GUIDED HIKING/SNOW SHOEING - A guided hike can be an experience of a lifetime! If you are interested in a private hike to less-crowded areas that is tailored to your family's fitness level, then check out the Warming House. They are very knowledgeable and eager to show off some of the prettiest vistas in the RMNP! Ask for our friend Phebe. http://www.warminghouse.com
HORSEBACK RIDING - Both stables that we recommend are really close to our properties and also offer pony rides for small children.
RAFTING - We have not done this locally, but some of our guests have and loved it. There are several rafting companies in town that will help plan your adventure. Most of the rafting trips are on the Poudre River which is in the Fort Collins area - a very doable day trip experience. http://www.rapidtransitrafting.com/
TRAIL RIDGE ROAD TO GRAND LAKE - This is a must do!!!!!! The Trail Ridge Road links Estes Park and Grand Lake (a 50-mile drive). This route traverses the RMNP, over the top of the world : ) and across the Continental Divide. It is the highest paved road in the USA and takes you into the tundra! Spectacular scenery...you will also have a chance to see an abundance of wildlife, including moose! Start early in the morning, as weather conditions at the higher elevations can change rapidly in the afternoon. Note: The Trail Ridge Road is open from June into October, depending on snow levels. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/trail_ridge_road.htm
BOATING - Once you get to Grand Lake, you can rent a pontoon boat. We have done this in the past with our own family and it was awesome. My recommendation is to start early in the morning to avoid the potential of the afternoon rain. Pack yourself a lunch for the boat and spend a few hours on Grand Lake enjoying the beautiful views. Then take an hour to explore the small village of Grand Lake before taking a leisurely drive back to Estes Park, stopping at the various pull-outs (take a deep breath as the beautiful vistas will take it away!) http://www.glmarina.com/
THE OLD FALL RIVER ROAD - Constructed in 1920, this is a one-way road that hooks up with the Trail Ridge Road near the Alpine Visitor Center - primarily gravel and 11 miles long. A nature lover's heaven on earth! Check with the RMNP regarding current status. http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/old_fall_river_road.htm
ESTES VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER - Newly opened one-stop recreation center with everything that you will need for your workout includling an indoor track and lap pool. Lazy River for family fun!! https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/evrpd/estes-valley-communitycenter
THE LAZY B RANCH - The Lazy B Wranglers of Estes Park Colorado offers wholesome family entertainment with an authentic Chuck Wagon Supper and Musical Western Stage Show. We have not done this yet, but several of our guests who have given it high marks. www.lazybranchandwranglers.com
FISHING - There is fishing along our own HOA shared frontage of the Big Thompson River; and in lakes/streams throughout the RMNP, as well as in and around the entire Estes Park area. There are a number of fishing guide companies in Estes Park. We did that once and it was a lot of fun. Many of our guests recommend Kirk's if you are interested in guided fly fishing. They are located in the town center. I am told that Kirk's is very knowledgeable as to where the fish are biting. You can also rent equipment and purchase your fishing license there.
http://www.kirksflyshop.com/
BEAR LAKE - We highly recommend the drive up to Bear Lake any time of year. If you are visiting in the summer, you must go early in the morning to find parking in the lot; otherwise take the Park shuttle. From Bear Lake, you can hike to Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, depending on how far your family wants to go. Regardless, everyone can hike the flat .6 miles around Bear Lake and it is worth it!
http://www.thespiritoftherockies.net/spirit/Hikes/Bear%20Lake/BearLakeHike.html
SPRAGUE LAKE - Stop here on the way back from Bear Lake for a picnic lunch (you will have to pack your own!). You will not be disappointed with the vistas, I promise! It is an easy 1-mile hike around Sprague Lake for some of the best Continental Divide vistas in the RMNP.
http://www.protrails.com/trail/231/rocky-mountain-national-park-sprague-lake-nature-loop
ALLUVIAL FAN - "Climbable" water rock formations caused by the failure of the Lawn Lake Dam. The children with you will love it (as will the adults!). You can picnic there as well. Note: The entire landscape of the Alluvial Fan was changed during the recent 1000-year flood. This should still be on the "must see" list of those who want to take in the "force of nature"!
http://www.rmnp.com/RMNP-Areas-HorseshoePark-AlluvialFan.html
SHOPPING IN ESTES PARK - "Touristy" but fun! Lots of fudge, taffy, t-shirts, restaurants and souvenirs : ) Walk along the river, which runs through the town center. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner alongside the Big Thompson.
YMCA OF THE ROCKIES - Lots of family activities and a short walk from AspenHaus to the entrance. Check out their website to see if any of it interests you.
http://www.ymcarockies.org/estes-park-center-colorado.html
ESTES PARK MARINA - Something to do here for everyone....lots of options on boating, a beautiful hiking path around the lake, bicycle rentals, picnic areas, fishing, golf etc. http://www.evrpd.com/marina/marina-info
GOLF - Estes Park has two public golf courses....be prepared for outstanding views AND sharing them with the local elk!
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/evrpd/estes-park-18-hole-golf-course
GO KARTS/MINIATURE GOLF/GIANT SLIDE - Fun for the entire family at FUN CITY.... but especially the little ones with you!! http://www.funcityofestes.com
DECK - Sit on the deck of AspenHaus, take in the Big Thompson River and snow caps, and watch wildlife meander by!