A family vacation is truly a wonderful thing, but there will always be one problem: trying to find something that all ages of travelers will enjoy together, especially when you bring the in-laws along on your trip. That’s three generations of humans coming together to find common ground and often failing miserably—unless, of course, your vacation is to Estes Park and you have chosen Voyago Vacation Rentals for your trip of a lifetime. In that case, all you need to do is keep reading to discover all the activities that all ages will enjoy, and we’ve listed some of our favorites below to help you plan your trip to Estes Park.
We All Scream for Ice Cream from Hayley’s Ice Cream, 102 E Elkhorn Avenue
It’s a beautiful summer day, your teens are smiling, your tweens are giddy, and your mom is enjoying this dedicated times with the grandkids, so of course you want to make the good times sweeter with a visit to Hayley’s Ice Cream. Their ice cream is made in small batches in the shop, ensuring that every lick you take will be fresh and wonderful, and they offer 32 flavors of homemade goodness. They don’t offer indoor seating but do provide a large number of tables with umbrellas outside, which on a beautiful summer day, why would you want to be cooped up inside anyway?
A Self-Guided Tour of the Stanley Hotel
Chances are your younger children have not seen the movie The Shining, but most children get excited at the idea of seeing a haunted house, they just don’t like the idea of sleeping in one, so an hour tour of the famous hotel is the perfect activity, one that grandma, mom, dad, and all the kids will enjoy. If your children are under the age of 8, however, this activity should be tabled for a return trip, because they are not permitted on the tour. Exploring the history, the architecture, and just how Stephen King came up with his idea for The Shining is an adventure we recommend to everyone. Ticket prices are $20 for children 8-17 and $25 for adults.
Attend the Elk Fest, September 28 & 29th, Bond Park
The best way to get a true understanding of the place you are visiting and have a great time while doing so is by attending local festivals and the Elk Fest, held at the end of September every year is sure to appeal to children from 2-92 years of age. Offering two days of food and vendor booths, live music, Native American dancing, and elk presentations that educate and entertain the crowds, there will also be bugling contests, and a raptor program that will thrill. This wonderful event takes place during the famous elk rut (elk mating season), increasing the chances that you may encounter the animal as you go about your vacation business, and you will probably hear their calls at night!
White Water Rafting with Colorado River Expeditions, 343 S St. Vrain Avenue
You really don’t have to be a daredevil to enjoy a white water rafting trip down the Colorado. It’s not that scary and for much of the river you will just be enjoying a leisurely ride through some of the most beautiful landscape you have ever seen in this lifetime. Their standard rafting trip lasts between 9 to 12 hours and includes a hot lunch on the shore (comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas are provided) and a fascinating history lesson about the river and Rocky Mountain National Park. This adventure is for those 7 years and older and is definitely one we recommend adding to your itinerary.
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
There are so many reasons that a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park will be a highlight of your vacation adventures and we love that it is something all ages will enjoy. Hiking along the many trails that traverse the park, keeping your eye out for wildlife as you hike, is perhaps the most popular thing to do inside the park. The Continental Divide trail is a 30-mile one that runs through the middle of the park, but there are shorter hikes that may be more appropriate for the mixture of age groups in your traveling party. Also offering 150 historic structures to explore or photograph, fields of wildflowers, acres of forests, and the Colorado River that flows through the park, there is sure to be many activities inside that everyone in your traveling group will be thrilled to participate in. Summer visitors will need to make their reservations in advance with the park’s Timed Entry Reservation system, and there is a fee to enter the park that must be paid as well.
Chilling in Our Voyago Vacation Rentals Estes Park Retreats
Your best memories may be the ones made in our Estes Park vacation retreats, offering all the ways to relax, play, and just enjoy your time with the family. Contact us to reserve your favorite Estes Park vacation rental today!
If you are looking for your gateway into the Rocky Mountains and a whole lot of fun, you need to make your way to Estes Park. We are a top Colorado destination that features tons of outdoor adventures for everyone. Expenses can quickly add up when planning for any vacation getaway, but a great way to offset some costs is by finding plenty of free Estes Park activities to add to your itinerary. Here are some of the top free things to do in Estes Park no matter when you visit:
Check Out the Estes Park Riverwalk
If you want to see one of the most scenic areas of Estes Park, consider making your way to the Riverwalk. You will find this paved path taking you through Downtown Estes Park before it runs next to the Big Thompson and Fall Rivers. During your walk, you will find all kinds of shops and galleries that you can window shop. The Riverwalk features plenty of benches you can stop at to take in the scenic overlooks. You will find this area of town to be a relaxing and peaceful spot to check out. The sound of rushing water is always a popular feeling with the rivers flowing at their highest in the spring. Or check out the Riverwalk during the fall season as the color of the leaves change into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. There is no bad time of year to check out the Estes Park River.
Take in the Scenic Views and Overlook
Estes Park is a destination that is complete with all kinds of views that you will want to see to believe. During your visit drive around to the different scenic overlooks where you can see the mountains at no cost. You will find that scenic overlooks offer free parking spots along with picnic tables to enjoy a meal with your family. Some of our favorite overlooks can be found over at Lily Lake just along Highway 7 along with Lake Estes Marina. You can expect to find panoramic views from the vistas as both area. These are must-see areas for any photographers in your family.
Explore the Historic Stanley Hotel rounds
Estes Park has a surprising connection to Hollywood as the historic Stanley Hotel here in the area was featured in The Shining. Don’t let the movie spook you away from checking out this historic site that was rumored to be paranormal while the movie filmed on the premises. Visitors can tour the Stanley Hotel for a fee but walking around the hotel grounds outdoors is completely free. You will be able to enjoy the stunning architecture of the building along with the sweeping mountain views. You can even peek inside to see the vintage lobby and atmosphere that the movie featured.
Enjoy the Free Events Throughout the Year
Estes Park is not just about free activities but also free events that you can attend all year long. You and your family can attend a variety of events right here in the area. The Estes Park Elk Fest takes place during the fall season that coincides with the elk hunting season. You will find this event complete with live music, educational booths, and storytelling all for free. The Estes Park Jazz Fest in the month of May provides all kinds of free live jazz performances found here in town. Frozen Dead Guy Days in March is a quirky winter event that is still new to the area. It features all kinds of free entertainment and events. Last but not least is the Glow Holiday Parade in November that features all kinds of holiday lights and floats to help kick off the holiday season with.
Check Out Local Hiking Trails
Entry into the Rocky Mountain National Park will always require a fee so if you wish to see the area for free you can check out other hiking trails. One of our favorite trails is the Lily Mountain Trail that offers a moderately challenging experience that rewards you with panoramic views of Estes Valley and Longs Peak. Kruger Rock Trail is another great trail to hit up. If you enter Hermit Park from your vehicle there will be an entrance fee but you can avoid this by walking into the park. There are also local promotions throughout the year that will also offer free entry. Estes Lake Trail will take you around Lake Estes that is great for biking anytime of the year.
More Free Fun Right Here in Estes Park
Don’t miss out on all of this fun right here in the area. Reach out to us today to book our Estes Park vacation rentals, which will offer you a fantastic experience during your stay. There is no better way to enjoy Estes Park.
When your 4th of July journey brings you to Estes Park for a cool mountain getaway, your kids may be worried about seeing the fireworks, but there is no need. Not only will the fireworks be spectacular, but we at Voyago Vacation Rentals have prepared this guide to all the top spots in town where the 4th of July Estes Park fireworks views will be prime!
Double the Beauty
Have you ever noticed that fireworks shows seem to be even more spectacular when viewed over the water? Maybe it is the naturally stunning surroundings, or maybe it is the peace that accompanies any large body of water, but we think it is the fact that you can enjoy double the beauty. With each boom and colorful spray of sparks that light up the sky, the reflection of the fireworks will be mirrored in the waters beneath, and that is another reason our Estes Park 4th of July Fireworks show is acclaimed as one of the best in the state. Exploding over the calm waters of Lake Estes, you and your family may not know where to look first, the sky or the lake, and this will be the best show you have experienced in so many years!
Bring a Chair, Bring a Blanket
The most obvious place to view the fireworks show will definitely be on the shores of Lake Estes and everyone is invited to attend this free event, with the big booms starting at 9:30. Come a little earlier, packing a picnic dinner or stop by the Post Mountain House, located at 333 E Wonderview Avenue for a fried chicken to go, enjoying either on your blanket that you have chosen to mark your fireworks viewing territory at the lake. Camp chairs can be used as well, you don’t have to worry about blocking anyone’s view of the sky, for those who find it a tad difficult to get up from the ground.
Work for the Views from Kruger Rock in Hermit Park
The big booms from a fireworks display can be off putting to some and if you are one of that some and like to hike, Hermit Park, located just outside of Estes Park has the ideal spot to see all the color, without the intensity of the big booms. Climbing carefully to the top of Kruger Rock and discovering panoramic views of the countryside, including the lake and the fireworks display will bring you one of those moments that you just can’t help but cherish. We just ask that you be careful on the climb back down as it will be fully dark and more difficult to see where you are stepping and if the climb worries you, don’t make it. Hermit Park offers many great spots along the way that will offer views as well. Families with young children may want to explore another avenue, one we will discuss in greater detail below!
Get Comfortable on the Balcony of Your Voyago Vacation Rentals Holiday Hideaway
For many, the joy of the fireworks show involves the crowds that surround them, watching people, delighting over new friends their children make, and just feeling a part of something bigger, but for you, comfort is key, and people are just a little too much. That doesn’t mean you have to miss the show altogether, though, as the best views are as close as the balcony that stretches across the back of your Mountain Village at Lake Estes holiday hideaway.
Not every escape will offer lake views, but you knew in advance to ensure yours does, and as you sit comfortably, sipping happily, and savoring the beauty of the sun setting over the lake in the final moments of daylight, you can congratulate yourself on making the best choice of all.
Many of these cozy cabins in Estes Park offer outdoor fireplaces, in case the nights get cool, and barbecue grills that will let you enjoy a traditional 4th of July celebration without having to fight traffic and crowds and for families with young children who are frightened by the booms, they will still be heard, but as you are a bit of a distance away, they won’t be as loud and scary!
Contact us to reserve your favorite escape today!
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!
Just as a special event in your hometown can make your real life that much brighter, a special event involved with a vacation can make your vacation life that much brighter, and although on the outside, it doesn’t look that exciting, February 5th is Book Direct Day, and upon closer exploration will be a very exciting part of your vacation experience. Offering a better way to choose your Estes Park cabin rentals in ways we will be describing further down the page, Book Direct Day is our favorite day of the year, and we at Voyago Vacation Rentals think it will soon be yours as well. This guide to why you should book direct on this most exciting day of the year will give your Estes Park vacation planning a little boost of wonderful and ensure that you may just wait until Book Direct Day happens every year to book your next vacation escape!
What Exactly Does It Mean to Book Direct?
Before we go any further, it is important that you understand exactly what booking directly means, and yes, it is a very simple concept that won’t involve a lot of thought process. Simply put, Book Direct Day celebrates going to the website of the vacation home you are considering and booking directly from them. This means skipping the big-name vacation rental sites like Airbnb. It really couldn’t be any easier, don’t you agree?
What You See Is What You Get
If you have ever booked on those Airbnb or VRBO you may have already realized that you don’t always get what you see on the page. Maybe the listing photos aren’t updated frequently enough or maybe something happened to the rental you booked between the time of booking and the time of arrival, but when you walked in the door for the first time you were probably less than pleased. When you book direct from Voyago Vacation Rentals, however, what you see is what you get, and walking inside for the first time will be like greeting an old friend again, especially as you have spent more than a few spare moments poring over every picture as you seek an escape from the chaos of your real life and build the anticipation of your trip of a lifetime. We know how important those pictures are, and we update them regularly, and although we may try to choose their best “side,” we promise that no unwanted secrets are waiting to pop out at you upon your arrival.
That Personal Touch
On the big vacation rental sites, guests aren’t cherished, they are just thought of as numbers, numbers that represent how much more they can add to their own profits, to be exact. When you book direct on February 5th, you become a part of the Voyago family, and we work with you to ensure that your Estes Park vacation is one you will remember forever. Need an earlier check-in? Just shoot us an email. Need a later check-out, do the same and all those moments in between? Know that we cared enough to provide all the wonderful amenities that you are enjoying at the end of your days of Colorado adventures!
Book Direct Estes Park Vacation Rentals, Save Money
The final and perhaps most important reason for booking direct on February 5th is the simplest one: It costs less to book direct. There are no fees assessed for the privilege of using Airbnb, no extra parking costs, resort costs, or breathing their rarefied air charge. And because we want you to reap the benefits of skipping the middleman, the prices we charge on our own website are lower than if you find the same property anywhere else. Yes, you read that correctly; we are bribing you to come to our page because we too want to avoid the fees those rental sites charge! Saving you money also leads to a more satisfied customer, and if you find yourself wanting to return again next year, don’t forget to save more money by booking direct from our Voyago website.
Come Home to Voyago Vacation Rentals
Our properties reflect the natural beauty of our Estes Park hometown, and when you book direct, remember, February 5th is the big day in 2025, you’ll be able to funnel your savings into more activities, more souvenirs, and more desserts at local restaurants. Reserve your favorite Colorado retreat from Voyago Vacation Rentals and enjoy all the benefits from booking direct from us!
Let us take your breath away by hosting you in one of our wonderful vacation rentals up here in Estes Park. The perfect mountain escape is here in Estes Park, where you can find fun every season of the year. Cabin 18 is a wonderful two-bedroom Estes Park vacation cabin that will make sure you have the perfect stay. Take a look at what this cabin has to offer:
Brand New Cabin Rental
Cabin 18 is one of our newest cabin properties and is big enough for the whole family with 1,577 square feet of space. Guests will step inside and find an open layout on both the first and second floors of the home. You will find a combination of natural wood accent beams, a stone fireplace, and black iron window and door frames. The first floor is made up of the living room space and gourmet kitchen in a single shared area. The living room is complete with a plush leather sofa and leather chairs to relax on. The Smart TV” is mounted right above the fireplace and is connected to the complimentary Wi-Fi of the home. You will find floor-to-ceiling windows off to the side with direct views of the mountains. The kitchen features natural wood cabinetry stocked full of the essential cookware. The stone countertops feature a separate kitchen island and overhead lighting. Stainless steel appliances allow you to prepare and store a meal with ease. You will not find a kitchen quite like this anywhere else!
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Cabin 18 features two master suites, each being one of the finest rooms you have seen. One master suite can be found on each floor. They come with king size beds, huge Smart TVs, and plush Egyptian cotton bedding. The master suite located on the second floor features a southwestern flair to the decor. There is plenty of closet and drawer space to ensure your clothing can be unpacked and stay unwrinkled. The bathroom continues the southwestern theme with natural oak countertops and bathroom doors. The walk-in shower is huge with iron accents and has the essential toiletries included. For additional sleeping arrangements, you can convert the couch located in the upstairs loft into a queen size bed with plush sheets. The loft has incredible views out the window at the mountains and of course another huge flat screen TV. The master suite on the bottom floor features similar features and amenities. The en suite bathroom features another beautiful walk-in shower. A half bathroom is located by the living room as well for ease and convenience. We guarantee you will find the most comfortable night of sleep possible when you book your stay at Cabin 18.
Additional Features
Don’t forget about the cozy outdoor porch at Cabin 18. The fireplace in the living room is two-sided, with the second side located on the porch. Relax on the outdoor seating and enjoy some conversation or sip on your morning cup of coffee. The porch also has a private hot tub so you can soak in the hot water during the cold winter months; this is the perfect feeling after a day in the snow! The property has an onsite washer and dryer so you can wash any clothes you bring. A stay at Cabin 18 is all about comfort and luxury. Make sure to book your stay today and see for yourself.
Nearby Fun
Cabin 18 is nearby the shores of Lake Estes, so you will have more than your fair share of fun nearby. During the warmer months of the year, you can visit the Lake Estes Marina for all your boating and lake needs. The marina offers boating and parking permits, boat rentals, including kayaks, canoes, and motorboats, along with fishing licenses. Grab a bike rental and bike around the lake for incredible views. Anyone who is a Stephen King fan will want to make a quick visit to the Historic Stanley Hotel, where The Shining was filmed. Take their Spirited Tour to learn all about the paranormal phenomena that has occurred at the hotel for over 100 years. The kids will love a visit to Open Air Adventure Park for open air attractions. Snowy Peaks Winery has a great tasting room whenever you are in the mood for a glass of wine. There is no shortage of fun here in the area, so don’t miss out on explore all that Estes Park has to offer.
More Fun on Your Estes Park Vacation
Get ready for your upcoming stay in Estes Park and Lake Estes by reserving your vacation rental today. Cabin 18 is just one of our many properties that you can book in the area. Luxury features and amenities await you inside. Contact us and book now and see Lake Estes for yourself!