7-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Road Trip in Colorado with a 6-Year-Old Including Great Sand Dunes National Park

Day 1: Exploring Denver

Denver, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company

Kick off your adventure with delightful, oversized biscuits topped with your favorite fillings.
Conveniently located in Denver, easy access from most hotels.
USD25, 1.0 hours

9:30AM

Denver Botanic Gardens

Enjoy the vibrant blooms and whimsical Alpine Garden where kids can roam freely and explore.
Head southeast for about 15 minutes.
USD15, 2.0 hours

11:30AM

Denver Zoo

Spend a fun morning exploring over 4,000 animals at this world-class zoo, perfect for young adventurers.
A quick 10-minute drive from the gardens.
USD32, 3.0 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Cherry Cricket

Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere and dig into classic burgers and kid-friendly bites.
Just 10 minutes from the zoo.
USD45, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Play at City Park

Let the kids run free at this expansive park with playgrounds and beautiful lake views.
Only a 5-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Casa Bonita

Wrap up your day with a unique dining experience featuring entertainment like cliff divers!
Only 20 minutes from City Park.
USD60, 2.0 hours
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Day 2: Adventures in Boulder

Boulder, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Buff Restaurant

Start the day with a hearty breakfast buffet focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
Drive about 30 minutes to Boulder.
USD30, 1.0 hours

9:30AM

Chautauqua Park

Explore scenic trails and beautiful picnic spots in this iconic park with stunning views of the Flatirons.
Just 5 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 2.0 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery

Enjoy a family-friendly pub atmosphere with a wide-ranging menu, including delectable sandwiches.
Only 10 minutes from Chautauqua Park.
USD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Boulder Creek Path

Stroll along the picturesque creek where your child can play by the water and enjoy the natural surroundings.
A short drive (5 minutes) from the restaurant.
Free, 2.0 hours

4:00PM

Pearl Street Mall

Stroll this vibrant outdoor mall filled with shops, entertainers, and plenty of space for kids to explore.
A few blocks away from the creek.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Post Brewing Co.

Finish the day with comfort food and locally-brewed beers paired with kid-friendly meals.
Only a short drive from Pearl Street.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Estes Park

Estes Park, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Egg of Estes

Fuel up with superb breakfast classics, known for their delicious omelets and pancakes.
Drive about 45 minutes to Estes Park.
USD30, 1.0 hours

9:30AM

Estes Park Aerial Tramway

Soar above the landscape and enjoy panoramic views of the Rockies, an adventure the kids will love!
The tramway is located right in Estes Park.
USD24, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lake Estes Walk & Play

Stroll or bike around Lake Estes, while enjoying the serene environment and playground for kids.
Only about 5 minutes from the tramway.
Free, 2.0 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Poppy’s Pizza & Grill

Indulge in family-favorite pizzas and sandwiches making sure everyone is satisfied.
Just a short drive from Lake Estes.
USD45, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Estes Park Riverwalk

Enjoy a delightful walk along the riverfront with shops and galleries to explore for family fun.
Only about a 10-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2.0 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Waterfront Grill

Enjoy riverside dining with a menu that offers local and fresh options suitable for all appetites.
Just a 5-minute drive from the Riverwalk.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Campground Cafe

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at this cozy cafe before your adventure.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Great Sand Dunes.
USD30, 1.0 hours

9:30AM

Explore the Dunes

Head to the tallest sand dunes in North America, where your child can run, play, and even slide down the dunes.
Just 5 minutes from the cafe parking.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at the Park

Enjoy a packed picnic surrounded by breathtaking views of the dunes and mountains.
Find a nice spot within the park for your picnic.
USD25, 1.0 hours

1:00PM

Medano Creek Fun

Let the kids splash in Medano Creek, a seasonal waterway that runs at the foot of the dunes, providing endless fun.
Easily accessible from the dunes area.
Free, 2.0 hours

3:30PM

Sandboarding or Sledding

Rent a sandboard or sled and have a blast riding down the dunes for a true Colorado experience.
Rental services available at the park entrance.
USD40, 2.0 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Orchard Restaurant

Finish your day with a lovely dinner enhancing the experience of your adventure.
Drive about 30 minutes to the nearby town of Alamosa.
USD60, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Relaxation in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sweet Coloradough

Start your morning with sweet gourmet donuts that are sure to delight both kids and adults.
Drive about 2 hours to Glenwood Springs.
USD20, 1.0 hours

9:00AM

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

Relax in the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, where kids can splash and play to their hearts' content.
Just a short drive (5 minutes) from breakfast.
USD25, 3.0 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Pullman

Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with a great menu that caters to kids and parents alike.
Just a 5-minute drive from the pools.
USD60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Head underground to explore fascinating caverns and enjoy thrilling rides suited for the whole family.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD60, 3.0 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company

Savor a delicious meal and local brews, with a kids’ menu to satisfy all tastes.
Just a short drive from the adventure park.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Scenic Beauty in Aspen

Aspen, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at Victoria’s Espresso Wine Bar

Enjoy a delicious breakfast experience with healthy options in a cozy setting.
Drive about 1 hour to Aspen.
USD35, 1.0 hours

9:30AM

Aspen Nature Discovery Center

Kids can engage in nature-themed programs designed to educate and entertain budding explorers.
Just a 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2.0 hours

12:00PM

Maroon Bells Scenic Loop

Marvel at the stunning views and wildflower hikes around the iconic Maroon Bells – definitely a family favorite.
Clip an easy 30-minute drive to this picturesque location.
Free, 2.0 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ajax Tavern

Dig into delicious burgers and salads in the heart of Aspen for a pleasant midday meal.
Head back 30 minutes to the town.
USD60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Aspen Recreation Center

Spend a fun-filled afternoon swimming and playing at the family-friendly recreation center.
A quick 5-minute drive from lunch.
USD25, 2.0 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Snowmass Kitchen

Conclude your day with family-friendly dining options surrounded by stunning mountain views.
Only 15 minutes from the recreation center.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Finale in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Kitchen

Enjoy fluffy pancakes and classic breakfast dishes to culminate your amazing trip.
Drive about 2 hours to Colorado Springs.
USD35, 1.0 hours

9:30AM

Garden of the Gods

Explore stunning red rock formations and kid-friendly hiking trails at this extraordinary park.
Only 15 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Old School BBQ

Refuel with delicious barbecue options suited for everyone’s tastes in a relaxed setting.
A short 10-minute drive from the park.
USD45, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Pikes Peak Railway

Take a scenic train ride to witness spectacular views that will captivate both you and your child.
About a 30-minute drive to the station.
USD56, 3.0 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Margarita at PineCreek

Finish your adventure with a fantastic meal featuring diverse options for every palate.
Return to your hotel in Colorado Springs, around 20 minutes away.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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