Top Spots To Go With Your Family For The Weekend In Colorado

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 25, 2014 7:00 am EST

(credit: CBS)

The crisp cool weather of fall and winter are finally here and Colorado has some of the most ideal places to take the family for a weekend getaway. The parents are looking for some relaxation and pampering while the kids are seeking fun and adventure.

Cheyenne Mountain Resort
3225 Broadmoor Valley Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 538-4000
www.cheyennemountain.com

Just a short and simple drive to the south is the Pikes Peak beauty of Colorado Springs. There is no better place to soak up all of the sights than at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. This gorgeous getaway is at the base of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain, just miles away from shops and galleries in Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods Park, Cave of the Winds, Pikes Peak Cog Railway and, of course, the unique Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. In good weather, it offers some gorgeous rounds of golf on its championship course along with tennis and hiking. The entire resort is pet friendly and happens to be a very green member of the Pikes Peak Sustainable Business Network.

Snow Mountain Ranch
1101 County Road 53
Granby, CO 80446
(970) 887-2152
www.snowmountainranch.org

The Winter Park area adventure known as Snow Mountain Ranch is an affordable, family-oriented and fun escape from reality. With plenty to keep the kids busy, there is the luxury of yoga, massages and relaxation that await the parents. This well-known resort offers a nice scale of luxury from quaint, warm, little cabins to close-in rooms at the lodge to large cabins with all the fixings for a wonderful weekend stay. The entire family will never be bored with ice skating, ski trails, snowshoe trails, dog sledding, downhill and snowboard hills and snowmobile rentals. What makes this place pretty magical is that is has everything from relaxing massages for the grown-ups to every winter activity for the kids, and all at the right price.

Columbine Inn
2545 Colorado Blvd.
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
(303) 567-0948
www.columbineinn.net

Most travelers pass through Idaho Springs for a coffee or bite to eat on their way elsewhere while never stopping to see all that area has to offer. This time, make plans to stop and stay in this adorable little mining town at the Columbine Inn. All of the rooms are uniquely decorated, giving it a bed and breakfast-type feel. The friendly staff serves up cute motel rooms ranging from small and affordable to luxurious little suites. This weekend getaway offers the family a weekend full of activities from a tour of the Argo Gold Mine, panning for gold, nearby gorgeous hiking and plenty of pampering fun at the Indian Hot Springs.

The Vintage Resort Hotel & Conference Center
100 Winter Park Drive
Winter Park, CO 80482
(970) 726-8801
www.vintagehotel.com

Winter Park is where Denver locals spend their weekends no matter what time of year and The Vintage Resort Hotel & Conference Center makes a perfect weekend family getaway. This hotel is right near the village and at a prime location at the base of the ski resort and mountain. Of course, there is some of the very best skiing and riding at Winter Park and Mary Jane, but in addition there is plenty for the little ones with the Coca-Cola® Tubing area and Willie's Adventure Club. Parents take enjoy an evening to themselves while leaving the kids to fun of games, sledding, ice skating, snacks and movies. Meanwhile, the parents are enjoying the resort's lounge, fitness center, swimming pool, hot tub and a night on the town. The resort is even pet friendly.

Mountain Thunder Lodge
50 Mountain Thunder Drive
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 547-5650
www.breckresorts.com

Breckenridge weekends are all about the luxury and charm without the expense and snobbiness of other nearby resorts. One of the best places to bring the family is the Mountain Thunder Lodge which boasts a year-round heated outdoor pool, a pool house and a deck and hot tubs all within a walk to the gondola. The entire family can ski it up during the day, then kick back and relax at night in their amazing townhomes from studio size to three bedrooms. Breckenridge's activities include alpine skiing and riding, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, indoor and outdoor ice skating, dog sledding and there is even a nice little children's museum.

Colleen Bement is a freelance writer covering all things Denver. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.