Crews are working to improve access to and from Rocky Mountain National Park with the Downtown Estes Loop Project.

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Family Photo At Sprague Lake

Kids & Family Activities

Natural Bonding

Whether you are hoping to bond with your kids, or let them bond with nature, Rocky Mountain National Park offers amazing experiences for children and families. Here are the top activities and locations for families of all ages.

Guided Experiences: What to Do With Your Kids

Become a Junior Ranger: What's better than viewing wildlife, hunting for animal tracks, scavenger hunts for flora & fauna? Getting rewarded for doing all of those fun activities! With different Junior Ranger activity books for different age levels, everyone gets a customized experience. Once complete, your Junior Ranger will get recognized with a badge by a REAL ranger at the Junior Ranger Headquarters located at the Hidden Valley area of Rocky Mountain National Park. 

Enjoy a Ranger-led Program: The perfect way to learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park and its creatures, plants and scenery is to hear it straight from the experts. Hands-on exploration and talks cover a variety of topics from Skins & Skulls to explorative bird walks. Check our Calendar of Events to browse for current Ranger-led programs currently offered. 

Take a Class with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy: Take your learning to another level with kids-only and family events that will take your knowledge, connection to nature and even creativity to the next level. These classes make taking your family on vacation an enriching experience. The older kids can stay by themselves, giving you the chance to get in some "real" hiking! More information on these events can be found in the Calendar of Events.

Explore on Your Own: Where to Go With Your Kids

Cruise a Lake: There are quite a few lake trails in Rocky Mountain National Park that are kid-friendly. Lily Lake, Sprague Lake and Bear Lake all offer easy access and fairly level loop trails. Lily Lake is located along Highway 7, south of Estes Park. Sprague and Bear Lakes can be accessed by Bear Lake Road.

Head to the Top: Trail Ridge Road is a favorite for families. Along the drive there are many parking areas to stop and take in the views - perfect for that high-altitude family photo! At the top, learn about the alpine tundra and the park's array of wildlife in the Alpine Visitor Center. Stop by the gift shop for nature guides, souvenirs and snacks. Challenge yourself to climb the Alpine Ridge Trail for the best views, though younger kids may need assistance. 

Learn more about kid and family activities on the official Rocky Mountain National Park website: