6 of the Most Exciting Family Adventures to Try in Colorado

in Outdoor Play / by

One of the best parts about living in Colorado is there’s something to do every day of the year — even in winter, and even during social distancing.

Now that we’re deep into winter, you and your family have probably made countless snowmen, tried out winter camping, and gone on bike rides around the park when the sun peeks out. But with another month of winter ahead, it probably feels like you’re quickly running out of ideas.

So now what?

Kill the mid-winter boredom and keep living life to its fullest with these 6 exciting Colorado winter activities, from dog sledding to fat biking and more.

1. Play Extreme Sports at Woodward Copper

If your kids are full of energy, Woodward’s the spot to let them burn some of it off (while learning a cool new trick or two).

Located on beautiful Copper Mountain, Woodward Copper is a dream come true for action sports fans of every experience level. It’s only a little over an hour’s drive from the city, so it’s perfect to add to your list of day trips from Denver in winter.

Woodward is open year-round and offers kids ages 7 and up every adventure they can dream up.

Your kids can ski and snowboard on the mountain, or run wild in the giant training facilities complete with skate parks, trampolines, a spring floor, foam pits, and more.

There’s plenty of expert supervision and lessons available, so the grown-ups have a good excuse to sneak away for some shredding or shopping.

Once you’re ready for yet another rush of adrenaline with a side of scenery, check out the Rocky Mountain Coaster. The coaster takes you on a thrilling, winding journey through the mountainside forest.

2. Enjoy Dog Sledding in Crested Butte

Who doesn’t love dogs? More importantly, who doesn’t want to try a dog sledding tour?

When you sign up for an adventure with the Cosmic Cruisers, your whole family can take an unforgettable journey through over 11,000 feet of rural mountainside wilderness.

Choose between a full-day adventure through the depths of the Gunnison National Forest, or just an hour on a trip around Crested Butte Mountain Resort so you can be back just in time for lunch.

Not only will you get to see the experienced guides command the pack of dogs through the tour, but you’ll also learn how to lead the huskies yourself.

3. Try Snowmobiling on Sunlight Mountain

Snowmobiling is a great way to get your blood pumping while taking in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in winter.

One of Colorado’s favorite snowmobiling trails is the 120-mile trek from Sunlight near Glenwood Springs to Powderhorn, just outside Grand Junction. The trail is suited for all skill levels, so you don’t need to be an expert to give it a try.

On your adventure, you’ll come across plenty of snowmobile-friendly lodges to warm up or rest in. There are also opportunities for guided tours through incredible trails that you might miss otherwise.

The diverse terrain allows for everything from slow, peaceful rides to hillside races for the thrill-seekers in the family.

4. Check Out Snow Activities at Devil’s Thumb Ranch

Devil’s Thumb Ranch hosts just about every boredom-busting winter activity you could dream of — for kids and grown up’s alike.

With a series of both year-round and snowy weather choices, you might want to take some family time to plan an itinerary before heading out!

Year-round activities include horse rides for adults and older children, and pony rides for the little ones. There’s also guided hiking, ropes courses for a family teamwork exercise or two, air rifles, and yoga classes.

As if that’s not enough to choose from, the snow brings even more activity options!

Perhaps you’d like to kick back and take in the scenery from a horse-drawn carriage or try your hand at ice skating. Or maybe you’d prefer Skijoring with Fido.

Whatever you decide on, you might want to book the adults a slot at the spa afterward to ease those aching muscles.

5. Try Winter Fat Biking

Winter is a season that can get between you and your favorite outdoor sport, especially if you love hiking, biking, or climbing.

That is, until you’ve tried fat biking.

Never heard of fat biking? It’s a fun and exciting way to fill that need for a good bike ride — but in the snow!

Fat bikes are built to be aerodynamic and have a strong grip, so you can fly through any winter setting. It might even become your favorite new winter hobby!

Learn more about fat biking in Colorado this winter >

6. Try Out Winter Camping in a Roofnest

Who says winter means you can’t go camping? With a Roofnest roof top tent, winter camping is easy, comfortable, and fun for the whole family.

Once it’s installed on your vehicle, you can pop it up in under a minute. All our tents are well-insulated and built for any weather, so you and your family can enjoy the comfort of your bedroom, but out in the wilderness.

You can make it even warmer by adding a few winter camping upgrades like:

The most important way to stay warm and comfortable while winter camping is making sure you and your family have the right gear for the job.

From boots to gloves to sleeping bags, here’s a round-up of the best winter camping essentials to keep you and your fam comfortable on your next outdoor adventure— no matter how chilly it gets >