Family Weekend: Kid-Friendly Royal Gorge
A two-day family adventure balancing excitement with manageable pace, perfect for groups with children.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Family Rafting
Duration: 3-4 hours
Start with a family-friendly float on a gentler section of the Arkansas River. Most outfitters welcome kids as young as 4-6 on appropriate sections. The Bighorn Sheep Canyon stretch offers wildlife viewing and moderate rapids.
Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Day 1: Lunch & Rest
Duration: 1-2 hours
Grab a casual lunch and let the kids decompress. The riverside spots near rafting areas offer relaxed atmospheres welcoming to families.
Day 1: Dinosaur Depot
Duration: 1-2 hours
Kids (and adults) fascinated by dinosaurs will enjoy this local paleontology museum featuring fossils found in the Canon City area.
Downtown Canon City
Day 2: Royal Gorge Bridge
Duration: 3-4 hours
Dedicate most of day two to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Beyond the bridge walk, the gondola ride and various attractions offer enough variety to keep kids engaged.
Royal Gorge
Day 2: Scenic Drive Home
Duration: 30-45 minutes
If time allows, take Skyline Drive for one last adventure. The dinosaur tracks visible along the route tie back to the museum visit.
Skyline Drive
Tips for This Trip
- Book family float options that accommodate younger children
- Pack sunscreen and hats - Colorado sun is intense
- The Bridge park has food options, but bringing snacks helps with kids
- Consider staying at a vacation rental for more family space
Trip Details
- Duration
- Weekend
- Number of Stops
- 5 stops
- Difficulty
- Easy - suitable for all
- Best For
- familieskids
- Best Seasons
- Summer (Jun-Aug)Fall (Sep-Nov)
Plan Your Visit
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