Age knows no bounds when it comes to good old-fashioned fun in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The hot springs town is the perfect destination for family and generational travel.
When it comes to a Colorado vacation that pleases every member of the family, it’s all about having the right mix of activities and downtime. From slopes to soaks and dining to dreaming, kids of all ages love the diversity of options offered in Glenwood Springs.
Snow Day at Sunlight
Ski, snowboard or find another way to play in the snow! You have a flurry of choices when you make Sunlight Mountain Resort your winter outdoor activity launchpad. Hitting the slopes is always a crowd-pleaser, but other options are gaining traction especially among multigenerational groups. For those who want to ski or ride, lift tickets at Sunlight are among the most affordable in the state. For individuals who don’t care to downhill, the great outdoors is still easily accessible. Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on 29 kilometers of trails in beautiful Babbish Gulch or sign up for family-friendly snowmobiling tours that take riders deep into the backcountry. One of the many highlights of a snow day at Sunlight is that groups can go their separate ways, pursuing activities suited to their interests and abilities, and then meet up at the Sunlight Lodge to swap glory stories.
Glenwood Springs Showstopper
When it comes to audience-approved entertainment Glenwood Vaudeville Revue takes the spotlight with its fine-tuned cast of characters that hit the funny bone time and again. Humor is family-friendly with kids of every age tickled silly by the jokes, skits, song and dance numbers performed by a talented crew of stage professionals. In addition to watching the show, which features hilarious new content every season, you can also enjoy dinner and drinks served by cast members!
Mountaintop Experience
The sky’s the limit at Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The theme park atop Iron Mountain is a shining beacon of fun for all ages with bright lights that can be seen from town after dark. Thousands of twinkly lights in every color of the rainbow add a festive touch that glows well into the New Year. Additionally, Glenwood Caverns’ two cave tours showcase natural formations with dramatic lighting that illuminates the beauty of the underground world. During Winter on the Mountain, guests can also enjoy live music performances, warm drinks and delicious food from the Lookout Grille. The park is open winter weekends Friday and Saturday until 8 p.m. and Sunday until 5.
Soak It All In
Come on in, the water’s fine! Yes, even when the temps are freezing. Kids love swimming outdoors while snowflakes are falling on their heads; grownups adore the thermal therapy that soothes both body and mind. For guests to the hot springs town, Glenwood Springs offers several venues for a hot springs hiatus.
The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is famous as the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, though it actually consists of two pools. The smaller therapy pool is a chill-chasing 104˚F; the larger pool and the one preferred by kids is the size of a football field with plenty of room to make a splash. There are also lap lanes for swimming and a diving board for cannonballs or more graceful moves.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a completely different atmosphere with 17 soaking pools. Each one is a different shape with varying temperatures that range between 98˚ and 108˚F. All are located in a designated “Quiet Zone,” for a serene, spa-like experience that’s perfect for adults. The freshwater family pool with an attached jetted hot tub is the place for socializing and playing with youngsters.
Yampah Spa & Vapor Caves is targeted toward adults. The steam caves—natural subterranean rooms filled with mineral vapors—help to relax tense muscles before a body treatment or spa appointment The site was a place of healing and meditation for the Ute Native Americans and is still frequented today by decendents of many native tribes.
No Picky Eaters!
Fortunately, Glenwood Springs offers a smorgasbord of culinary delights. When it comes to fueling up for breakfast, there are options galore, whether you require just a cup of caffeine or a full-on breakfast brunch with a bloody mary bar on standby. The vibe is laid-back and low-key even at the town’s fancier places, making dining at Glenwood Springs restaurants a joy for one and all. Relax over beers or rootbeers, dig into a steak and order street tacos or food truck perogies. Mexican, Nepalese, Chinese or Italian? You’ll find it all in the hot springs town.
A Sleep-Well Sleepover
Getting a good night’s sleep on your Glenwood Springs vacation is a dream come true, one that can be done peaceably, even when travel plans include satisfying the wishes of multiple generations of relatives. Glenwood Springs lodging boasts nearly 2,000 affordably-priced guest rooms, which makes choosing easier. As you peruse the options, be on the lookout for special deals and winter-themed promotions. Many of Glenwood’s lodging properties participate in value-priced activity packages. The ever-popular Ski Swim Stay is an example that includes lift tickets to Sunlight, admission to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and lodging at a variety of accommodation choices.
For a heart-warming winter getaway sure to please kids of all ages, make plans to visit Glenwood Springs today!
Download the official Glenwood Springs Travel Guide
