Only an hour and a half drive from Denver, with beautiful, sweeping views of the mountains and plenty to enjoy for the whole family, Estes Park makes for an ideal weekend getaway. While it is one of the gateways to Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking and wildlife enthusiasts, it is also a wonderful getaway spot for people looking for a calmer, more relaxing weekend full of fun, shopping and yummy food (and yes – even in town, you will still spot wildlife!).
Things To Do in Estes Park
Open Air Adventure Park
If you’d like to stay in town but still want a dose of adventure, Open Air Adventure Park caters to people of all ages. From onsite activities like ax throwing and a ropes course to offsite adventures like kayaking in the national park, they have something for everyone. Note: they are closed Sundays and Mondays.
Fun City
Another option for active families who want a fun-filled weekend is Fun City. From bumper boats and go-karts to a giant slide and miniature golf, Fun City provides a variety of choices to entertain your family. Pets are also welcome.
Mom Tip: They are open daily through September 8 after which they will move to weekends only, depending on weather, so be sure to call ahead if you’re visiting after September 8.
Mini Golf
Tiny Town Miniature Golf (also known as Meadow Mini Golf) is a great option for a round of putt-putt in a stand-alone location. If you don’t want to risk your kids begging for all the attractions of a place like Fun City, this is a great option run by great staff. Like anywhere in Estes Park, you will enjoy gorgeous mountain views. They are open daily from the end of May through the end of October.
Fishing
If you’d like to do some fishing with your children but doing so in the park is overwhelming or you didn’t want to pack your gear, Trout Haven is a great spot. Their stocked pond guarantees you will catch something and your kids will feel successful! They provide the gear and bait and you keep what you catch. Also, you do not need to worry about having a fishing license! You pay by the inch of the fish you catch, and they will filet your fish for you to take home.
Camping
If you don’t want to cram the national park into a weekend but you love the outdoors, camping in Estes Park can give you the satisfying outdoor experience you were looking for. The YMCA of the Rockies has cabins that can be rented along with lots of activities on their property.
Jellystone Park is another great family option that has tent campsites, cabins or RV spots to provide whichever camping experience your family prefers. Essentially every weekend from the beginning of May to the end of September has a theme to create even more family fun. September weekends are Halloween themed so be sure to check the website to be prepared!
Cultural Outings
If you are more interested in culture and shopping than adventure, Estes Park still has options to suit your family, too!
Stanley Hotel
Famous from the filming of The Shining, it is fun to look around the Stanley Hotel. Whether you’re familiar with the film or not, it is a beautiful hotel that takes you back in time. It’s fun to show your kids an old, historic hotel. You pay a small parking fee and then can look around on your own. They have a garden maze out front, a display of The Shining memorabilia in the basement and a coffee shop with snacks. If you enjoy spooky things, visitors 8 years old and up can take a Night Tour and find out about the ghost stories associated with the hotel. Tickets are required and can be found here.
Birch Ruins
A famous story in Estes Park involves a man in the early 1900s who had a house built to enjoy the views of the Rockies but it burned down in a devastating fire. Enough ruins remain today for visitors to take a leisurely stroll and see what houses in that time period were like (somewhat). More than anything, the views from those ruins are amazing! On a day in town, it’s worth a look – adults and children will all enjoy seeing the old-fashioned construction and surroundings.
Shop Downtown
Elkhorn Avenue is the main drag of shops, treats and eateries. Fall River runs right through town and makes for a delightful day meandering the shops and still feeling right next to nature. Pick one end or the other to park and then walk and shop along the whole riverwalk. The river is relaxing and picturesque the entire way. The riverwalk is stroller-friendly and adults can trade off shopping and watching the kids enjoy the river (not swimming). There are bathrooms and parking on the west end near Elkhorn & Spruce or midway at Elkhorn & Riverside. From Christmas shops and souvenirs to gear, taffy and restaurants, Elkhorn Avenue has everything. Plus, there are mini parks along the way to get kids’ wiggles out!
Mom Tip: Because it’s the main drag, traffic gets busy. There is a bypass behind Elkhorn and a big parking lot off Rockwell Street behind the Elkhorn shops if you’d like to park midway and avoid driving on Elkhorn.
Dining in Estes Park
All of the fun and sightseeing Estes Park provides is sure to work up an appetite. Even if you are camping and might cook a few meals at your campsite, it’s fun to explore the local food scene and go out for a meal or two.
Notchtop Breakfast & Lunch is a great spot for home cooking and large portions. If you have a slow morning available, this is a delicious location to check out.
Poppy’s Pizza and Grill is a casual sit-down restaurant along the riverwalk and also has outdoor seating with river views. There is a variety of menu options if everyone in your group wants something different, and they offer a diverse set of pizza choices.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, Ed’s Cantina is a good choice. I know sometimes we wonder if Colorado and Mexican food go together but Ed’s does a nice job!
If you’d just like to reward yourself with something sweet because you’re on vacation, there are plenty of sweet shops in Estes! Who can visit a mountain town without getting saltwater taffy, fudge or ice cream?! Even in the cooler temperatures of fall, ice cream is a fun treat. The main drag of Elkhorn Avenue has several to choose from, but if you are on the west side of town, the Country Market of Estes Park on Moraine Avenue has great ice cream and milkshakes, too!
If you like cinnamon rolls and you’re up for a little drive to enjoy the scenery, taking a jaunt over to the small town of Glen Haven will not disappoint! Not only will you get to see more beautiful scenery and, quite possibly, wildlife, you will get to enjoy the most delicious cinnamon rolls in the area! The Glen Haven General Store cinnamon rolls are so famous that when the original owners retired, they passed on the secret recipe to ensure everyone the cinnamon rolls would not disappear! Go ahead – you’ll thank me later!
Mom Tip: If you have a larger family or group and will want 6 or more rolls, they kindly request that you order one day ahead by 4pm. You can find the details and phone number on their website: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls – Glen Haven General Store
Long vacations, national parks and hiking numerous trails can be fun when you have the time, but if a short weekend getaway is what you’re looking for, Estes Park is a wonderful option. It’s a town you’ll find yourself willing to visit time and time again.
