David Go
Denver, Colorado, a city celebrated for its stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, offers an abundance of outdoor adventures for families. Beyond the city limits, a collection of magnificent state parks provides the perfect escape into nature, catering to all ages with diverse activities from serene hikes to exhilarating water sports. This guide will help you discover the top family-friendly state parks in and around Denver, ensuring your next family outing is filled with unforgettable memories and breathtaking scenery. Get ready to explore Colorado’s natural beauty, designed for every member of your family to enjoy!
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Nestled just outside Golden, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a sprawling 12,000-acre wonderland that invites families to immerse themselves in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. With a diverse landscape of majestic mountains, verdant forests, and expansive meadows, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Families can enjoy scenic camping, explore an extensive network of hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, and partake in fishing in its serene waters. Its ‘good for children’ and ‘allows dogs’ attributes make it an ideal destination for a holistic family outing, promising fresh air and adventure for everyone.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park is renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and offers an exhilarating playground for families seeking adventure. While famous for rock-climbing and bouldering, the park also boasts numerous hiking trails that wind through breathtaking natural attractions, providing stunning vistas for all. Its scenic beauty and diverse outdoor activities, combined with its ‘good for children’ and ‘allows dogs’ policies, make it a fantastic choice for active families. The availability of free parking and wheelchair-accessible facilities further enhances its appeal as a welcoming outdoor destination near Denver.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park is a tranquil preserved park that stands out with its magnificent red-rock formations, resembling natural sculptures rising from the landscape. This geological marvel offers families unique hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the stunning scenery and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. While dogs are not permitted, the park’s focus on preserving its natural beauty and providing an immersive experience with nature makes it a perfect educational and recreational outing for children. The visitor’s center enriches the experience, offering insights into the park’s unique ecosystem.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ❌ Allows Dogs
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Staunton State Park
Staunton State Park, once an early 19th-century homestead, has been transformed into a well-maintained wilderness area that captivates families with its rugged beauty and diverse recreational offerings. The park features an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, leading to impressive waterfalls, steep hills, and countless scenic viewpoints. Families can also enjoy fishing in its serene ponds and streams, making it a versatile destination for outdoor activities. With its welcoming policy for children and dogs, Staunton State Park provides an enriching and active experience for every family member looking to explore Colorado’s wild side.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
- ✔ Paid parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is a massive urban oasis centered around a vast reservoir, making it a premier destination for water-based family fun near Denver. This expansive park offers an impressive array of outdoor leisure activities, including camping, boating, and fishing. Beyond the water, families can enjoy its dedicated dog park, numerous picnic sites, and extensive trails for walking, biking, and wildlife observation. Its accessibility and wide range of amenities ensure that every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, will find something to love, making it a highly rated and popular choice for a day out in nature.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
- ❌ Wifi
Parking options
- ✔ Free parking lot
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Castlewood Canyon State Park offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and family-friendly adventure, often described as having a ‘Jurassic Park-like’ feel due to its dramatic canyon trails and fascinating dam ruins. This expansive park is a fantastic spot for hiking, with trails that cater to various levels, and also features rock climbing walls for the more adventurous. Families can enjoy picnicking amidst stunning natural scenery, partake in birdwatching, and observe diverse wildlife. Its captivating landscape and variety of activities make it an exciting and educational outdoor experience for children and adults alike.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Chatfield State Park
Chatfield State Park, situated at the foothills of the Rockies with scenic views of the Platte River Valley, is a dynamic state park perfect for active families. This park is a hub for biking, hiking, camping, and boating, offering a vast reservoir for water sports. It also features a popular dog park and a network of well-maintained trails, ensuring entertainment for all family members, including furry ones. Its diverse landscape and extensive range of activities provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, making it a cherished spot for Denver families.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
Barr Lake State Park
Barr Lake State Park is a serene natural sanctuary built around a beautiful lake and expansive wetlands, offering a peaceful retreat for families near Denver. The park boasts miles of nature trails perfect for walking and birdwatching, as it’s a critical habitat for diverse bird species. Families can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake, and children will especially love the dedicated playground. With its Nature Center offering educational programs, Barr Lake combines recreational fun with learning opportunities, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a tranquil yet engaging outdoor experience.
General
- ✔ Type: State Park
- ✔ Business Status: Operational
- ✔ Good for Children: Yes
- ✔ Allows Dogs: Yes
- ❌ Wifi
Accessibility
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
- ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payment options
- ✔ Credit Card
- ✔ Debit Card
- ❌ Cash Only
- ✔ NFC
Denver and its surrounding areas are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering an array of family-friendly state parks that promise adventure, relaxation, and a chance to reconnect with nature. From the soaring cliffs of Eldorado Canyon to the tranquil waters of Cherry Creek, each park presents a unique opportunity for families to create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking a challenging hike, a peaceful picnic, a day on the water, or simply a breath of fresh mountain air, these state parks provide the perfect backdrop for your next family adventure in Colorado.
