Estes Park is a playground for kids of all ages. Not only does the town serve as basecamp for the largest national park in Colorado, but it also offers easy access to adventure tours, amusement parks, and all kinds of creative pursuits. (Not to mention an incredible abundance of taffy and fudge to indulge in downtown.) The difficult part isn’t finding something that the kids will love—it’s narrowing down your options. Discover some of our favorite, fun activities for kids below.

Get Outside

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is the outdoor recreation hotspot for families with kids. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes within its borders, including the flat Bear Lake Loop Trail and Calypso Cascades, a more challenging trek to a 200-foot waterfall. (Tip: Sign up for a class or tour with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy to make it an even more enriching outdoor outing.)

There’s also plenty of fun in town. From the Mustang Mountain Coaster, which soars 2,000 feet, and Open Air Adventure Park to Fun City amusement park and the indoor climbing gym at Estes Park Mountain Shop, thrills are easy to find. Plus, there are more low-key family activities for kids, like mini golf, a private stargazing experience at Estes Park Memorial Observatory, or fishing from the shores of Lake Estes.

Have you heard of geocaching? It involves using a GPS or phone to locate containers (known as geocaches) hidden in specific locations. A variety of them can be found around Estes Park and in RMNP.

In the winter, sledding and the heated indoor pool at the YMCA of the Rockies will help get all the energy out.

Wildlife Spotting

If you visit in the spring or fall, you’re likely to encounter elk in town and in RMNP (which is home to about 3,000 of these regal animals). Also keep an eye out for mule deer, bighorn sheep, and bobcats. And look up (or toward Lake Estes) to spot waterfowl, bluebirds, swallows, and — if you’re lucky — a bald eagle.

In order to protect yourself and the animals, remember to follow the wildlife viewing guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance, never feeding them, and keeping any pets on a leash or inside a vehicle.

Pikas, rabbit-like creatures that live at high elevations, are a common site around Colorado. Downtown Estes Park celebrates the adorable animals with a scavenger hunt known as Pikas in the Park. Find all 12 bronze pikas to earn a special button from the Estes Park Visitor Center.

Creative Pursuits

Estes Park kids’ activities are available inside, too. Stretch your kids’ minds in a different way with an artsy excursion. Their imaginations will run wild while painting ceramics at the Creativity Cabin or candle-making at Bear & Bee. Or plan a movie night at the Historic Park Theatre.

Sweet Endings

Sugar is not in short supply in Estes Park and, we think, well-deserved after an activity-fueled day. Saltwater taffy is particularly popular: The Taffy Shop has been around since 1935, and Purple Mountain Taffy Company is equally well-known for its caramels. For homemade fudge and ice cream, book it to Munchin House or Hayley’s Ice Cream. Or step away from the main drag and seek out You Need Pie Diner & Bakery, which offers more than two dozen types of pie every day. Good luck choosing!

Whether your family is filled with thrill-seekers, nature lovers, or budding artists, there are plenty of things to do in Estes Park with kids to keep them entertained and engaged. With so much to do and see, this mountain town promises unforgettable memories and endless smiles for the entire family.