Many families are hesitant to bring their little ones to national parks for fear of unhappy campers making the experience, well, difficult. We’re here to tell you that a few tips and tricks can make Rocky Mountain exploring with kids a breeze. Read on to start planning the best family vacation yet!
Go During the Offseason
Traveling with kids can be stressful because you always need an eye on them, and crammed trails and viewpoints make this difficult. The months of spring and late autumn often see fewer crowds, allowing your family to enjoy the stunning landscapes without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist traffic. Additionally, accommodations tend to be more affordable and readily available, giving you flexibility in planning your stay.
Choose Easy Hikes
Unless your children are seasoned alpinists, they’re probably not ready to tackle all of the Rocky Mountain’s challenging trails. It will make for a better experience for everyone if you choose paths that are well-marked and relatively flat. Trails such as Bear Lake and Sprague Lake offer stunning views with minimal effort, making them perfect for families.
Mind the Altitude
Even the easy trails are at a high elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, with the lowest point hovering at 7,630 feet—that’s high up. Because of this, the air in the park is less dense, meaning oxygen particles are spread farther apart. This means that each breath you and your children take will draw in less oxygen than it would at a lower elevation.
Unless your family lives in or spends a lot of time in high-elevation areas, plan for plenty of breaks to adjust to the altitude. Additionally, have your kids drink plenty of water and bring lip balm for dry lips.
Have Your Children Become Junior Rangers
Most national parks have Junior Ranger programs, which are interactive educational initiatives designed for children. These programs engage kids in hands-on activities that enhance their knowledge of nature, history, and conservation.
Upon arrival, your kids can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet filled with fun challenges, puzzles, and activities tailored to their age group. After completing the required tasks—such as participating in guided walks, attending educational talks, or observing wildlife—your children receive an official Junior Ranger badge as a reward for their efforts.
Keep the Kiddos Entertained Throughout
Long drives and downtime during trips can challenge even the most patient family members. Prepare for this by keeping your kids entertained.
Pack and Plan Games
Pack travel games, audiobooks, and local wildlife guides to spark their curiosity and keep boredom at bay.
On the trails, encourage your kids to participate in a scavenger hunt, searching for specific plants, animals, or landmarks.
Have Fun Facts in Mind
Aside from what your kids will learn in their Junior Ranger handbooks, you should prepare some additional fun facts. Research the park ahead of time and be ready to explain more about the plaques around the park.
And remember that all fun facts don’t have to be exclusive to the park. Telling kid-friendly Colorado legends and ghost stories, for example, can enthrall your kids in the state’s history. These make for perfect conversation starters around the campfire!
Using these tips and tricks for exploring the Rocky Mountains with kids will ensure a fun-filled, mostly stress-free family adventure that everyone will cherish. By planning wisely and keeping your little ones engaged, you can transform your visit into an enriching experience for the entire family.
