5 Summer Days with the Family in Winter Park

So, you’re bringing the whole family to Winter Park Resort this summer! First of all, we’re so excited to see you and explore the mountains with you. We know there’s a lot that goes into planning a family trip from scheduling to travel to packing. So, we thought we’d help out a little by creating an itinerary for your best vacation yet. Full of unforgettable adventures and delicious food, this 5-day schedule will give you and your kids the full Rocky Mountain experience, plus the most important thing: quality time together!

(Disclaimer: We are not responsible for providing an experience so awesome that your kids want to come back next year. And the next. And the next.)

Still need to book lodging? Check out our Deals & Packages page to save on your trailside stay.

Deals & Packages

Day 1

Morning: Breakfast in the Village and Activities at the Base

Start the day with a hearty breakfast and a cup of joe at Goody’s Mountain Creperie. Once you’re all fueled up, you and the crew will be ready to explore all of the activities at the base.

We know you want to keep your kids entertained all day, but you also want to have fun too! We’ve got just the thing. Prebook an Unlimited Activities Day Ticket for everyone in your family to get all-day access to activities at the base. Everyone can enjoy scenic gondola rides and the 18-hole putting course, while kids can go back again and again on the alpine slide.

Midday: Head to the Top for Lunch at The Lodge at Sunspot

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the fun you’re having at the base, use your Unlimited Activities Day Ticket to ride the Gondola to The Lodge at Sunspot. Enjoy the views on the way up, and then chow down on delicious mountain eats while you sit outside and soak in the views. Don’t forget ice cream for dessert! Or, just have ice cream for lunch. No judgment.

Afternoon: Embark on a guided experience!

Join a guided tour to learn about Colorado’s incredible nature while experiencing the wonder of the outdoors. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, try out our Savor the View Hike, which features a mild, 3-mile route, plus complimentary charcuterie and a crisp drink. Or, consult our trail map and explore our variety of on-site (and lesser-known) trails.

Day 2

Morning: Sharky’s and Rocky Mountain National Park

After getting acclimated to the elevation and getting a good night’s rest, Day 2 starts with a local favorite! Stop by Sharky’s to enjoy a hot breakfast with a southwestern flair. We recommend ordering ahead and taking your breakfast on the road, so you can enjoy the day’s featured adventure: Rocky Mountain National Park! Located just about an hour away from the resort, the park is a must-see experience. Enjoy stunning views of surrounding peaks, rushing rivers, and gorgeous hikes, and keep your eye out for moose! (Be sure to keep your distance, too!)

To preserve its natural beauty, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a reservation in advance. Reservations open up on the first of each month, so we strongly encourage you to log on and save your spot then! The park also requires an entry fee for each visit.

RMNP Reservations

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year, so we’d advise you to do your research beforehand and make a game plan for everything you want to see. However, the West Entrance through Grand Lake sees less traffic, so you can enjoy the back door to the park. Check out the RMNP Plan Your Visit tool or take a look at some suggestions courtesy of the Winter Park Chamber.

First stop, Kawuneeche Visitor Center to get info on the park and have the kids ask questions about wildlife, the National Parks, etc.! Then spend the morning on a short hike, like Coyote Valley Trail! This hike is a one-mile loop that starts just 5 miles north of the Visitor Center.

Midday: Picnic Lunch

Sharky’s might be filling, but you’ll have worked up an appetite from your busy morning. The Coyote Valley Trail has a picnic area at the trailhead, so stop and rest with your lunch while you take in the sights.

Afternoon: Trail Ridge Road

After lunch, we highly recommend driving on Trail Ridge Road, which reaches a breathtaking elevation of 12,183 feet of elevation. Drive along the road to experience 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains and see how life thrives in a dramatic, high alpine environment. Bonus points if you can spot a marmot or pika!

This drive can take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on where you stop and how much time you spend watching the wildlife.

Evening: Village Activity

Head back to Winter Park Resort Village to enjoy our weekly events. On Fridays after sunset, sit back outside and watch classic flicks during Coca-Cola Family Movie Night. Or, if you arrive back earlier to the resort, enjoy live music from local musicians on Saturdays from 1-3pm at the Village Gazebo. If you’re here on a weekday, we recommend posting up on the patio at Doc’s Roadhouse with some apps to share and delicious drinks.

Day 3

Morning: Breakfast at Starbucks and a Hike

Nothing beats a cup of coffee in the morning, especially when you have a hiking adventure planned! Stop into Starbucks and enjoy a pastry or breakfast sandwich paired with your drink of choice to get the morning rolling. Then, it’s time to hit the trails.

Take a look at our network of on-resort hiking trails to plan your excursion, or check out our blog post on 5 Jaw-Dropping Day Hikes in the area to get inspired. Ranging from leisurely strolls to rewarding treks above treeline, there’s bound to be a route that fits the needs of you and your crew. Before you head off on your hike, stop into Trail’s End Mercantile for lunch supplies for the trail.

Midday: Lunch on the Trail

Take a moment, or a few, to enjoy the remarkable setting you’ve found yourself in all while indulging in a delicious packed lunch. Unpack your lunch, kick back, and relax. Psst: This would be a great opportunity for a family photo. Just saying.

Afternoon: Enjoy a Crisp Drink at Sundog

Head back to the Winter Park base and stop by our newest establishment: Sundog Taproom. Featuring crisp beer on tap and delicious bites like empanadas, this social hub is a great place to celebrate your hike, cool down with a drink, and rest your legs.

Evening: High-Note Thursdays at Hideaway Park

It’s time to explore downtown Winter Park! Take a walk through Cooper Creek Square to find a spot for dinner. Or, swing through Carvers and grab a tasty wrap or juicy burger that you’ll be able to enjoy while catching a live music show in Hideaway Park. High-Note Thursdays are a classic local activity. Enjoy plenty of smiles, great tunes, and a relaxing evening after your active day. Chairs are provided!

Day 4

Morning: Ride an E-Bike!

One of our favorite (and unique) ways to explore the area is from the comfy seat of an electric bike. Start your morning with breakfast in the Village, and then embark on one of two guided e-bike tours, each with a different perspective of the Fraser Valley. Climb the mountain and see stunning views of the surrounding peaks on our Mountain E-Bike Tour, or cruise into town and explore the valley on our Riverside E-Bike Tour. All guests must be 14 or older and comfortable riding a bike. Don’t forget a water bottle and some sunscreen!

Midday: Lunch at Vertical

The sunshine on Vertical’s patio is calling your name! After a morning of ripping down the trails, head on over for locally sourced fare and small bites, plus refreshing drinks on an expansive patio. Take in the view of the Fraser River while you refuel and relive your biking adventure.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Village

After your meal, stroll through the Village and wander in and out of local shops. Find snacks and games at Treeline Treats, stock up on new gear at The North Face, or commemorate your Trestle adventures with apparel from our brand-new Trestle Inc. store next to the Gondola.

Evening: Pizza Pedal’r for Dinner

Pizza is always a good idea! Stop by Pizza Pedal’r to get the kids a standard cheese, while you enjoy one of their other specialties (we highly recommend their Hard Tail, with a brew to wash it down). Their side patio is tucked to the side, making it a great place to regroup. Vegan options are available!

Day 5

Morning: Hit the Trails at Trestle

If you had fun on your e-bike tour yesterday, check out Trestle Bike Park at the base. Known for its 40+ miles of lift-serviced terrain and premium rental fleet, Trestle is a popular downhill mountain biking destination with plenty of thrilling trails to try out.

We recommend starting off with a Learn to Mountain Bike lesson, that comes with a bike, all the downhill mountain biking gear you need to feel protected while you send it, plus a lift ticket and either a morning or afternoon of personalized instruction. Prebook at least 48 hours in advance to save your spot and some extra money! From there, you can either explore on your own or take a lesson to sharpen your skills.

If you feel like you want a bit of extra time, book a private lesson for you and your crew (Max 3 participants)! Or, check out our lineup of clinics to hone specific skills.

Midday: WPR Events

Due to the longer days and warm weather, there are tons of events happening during the summer at Winter Park Resort and in Downtown Winter Park. Check out the schedules, and then plan your last afternoon accordingly. A lot of events happen on Saturdays, but there are plenty of weeknight adventures to enjoy as well.

Evening: High Country Stampede Rodeo or Deno’s

Yee-haw! If you’re here on Saturday, spend your last evening at the rodeo. Watch locals race and check out the special themes and event nights. This is a small-town classic and a must for the to-do list. Nothing rounds out an authentic Colorado vacation like an evening at the rodeo!

Here on a weeknight? Treat you and your crew to a nice dinner at Deno’s in the town of Winter Park. Voted Best Restaurant in Grand County by Sky High News in 2023, Deno’s provides an elevated dining experience with a mountain ambiance. Enjoy a signature, aged steak or choose from their delicious selection of pastas, seafood dishes, and more. If you want to dress up a little, go for it! However, nice jeans and a flannel will do just fine.

Five Days of Fun

After five days in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll have adventure stories worth bragging about. In fact, you may want to make a Winter Park vacation your new tradition! And we can’t blame you.