A Colorado Family Reunion offers scenic landscapes, exciting theme parks and endless outdoor activity opportunities. Check out some of our ideas below to help you plan your next family gathering.
A Plethora of Parks in Denver
Having the largest city park system in the U.S. with 205 parks in city limits and another 20,000 acres of parks in nearby areas, Denver makes for a perfect Colorado family reunion location.
- City Park—not far from downtown Denver—is a great Colorado family reunion location. The 330-acre park includes picnic areas, tennis courts, playgrounds, two lakes, athletic fields, historical monuments and statuary. The Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science are also in the park. The zoo features over 3,500 animals with more than 650 species, including rare Amur tigers, king cobras and black rhinos. The museum brings history and science together with exhibits on Egyptian mummies and American Indians.
- Elitch Gardens is the United States’ only downtown area theme park and water park. The 120-year-old park has 53 rides including Minderaser, Tower of Doom, Boomerang and the Half Pipe rollercoaster, where riders sit atop a giant skateboard. The water park features a wave pool, water playground and action river to go along with plenty of waterslides.
- Water World Colorado, just 15 minutes north of downtown, is one of the biggest water parks in the U.S. The park’s new Mile-High Flyer is the only hydro-magnetic water coaster in the Rockies. Splash into this exciting Colorado family reunion location!
Reunions with a View in Colorado Springs
Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Photo Credit: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Even though it is 700 feet higher in elevation than the Mile High City, Colorado Springs still finds itself deep in the shadow of Pikes Peak. Its 14,110-foot summit makes it the eastern most 14,000-foot mountain in the United States. Check out these other breathtaking destinations for your next family reunion in Colorado Springs:
- A short drive outside the city will bring you to Manitou Springs, which includes the Cave of the Winds and Manitou Cliff Dwellings. This wondrous cave is littered with abstract mineral formations, while the cliff dwellings offer a look at the history of Native Americans in the area.
- At the base of Pikes Peak sits Garden of the Gods Park. The 1,319-acre city park is best known for its giant red-sandstone rock formations. Popular natural structures include the Balanced Rock and Kissing Camels. Mountain biking, horseback riding and guided nature hikes are available on the miles of paved and unpaved trails. Stunning views of Pikes Peak can be seen behind the towering rock formations abound throughout the park.
- The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy have exhibits chronicling the evolution of modern rodeo. Colorado Springs family reunions love it! Highlighting the history of the cowboy, the museum chronicles how they brought civilization to the American West and how their methods gave birth to rodeo. The Hall of Champions honors both human and animal rodeo legends. An action-statue of famed bronc rider Casey Tibbs at the entrance to the hall is a top attraction.
Adventurous Havens in Breckenridge
Ullr Fest. Photo Credit: The Cabin Breckenridge
Once one of Colorado’s main gold mining towns, Breckenridge is now known for its winter and summer recreation opportunities. Skiing and snowmobiling are winter draws, but summertime opens up even more possibilities.
- The town’s proximity to Breckenridge Mountain and several rivers makes it easy to pack a day with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, fly fishing, rafting, kayaking, off-roading, zip lining, summer dog sledding and scenic chairlift rides. This adventurous attraction makes for a great Colorado family reunion location.
- The Breckenridge Summer Fun Park features fast paced thrills like the Gold Runner Rollercoaster and the Alpine SuperSlide, to go along with relaxing games of miniature golf and gondola rides. Other attractions include the Mineshaft Maze, SuperBungee Trampoline, gemstone panning area, dog park and bounce house.
- The party tradition of the mining crowds lives on today with festivals taking place throughout the calendar year.
- Ullr Fest takes up five days in January and celebrates the Norwegian God of snow through a parade, outdoor activities and the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships.
- April brings the Spring Massive Festival, which features a variety of entertainment and athletic competitions.
- The Imperial Challenge Race also takes place in April and combines skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking and mountain biking.
- The Breckenridge Music Festival runs from late June through mid-August and features classical music, while the Genuine Jazz Celebration takes place right after its conclusion. Large Independence Day, Labor Day, Oktoberfest and December holiday festivals round out a year’s celebrations.
