Buena Vista, Colorado, the ultimate family-friendly destination that offers a range of exciting activities and adventures for kids of all ages. With stunning landscapes, diverse recreational opportunities, and a variety of unique experiences, your visit to Buena Vista will be a memorable one. Presented in no particular order, this guide highlights must-do activities for kids to ensure a fun-filled trip to our charming mountain town.
- Explore the Buena Vista Heritage Museum
Step back in time with a visit to the Buena Vista Heritage Museum, housed in the historic 1882 courthouse. Kids will love exploring the interactive exhibits showcasing the area’s rich history, including mining, ranching, and the stories of the town’s early settlers. - Take a Family Rafting Adventure
Discover the thrill of white-water rafting on the Arkansas River with a family-friendly rafting adventure. Numerous local outfitters offer guided trips, ensuring your family can safely experience the excitement of the rapids while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Make it a day by going on a family float with River Runners, then hang out by their Riverside Bar and Grill while the kids play on the sandy beach.
- Hike the Scenic Trails
Lace up your hiking boots and venture out on the numerous family-friendly trails in the Buena Vista area. Choose from easy, moderate, or challenging hikes, such as the gentle Barbara Whipple Trail or cross on of the bridges near South Main to the stunning Midland Hill Trail or Bridge to Bridge Loop, both of which offer panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks. - Visit the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy
For a hands-on farm experience, visit the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy. Kids will love learning about sustainable farming practices, meeting the friendly goats, and even trying their hand at milking. Don’t forget to sample the delicious, locally-produced goat cheese before you leave! - Let the kiddos tire themselves out at one of Buena Vista’s many public parks
Buena Vista, Colorado, offers a variety of picturesque public parks for tourists and their children to enjoy, each with its own unique charm. McPhelemy Park, located in the heart of the town at the junction of Main Street and Highway 24, is a perfect spot for families to relax with its serene pond, large playground, and picnic areas. Just a couple blocks so the south off Linderman and Hwy 24 you’ll find Columbine park where Cottonwood Creek runs through offering ample shade trees and great playground. Drive through Main Street toward South Main, and you’ll find the park at the Buena Vista Community Center, situated on East Main Street, where children can enjoy another great playground, basketball courts, and ample space to run around. Looking to cool down? Check out the splash park located near the corner of Railroad and Main. No matter which park you choose, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty and breathtaking mountain views that make Buena Vista an unforgettable destination. - Zip lining & Rope Courses
Browns Canyon Adventure Park is the perfect destination for a memorable family outing. Located on the Noah’s Ark property along the Arkansas River, the park offers breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks. Here, your children can enjoy 66 high ropes course elements, 7 zip lines, the Leap of Faith obstacle, the Vertical Limit partner climbing challenge, and the Big Drop Swing. Visit Browns Canyon Adventure Park for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience in the beautiful surroundings of Buena Vista. - Discover the Buena Vista Disc Golf Course
Introduce your kids to the fun and challenging sport of disc golf at the Buena Vista Disc Golf Course. This 18-hole course meanders through the beautiful terrain near the Arkansas river and well-groomed walking paths, providing a fantastic opportunity for family-friendly competition and unique outdoor fun. - Horseback Riding in the Buena Vista Area
Experience the beauty of the Chalk Cliffs and panoramic views of the 14ers on horseback with a guided trail ride. Local stables such as Mt. Princeton Riding Stables and Deer Valley Ranch, both offer a variety of rides suitable children over 5 years old, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for your entire family. - Fish in Cottonwood Lake
Spend a relaxing day fishing at the serene Cottonwood Lake. With a fishing license in hand, kids can try their luck at catching rainbow trout, brown trout, and other native species. The surrounding picnic areas provide a perfect spot for a family lunch with a view. - Experience the Buena Vista River Park
Located along the Arkansas River and accessible from South Main, the Buena Vista River Park is a great way to spend time with the family and showcases much of what BV has to offer. Access the trails, enjoy a picnic on The LAWN, explore the trails, grab a bite or beverage at The Surf Hotel or Eddyline. Or, just relax and watch the kayakers, rafters, standup paddles boarders and YES, river surfers playing on the Arkansas. - Savor a Treat at Louie’s Ice Cream
After a day of exploring Buena Vista, treat your family to some delicious ice cream at Louie’s Ice Cream. This local favorite offers a variety of mouthwatering flavors, homemade waffle cones, and a cozy atmosphere that will make your visit even more enjoyable. - Visit Mini Blessings Horse Rescue
For an up-close encounter with beautiful and gentle equines, take your kids to Mini Blessings Horse Rescue. This non-profit organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses in need. Kids can learn about these magnificent animals, the importance of rescue work, and even take part in the center’s volunteer programs. - Chalk Cliff Fish Hatchery
Take a trip to the Chalk Cliff Fish Hatchery for an educational and entertaining experience. Children can learn about the hatchery’s efforts to breed and release trout into local waterways and how these efforts contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the facility, and don’t forget to bring some quarters to feed the fish! - Experience the St. Elmo Ghost Town
Travel back in time to the late 1800s with a visit to the historic St. Elmo Ghost Town. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Elmo was once a bustling mining town. Today, families can wander the well-preserved streets, explore the remaining buildings, and learn about the town’s rich history. - Climb the Rock on South Main
Take a walk to South Main to check out the beautiful homes, restaurants, retail shops and The Surf Hotel. Let the kids run around the lawn and of course climb the large boulder located right across the street from Eddyline. This climbing area offers fun environment for kids to challenge their climbing skills and meet other kids visiting from across the country. - Experience the Comanche Drive-In Theater
Chances are your kids have never experienced a drive-in theater like their parents and grandsparent have. Make movie night a memorable experience by visiting the Comanche Drive-In Theatre just a few miles from the heart of BV. This classic, family-owned drive-in offers a nostalgic atmosphere and a fantastic lineup of family-friendly films. Bring some blankets and snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars. - Soak in the Local Hot Springs
Experience the relaxing and rejuvenating power of Buena Vista’s hot springs. Take in the breath-taking views of the Chalk Cliffs at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, or check out where the locals go to relax at Cottonwood Hot Springs. Both locations offer overnight accommodations, and family-friendly pools with a range of temperatures, perfect for soaking in the natural mineral waters. These hot springs near Buena Vista provide a delightful way to unwind after a day of exploring and adventure. - Buena Vista Skatepark
Pack your skateboards and head to the Buena Vista Skate Park, situated just south of the Community Center within the River Park area. Easily accessible from both Main Street and South Main, this skate park offers an ideal spot for your children to practice their kickflips, ride the rails, or take on exciting jumps. Parents can enjoy watching their young skaters hone their skills in the picturesque surroundings of Buena Vista. - Let them ride the Pump Track
If you’re like most people vacationing in the BV area, you’ve got the rack full of bikes on the back of your Subaru or Tacoma. If your kids aren’t quite ready to hit on of the many mountain bike trails in Buena Vista the Pump Track on the way to South Main is a great option. Whether they have a mountain bike or a BMX, the cruisy track is great for little or big kids and is sure to entertain them for an hour or more. - Music on The LAWN
Nestled in the heart of Buena Vista, right in front of the charming Surf Hotel, lies the ultimate family-friendly destination: The LAWN. Situated in South Main Town Square, this verdant oasis is perfect for families with kids looking for exciting summer adventures. Known for its captivating live music, The LAWN is a favorite among both audiences and performers alike. Take in the breathtaking 360-degree Colorado landscape as you and your little ones kick off your shoes, spread out a cozy picnic blanket, and dance the night away to the beats of lively summer concerts. Music in is an experience not to be missed if you’re lucky enough to be visiting while there’s a show. - Buena Vista Boulder Garden
The BV Boulder Garden offers families an exciting introduction to climbing and bouldering in a safe, world-class park. Located within the Buena Vista River Park, this free-to-the-public bouldering area features hand-sculpted concrete structures resembling natural boulders with various climbing terrain and built-in features. The town periodically updates the boulders to offer fresh challenges for locals and visitors alike. Perfect for a family picnic or leisurely meal, the park allows you to watch climbers or let your kids explore the Boulder Garden under parental supervision. Enjoy this unique, free experience surrounded by the scenic beauty of Buena Vista. - Paddle Board or Fish on Chalk Lake
If you made it to the end of this post, here’s a little gem for you. One that many of the locals don’t know about, or just won’t tell you about. Technically in Nathrop, just a few miles down CR 162, nestled in San Isabel National Forrest, sits crystal clear Chalk Lake. Bring a paddle board and cruise around or drop your line in to try to hook one of the many rainbows you see swimming around. If you’re camping, we recommend snagging one of the spots in the nearby campgrounds.
