024

9:00AM

Drive to Rocky Mountain NP

Check out of your Denver hotel and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park, a scenic journey with breathtaking views.
Drive from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park. It takes about 2 hours.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at Bear Lake

Have a family picnic at Bear Lake surrounded by the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Drive from the park entrance to Bear Lake. It takes about 30 minutes.
$, 1-2 hours

3:00PM

Hike at Emerald Lake Trail

Embark on a family-friendly hike at Emerald Lake Trail, offering stunning mountain views and alpine lakes.
Drive from Bear Lake to Emerald Lake Trailhead. It takes about 15 minutes.
$, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Check-in at Estes Park Hotel

Arrive at Estes Park and check into your hotel with a pool for a relaxing evening.
Drive from Emerald Lake Trailhead to Estes Park. It takes about 30 minutes.
$$, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Ed's Cantina & Grill

Enjoy a casual dinner at Ed's Cantina & Grill, a local favorite in Estes Park.
Walk or drive from your hotel to Ed's Cantina & Grill. It takes about 5 minutes.
$$, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Exploring RMNP

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on July 5, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Notchtop Bakery & Cafe, known for delicious pastries and coffee.
Walk or drive from your hotel to the cafe. It takes about 5 minutes.
$, 1 hour

9:30AM

Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge Road

Take a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US, for breathtaking mountain views.
Drive from Estes Park to Trail Ridge Road. It takes about 30 minutes.
$, 2-3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Dine at Rock Inn Mountain Tavern for a rustic mountain dining experience with local Colorado cuisine.
Drive from Trail Ridge Road to Rock Inn Mountain Tavern. It takes about 1 hour.
$$, 1-2 hours

2:30PM

Wildlife Viewing at Moraine Park

Visit Moraine Park for a chance to see elk, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Drive from Rock Inn Mountain Tavern to Moraine Park. It takes about 20 minutes.
$, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel Pool

Spend quality family time relaxing at the hotel pool, enjoying the mountain views.
Return to your hotel in Estes Park. It takes about 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Grubsteak Restaurant

Indulge in a cozy dinner at The Grubsteak Restaurant, offering hearty meals in a charming setting.
Walk or drive from your hotel to The Grubsteak Restaurant. It takes about 10 minutes.
$$, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Last Day in RMNP

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO on July 6, 2024

9:00AM

Family Horseback Riding

Experience the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park on horseback with a guided trail ride for all skill levels.
Drive to the horseback riding location. It takes about 30 minutes.
$$$, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dunraven Inn

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Dunraven Inn, known for its Italian cuisine and mountain views.
Drive from the horseback riding location to Dunraven Inn. It takes about 15 minutes.
$$, 1-2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Bear Lake Nature Trail

Take a scenic walk along Bear Lake Nature Trail, an easy loop trail with views of the surrounding mountains.
Drive from Dunraven Inn to Bear Lake. It takes about 10 minutes.
$, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Souvenir Shopping in Estes Park

Shop for souvenirs and local crafts in Estes Park to remember your Rocky Mountain adventure.
Drive from Bear Lake to Estes Park. It takes about 20 minutes.
$$, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Cascades Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxing farewell dinner at Cascades Restaurant, offering fine dining with mountain views.
Walk or drive from your hotel to Cascades Restaurant. It takes about 5 minutes.
$$$, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability