Family Trip to Denver? Here’s How to Make It Easier (and More Fun!)

Denver, Colorado is one of those cities that works surprisingly well for a family vacation. You can spend the morning at a museum, enjoy lunch in a neighborhood café, and still have time to explore a park or take in some mountain views before dinner. Best of all, you don’t have to spend half your holiday driving from one attraction to another.

A little planning goes a long way, though. Choosing the right place to stay, figuring out transportation ahead of time, and leaving room for downtime can make the difference between a relaxing family getaway and an exhausting one. (I’ve learned that my ADHD brain loves the excitement of booking the trip. Thankfully, my practical, list-writing partner is the one who makes sure we actually have a plan—and that we don’t forget half the things we meant to pack.)

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Think about Transportation Before You Arrive

How you plan to get around will shape the rest of your vacation.

If you’ll mostly be exploring downtown Denver, you may not need a car at all. The airport train provides a convenient connection into the city, and many attractions are within walking distance or easy to reach using public transit. This can make your trip really budget-friendly.

On the other hand, if you’re hoping to visit places like Red Rocks Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, or some of Colorado’s charming mountain towns, having your own vehicle gives you much more flexibility. Booking a hire car before you travel means you can pick it up as soon as you land and use it immediately for your onward travel from the airport.

If you do plan to have a car, don’t forget to check parking fees before booking your hotel. Those extra costs can vary quite a bit depending on where you stay.

Choose Accommodation that Fits Your Plans

It’s tempting to book the cheapest accommodation you can find, but location often matters more than saving a few dollars.

If your itinerary includes museums, sporting events, and restaurants, staying downtown can save a lot of driving (and parking). Families looking for quieter streets, cafés, and shopping might enjoy Cherry Creek instead. If hiking, skiing, or mountain adventures are high on your wish list, staying on the western side of the city can put you much closer to the trails.

Paying a little extra for an Airbnb or a hotel suite with a kitchenette can also save you money over the course of your trip. Being able to pick up groceries and prepare some of your own meals means you don’t have to eat out three times a day. We usually plan a few special restaurant meals as a family—especially if there’s some local cuisine we don’t want to miss—but making breakfast or packing lunches also helps accommodate my picky eaters and keeps everyone happier.

Don’t overlook the importance of a good night’s sleep, either. Staying a little farther from the busiest streets can mean fewer sirens, less late-night noise, and a more restful vacation for everyone. As a mom traveling with five kids, I know it isn’t always easy to find accommodations that fit our whole family. But taking a little extra time to find a place where everyone has a proper bed, we can eat together, and we all get a good night’s sleep has always been worth the effort.

Spending a few extra minutes choosing the right neighborhood can save you hours of commuting over the course of your trip—and that’s time you’d probably rather spend making memories.

Balance Busy Days with Slower Ones

One of the easiest mistakes to make on a family vacation is trying to squeeze too much into every day. (Guilty!)

Kids (and parents!) usually enjoy the trip more when there’s a balance between exciting adventures and slower moments. After a full day at the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, consider spending the next morning at a playground, relaxing in a park, or simply wandering through one of Denver’s neighborhoods.

Likewise, if you’ve spent the day exploring Red Rocks or hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, resist the temptation to fill the evening with another major attraction. Sometimes an early dinner and a quiet evening back at the hotel are exactly what everyone needs. I’ve had to remind myself that it’s perfectly okay to watch a movie on vacation, especially after a big day of sightseeing or hiking. Rest is part of a good vacation, too.

It’s also worth remembering that not everyone recharges the same way. Before we travel, I like to sit down with my kids and talk through a rough itinerary so they know what to expect. Then, during the trip, we check in over meals about how everyone’s doing. Some of my kids would happily squeeze in one more adventure every day, while others are ready for an hour with a good book or some quiet time. Building a little flexibility into your plans helps everyone enjoy the vacation—not just the family member with the most energy.

Look Beyond the Biggest Attractions

Denver’s famous attractions are popular for good reason. The Denver Art Museum, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, and the State Capitol are all well worth visiting. But don’t overlook the places that aren’t always at the top of every travel guide.

Take time to stroll through Larimer Square, browse the local businesses in RiNo, or relax in City Park after visiting the zoo or museum. See if there’s something nearby that meets a kids’ particular interests, like history or sports. Often it’s these slower, unplanned moments that become the memories your family talks about long after the vacation ends.

Don’t Forget about the Altitude

If you’re visiting from somewhere closer to sea level (like Vancouver’s lower mainland), Denver’s elevation can catch you off guard. At more than 5,000 feet above sea level, it’s common to feel a little more tired or short of breath during your first day or two.

The best approach is simple: drink plenty of water, take it easy when you first arrive, and save more strenuous hikes until everyone has had a chance to adjust.

The Colorado sunshine is stronger than many visitors expect, too, so pack sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles whenever you’re heading outdoors.

Book Ahead Whenever You Can

Popular attractions become especially busy during weekends and school holidays.

If tickets are available online, it’s usually worth booking ahead. Timed-entry tickets can help you avoid long lines, and if you’re planning to visit several attractions, it’s worth comparing the cost of a Denver CityPASS to see whether it could save your family money.

The less time you spend waiting in ticket queues, the more time you’ll have to actually enjoy your vacation.

Enjoy Your Adventure

Denver offers a wonderful mix of city attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly experiences. With a little planning—and plenty of flexibility—you can create a trip that everyone enjoys.

Choose transportation that fits your plans, stay somewhere convenient, leave room for slower days, and don’t be afraid to wander beyond the biggest attractions. Some of the best family vacation memories come from the unexpected moments in between.