The Perfect Family-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids

If you are looking for an epic national park trip + some mountain magic, Estes Park, Colorado is one of those destinations that you definitely need to visit. Whether you’re spending a weekend or a month, visiting during peak summer or peeping the golden fall foliage, you will become enthralled with this darling Colorado town.

Tucked into the mountains just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, this charming Colorado town feels like the definition of a classic mountain getaway. Between the alpine lakes, towering peaks, elk wandering through town, cozy coffee shops, and endless outdoor adventure, it’s the kind of destination that somehow feels both exciting and peaceful at the same time.

We recently spent a long weekend here with our kids, splitting our time between hiking in the national park and exploring Estes Park itself—and honestly, three days barely scratched the surface.

If you’re planning a family trip to Rocky Mountain National Park with kids, here’s exactly what you should do.

Where to Stay in Estes Park with Kids

Hands down – there is only one place to stay during your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.

YMCA of the Rockies is an absolute must-stay spot for families. It’s hard to imagine a better setup while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park or Estes Park, as this place truly has it all.

You can choose from a standard hotel room, or stay in one of their cabins, which will give you plenty of space to spread out after long days exploring.

But what really makes this place special is everything there is to do right onsite.

From hiking trails, mini golf, family programs, yard games, roller skating, horseback riding, an indoor pool, arts and crafts, and so much more – this spot is perfect for families of all ages. It feels part mountain resort, part nostalgic summer camp—and it’s the kind of place where kids are entertained from morning until night.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is one of those destinations where your lodging becomes part of the experience itself.

Day 1: Rocky Mountain National Park + Downtown Estes

There’s no better way to start your trip than with a morning inside Rocky Mountain National Park.

But first: cinnamon rolls.

Make a stop at Cinnamon’s Bakery before heading into the park. Their giant homemade rolls are legendary, and will have you licking up every last bite.

Pro tip: if you’re visiting during busy season, definitely preorder the night before because they can sell out!

With breakfast in hand, head toward the Bear Lake area for one of the best family hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park: the Emerald Lake Trail.

The 3.2-mile trail takes you past alpine lakes and pine forests, climbing steadily until you reach the sparkling emerald-colored water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. On the trail, you will hike past Bear Lake, Nymph Lake and Dream Lake. You can easily turn around at any point, or if you are wanting to skip the uphill climb, just do the half mile loop around Bear Lake, which is still stunning and perfect for small legs.

Tips for Visiting Bear Lake Area

• Arrive early—parking fills very quickly
• Timed entry reservations may be required depending on season
• Bring layers, even in summer
• Come prepared with your hiking essentials

After a morning on the trail, make a stop by Kind Coffee for a well-earned coffee and cocoa break. There is a lovely spot to sip your drink right along a small stream, soaking up some stunning views.

Then head to the historic Stanley Hotel to do a little exploring and have lunch at Brunch & Co. This is the same hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, and it’s stunning in person. The grounds are fun to explore, and definitely pop into the hotel to check out the interior.

From there, spend the afternoon wandering through the local shops in downtown Estes Park. There are some really darling spots here, and so many yummy treats! We visited in the fall, and there were elk to spot everywhere!

Before the day is over, head to the Mustang Mountain Coaster for a fun ride down the mountain with incredible views.

End your evening with a sunset stroll around Sprague Lake – an easy, stroller friendly trail with beautiful mountain reflections before cozying up at your cabin for the night.

Day 2: Adventures at YMCA of the Rockies

One of the best things about staying at YMCA of the Rockies is that you don’t even need to leave property to have an amazing day.

Start your morning on the Enger Family Nature Trail, an easy trail that follows a beautiful stream between the YMCA grounds and Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s even a small bridge connecting directly into the national park if you want to extend your walk.

Afterward, stop by the Mountain Center, which has:

• a free nature center
• indoor rock climbing wall
• family hiking information
• kid-friendly exhibits

Then it’s time for one of the most memorable experiences of the trip: horseback riding with Jackson Stables.

They have several different trails to choose from, of varying lengths and difficulty levels. We chose the 1-hour Glacier Basin Trail, and it was perfect. They do have a minimum age of 6+ for trail rides, but offer pony rides around the stables for children under 6.

After our ride, we headed back to our cabin for a quick lunch, then spent the afternoon exploring all the YMCA has to offer. We got creative at the Art Center, where we painted ceramics and did mosaic art. This activity does cost extra, and pricing is on the bottom of the different art pieces. If you finish painting your ceramic piece before 3pm, they will glaze it overnight and you can pick it up first thing the next morning.

Spend your afternoon enjoying the many activities around the YMCA, including:

• arts & crafts at the art center
• themed family activities
• on-site museum
• mini golf
• indoor game room
• tennis, basketball & pickleball courts
• indoor swimming pool
• yard games and tons of open green space
• roller skating rink

It’s easy to see why this is one of the best places to stay in Estes Park for families – you could spend days here and never run out of things to do!

Day 3: Scenic Views + Final Adventures

Before leaving Estes Park, grab breakfast at Coffee on the Rocks.

This is such a cute little spot, especially in the morning. Kids can feed the ducks while parents enjoy coffee overlooking the pond, and it’s the kind of slower travel moment that ends up being surprisingly memorable.

Next, head to the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for panoramic views over Estes Park and the surrounding mountains.

At the top, you’ll find:

• scenic overlooks
• short hiking trails
• a café and gift shop
• and chipmunks everywhere during warmer months

Before heading home, make one final stop inside Rocky Mountain National Park at the Alluvial Fan trail.

This is one of the best easy hikes in the park for families. The short trail leads to a beautiful cascading waterfall area created after a flood in the 1980s, and kids absolutely love climbing around the rocks here.

It’s also one of the best photo spots in the park.

Finally, stop by the Fall River Visitor Center before leaving so kids can earn their Junior Ranger badges and pick out a souvenir to remember the trip.

Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids: Is it worth it?

Between breathtaking trails, cozy downtown spots, and endless outdoor adventure, Estes Park is the perfect base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park with kids. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, riding mountain coasters, or sipping coffee by a lake, every moment here feels a little magical.

If you’re looking for a family getaway that blends nature, fun, epic views and fresh mountain air, you definitely want to add Rocky Mountain National Park + Estes Park, Colorado to your list.