Colorado Mountain Family Adventures to Try This Winter With Kids of All Ages (With or Without Snow)

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Winter in Colorado doesn’t always look the way postcards promise.

Where we live in the high country, this season has felt more like mid-October than January - bare trails, clear skies, dry grass instead of snowdrifts. But if there’s one thing lifelong Coloradans like the Hearth & Wander family know, it’s this: winter always comes, and even before it fully arrives, the mountains are still full of adventure.

Colorado winters aren’t just about powder days and ski passes. They’re about layering up, adjusting expectations, and finding both big adventures that take planning and small adventures you can step into almost anywhere, anytime.

10 Colorado Mountain Family Adventures to Try This Winter

Whether snow is falling or not, here are family-friendly winter adventures in the Colorado mountains that keep kids moving, curious, and connected - no perfect conditions required. Families with kids of all ages will enjoy these exciting mountain adventures, both big and small.

1. Fly Fishing In Colorado Winters

This one surprises people - but locals know.

Colorado has world-class year-round fly fishing, and hardy anglers are out there even in subzero temps. On one of the few snowy days we've had so far, I saw several fishermen knee deep in the river on my way to town while my car's temperature gauge read below 10 degrees. The Blue River, especially, stays open all winter and draws fishermen from all over the world, no matter the season.

Fly fishing is on our family bucket list this year. It’s a quiet, patient all-season adventure that pairs beautifully with slow living and nature observation.

2. Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park Side)

Checking off a national park in winter is one of the most underrated Colorado family adventures.

Trail Ridge Road may be closed, but Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park side is stunning this time of year:

• Snow-dusted peaks

• Quiet, wide trails

• Wildlife sightings

• Fewer crowds than summer

Many winter trails are packed down and manageable for families, making this a perfect introduction to winter hiking with kids.

3. Ice Skating On Rinks and Frozen Ponds

Ice skating indoors or outdoors in a scenic mountain town feels something like a Hallmark movie. Indoor rinks in Steamboat, Breckenridge, and Fraser are ideal for low-snow winters (or even skating in the summer).

If you have your own gear, frozen ponds and small lakes can be a magical outdoor option too - just be sure ice conditions are safe in warmer winters. Many outdoor rinks are maintained by local organizations, so check to see if they've been declared "open." Skating on a frozen pond is one of those classic winter experiences kids remember forever. We love the rink at Keystone Lake or simply enjoying a small frozen section of pond all to ourselves.

(My 2.5 year old got these adjustable ice skates for Christmas and seeing her on the ice is just about the cutest thing in the world. Your outdoor-loving kiddo will definitely put these on their wishlist!)

4. Skiing in Colorado With Littles (Even with Manmade Snow)

Here’s a little Colorado parent honesty:

If you’re skiing with kids, most beginner runs are blown snow anyway - even in great snow years. As soon as evening temps drop beneath freezing, usually in October, ski areas start to blow snow on many of their main runs.

Winter skiing still works beautifully for families because:

• Resorts are prepared regardless of snowfall

• Kids spend most of their time on groomed terrain

• You don’t need deep powder to have fun

• The "bunny hill" is free at many resorts (Keystone, Vail, Mary Jane at Winter Park), perfect for teaching your littles to ski, and young children (under 4-6 depending on the resort) ski free at most mountains

Pro tip: If you plan to ski multiple times throughout a winter, rent kids’ gear for the entire season. No worrying about growth spurts, boot upgrades, or next year’s sizes - and it saves money in the long run.

Toddler Learning to Ski

Learning to Ski

Teaching A Toddler To Ski

5. Campfire Picnics & Winter S’mores

Dry summers often mean campfire bans in the high country - so winter becomes the season when family fires are perfect.

A winter campfire picnic doesn’t need a destination:

• Backyard fire pit

• Designated open space

• A quiet pull-off with a view

  
  

Warm layers, a thermos of soup, and s’mores under a cold sky feel extra special.

6. Sledding (Even in Low-Snow Years)

Even during low snow years, Colorado usually has enough coverage for sledding somewhere. And sledding is a perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy in the winter.

Look for:

• Local parks with designated sledding hills

• Open and cleared hillsides

• Packed snow areas after storms

• North-facing slopes that get less direct sunshine

  
  

Tubes tend to work better than plastic sleds when snow is thin - they’re more comfortable and glide over rougher patches (just watch for sharp objects that could pop them).

Short sled sessions are perfect for little kids who don’t last long in the cold. Babies and tots can even be towed along in a classic wooden toboggan (if you really love the aesthetic😉) or a plastic pull sled.

7. Winter Walks & Easy Hikes

Winter hiking in Colorado is incredibly accessible if you know where to go.

Some favorites that are often packed down and family-friendly:

• Mayflower Gulch

• Idaho Springs Mining Trail Network

• Fish Creek Falls

• St. Mary’s Glacier

• Cub Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

  
  

Investing in good winter boots or traction cleats makes all the difference - and yes, they make crampons for kids’ boots too.

And remember: it doesn’t have to be a “trail” to count and you don't have to reach a destination to enjoy time out in nature.

8. Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing With The Whole Family

When snow does arrive, these quieter winter sports are incredibly family-friendly.

Trail networks like:

• Brainard Lake

• Rabbit Ears Pass

• Tennessee Pass

are perfect for:

• Gentle movement

• Wildlife viewing

• Long conversations

  
  

For littles, consider a pulk - a pull sled that attaches to your waist — so everyone can participate without anyone getting left behind. You can rent these at most nordic centers or invest in one of your own by transforming a Burley or Thule bike trailer with a ski conversion kit.

9. Hot Springs After a Snowy Adventure Day

Few things feel more Colorado than soaking in hot springs after time outside, especially when there's snow on the ground or falling all around you.

Family-friendly options like:

• Strawberry Hot Springs (Steamboat)

• Mt. Princeton Hot Springs (Buena Vista)

• Glenwood Hot Springs

offer the perfect reset after a chilly adventure.

Warm water, mountain air, and tired kids make for the best kind of winter day ending.

10. Small Winter Adventures Close to Home

Not every winter adventure needs planning, gear, reservations, or a weekend commitment.

Some of the best ones are:

• A bundled Family Gratitude Walk at sunset

• Playing in fresh snow

• Reading outdoors (check out our list of books to inspire outdoor winter reading)

• Watching snow clouds roll in

• Hot cocoa on the porch

• Looking for animal tracks after a light dusting

• A peaceful walk through a picturesque winter town

  
  

Winter teaches kids that adventure isn’t about conditions and nature is meant to be explored in different ways all throughout the year.

Winter Family Adventures in Colorado: Common Questions

Are these activities really safe and accessible with young children?

Yes - with common sense and the right gear. Shorter outings, proper layers, snacks, and paying attention to weather conditions make winter adventures safe and enjoyable for babies, toddlers, and older kids alike. Just a few adjustments to any adventure make them accessible to little adventurers - a hiking backpack in case they get tired, a pulk for pulling them along...but don't be afraid to start them young on winter family adventures!

What if there’s little or no snow?

Colorado winters still offer plenty of ways to explore. Hiking packed trails, indoor ice skating, campfire picnics, and town walks are all great options even in low-snow years. Colorado mountain towns were made for winter, so you'll find there's more options than you expect. In our local community alone, there's manmade snow and adjusted options for skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, hiking, ice skating, fishing, tubing, and more to accomodate a lack of early snow this year.

How long should winter adventures be with toddlers?

In the honest opinion of a mom with a 1 and 2.5 year old, often shorter than you hope for. But even 30 minutes outside can reset moods, encourage movement, and spark curiosity - especially when there’s a simple goal like a walk, a hill to climb, or something to look for. Be flexible to their moods; you want these experiences to be positive and leave them wanting more, rather than hating it because they got cold, tired, and hungry. But if you're well prepared and pack plenty of bribery snacks, you'll be surprised how resilient your littles are to cold weather activity.

Do we need special gear for winter adventures?

Not always. Warm layers, waterproof boots, and traction for icy trails go a long way. For snow activities, rentals and season-long kids’ gear programs make it affordable and flexible. Pick mid-level gear that still has quality without the price tag.

Are winter hikes manageable for families with littles?

We do it all the time! Many popular Colorado trails are packed down and accessible in winter. Choosing well-traveled routes, avoiding steep terrain, and focusing on the experience rather than the destination makes winter hiking family-friendly. Just be aware of conditions no matter where you go and make safe decisions around water, ice, and avalanche prone areas.

What’s the best way to keep kids motivated outside in cold weather?

Give them a purpose - looking for animal tracks, spotting landmarks, reaching a scenic stop, or warming up afterward with cocoa and cookies. Kids thrive when there’s something propelling them forward.

Can babies still participate in winter adventures?

Absolutely! Baby carriers, pulks, and bundled stroller walks allow even the youngest, non-walking family members to be part of outdoor time and family rhythms year-round. Start them young and they'll be accustomed to layers, heavy gear, and less-than-perfect conditions before they're even old enough to protest.

Is winter really worth it for outdoor family time?

Yes. Winter teaches adaptability, patience, and appreciation for small moments. It invites families to slow down, notice more, and keep exploring - no matter the conditions. It's a remind that both big and small adventures are precious and kids are never too young (and adults are never too old!) to try something new, a little out of the ordinary, and add special moments to their memories.

A Colorado Winter Is Full of Wonder

Although this is a blog specifically about winter family adventures in the Colorado mountains, let it serve as a reminder that - wherever you roam or call home - there is an adventure in your backyard, local community, or state just waiting to be discovered in any season.

Snow or not, winter in the Colorado mountains invites families to slow down, layer up, and keep going outside anyway.

Big adventures matter - but so do the small ones you can return to again and again.

The snow will come. It always does. And when it does, you’ll already be in the rhythm of getting outside together. So put some of these 10 Colorado mountain family adventures to try this winter on your bucket list and get wandering, no matter the weather.

Save this list to Pinterest to inspire your next winter adventure!