What to do In Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids
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Can you spot my son? He’s checking out the ducks on dream lake!
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Alluvial Fan is a spectacular hike with little ones — maybe .2 miles and you get mountain views and a waterfall!
If you’re looking for what to do in Rocky Mountain National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll find your stride here. Rocky Mountain National Park is visited by approximately 4.5 million people annually and is about is 265,795 acres.
Every visitor to Rocky Mountain National Park should make a stop at one of the park’s 4 visitor centers to get a park map and find an up-to-date weather update or share info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more of the beaten path spots. I personally recommend the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. It is the largest visitor center and is the only visitor center in the park and it is open every single day from 9:00 AM -4:00 PM. Beaver Meadows also has an educational 20-minute park video that I highly recommend watching.
To see more photos and videos from our trips to Rocky Mountain, check out my Instagram Highlight.
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If you are looking for more things to do in Colorado with kids, check out my guide on What do to in Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids!
When to Visit Rocky Mounain National Park
The peak season of Rocky Mountain National Park is June through September. During this time you will find throngs of tourists coming to experience Rocky Mountain’s warmest weather months. This peak of visitors also means certain areas of the park will experience long waits or closures to manage human traffic along trails and roads and congestion in parking lots.
Mid-September through Mid-October is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park to experience cool crisp fall weather and this is the Elk-rut season, so there will be great wildlife experiences.
Winter is also a beautiful time to visit. Rocky Mountain National Park in December would be a winter wonderland and a perfect time to get cozy in a cabin, do some holiday shopping in nearby Estes Park, and get to experience the park with low crowds and snow!
We have visited in July and in September. Both times were amazing, but the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is the fall in my opinion. The cooler weather and the changing leaves gave us a drastically different experience than when we visited in summer.
The average annual weather for reference
How to get to Rocky Mounain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is amazing and it’s convenient to get to. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo! this one is right at the Estes Park Entrance
Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Aspen to Rocky Mountain National Park is 4 and a half hours.
Colorado Springs to Rocky Mountain National Park is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Grand Junction to Rocky Mountain National Park is 5 hours.
Cheyenne to Rocky Mountain National Park is 1 hour 50 minutes.
Great Sand Dunes to Rocky Mountain National Park is 5 hours 10 minutes.
This park is easiest accessed from Denver. It is a very easy drive and doable as a day trip.
READ NEXT: Big Bend National Park with Kids
Where to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park Camping:
Aspenglen Campground – on Highway 34 west of the Fall River Entrance Station. 54 sites. Open from noon on May 1st through September 26th, 2017. Reservations are recommended. The fee is $26 per night. RV and trailer length limit is 30 feet.
Glacier Basin Campground – on Bear Lake Road about 6 miles south of Beaver Meadow Entrance. Open from noon on May 25th through September 11th, 2017. 150 sites. Reservations are recommended. The fee is $30 per night. RV and trailer length limit is 35 feet. There are also group sites with a camping fee of $3 per person per night.
Longs Peak Campground – on Highway 7 about 9 miles south of Estes Park. 26 sites. Open from June 30th through September 14th, 2017. The fee is $26 per night when water is on. Tents only. First-come, first-served.
Moraine Park Campground – south of Beaver Meadows Entrance Station about 2 ½ miles. 245 sites. Open all year. Reservations are accepted from late May through late September, otherwise, it is first-come, first-served. The fee is $26 per night when water is on (during the above reservations dates) and $14 per night when water is off. RV and trailer length limit is 40 feet. There are also group sites.
Timber Creek Campground – about 8 miles east of Grand Lake Entrance Station on Highway 34. 98 sites. Open May 25th through October 10th, 2017. The fee is $26 per night when water is on. RV and trailer length limit is 30 feet. First-come, first-served.
If you are camping with kids, you may want to check out my guide on How to Enjoy Tent Camping with Toddlers or check out my Camping Must Haves!
The kids and I hiking along Fern Lake Trail - 1.7 miles to the fairy pools and 1.7 miles back
Where to Stay Outside of Rocky Mountain National Park
There are no resorts or hotels in Rocky Mountain National Park, but there are several places to choose from outside the park.
This is an evening view from Spruce Lake RV Park located in Estes Park - we stayed here for 2 nights
Estes Park, Colorado
RV Park
Spruce Lake RV: This is where we stayed for 2 nights in our RV. They have a laundry room, plenty of spaces, a recreation room, a large and clean bathhouse. The wi-fi is great in the common areas. This RV park is unbelievably close to the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and I would suggest staying here if you are going to frequent the park.
Suggested Family-Friendly Hotels
The Stanley Hotel: If you’re familiar with the movie “The Shining” — this is the hotel Stephen King based the movie on. If you’re feeling up for some spooky and historical vibes, request room 237. The Stanley Hotel won’t disappoint with its history, architecture and rumored paranormal past. Another movie that made this location famous; Dumb and Dumber.
The Historic Crag's Lodge: Encased in the natural beauty of a lush green forest, The Historic Crags Lodge rests on the north side of Prospect Mountain, merely three miles from the breathtaking scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park. Built for comfort, this mountainside lodge offers a cozy hideaway with a rustic décor featuring traditional wood furnishings and a charming feel. With an outdoor pool, hot tub, and easy access to all Estes Park has to offer, you may never want to leave this cabin retreat
Appenzell Inn: Locally-owned and family-operated, the Appenzell Inn is located close to Rocky Mountain National Park. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, continental breakfast and parking. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the indoor pool, ponds and garden areas.
What to do in Rocky Mounain National Park with Kids
1) Go Hiking in RMNP!
The most popular thing to do in Rocky Mountain National Park is hiking. From extreme hiking to easy; this park has it all. I have put together the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park for kids and adults alike! The hikes listed under “best hikes for toddlers in Rocky Mountain” and under “best hikes for kids in Rocky Mountain national park” are going to be the best Rocky Mountain National park kid-friendly hikes! The longer, more difficult hikes are listed under “best hikes for teenagers in Rocky Mountain National Park.”
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Rocky Mountain National Park
Fern Lake (3.4 miles) was a bit far for these two. I ended up wearing them both on the 1.7 mile hike out.
Alluvial Fan: (DO NOT MISS) An easy .2 mile hike that will reward you with waterfalls and boulders for the kids to climb. Park in the Alluvial Fan parking lot for quick access. Alluvial Fan is one of the Rocky Mountain National Park easy hikes and is perfect for families!
Bear Lake Loop: (DO NOT MISS) This is a very easy .8 mile hike around the gorgeous Bear Lake. You will be rewarded with incredible Lake Views and the Rockies as a backdrop. Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most family friendly hikes in the park which means it will be very crowded by mid morning. They have a parking lot that fills up quickly, so I recommend getting there as soon as the park opens or waiting until late afternoon to get a spot. Bear Lake is not only family friendly, it is one of the best things to see in Rocky Mountain National park!
Sprague Lake Loop: Similar to and near Bear Lake, it is an easy .8 mile loop around the lake.
Lily Lake Loop: This easy .8 mile hike offers scenic views and gorgeous wildflowers.
Copeland Falls, Coyote Valley, Lake Irene, and Adams falls are also excellent choices for hikes with toddlers. They are fairly flat an under 1 mile with scenic views!
Alpine Ride Trail: This trail is only .6 miles, but it does have a 209 ft elevation change. This trail offers gorgeous panoramic views and wildflowers.
The kids sitting on the edge of bear lake in rocky mountain national park
Best Hikes for Kids in Rocky Mountain National Park:
Latham (aged 4) sitting on the shore of dream lake
Dream Lake: (DO NOT MISS) A 2.2 mile hike that has a moderate 450-foot elevation change. Your work will reward you with outstanding lake views and wildflowers! Continue on tis trail for another 0.5 miles to also visit Emerald Lake. This addition makes the trail total 3.2 miles and is one of the best family friendly hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park! Dream Lake is a must do in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Holzwarth Historic Site: (also known as the Never Summer Ranch) This hike is 1.3 miles and offers scenic views and you’ll get to explore the historic ranch. You’ll also get up close to the Colorado River and sweeping views of the Kawuneeche Valley.
Tundra Community Trail: This 1.1 mile trail starts at the Alpine Visitor Center. You’ll be rewarded with some amazing views of the Alpine Tundra!
Nymph Lake: This 1.1 mile trail is located off of Bear Lake Road. It has a slow 245 foot elevation change. You will be rewarded with gorgeous lake views and fall aspens!
Alberta Falls: This is a 1.7 mile trail with a 200 ft elevation change. You will be rewarded with waterfall views and fall aspens!
East Meadow: This 2.8-mile hike rewards you with scenic views, waterfalls and it’s very likely you'll see wildlife. There is a small 235 ft elevation change.
Bierstadt Lake: A 2.4 mile hike that has a 675 ft elevation change. With the work, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous lake views and fall Aspens!
East Meadow: This 2.8-mile hike rewards you with scenic views, waterfalls and it’s very likely you'll see wildlife. There is a small 235 ft elevation change.
Bierstadt Lake: A 2.4 mile hike that has a 675 ft elevation change. With the work, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous lake views and fall Aspens!
Eugena Mine: This historic hike takes you to the old Eugena Mine. It is 1.8 miles with an elevation change of 508 feet. Due to the popularity of the hikes from this trailhead, the length of time to reach most destinations, as well as limited parking, you'll definitely want to arrive as early in the morning as possible, especially on weekends during the summer months.
Chasm Falls: This 2.8 mile hike rewards you with some awesome waterfalls. There is a 585 ft elevation change.
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Rocky Mountain National Park:
Mount Ida: This difficult 9.6-mile hike is said to be the best hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. The elevation change is 2,500 feet, but this hike is worth the work. Once hikers reach the peak of Mt Ida, which sits at 12,889 feet above sea level, they will be rewarded with incredible 360 degree views of Never Summer Mountains towards the west, the Mummy Range towards the northeast, Terra Tomah Mountain, Mt. Julian and Cracktop Mountain immediately to the east, Longs Peak to the southeast, and the Kawuneeche Valley, Julian Lake, Big Meadows and Shadow Mountain Lake towards the southwest.
Bluebird Lake: This difficult 12.6-mile trail is another one of the best long hikes in RMNP because it gives hikers a taste of many of the unique things about Rocky Mountain National Hikes. The trail changes around 2500 feet in elevation. Along the trail hikers are rewarded with amazing flora and fauna, alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, About 6 miles into this hike, the trail crossed with the Upper Ouzel Creek Backcountry Campsite which would be one of the best campsites in Rocky Mountain National Park for experiencing pure nature!
While you’re in Colorado, check out the best hikes in Colorado’s 4 National Parks.
Alluvial Fan was a very short and very rewarding hike to do with little ones!
2) Moraine Park Discovery Center
Moraine Park Discovery Center and Museum in Rocky Mountain National Park is a historic building with interactive exhibits on the past and present landscape, a bookstore, and a half-mile nature trail with. The Discovery Center is open daily 9 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. in summer but is closed in winter. Fall/Spring has reduced hours, so check the NPS site for current hours. The Discovery Center is handicapped accessible and one of the best family friendly Rocky Mountain National Park activities. During the summer, it can be accessed via the Moraine Park Free Shuttle Route.
Be sure to Check out my Guides for the Utah National Parks
A view of the mountains through the rain near the Tundra Communities Trail Head
3) Rocky Mountain Junior Ranger Program:
Rocky Mountain National Park has a "Rocky's Junior Ranger Program" for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Emphasis is placed on park preservation, flora and fauna facts, and environmental education. When kids complete the Rocky Mountain National Park Junior Ranger booklet, they earn a badge. Pick up a free Junior Ranger activity booklet at any visitor contact station, discover the park, and become a ranger by earning your badge today! There are 3 different activity book for ages 5 and under, 6-8, and 9 and up. The National Park Junior Ranger program is one of the best family friendly things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.
***The Junior Ranger Headquarters is located in the summer at Hidden Valley, on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park along Trail Ridge Road.
The rocky Mountain Junior Ranger Badge
4) Take an Outdoor Photography Class
Take an outdoor photography class! These classes are custom individual photo tours catered to you. Options include short to moderate hikes to beautiful alpine lakes or photography tours catered to remain closer to the vehicle and roads. Tour itineraries are based on your photography needs, skills, and abilities.
the kids hiking down from dream lake
I have visited Rocky Mountain National Park 2 times a Solo Mom Traveler. If you’re wanting to visit as a Solo Parent Traveler, check out my tips for traveling as solo parent.
5) Take a Scenic Drive
There are two amazing scenic drives that would be a perfect addition to any Rocky Mountain National Park family itinerary. Be sure to check out the Rocky Mountain National Park map I have listed above to follow each of these routes! A scenic drive is a great way to orient yourself with the park and determine which are best places to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for your family!
Feel free to download this Rocky Mountain National Park Audio Tour before you head out on your drive!
The view from Sheeps Lake. Here you can sometimes see Big Horn Sheep!
Trail Ridge Road is one of ten America's Byways in Colorado and a national designated All American Road and it spans 48 miles; from Estes Park to Grand Lake. The highest point of this drive is at 12,183 and the fascinating thing is that you’ll climb over 4,000 feet in a matter of minutes. Riders get to experience absolutely amazing views of the Rockies, wildlife sightings and spectacular alpine wildflowers.
Old Fall River Road is a primary gravel road. “It is one-way uphill and punctuated by switchbacks, slower-paced, 11-mile-long. The old road quietly leads travelers from Horseshoe Park (a short distance west of the Fall River Entrance) through the park's wilderness to Fall River Pass, 11,796 feet above sea level. The journey to the alpine world at the top of Old Fall River Road is relaxing.” -www.nps.com
6) Ride Horseback Through the Park
Saddle up a horse and ride into the high country. This is a wonderful way for older children to see more alpine country than possible on foot. Saddle up and ride through the scenic trails and meadows in the Colorado Rockies. There are a range of tours from a two-hour ride which includes beautiful points of interest like Fall River, Hidden Meadow, and the enchanting Horseshoe Park. Along with four and six-hour tours, there is a full-day experience for the most adventurous spirits that explores the Roaring River, Ypsilon Lake, and the historic Lawn Lake. Bring snacks and water for the ride, or sign up for the Dinner Ride which includes a ride through Rocky Mountain National Park and a dinner at the Trailhead Restaurant.
Bear Lake is an amazing way to spend the afternoon. Bring a lunch and stop and eat with a view!
7) Take a Guided Tour
There are so many things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park that it can be overwhelming. Luckily there are also many amazing tours you can take in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or surrounding areas. If you’re short on time or don’t have the time to plan a detailed trip, let the experts do it for you. You can escape to the solitude of the Rockies on a small-group tour. Enjoy the stunning vistas as you meander along the largest mountain range in the US. Or take a full-day tour into the Rockies where you will always walk away with a unique experience.
This is a panoramic of bear lake rocky mountain national parK with the Rockies in the background. We were in Rocky Mountain National Park in September
8) In the Winter, go Snowshoeing!
If you’re visiting in Rocky Mountain in Winter, jump on a snowshoe tour! The day will center around snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park and will include Fondue, prepared for you on the trail! We will meet at the Trailhead, snowshoe into Rocky Mountain NP, and then stop to share in two courses of Fondue, a sweet and savory course, before returning to the Trailhead. The guides are knowledgeable about the natural and human history and will stop frequently at points of interest to discuss these subjects, and take photos. The day will last 3-4 hours and can incorporate all skill levels. Snowshoes, Poles, the Fondue, and Hot Cider are provided. Please wear warm clothes and feel free to reach out with any questions or dietary restrictions to better prepare for your day out in Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you’re looking for more winter sports, check out how to Ski in Colorado on a Budget!
Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect destination for families. There is so much amazing wildlife, wildflowers, sweeping mountain views, and perfect hikes. No matter whether you camp out, stay nearby in Estes Park or Denver, Rocky Mountain is an easy trip for an unforgettable adventure. With gorgeous Switzerland-esk mountain views, the cool mountain breeze and the laid back Colorado vibe, this National park has a way of getting into your soul and leaving you itching to get back. With so many things to do at rocky mountain national park for families or as as solo traveler, this is guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime!
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