Summer in Denver means we’re heading to the mountains to escape the heat and explore the beauty of Colorado! From burning energy, to soaking up the mountain views, there are many kid-friendly mountain towns to visit! From quick day trips, to easy weekend getaways, here are some of our favorite mountain towns.
Easy Summer Day Trips from Denver
Evergreen
Drive time: 40-50 minutes from Denver
Evergreen is one of the easiest towns to visit, without committing to the long drive but still reaping the Colorado rewards and views!
Top things to do near/in Evergreen
- Evergreen Lake & Trail
- Visit Happy Day (indoor playground)
- Hike to the castle at Lair o’ The Bear
- Tiny Town
Places to Eat:
Mom tip: If visiting over the weekend, ensure you get up there early as parking fills up.
Idaho Springs
Drive Time: 40-50 minutes from Denver
If your kids love a little adventure, Idaho Springs delivers. It’s a fun mix of history and exploration!
Top things to do in Idaho Springs:
Places To Eat:
Golden
Drive Time: 20-30 minutes from Denver
Golden is a go-to for an easy summer outing. Clear Creek is perfect for splashing, and the downtown area is super walkable.
Top Things To Do:
- Clear Creek Trail (Stroller Friendly)
- Colorado Railroad Museum
- The Splash at Fossil Park
- Golden History Park
Places To Eat:
- Woody’s Pizza (Pizza buffet)
- The Golden Mill (Food court, with a playground across the street)
Mom Tip: If walking Clear Creek Trail, bring water shoes and a change of clothes for river play!
Perfect Weekend Getaways from Denver
Breckenridge
Drive Time: 1.5-2 hours from Denver
Breckenridge is basically a summer playground for families. Between the gondola, trails, and kid-friendly activities, it’s hard to run out of things to do. See our full guide here.
Top Things to Do:
Places to Eat:
Frisco
Drive Time: 1.5-2 hours from Denver
Frisco offers a “beach in the mountain” vibe! Don’t be fooled, the water is cold!
Top Things to Do:
Places to Eat:
Estes Park
This town feels like a Hallmark movie. Walkable shops, elks roaming everywhere and tons for families to do. See our full guide here.
Things to Do:
- Drive Trail Ridge Road
- Mustang Mountain Coaster
- Open Air Adventure Park
- Horseback Riding
- Hike Lily Lake (0.8 miles)
- Rent a pontoon on Lake Estes
Places to Eat:
Mom Tips
- Start early. Beat crowds and afternoon storms
- Pack layers. Mountain weather changes fast—even in summer.
- Hydrate often. Altitude affects kids quickly
- Mix activity + downtime. Playgrounds, ice cream stops = sanity savers.
Whether you’re packing up the car for a quick day trip or planning a full weekend away, Colorado’s mountain towns make it easy to slow down and reconnect as a family. It’s the kind of place where kids can run a little freer, parents can breathe a little deeper, and everyone ends the day happily tired from sunshine and fresh air. So grab the snacks, don’t forget the sunscreen, and get ready to make those simple, sweet summer memories together—because sometimes the best getaways are the ones that bring us closer.
