Disclosure: I was given a Toyota Sienna to test drive for a week in exchange for a review. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
Over New Year’s weekend we decided to continue our New Year’s Eve tradition and head to Estes Park Colorado to the YMCA of the Rockies. We have enjoyed going to the YMCA of the Rockies for New Year’s because they always throw a big family dance party to ring in the New Year. The kids love it and it really is a fun way to welcome a new year, kid style.
While there is plenty to do at the YMCA of the Rockies, we decided that this year we would try to explore some of the fun things to do in Estes Park while we were there. We stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies in a cozy cabin for 4 days which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the amenities and activities at the YMCA but also take time to go into town with the kids.
I am excited to share some of our favorite things to do while in Estes Park Colorado. While this is a pretty nice list, keep in mind that there are so many other things to do and see as well. Estes Park is beautiful and a must visit town when in Colorado.
For our tip Toyota let us try the Toyota Sienna. The kids jumped into this car and fell in love. For our Estes Park exploring the Sienna was perfect. It handled great on the mountain roads and held all of our luggage and gear for our trip.
Things To Do In Estes Park Colorado With Kids
YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park
YMCA of the Rockies, located near the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, is an ideal vacation, reunion, wedding and conference destination. The best part about this weekend getaway is how easy of a drive it is, even in the winter.
You can fill your day and nights at Estes Park Center YMCA with so many programs and activities. Every season brings fun and excitement for the entire family. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing stroll, we can set you on your way. For this stay we enjoyed a lot of relaxing time in our cozy cabin, rollerskating, archery, crafts (SO MANY CRAFTS), basketball, bingo and the fun New Years Eve family dance.
See our review of the New Years Eve Family Dance here.
Dick’s Rock Museum – Estes Park
We have driven past this Rock Shop and Museum a few times. This year we decided to stop in and see what it was all about. It was really perfect because Jude is so into geodes now. It was a fun little activity for the whole family.
Your trip to Estes Park isn’t complete without stopping by Red Rose Rock Shop! Visit the store along the Big Thompson River to shop for rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, gifts, and decor. Check out Dick’s Rock Museum, a historical landmark, free of charge connected to our main store. Enjoy some coffee or lunch at Coffee On The Rocks, right next door to Red Rose Rock Shop & Dick’s Rock Museum.
Big Thompson River – Estes Park
When in Estes Park you can walk along the Big Thompson River. It is a beautiful river no matter the season. The kids were really interested in seeing the ice on the river but also see the water still flowing. Oh nature! We went for a few walks along the banks when we were in town. Great photo ops too!
Homemade Taffy – Estes Park
TAFFY!! Whenever we talk about going to Estes Park the kids immediately think about the taffy. YUM! Estes Park is pretty well know for the fresh pulled taffy available on the main drag in Estes Park. As you walk along Elkhorn Ave you are tempted by at least 3 shops with beautiful window displays of colorful taffy being pulled. It is mesmerizing! We have to stop into each shop to pick out our favorite flavors and get our free sample for the day.
The Donut Haus – Estes Park
On your way out of town you will see this cute little donut shop on the hill. The story of The Donut Haus began more than 3 decades ago in Estes Park, Colorado where German baker, Dieter D’Alquen, started making donuts in an old gas station. His donuts were so fresh, light, and delicious, people from all over the country (and even the world) lined up outside the door, including Estes business owner, Lois Marth.
The donuts are delicious and the experience is priceless. So many amazing flavors to choose from. If you are not a donut fan, make sure to try the cinnamon rolls.
Lake Estes – Estes Park
As you drive into Estes Park you cross over Lake Estes, during the winter it is pretty amazing seeing one side of the lake frozen and the other moving. We have not visited Lake Estes in the summer but I can imagine it is busy and fun for families. We loved going to the lake for this trip to skip rocks and check out the amazing mountain views.
The Munchin House – Estes Park
As you walk along Elkhorn Ave you will have the opprotunity to check out shops that are filled with local items and products but the kids are really lookign for only one thing! The Munchin House! The Munchin House is Estes Park’s sweetest destination and a favorite hot spot! Pick from 40 flavors homemade ice cream, homemade fudge, caramel corn, espresso bar, taffy, chocolates, huckleberry gifts and so much more. On our last evening in Estes Park we decided to take the kids for a little ice cream treat. YUM!
Our little getaway for New Years Eve was perfect. We had a great mix of rest, re-connection, fun and exploring. And all of that was enjoyed by the whole family in the Toyota Sienna. Let me be honest, I grew up driving minivans so I have a whole other view of what a minivan is. Well that was until we experienced the Sienna. This is the true #MinivanLife ! The Sienna really is the perfect family vehicle, especially an on the go busy family like ours.
2017 Toyota Sienna Review:
Loved the extra cargo space in the back, even with the third row up we were able to fit our luggage, toys, and cooler with out any issues.
Great looking interior – leather accents and seating
Moon roof x 2! The kids loved theirs and we wished we had some warmer days to really enjoy them.
Handled great in the mountains.
Loved the Dual Controls for the heater as well as the steering wheel and seat heaters. Perfect for that cold mountain air!
This is not your average old minivan! Toyota has created a great vehicle that not only fits 7 people but fits them comfortably.
I love that their is a salt water taffy place! I love visiting those. Also donuts, I love finding unique donut places!! This park seems like an awesome place to spend the weekend!
I love that Estes Park Colorado is your New Years Eve tradition and anywhere where there are donuts you are guaranteed to find me haha!Plus that Toyota looks like the perfect family ride as well x
Traveling with kids is always such an adventure! I think this place is perfect since there are plenty of things to do for them. I also love the scenery!
Such a beautiful place! Salt water taffy and donuts are my favorite, so I love that you recommended those. This is definitely on my list because I'd love to visit that area – thanks for all the ideas!
Happy New Year!! Estes Park looks beautiful I wish it were closer so I could visit. It looks like you all had a really good time with so many fun things to do.
We stayed home for New Year's eve. Cooked a nice steak, had some bubbly and just enjoyed some quiet time. Looks like you guys had a great time in Estes Park. It's a fun little place.
What a tranquil and beautiful place! looks like you all had a wonderful time, and your photos are epic! Would love to visit Colorado for myself someday!
Our New Years Eve was pretty quiet, just at home here in Dallas, but my dad and I did go to the Dallas Stars game that night, which is a tradition of ours!
It looks there are a lot of fun things to do there! I have always wanted to visit Colorado. It looks like such a great place to go with the kids and see some different climate from what we are used to here in FL.
A Cabin getaway sounds like the perfect way to spend a weekend. I would love to do something like this with my family. Just disconnect a bit and get back to us.
We were up at our condo in New Hampshire on New Year's Eve! Glad you were able to visit Estes Park – it sounds like a cool place!
We stayed home, watched the ball drop on tv, and played family games. I did create hour bags for my girls to open every hour until midnight.
Love the car it really looks like it holds a lot of people and cargo. The Estes Park trip looks like a great way to see nature and enjoy the new year.
These all sound like really great things to do in Colorado. We stayed home and played board games with some close friends for New Years!
I love that their is a salt water taffy place! I love visiting those. Also donuts, I love finding unique donut places!! This park seems like an awesome place to spend the weekend!
Last time I went to Estes Park I just wanted to see the Shining Hotel. Lol. It's so pretty there though, love your choices!
It sounds like you had such a blast together!! The Toyota Sienna is really awesome looking!
I haven't been to colorado in years and would love to go back. That place looks great
I love that Estes Park Colorado is your New Years Eve tradition and anywhere where there are donuts you are guaranteed to find me haha!Plus that Toyota looks like the perfect family ride as well x
Traveling with kids is always such an adventure! I think this place is perfect since there are plenty of things to do for them. I also love the scenery!
Such a beautiful place! Salt water taffy and donuts are my favorite, so I love that you recommended those. This is definitely on my list because I'd love to visit that area – thanks for all the ideas!
Happy New Year!! Estes Park looks beautiful I wish it were closer so I could visit. It looks like you all had a really good time with so many fun things to do.
Estes Park sounds like a great place! Lots of things to see and do! A great vacation spot, especially if you have kids!
I really like the toyota seinna. I have looked at it the last two times we bought a car and never bought it.
We stayed home for New Year's eve. Cooked a nice steak, had some bubbly and just enjoyed some quiet time. Looks like you guys had a great time in Estes Park. It's a fun little place.
I did this trip with my daughter years ago, and I did many of the same things as you! Good trip and a great way to talk about landforms!
What a tranquil and beautiful place! looks like you all had a wonderful time, and your photos are epic! Would love to visit Colorado for myself someday!
Our New Years Eve was pretty quiet, just at home here in Dallas, but my dad and I did go to the Dallas Stars game that night, which is a tradition of ours!
It looks there are a lot of fun things to do there! I have always wanted to visit Colorado. It looks like such a great place to go with the kids and see some different climate from what we are used to here in FL.
What an amazing family spot. I'd love to take my kids there and they would freak out about the mountains out west.
As a family that hikes and loves nature, this looks like such a beautiful place to explore. The scenery is amazing!
I have heard of Estes park before but I have never been! I'm going to have to put this on my list!
A Cabin getaway sounds like the perfect way to spend a weekend. I would love to do something like this with my family. Just disconnect a bit and get back to us.
I would love to visit here with my family! It would be so fun to hit all of these sites together and experience it all!
What a beautiful weekend away! My mom grew up in Colorado and we have family that we really need to plan a trip to visit!
My husband loves Colorado! I've added this as one must check out locations when we get to go there!