Best Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in Estes Park

Families visiting Estes Park often search for the best things to do in Estes Park with kids, and fortunately the area offers everything from easy national park hikes to exciting outdoor adventures.

Estes Park is one of Colorado’s best destinations for families looking to explore the outdoors. Located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, the town offers a wide variety of activities that are exciting, safe, and accessible for visitors of all ages.

Whether your family enjoys scenic drives, wildlife viewing, outdoor adventures, or relaxing mountain experiences, there are countless ways to create lasting memories here.

Below are some of the best family-friendly outdoor activities in Estes Park that both kids and adults will love.

Quick List: Family-Friendly Activities in Estes Park

Estes Park offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities including scenic hikes, wildlife viewing, biking trails, adventure attractions, and guided ATV tours near Rocky Mountain National Park.

Families visiting Estes Park will find plenty of exciting outdoor adventures. Some of the best family-friendly activities in Estes Park include:

• Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park
• Taking a guided ATV adventure with Backbone Adventures
• Biking the Lake Estes Trail
• Riding the Mustang Mountain Coaster
• Racing go-karts at Ride-A-Kart
• Riding the Estes Park Aerial Tramway
• Walking the downtown Riverwalk

1. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park

No visit to Estes Park would be complete without exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. With over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, the park is one of the most family-friendly national parks in the United States.

Families can enjoy:

• Easy nature walks around Bear Lake
• Scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road
• Wildlife spotting near Horseshoe Park

Children especially enjoy looking for elk, mule deer, marmots, and even moose in the park.

For families with younger kids, the Bear Lake Loop Trail is one of the easiest and most scenic hikes in the area.

Take a Family-Friendly ATV Adventure

One of the most exciting ways to experience the mountains is on an unguided ATV tour near Estes Park.

Families can ride through scenic forest trails, mountain overlooks, and rugged terrain while learning about the local landscape from experienced guides.

At Backbone Adventures, families can choose beginner-friendly routes that are perfect for first-time riders and younger adventurers. The guided tours allow everyone to experience the thrill of off-road exploration while staying safe and comfortable.

ATV adventures are one of the most unique ways to see parts of the Rocky Mountains that most visitors never experience.

Families looking for an exciting off-road experience can explore ATV rentals in Estes Park with scenic guided tours through the Rocky Mountains.

👉 Many visitors include an ATV tour when planning their ultimate list of things to do in Estes Park

Bike Around Lake Estes

3.

The Lake Estes Trail is one of the most family-friendly biking paths in Estes Park.

This scenic 3.75-mile paved trail circles the entire lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Families can rent bikes or electric bikes, otherwise known as ebikes, and enjoy a relaxing ride while stopping to watch wildlife or take photos along the shoreline.

Backbone Adventures offers tag along bikes and Burley Bee attachments for toddlers, as well as youth ebike rentals.

Kids especially enjoy spotting:

• eagles
• ducks
• trout jumping in the water
• elk

Because the trail is mostly flat, it’s perfect for younger riders and casual cyclists.

Ride the Mustang Mountain Coaster

4.

The Mustang Mountain Coaster is one of the newest and most exciting attractions in Estes Park. This alpine coaster lets riders control their own speed as they wind down a mountain track surrounded by incredible scenery.

Families love the coaster because it’s:

• thrilling but safe
• suitable for kids and adults
• a unique way to experience the mountains

Race Go-Karts at Ride-A-Kart

5.

For families looking for classic vacation fun, Ride-A-Kart is a must-visit attraction in Estes Park.

This long-time local favorite offers a variety of activities including:

• go-kart racing
• bumper boats
• miniature golf
• water wars

Kids love the excitement of racing go-karts while parents enjoy the nostalgic amusement-park atmosphere.

Ride-A-Kart has been entertaining families in Estes Park for generations and remains one of the town’s most popular family attractions.

6. Visit the Estes Park Aerial Tramway

For families who want incredible mountain views without a long hike, the Estes Park Aerial Tramway is a fantastic option.

The tram carries visitors up the side of Prospect Mountain, where families can:

• enjoy panoramic views
• explore short hiking trails
• feed friendly chipmunks
• take amazing photos

It’s a quick and memorable way to see the mountains from above.

7. Walk the Riverwalk Downtown

Downtown Estes Park offers a charming Riverwalk that winds along Fall River and Big Thompson River.

Families can stroll past:

• local shops
• ice cream stores
• candy shops
• scenic bridges

It’s a relaxing way to experience the town and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.

Plan Your Family Adventure in Estes Park

From wildlife viewing and scenic hikes to exciting ATV adventures and outdoor recreation, Estes Park offers something for every member of the family.

Many visitors combine several of these experiences when planning their trip.

👉 For even more ideas, explore our complete guide to top things to do in Estes Park

Family Travel FAQ: Visiting Estes Park With Kids