15 Best Colorado Spring Break Ideas for the Whole Family

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Are you planning a visit to Colorado for spring break? It’s the perfect time of year when warmer weather is coming and spring is on the way. 

The state has a wide variety of things to do and popular spring break destinations for everyone in your family. 

Whether you’re only going away for a day trip or plan to take an entire week off for vacation, these spring break ideas won’t disappoint.

Check out these Colorado spring break ideas in 2024 for the whole family that are both fun and affordable.

What are the top Colorado spring break activities?

✔️ Tour Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak: Best for epic sightseeing

✔️ EPIC Sky Trek Adventure: Best for kids & families

✔️ Colorado Mountain Ziplines: Best for adventure lovers

All of these spring break activities, and many more, are listed below with lots more info and details.

Keep reading to learn about all of the fun things to do over Colorado spring break this year.

1. Tour Garden of the Gods & drive up Pikes Peak

No Colorado spring break vacation is complete without a drive up to the top of Pikes Peak. Known as “America’s Mountain” this is one of the most visited mountains in the world.

It overlooks the city of Colorado Springs and offers some of the most picturesque views you will ever see!

There are several ways to get to the summit of Pikes Peaks. But the easiest and cheapest way is to simply hop in your car and drive up the side of the mountain.

Or you can enjoy a curated trip thanks to a Pikes Peak tour guide who will drive you and your family up the mountain.

Some tours include lunch, scenic stops, photos, and activities along the way. Not to mention the tasty treat of a delicious high-altitude donut.

Either way, once at the top you’ll be greeted by 360 degree views, endless photo opps, and even some native wildlife.

2. Go on an Epic Sky Trek

Colorado’s largest obstacle course is the perfect spring break getaway for both kids and adults.

Challenge yourself with a visit to the Epic Sky Trek aerial obstacle course, located just south of Denver. 

This massive aerial obstacle course features 120 obstacles and ziplines reaching up to 50 feet in the air. But don’t worry, everything is secured with a safe smart belay system and harnesses. 

Join the ranks of visitors to one of the largest aerial obstacle courses in the country and put your strength, agility, and determination to the test. 

With options for both kids and adults, you can take your time and explore the obstacles at your own pace.

Included with your ticket is full access to all safety equipment, two party deck areas, and more!

For stress-free access to the facilities for a full day, book your tickets ahead of time. 

3. Rocky Mountain Zipline Adventure

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a day and embark on a thrilling zipline adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

Soar through the picturesque mountains on some of Colorado’s longest ziplines totaling over 6,000 feet.

Choose from a range of tour times and zipline options, with tracks ranging from 850 feet to a whopping 1,900 feet. 

Friendly and professional ziplining guides will provide all the necessary equipment. Plus, your booking comes with safety training, so no prior experience is needed. 

However, a good physical condition is recommended for the 6-zipline tour, which involves a short hike uphill. 

Enjoy the rush of fresh alpine air and breathtaking views as you glide from cable to cable. 

Take in the sunshine and stunning scenery as you hike between each zipline. This spring break activity is ideal for thrill-seekers of all levels, including those new to ziplining.

4. Explore Red Rocks Amphitheater

Discover the breathtaking natural amphitheater at Red Rocks and see descendants of America’s last wild buffalo herd up close. 

Soak in panoramic views of Denver and the Front Range from the top of Lookout Mountain. Pay homage to one of the legends of the Wild West at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. 

This half-day escape from Denver allows you and your family to explore the mountain attractions on the foothills of the Rockies.

Get a taste of the Rocky Mountain region on a nice 4-hour long tour! With a small group of only 14 people, this tour offers a personalized and intimate experience.

During this tour, you’ll take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Bottled water is included but lunch is on your own if you choose to purchase a meal. 

Other stops along this tour include Larimer Square in Denver, Lookout Mountain, and downtown Golden.

Learn all about the rich history of the Rocky Mountains and the Wild West on this small-group bus tour from Denver. 

5. Downtown Denver Food Tour

Indulge in a culinary adventure through the vibrant dining scene of downtown Denver with this Downtown Food Tour. 

In just one afternoon, you’ll get to eat at five of the city’s top restaurants. Sample a diverse range of cuisine including award-winning eats, authentic Neapolitan pizza, and family-made empanadas. 

Your foodie guide will take you on a journey through downtown Denver, passing by historical landmarks and sharing interesting stories about the city’s rich Wild West history. 

Savor menu highlights like wood-fired pizza, Colorado pork green chili, and fresh empanadas. Plus, you’ll receive insider tips for the best dining spots during the rest of your stay. 

Along this tour, you’ll stop by iconic Colorado destinations like Coors Field, Denver Union Station, McGregor Square, and LoDo.

Don’t miss out on this delicious opportunity to experience the best of downtown Denver’s ever-evolving dining scene.

6. Discover Rocky Mountain National Park

A full-day tour to discover Rocky Mountain National Park may not be enough time. But there’s still plenty to see on this 8-hour tour of Colorado’s most beautiful Rocky Mountain landscape.

Enjoy a day to escape the city and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Colorado’s mountains. This day trip from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park won’t disappoint. 

Take in breathtaking views as you traverse through charming, historic towns and journey over alpine passes. 

Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as moose, elk, deer, and eagles as you enjoy a carefree day filled with scenic adventures. 

The park is rugged and wild, with scenic hikes, alpine lakes, and countless wildlife. It’s home to Dream Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. 

This comfortable, upscale tour ensures that you and your family can sit back and relax. Plus, there is ample time at each stop to explore and soak in the beauty. 

Don’t plan your Colorado spring break experience without a trip to see the rugged majesty of Rocky Mountain National Park.

7. Visit a Colorado Ski Town

Even though spring break is here in Colorado, there is still lots of snow for spring skiing, tubing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

In fact, during spring break you can find some of the best ski deals and packages to save money. You can even grab a lift ticket for up to 40% off at some ski resorts like Winter Park! 

Ski resorts in Colorado and mountain towns are gearing up for their tourist season, but it’s not too crowded yet.

Some of the best ski resorts to visit during spring break in Colorado, include:

• Winter Park
• Aspen/Snowmass
• Breckenridge
• Beaver Creek
• Crested Butte
• Ski Cooper

From winter activities to springtime fun, there are lots of outdoor activities in a Colorado ski town. 

And for complete family vacations, kids can enjoy sleigh rides while adults have fun cross-country skiing.

Plus, all of the shopping, restaurants, pubs, and parks to enjoy no matter the weather.

8. Soak in Natural Hot Springs

The state is full of natural and mineral-rich hot springs. In fact it’s said that there are more than 93 developed and undeveloped hot springs in Colorado.

This makes Colorado home to many different hot springs resorts where you can soak up the hot, mineral-rich goodness. 

Spring days in Colorado can be warm and sunny but the nights are still cold. This makes visiting natural hot springs one of the most relaxing experiences during spring break.

A great place to indulge in natural hot waters is the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool located in Glenwood Springs.

It features the world’s largest hot springs pool that produces over 3.5 million gallons of naturally hot mineral water every day.

Kids and adults will love the lazy river, lap pool, water foundations, therapy pool, slides and kiddie pools. 

Plus, it’s an easy 2 minute walk to the hot springs pool from the Hot Springs Lodge across the street.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs is another local favorite! Chalk Creek runs through the resort and offers a truly epic geothermal hot springs experience. 

You can also relax in the Historic Bath House that was built right after the civil war. Or dive into the large pool with epic views of the Collegiate Peaks.

Mount Princeton is located near the town of Buena Vista, which is also a great spot for a spring break getaway.

9. Explore a Colorado National Park

Colorado is home to some of the most incredible national parks in the country. And spring is the perfect time to visit before peak tourist season starts in May.

Aside from Rocky Mountain National Park, here are the other main National Parks in Colorado we enjoy visiting during spring break.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve

The Great Sand Dunes are home to the nation’s tallest dune and is a desert oasis in the middle of a mountainous state. 

Go sand sledding or boarding, hike at sunset, sleep under the stars, and swim in Zapata Falls. The entire San Luis Valley is a great spot for a spring break vacation.

Mesa Verde National Park

Home to the Ancestral Puebloan, Mesa Verde National Park is full of history and a great outing for families with kids. 

Learn about what life was like near Cortez, Colorado and get a sneak peek into the daily lives of the inhabitants and dwellings. 

Or if you don’t want to travel that far, get a taste of Mesa Verde at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings near Colorado Springs.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Colorado’s own “grand canyon” is without a doubt Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views will leave you speechless. 

Not to mention the stunning rock formations, epic hikes, and great biking trails that have been formed over centuries of exposure to the elements.

10. Relax at a Dude Ranch

We have recently come to love dude ranches and the unique vacation experience they offer. Get ready to unplug from technology, unwind from work, and get away from it all.

Our top dude ranch recommendation in Colorado is Vista Verde Ranch near Steamboat Springs. 

This all-inclusive resort is perfect for spring break because it will help the entire family relax while enjoying the outdoors.

At a dude ranch everything from your lodging, to meals, snacks, drinks, activities, and evening wind downs are completely taken care of.

Live like the cowboys used to with log cabins, pot belly stoves, and deliciously curated chef-prepared meals and snacks all day long. 

Then enjoy a full day of hiking, biking, horseback riding, tubing, skiing, cooking classes and more. Kids of all ages will like feeding the horses and spending the day in the Adventure Hut.

11. Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

If you’ve never been to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo it’s like no other zoo you’ve ever visited. 

Located just west of Colorado Springs, this zoo is built into the side of a mountain! The scenery and exhibits have made it the #4 best zoo in North America.

After checking out the unique exhibits and natural scenery, take a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride. 

This open-air chair lift is a slow but scenic ride up the side of the mountain and then back down, at your leisure. The views and the experience are unmatched!

Once at the top you’ll be able to take photos, play at the children’s playground, and enjoy the scenic views.

Then after your visit to the zoo, be sure to drive up to see Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and take in the panoramic views of the city below.

12. Enjoy a Royal Gorge Bridge Jeep Tour

After going on a Jeep tour for the first time, we now understand why they’re such a popular Colorado activity. 

In the spring especially, a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge is a must! And the best way to view it is on a Colorado Jeep tour.

Go for a half-day or full-day excursion, complete with mid-day lunch and a free ticket to the Royal Gorge Bridge. 

During your ride, you’ll learn about the local flora and fauna, see an abundance of wildlife, and stop at historical or noteworthy destinations. 

You’ll even take a trip up to Skyline Drive and see some old dinosaur fossils embedded in the rocks.

No matter what the weather is like, a Jeep tour is a great choice thanks to roll-down canvas windows, heated cabs, and clean blankets.

You can also combine your jeep tour with a water rafting trip, Royal Gorge Route train ride, zip lining, or wine tours for a truly amazing spring break experience.

13. See a Colorado Ghost Town

Colorado is rich in history of the cowboys, gold mining, and the wild west. 

Throughout the decades there have been stories of making it rich in gold and silver, and spooky adventures of rough riders and rebels. 

This makes a Colorado ghost town for the perfect spring break destination. In fact, the state is home to more than 1,500 ghost towns available for public exploring.

When visiting a ghost town in Colorado you can explore the old buildings, tour derelict mine shafts, or simply enjoy hiking, biking, or jeeping in the area. 

Some of the most popular ghost towns in Colorado include:

• Arrow
• Teller City
• Saint Elmo
• Dearfield
• Ashcroft
• Independence 

If you’re interested in the history of gold mining or listening to ghostly tales, then you need to check out a Colorado ghost town.

14. Take Photos at Garden of the Gods

If you’ve never been to Garden of the Gods, now is the perfect time to visit! 

And we highly recommend experiencing this majestic place on horseback, or one of the other amazing Garden of the Gods tours.

From segway tours and custom jeep rides, to hiking ventures, rock climbing, and even a 1909 Trolley tour, there is something for everyone at Garden of the Gods.

Kids and adults will also like checking out the Rock Ledge Ranch which features an old-timey General Store, stables with horses, chickens, sheep, and cows. 

Not to mention an old blacksmith stable where they do real life demonstrations of the craft.

Or hike the popular Palmer & Central Gardens Trail Loop for some gorgeous views and photo opportunities.

After building up an appetite, head over to the Visitor and Nature Center for a bite to eat and drink at the Café. 

Afterwards, check out the free museum and take photos at the iconic viewing balcony. 

There are endless things to do at Garden of the Gods, even if you don’t have a lot of time to spend here. And the best part is that a visit to Garden of the Gods is completely free!

15. Ride the free Breck Gondola

Speaking of free, Colorado has two main gondolas that are completely free for visitors to ride. 

The first one is the Breck Connect, located in Breckenridge. There are no tickets to buy or reservations to make. Simply walk up to the BreckConnect and jump onto the gondola.

The ride up and down the mountain is a slow but scenic one, and takes about 26 minutes roundtrip.

Free parking is available at the Breckenridge Welcome Center or at the north & south gondola parking lots.

Once at the top of Peak 8 there are cafes, restaurants, and tons of outdoor activities for kids and adults to partake in.

Before ending your spring break trip to Breckenridge, be sure to stop by and visit Isak Heartstone, the Breckenridge Troll.

The second free gondola is the Mountain Village Gondola in Telluride. Not only is it one of the most scenic gondola rides in the state, it’s one of the best commutes in North America. 

Yep, this is one of the town’s primary forms of public transportation. In fact, the Telluride Gondola is the first and free public transportation of its kind in America. 

Locals use the Telluride Village Gondola to commute from the historic town of Telluride to the ski resort at Mountain Village. 

This awe-inspiring ride takes 13 minutes from station to station, and offers jaw-dropping views of the town’s famous box canyon. It’s perfect for incredible hiking in the summer or beautiful snowshoeing in the winter. 

Along the way you can expect to see lots of wildlife, so keep an eye out for elk, deer, and lots of ground animals.

Taking a ride on the Mountain Village Gondola still requires a lift ticket, even if it is totally free! 

From soaking in hot springs, jumping in a jeep tour, and summiting mountains, this guide will help you plan the perfect spring break trip in Colorado. 

With these popular spring break destinations, you’ll find something to do for everyone in the family!