We just got back from a week in Colorado and wanted to share some of our favorite stops along the way to inspire your next family adventure. We managed to pack just enough into our five-day itinerary to experience some of the highlights and keep the kids entertained with minimal tantrums (parents’ included.) Read on for our five perfect days.

DAY 1: Denver

A Mile High city with nearly as many playgrounds as craft breweries, we made our way around Denver in search of slides, splash pads and kid-friendly entertainment my husband and I loved, too.

Wash Park: perfect for picnics, walks and duck-watching.

Billy’s Inn: This family-friendly neighborhood “dive” in the Highlands exceeded expectations with great options for the kids (they have margs, too!)

Union Station: Kids love trains. Period. Even better—the splash pads out front.

Broomtail: We’re proud to be selling our products to this gorgeously curated Mama-owned boutique in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood. They have a new second location in Congress Park!

The Denver Aquarium: The boys loved exploring the underwater world — favorites included feeding the stingrays, sea turtles and North American River Otters! I was a sucker and bought the cheesy photos they sell at the entrance.

DAY 2: Dillon

It was smooth sailing to this lakeside mountain town just an hour west of Denver, where we stayed for a week of Rocky Mountain adventures.

Lilypad Lake: We used a hiking carrier we rented from Babyquip for our 15-month-old on this winding 3-mile hike to a stunning lilypad-covered lake. If, like us, you let your preschooler walk the entire thing (which he loved but took twice as long) be sure to bring your patience!

Outer Range Brewing Co.: Family-friendly craft brewery with jaw-dropping views and a great food truck with kid-friendly menu items.

Marina Park: Don’t miss a romp around this lakeside playground of your kids’ wildest dreams.

A stop at the top: 11,990 feet can take your breath away, literally. The perfect photo up at top of the Continental Divide, just a short drive (and a dozen switchbacks) up Loveland Pass.

DAY 3: Georgetown

A can’t miss stop on the I-70 corridor as you make your way back to Denver. First-settled in 1859, this historic mining town has plenty of family-friend activities including historic museums gold panning, and my kids’ #1 fave: the steam train!

Georgetown Valley Candy Company: We stopped in for a scoop and to try the fudge.

Window Shopping: So many cute stores in this picturesque town, just walking around is an activity of its own.

Georgetown Loop Railroad: A true Colorado gem! Our kids were so excited for this hour-and-a-half, chugga-choo-choo up the ridgeline overlooking the historic mining town with stunning views in all directions. We packed our Bento Box for convenient snacking along the way.

Cabin Creek Brewery: Great beer, awesome kids menu, and stunning views on the river. They also had a great band playing, where we danced like no one was watching.

Day 4: Frisco

Located just west of Dillon on the other side of the lake, Frisco is surrounded by open space and pine-tree-filled paths perfect for exploring and a quaint Main Street filled with local craft stores, boutiques and restaurants to explore.

Frisco Bay Marina: We stopped for lunch at The Island Grill for a front row view of the sailboats, SUP-ers, and all the pups running around. Highly recommend the Tuna Poke and Grilled Fish Tacos, and the boys loved the hot dog and chips. 

Lakeside Strolling: We followed the paved path around the lake and town, stopping at a gorgeous playground in Walter Byron Park along the river. 

Frisco Adventure Park: A little too adventurous for our kids at their age, but if yours are older this would be a fun stop for hiking, biking, skateboarding and disc golf.

Day 5: Breckenridge

Our final stop on our grand Colorado tour took us through the charming, picturesque town of Breckenridge with mesmerizing views of the Ten Mile Range and ski resort.

Stroll Main Street: The charming, brightly colored buildings reminded us of an old Hollywood western movie set, packed with restaurants, gift stores and more perfect for an afternoon stroll. 

Daylight Donuts: This adorable shop on Main Street has a full breakfast menu and besides, is a trip to Breckenridge complete without a fresh-made Bear Claw?

Prospector Park: ​​A mining-themed pocket park right off Main Street with natural rock-themed play structures and mini climbing walls perfect for kids of all ages.

The Troll: We had a mini-meltdown right before naptime that derailed this plan, but this was on our list and should definitely be on yours. A short hike to the Breckenridge Troll, aka Isak Heartstone, a 15-foot tall wooden troll by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, just a short bus ride and easy hike from town.

We hope you’ll follow us on social and stay tuned for more adventures from our Hot Toddler Summer ‘23.