Mom and son biking over a bridge
Bike ride with mom and son

Family Vacation

There’s no doubt that family-friendly activities abound in Granby. Whether you’re looking for a blood pumping adventure or a low-key bonding experience, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in and around Granby.

Day 1

Start your morning off right by dining at one of our restaurants or grabbing a quick bite to go. Head to one of the marinas on Lake Granby to rent a boat and get out on the water. Spend your morning and midday trying your hand at fishing or just enjoying the sparkling waters and incredible views. If more adventurous water activities are your speed, try kayaking, canoeing, or even stand up paddleboarding.

For your afternoon, get in the car and drive a beautifully scenic 20 minutes north of Granby to Rocky Mountain National Park. Take in the amazing sights of the park, stopping along the way for photos or even a short hike. Afternoon and evening are the best times to spot wildlife like elk and moose, so make sure you have your camera handy. Continue onto Trail Ridge Road, which crests at over 12,000 feet with breathtaking views. Head back the way you came and enjoy dinner back in Granby at a restaurant along Main Street.

Day 2

Wake up early and grab coffee, making sure to pack a picnic for lunch. Head for the Monarch Lake Trailhead. Spend the next few hours walking the loop trail around the lake and on the edge of the forest. This easy hike is perfect for all abilities and families wanting to spend some time outdoors. Find a quiet spot and enjoy your picnic lunch along the shores of this picturesque place. If you’d rather hit the trails on two wheels, check out the mellow Fraser to Granby Trail and spend your morning pedaling through the forest.

Next, spend your afternoon living like an authentic cowboy. Guided horseback rides are one of the best ways to enjoy the incredible Rocky Mountain scenery and make for the perfect family adventure. Rides range from just an hour to a full-day. Alternatively, check to see if the rodeo is happening when you’re in town. A great event for the entire family, you’ll experience the real wild west with bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, games for the kids, and more.

Day 3

After you’ve enjoyed breakfast, head to YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch. If you’re not staying at Snow Mountain Ranch, make sure to stop by and purchase a day pass. Then spend the morning enjoying an extraordinary assortment of activities, including archery, mini golf, horseback riding, climbing walls, swimming, tennis, mountain biking, zip lining, and even a summer tubing hill. Once you’re done, head back to Granby and enjoy lunch on a restaurant patio, taking in the sunshine.

Once you're ready, head to the Moffat Road Railroad Museum. This museum is perfect for kids and features Colorado’s largest Christmas model train display. It also has locomotives ranging in size from model scale to a 100-ton railroad crane from 1913, as well as a gift shop filled with local artisan creations. If you still have an itch to shop, head back to Main Street and check out the local stores. Unwind with dinner in Granby, and see if you can find some live music to enjoy on your last night in town.

Boasting countless views and things to do, the areas surrounding Granby are definitely worth exploring. Nearby mountain towns offer plenty of shopping and recreation for the whole family. Here are some great places to check out while staying in Granby, making for quick but rewarding day trips.