Need Good Ideas for Easy Weekend Family Trip in Colorado

Estes Park is close, its nice there.....shops, food, stuff
for the kids to do......you might even get to see some
elk. Its also a beautiful drive up there.

Hi, M.. Glenwood Springs is beautiful in October; it is on the western slope so you get a beautiful drive through lots of autumn color on the way, too. The hot pools are fun for the kids (and adults!), there is some hiking around, and the shops/restaurants are good, too. There is a great bed and breakfast there: http://www.fourmilecreek.com. My husband and I love it there; we haven't been with kids, yet, but the grounds there would be really fun for kids, I would think! Have a wonderful trip, wherever you end up going!
S.

Somewhere in the mountains like Breckenridge would be great. We go up there sometimes with our little guys (4 and 2) and stay in a lodge for the weekend. We enjoy our time swimming at the indoor pools, shopping, walking around, hiking, etc...

Somebody told me last night that there will be more train rides in October, but this is the website for The Golden, CO. train museum: http://www.crrm.org/thomas/dowt_main.html

Another idea: We LOVE to go up to Summit County (where all the ski resorts are). There are all kinds of things to do there: ride the gondolas, mountain biking, bike path biking, frisbee golf, etc.

The ride time is about 1 to 1 1/2 hour drive up and then 1 or 1 1/2 hour back. Hope that helps

T.

There are a number of bed/breakfasts or cabins you can rent in Estes or Glenwood Springs is beautiful this time of year. The Hot Springs there are great! Look up on the internet Estes and there are a ton of great Cabins you can rent.
Also for more family oriented stuff Jellystone which is geared towards kids. They have Halloween stuff going on in October I think.

Ahh, so much to do!! You could venture to Breckenridge - very kid-friendly. Awesome toystore with a play area in the back of the store. Great breakfast place in Frisco as you head home (you drive through Frisco to get to Breckenridge) right on main street - maybe it's called Butterhorn? There is outdoor seating - you can't miss it, it's on your right as you drive into town, and across from a park. Estes Park is a fun little trip, there are great candy and fudge shops, at the end of the main strip as you head up the mountain there is a creek that's fun for kids to explore. Great little hikes, also - find online. Rocky Mountain National Park is gorgeous, and you can find tons of cabins to rent, and then you could cook yourself. If you're willing to drive a bit further - about 4 hours - I'd highly recommend Glenwood Springs. You can stay across the street from the hot springs (if you are willing to spend some money!) but you can get a package deal with all access to the hot springs - the kids will love it. Lots of great restaurants there. I'd tell you to go to the mountains! The colors are changing and its so beautiful right now!! Last recommendation - Grand Lake.

Welcome. I am from Ventura, although I've been in Colorado for almost 10 years. I would suggest going up to Estes Park for the weekend. They have lots of lodging options (we've always camped but it might be a bit chilly). I think they are still having festivals in October. They have a great place for mini-golf, a huge slide, go karts. You can also go into Rocky Mountain National park.. there are several nice walks that both your kids could do, plus there is always the Drive up to the Alpine Center if that road is still open -- which I would think so. Anyhow, we just love it up there.

Hope this helps.. I bet you can find a lot of options for a wonderful and spectacular weekend in the mountains during October.

Estes Park is more family friendly then Brekenridge. I would go therwith a family.
C. B