Colorado Family Campground

Top Five*

Chatfield State Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Jellystone Park in Larkspur

Rocky Mountain National Park

Winding River Resort

*Tie occurred in this category

The Winner

Jellystone Park in Larkspur

650 Sky View Ln., Larkspur

720-325-2393 | jellystonelarkspur.com

At Jellystone Park, families can glamp in a cabin, cottage, lodge or yurt, or get closer to nature in tent and RV sites. Once settled, explore the park’s many amenities. Beyond traditional hiking and fishing, there’s a swimming pool, game room, disc golf course, playground and, of course, plenty of Yogi Bear approved picnic tables. Catch an outdoor movie on Saturdays, and don’t miss the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts. Did we mention there are clean restrooms and showers, too

Colorado Road Trip

Top Five

Colorado Springs

Durango / Mesa Verde National Park

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park

Glenwood Springs

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

The Winner

Glenwood Springs

888-445-3696 | visitglenwood.com

Road trip and kids are words that parents rarely utter happily together, but the 160-mile drive along I-70 to Glenwood Springs awes car-bound families with scenic mountain vistas. The route is also dotted with frequent mountain towns, offering ample opportunities to let kids run off energy, grab a snack or hit the bathroom. At the end of this road, Glenwood Springs invites families to play and relax in the hot springs pools.

Destination Vacation

Top Five

Cancún

Disneyland

Hawaii

San Diego

Walt Disney World Resort

The Winner

Walt Disney World Resort

407-939-5277 | disneyworld.disney.go.com

From four theme parks and two water parks to character experiences and five-star dining, Disney World is jam-packed with family-friendly fun for all ages. Book a room at one of dozens of Disney Resort Hotels, and you”ll get some serious fringe benefits, including extra time at theme parks and early FastPass+ access.

Family Day Trip

Top Five*

Colorado Springs

Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park

Evergreen

Georgetown

Eldora Canyon State Park

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

*Tie occurred in this category

The Winner

Colorado Springs

719-635-7506 | visitcos.com

It’s no wonder readers take I-25 60 miles south to Colorado Springs. The bustling town boasts more than 55 attractions and activities, including Garden of the Gods – an awe-inspiring National Natural Landmark with a family-friendly hiking trail – and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountainside zoo. Don’t miss Cave of the Winds; this thrilling attraction has multiple adventures for cave dwellers.

Resort or Hotel

Top Five

The Broadmoor

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain

The Winner

The Broadmoor

1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs

719-634-7711 | broadmoor.com

Since opening its doors in 1918, The Broadmoor has delivered a one-of-a-kind luxury resort environment. This historic hotel offers families modern amenities and an array of activities including golf, tennis, swimming, specialty tours, zip-lining and lessons in tomahawk throwing and archery. For parents who have earned some “me time” there’s the Forbes Five-Star spa with a complete menu of treatments.

Summer Mountain Getaway

Top Five

Breckenridge

Estes Park

Glenwood Springs

Steamboat Springs

YMCA of the Rockies

The Winner

Glenwood Springs

888-445-3696 | visitglenwood.com

Hot springs are just the beginning in Glenwood Springs. After a scenic drive, plop into a two-block-long hot spring pool – the world’s largest – before venturing out for dinner on historic Seventh Street. After that, anything’s possible: bike along the Colorado River, explore vapor caves, raft or skydive at Roaring Fork Skydivers. The Iron Mountain Hot Springs – operated by Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park – offers a freshwater family pool and 16 mineral hot springs pools with varying temperatures

Winter Resort for Families

Top Five

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Keystone Resort

Steamboat Resort

Winter Park Resort

The Winner

Winter Park Resort

85 Parsenn Rd., Winter Park

970-726-1564 | winterparkresort.com

At this kid-friendly resort, families have their pick of seven territories spanning four mountains piled with 3,000 acres of snow. Award-winning terrain includes groomers, terrain parks, bumps, steeps and trees. There’s also tubing, snowshoeing, ice- skating and scenic Snowcat tours. After a day on the slopes, nosh on premium food in the village.

This article was originally published in December 2024.
Jamie Siebrase

Jamie Siebrase is a Denver-based freelance writer, mother, and author.