When it is time to take a family vacation, we know you have to put a lot of thought into the planning of it, especially when your family involves people of all ages. Kids and parents don’t always agree on the food they should eat and they certainly don’t always agree on the activities they should participate in, but we at Voyago Vacation Rentals think we can help you come to a mutual agreement on both. This guide to the top kid-friendly Estes Park summer activities will cover all ages interests, and because you will also be coming home every night to our family friendly retreats, the good times will continue to infinity!
Mustang Mountain Coaster, 1180 Dry Gulch Road
Mountain coasters are a more parent friendly type of roller coaster, reaching high rates of speed and fun without doing all those topsy turvy upside down things that just don’t seem as fun after a certain age, and the Mustang Mountain Coaster is one that is sure to be enjoyed by kids of all ages! Offering a top speed of 25 mph, riders can determine if they want to take it a little slower, but trust us, once you are sitting in the driver’s seat, you will feel the need for speed! Riders must be at least 3 years old and as tall as 38 inches to ride with a parent, or at least 54 inches tall to ride alone. Tickets cost $20 for one ride and $35 for three, but if one of the riders is going to be a passenger, it will just cost $20 for unlimited rides.
Fun City, 455 Prospect Village Drive
Open during the summer months only, Fun City is a pint-sized amusement park offering a variety of kid-friendly rides, including the very unique water walking balls, a giant rainbow slide, and go-karts. New for 2025, they are adding a roller coaster they call the Gold Rush which is referred to as a Figure 8 Spinning Coaster, and we are super excited to try it out! Also featuring a gel blaster arena, similar to paintball but less painful and less messy, as the “paintballs” are actually water pellets, cooling you down quick when out in the summer sun! This park has been a local tradition since 1969 and we love the way they continue to add new activities to keep the park moving forward.
Open Air Adventure Park, 490 Prospect Village Drive
The Open Air Adventure Park offers fun for kids of all ages, featuring 32 aerial challenges and three levels of fun. The Aerial adventures include air board and horse saddle ziplines, navigation hanging chairs, as well as climbing ropes, and a variety of other Estes Park summer activities that will have your children scrambling around like the little monkeys they are. Costing $41 for adults (Yes, adults love this park as well!) and $35 for children under the age of 10, they also offer an evening adventure that is less time (just 90 minutes instead of 2 hours) with discounted prices of $35 and $25. Feeling extra during your time at the park? An axe throwing adventure has been added to the mix, and you can throw axes separately (must be 12 years of age or older) for $18 per person (45 minutes) or $30 per person (90 minutes).
Meadow Mini Golf, 840 Moraine Avenue
What is a family summer adventure without a session of mini golf? Our next activity takes us to the long standing Meadow miniature golf course. Featuring a Dutch theme of windmills and flowers, it is impossible to feel less than serene when putting on the turf grass, even if your game isn’t going your way. Formerly known as Tiny Town, this course has been our go-to spot for over 60 years, and our goal of getting a hole-in-one on the last hole has been accomplished a few times over the years, which, of course, meant we won a free round!
Ride a Kart & Cascade Creek Mini Golf
Go Karts & Miniature Golf? Sign us up immediately! And if you are of like mind, Ride a Cart is especially exciting, offering electric go karts in 2025, a golf simulator, bumper boats, bumper cars, water wars, a miniature train, even water wars and an arcade that you won’t be able to drag your kids out of, and yes, that could mean your husbands as well! Batting cages, an Extreme Trampoline, and, of course, a Munch Cart finishes up the delights offered at this wholesome family adventure park.
The Family Fun Continues at Home with Voyago Vacation Rentals
We love our families, and our vacation rentals in Estes Park are filled with family-friendly extras that will make you and your family immediately feel at home. Offering hot tubs, barbecues, firepits, fireplaces, and so much more, these spaces will be the best part of your family vacation. Contact us to reserve your favorite today!
A Colorado summer doesn’t get much better than in Estes Park. Tucked in the Rocky Mountains just outside the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, this mountain town is a go-to spot for warm-weather adventure, scenic beauty, and relaxed charm. Whether you’re seeking high-altitude hikes or just want to unwind by the lake, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the Estes Park summer season.
Lace Up and Hit the Trails
Summer hiking in Estes Park is as iconic as it gets. With easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park, there are countless trails for every skill level, from peaceful nature strolls to challenging alpine ascents. One of the biggest draws is the diversity of landscapes. Start your day with a sunrise hike around Bear Lake, a trail that offers reflective water views, towering pines, and a picture-perfect setting. For a bit more challenge, try Gem Lake. The elevation gain is worth the reward, with panoramic views over the valley and a hidden lake nestled in the rocks.
What makes Estes Park hikes stand out in summer is the wildflower bloom. By late June through August, trails are framed with colorful petals, buzzing bees, and the occasional hummingbird sighting. Keep your camera close, because the scenery doesn’t hold back. And with wildlife like elk and mule deer frequently crossing paths, your hike can double as a safari.
Afternoon hikes to places like Alberta Falls offer a great way to stay cool thanks to rushing mountain streams and shaded trails. If you’re looking for something less crowded, head to the Wild Basin area for trails like Ouzel Falls, which delivers incredible scenery and far fewer hikers.
Many trailheads start just a short drive from town, and there are even shuttles to some of the most popular routes, making it easy to ditch the car and enjoy the day. Be sure to carry water, sunscreen, and a snack, you’ll want time to sit and soak in those panoramic views. Whether you’re hiking for the views, the quiet, or the challenge, Estes Park’s trails deliver the kind of summer experience that sticks with you.
Cast a Line in Mountain Waters
Fishing in Estes Park is a summer ritual. Between the lakes, rivers, and alpine streams, the area offers some of the best fishing spots in the region. Whether you’re fly fishing for trout in a rushing river or casting a line from the shore of Lake Estes, you’ll find peaceful surroundings and a serious chance of landing your next big catch. The Big Thompson River runs right through town and is a favorite for both locals and visiting anglers.
Licenses are easy to obtain online or in town, and local outfitters can provide gear, lessons, or guided excursions if you’re new to fishing or want to learn the best techniques for the area. You might also consider joining a guided trip to hidden backcountry streams, where the only thing breaking the silence is the sound of your line in the water.
Fishing in Estes Park is about slowing down, connecting with nature, and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. There’s nothing quite like spending a few hours with your feet in a cold stream, surrounded by pine trees and mountain air. It’s relaxing, grounding, and just one more reason people fall in love with summer in Estes.
Cruise Through the Mountains on Two Wheels
Biking is one of the best ways to explore Estes Park in the summer. With paved paths, challenging climbs, and mountain bike trails just outside of town, there’s a ride here for every level. The Lake Estes Trail is a great place to start. It’s a flat, scenic 3.75-mile loop that wraps around the lake and provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll spot birds, wildflowers, and maybe even a herd of elk grazing nearby.
For a more adventurous route, the dirt trails within Roosevelt National Forest offer exciting terrain. Mountain bikers love the Hall Ranch and Hermit Park areas for their switchbacks, pine-lined paths, and rewarding views. These routes require a bit more skill and stamina, but they’re worth the effort if you’re looking to break a sweat and get off the beaten path.
In town, bike rentals are easy to find, and many shops offer electric bikes to make the uphill climbs more manageable. Pedal-assisted bikes are perfect for cruising around neighborhoods or tackling gentle hills while still enjoying the scenery. You can ride from your vacation rental to downtown shops or restaurants without ever needing your car.
Another local favorite is Trail Ridge Road. While most of it is better suited for vehicles, experienced road cyclists often take on sections of the road for the challenge and the views. Just remember to start early, wear proper gear, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Biking in Estes offers freedom, fun, and an up-close look at the town and its surrounding wilderness. Whether you’re pedaling along a peaceful lake or racing down a mountain trail, it’s an incredible way to soak up summer.
Summer Fun for All Ages
There’s a reason families return to Estes Park every summer, and a big part of that is the variety of attractions and summer activities in Estes Park, CO beyond the usual outdoor adventures. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a must-do, especially for first-time visitors. It takes you from the edge of town up to the summit of Prospect Mountain, offering unbeatable views of the entire Estes Valley. Once you’re at the top, you can explore short trails, take photos, or just enjoy a cold drink with a view.
If you’re traveling with kids or just young at heart, don’t miss the Mustang Mountain Coaster. Located just a short drive from downtown, this alpine coaster lets you race down the mountain on a winding track that’s both thrilling and safe. Riders control their own speed, which makes it ideal for all comfort levels. It’s a quick ride but packs in the fun and delivers sweeping mountain views along the way.
Other summer favorites include local mini golf, go-kart tracks, and the historic Stanley Hotel, where you can take a guided tour or enjoy a bite to eat with a view. For wildlife lovers, summer offers a chance to see elk, mule deer, and even black bears in their natural habitats. Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park in the early morning or evening for your best shot at a sighting. Trail Ridge Road, a scenic byway that cuts through the park, is especially good for both wildlife watching and incredible panoramic views.
Photography buffs will find endless inspiration from the mountain backdrops, wildflower meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Be sure to bring your camera along for spontaneous roadside pull-offs and quick hikes to photo-worthy spots. Estes Park keeps things interesting for all ages. Whether you’re watching wildlife from a riverside bench, zipping down a mountain coaster, or capturing sunset views from a scenic overlook, the town offers something unexpected around every corner.
Book Your Estes Park Summer Stay with Voyago Vacation Rentals
Planning a memorable summer in Estes Park starts with the perfect place to stay, and at Voyago Vacation Rentals, we make sure your home base matches the magic of your trip. Our collection of properties ranges from cozy cabins to large family homes, so whether you’re visiting solo, bringing a group of friends, or planning a family reunion, we have something that fits just right.
Each home comes equipped with everything you need to relax after a day of hiking, biking, or exploring downtown. Look for features like lake views, private hot tubs, full kitchens, and comfortable living areas where you can unwind together. Many of our rentals are pet-friendly, so your dog can tag along for the adventure too.
We also offer flexible check-in times, seamless booking, and responsive guest services so your vacation is smooth from start to finish. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch or watching the sun set behind the Rockies, you’ll feel right at home. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full week of summer fun, let Voyago be your guide to comfort and convenience in Estes Park.
Summer Starts Here
Estes Park in the summer is a blend of wild beauty, fresh mountain air, and memory-making moments. Whether you’re trekking through forested trails, casting a line in a crystal-clear stream, or taking in the view from a mountaintop tram, every day brings something new to enjoy. With a comfortable rental from Voyago Vacation Rentals as your base, you’ll have all the tools to relax, explore, and soak up the magic of the Rockies. Contact us today!
We at Voyago Vacation Rentals believe there are two types of travelers: the ones who head to the beach every summer, and the ones that understand that the mountains are truly the only place they want to be. Offering long days filled with outdoor adventures, temperatures that never rise too high, and in the case of Estes Park, vacation properties that will comfort and keep you warm on chilly summer nights, this guide to getting a head start on your Estes Park CO summer vacation planning for your Estes Park getaway will give you a better understanding as to why the mountains are going to offer your favorite vacation experience!
Pack for Adventure
Sometimes the most difficult part of vacation planning is trying to figure out how to pack your luggage, but you’ve got Voyago Vacation Rentals on your side, and we make difficult things easy. Your Colorado adventures are going to take place outside mostly; the beauty of our landscape, the moderate temperatures, and your zeal for adventure will ensure that there is nowhere else you want to be. The weather, even in the summer, can get chilly at night, so layers is the key word. Bring t-shirts, jackets, umbrellas, and of course, comfortable walking shoes and extra socks in case your feet get wet. The Colorado sun can be bright, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are highly recommended, and hydration packs can make a long hike feel refreshing. And although we don’t really have to tell you how to pack your carry on, we would like to remind you that a couple of bags of pretzels really won’t hold you over and jerky can help you avoid a hangry flight.
Plan Your Hikes in Advance
The trails of Estes Park range from easy to difficult, ensuring that novice hikers will have a great time and experienced hikers won’t be bored. The Bear Lake Loop lasts less than a mile and is one of our easiest trails, offering stunning views of the lake, the trees, and the mountains. Dogs are not allowed on this trail, but it only takes about 15 minutes to complete, so feel free to leave your fur baby at home if you need to. The Gem Lake Trail extends out just over 3 miles and offers an elevation gain of nearly 1000 feet; it is a moderate trail that features incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park, and of course, Gem Lake, a crystal-clear body of water that offers a reflection of the mountains in its still waters. And last but not least, our diehard hikers simply must experience the Chasm Lake Trail, a favorite of hikers from all over the world. This 8-mile trail has an elevation gain of 2552 feet, and your muscles will feel every step you take, but the views from the peak will be worth every muscle ache!
Prepare to Feed Your Soul
Your vacation meals in Estes Park are going to be the ones you dream about long after you return home, and whether you are preparing to gorge yourself with a hearty breakfast at Mountain Home Café or are thinking that a special occasion meal at Seasoned: An American Bistro will enhance your vacation experience, we can assure you that with every bite you will be feeding your soul. Life is meant to be lived, and you will never feel more alive than when surrounded by your family devouring a meal from any of our local restaurants.
Plan on a Day in the Park
Open Air Adventure Park, located at 490 Prospect Village Drive, offers outdoor adventures you will never forget, featuring ziplines, air boards, and hanging chairs as well as ax throwing adventures, kayak tours in Rocky Mountain National Park, and hiking tours that will make you fall in love with the stunning landscape of the park. Sometimes the best way to get to know the area you are visiting is with a tour and the tours offered at the Open Air Adventure Park will certainly make you fall in love with this part of Colorado.
Plan on Relaxing at Home on Your Estes Park, CO Summer Vacation with Voyago
As much as you will love your outside adventures in Estes Park, it is the moments spent at home in our seasonal sanctuaries that will create the most treasured memories. Relaxing in front of a roaring fire on a chilly summer night, watching the sunset over the mountains every evening of your stay, even playing board games with the kids while gathered around the dining room tables. Every attention is paid to every detail that ensures comfort and luxury, and as you relax, play, and explore all the comforts we provide, you will realize that this vacation is going to go down in your family history as the one you wish you could relive over and over again. Contact us to reserve your favorite Estes Park Colorado cabin today!
Summer vacation will be here before you know it and although the season may arrive a little later in our mountain town of Estes Park than it does in your own hometown, the winter playground of the nation offers summer adventures you will cherish forever. The snow has melted, the sun is shining, and the temperatures are that perfect blend of warm, but not too hot, encouraging travelers to get outside and savor the perfection of a Colorado summer day. This guide to planning your Estes Park summer getaway will help you plan a vacation that outshines all others, bringing you fun times, happy moments, and the knowledge that it will just keep getting better because you chose Voyago Vacation Rentals for your seasonal sanctuary.
Cross Another State Park off your Bucket List
Because we have lived at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park most of our lives, we have a fascination with state parks that carries over into our own vacation travels and whether you are in a similar situation or you are just looking for something extra to do, your first stop (after unpacking at your luxurious vacation escape) should be the park. Now summer time is a popular time to visit, so park services have created a Timed Entry Permit Reservation System, and we have attached the link here, to ensure that there are no hitches in your Park adventures; https://exploreestes.com/understanding-rocky-mountain-national-park-timed-entry-permit-system/.
After you have worked out the details, however, your fun times can begin, hiking (there are 355 miles of trails) wildlife watching (Rocky Mountain National Park is home to over 60 species of mammals) and maybe even exploring the collection found at the Moraine Park Museum.
Hanging out at Lake Estes
Perhaps the most summery adventure of all is a day spent at the lake and Lake Estes, a reservoir offering 5 miles of shoreline and a capacity of 3,068 acre-feet, offers the ideal way to do just that. For those who want to engage in more in-depth explorations of the lake, the Lake Estes Marina rents kayaks, paddle boards, and pontoon boats or you could simply fish from anywhere around the shore.
Also offering a pier with wheelchair access located just steps away from Fisherman’s Nook parking lot, the trout are always biting in Lake Estes. For those who can’t sit still, the marina rents bicycles as well as the items we have already listed and enjoy a leisurely ride around the nearly 4-mile-long trail that surrounds the lake.
While you are enjoying lake adventures, be sure to take note of the large white structure with a red roof that sits just off the lake; that is the Stanley Hotel where Stephen King came up with the idea of one of his most disturbing books, The Shining.
Mustang Mountain Coaster, 1180 Dry Gulch Road
Not all summer adventures in Estes Park have to be long, drawn-out affairs, you will probably want to enjoy spending at least some of your time exploring the amenities of your Voyago Vacation Rentals seasonal escape. The Mustang Mountain Coaster is an alpine coaster that is open year-round, you just won’t need to wear your parka, mittens, and hat in the summer months. Using the mountain terrain to gain speed, riders can determine how fast they want to go simply by controlling the hand brakes, so let your kiddos go at top speed and take a leisurely ride down the mountain, being sure to take in the lush Colorado scenery as you do. Riders must be at least 3 years old and at least 38 inches tall to ride the coaster and tickets cost $20 dollars per ride.
Ride the Rapids with Rapid Transit Rafting, 161 Virginia Drive, (970) 577-7238
For the ultimate in summer thrills, Rapid Transit Rafting offers whole day white water rafting trips on the Colorado River or half day trips on the Cache la Poudre River for $145 or $90 per person. The Colorado River offers a combination of Class II and Class III rapids, and a stop for lunch that the company provides while the Cache la Poudre River Rafting experience offers Class III rapids and is wild and scenic. Class II Rapids are rougher, in case you were wondering.
Exploring Your Estes Park Summer Sanctuary
All adventures begin and end at the doors of our Voyago Vacation Rentals summer sanctuaries, so be sure to schedule some time into your fun-filled itinerary to explore all the amenities we offer at home. Our lakefront rentals may be where you want to spend your summer days and nights, soaking in the serenity of the water as you relax in spaces that offer stunning views of Lake Estes. Reserve your favorite escape today and fall in love with the luxuries, comforts, and the joy our properties bring everyone who resides within.