A Visit to Estes Park is a Family Affair - 04/28/2011

Whether you're a retired couple enjoying time away, newlyweds on a honeymoon or a couple with several youngsters, it's important that your vacation destination offers a sufficient variety of activities to keep everyone happily occupied, rain or shine. One of the major reasons people visit Estes Park is the proximity of Rocky Mountain National Park and its natural wonders, wildlife viewing and hiking trails — some strenuous, some quite easy. But let's face it, after several days of hiking in the mountains, the spirit (and the kids) demand something slightly more laid back or, perhaps, a bit more thrilling.

There are a number of things to do in and around town which appeal to visitors of all ages, many of which are available year around. The Estes Park Museum, for example, has displays for adults as well as a hands-on area for youngsters. Admission fees are family friendly, too – there are none. Youngsters, their parents and their grandparents can all enjoy a summer visit to MacGregor Ranch Museum with its displays of early life on a high-altitude, working cattle ranch.

The Estes Valley Library has a myriad of activities for youngsters, including frequent story times for toddlers and older children, a summer performance series, a delightful children's room and books for all ages. The general library has a wide selection of books, magazines and free WiFi to keep the "older kids" entertained.

The whole family can enjoy one of the many horse shows taking place all summer long at Stanley Park Fairgrounds. Breeds competing range from adorable miniatures to stunning Arabians and graceful hunter-jumpers. Most shows have no admission charge.

From June through mid-September, there’s free entertainment throughout the downtown area. Stop and listen to the music or stroll through the downtown shopping area, check out the galleries or scout out the ideal family restaurant. Most summer evenings you can bring a blanket or lawn chair to Performance Park and enjoy folk musicians, big bands and much more. It's outside and it's free. Classical music lovers can attend performances at the Stanley Hotel and the Rocky Ridge Music Center.

For the adventurous, Estes Park offers horseback riding, 9- and 18-hole golf courses, a marina with boat rentals, miniature golf, bumper cars and boats, go-karts, and more.

In the winter, families enjoy renting equipment for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sledding, or visiting the aquatic center (public swimming times available all year long).

Shopping, of course, is fun any time of the year. The cultural scene includes Sunday afternoon recitals and frequent theater productions. Others may prefer a relaxing stroll along the Riverwalk or the Lake Estes Hike and Bike Trail.

Not to be overlooked are the many special events throughout the year. In February, the annual Imagine This! arts event is planned with families in mind. It features hands-on arts experiences as well as entertainment by regional performers. JazzFest follows in May with the Wool Market in June, featuring a children's tent for the young ones and spinning/weaving demonstrations for the adults. Other events with broad appeal are the Lake Estes Fishing Derby and Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in June; Rooftop Rodeo in July; the Heritage Festival in August and the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Festival in September. Ushering in Fall the last weekend in September is Autumn Gold, a the brats, beer and bands festival. The native Wapiti are celebrated the first week of October at Elk Fest and Estes Park ushers in the holiday season with its Catch the Glow celebration and parade the day after Thanksgiving.

With all this to do in and around Estes Park, a family must return again and again to experience it all.