If we have learned one thing in the past year, it is the importance of connection. Creating moments of family bonding helps strengthen your connection with one another. One way to create these moments is to plan regular family outings to new places. By switching things up and getting out of your normal routine, you get to experience something new together and bond over the memories (good or bad). Family outings foster strong family bonds, create lasting memories, promote communication, enhance social development, and provide a space for shared experiences that can build a sense of unity and belonging, especially by allowing parents to connect with their children and reinforce values through shared activities.
Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch, Red Feather Lakes
A sanctuary of natural beauty, Beaver Meadows offers a serene backdrop for family hangouts. Spanning 220 acres, the resort offers a range of accommodation options and daytime activities. In the wintertime, families can go tubing, snowshoeing, play pong hockey, and ice skate. On the drive to and from Beaver Meadows, stop for a meal at The Forks Mercantile and Saloon in Livermore where you can enjoy a meal in a rustic, western environment, peruse or buy a few fun trinkets and souvenirs, and even catch some live music if you’re lucky!
Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park
From camping to fishing, picnicking to horseback riding, Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park has all kinds of family fun! It has 355 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain peak climbs. There are over 50 lakes for sport fishing, plus 60 species of mammals, 280 recorded bird species, and countless insects to identify. Just an hour or so from Fort Collins, Estes Park offers crisp mountain air and breathtaking scenery along with all kinds of entertainment, learning, and exploration.
Snowy Range Ski Area, Medicine Bow National Forest, WY
Snowy Range Ski Area is nestled within the scenic Medicine Bow National Forest in southeast Wyoming. With a base elevation of 8,800 feet (summit 9,700) and annual snowfall of 250 inches. Snowy Range is the best option for families who want to explore the idea of skiing and snowboarding but don’t want to brave the I-70 traffic nor the prices of the better-known Colorado resorts. For a family of four including two adults, one toddler, and one school-aged pre-teen, one-day lift tickets run approximately $150 for all.
With a family-friendly atmosphere and affordable winter recreation for ski and snowboard enthusiasts of all abilities, guests can avoid the crowds and enjoy all the amenities of Snowy Range Ski Area. There is a “bunny hill” with a magic carpet perfect for first-timers whether they are kids or adults. There is also a beginner ski area with a low chairlift for anyone worried about hanging, moving transportation.
