15 Fun & Cheap Things to Do in Colorado This Winter

Winter in Colorado is magical, but when the cold weather keeps you indoors too long, cabin fever can hit hard! If you’re looking for fun ways to get out of the house, here’s a list of great family-friendly activities, including both free and budget-friendly options.

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Outdoor Adventures

1. Sledding & Tubing Hills (Free – $$)
   • Colorado is packed with great sledding and tubing hills! Some top spots include:
     • Ruby Hill Park (Denver) – Free
     • Sledding Hill Park (Littleton) – Free
     • Frisco Adventure Park (Frisco) – Paid, but includes a lift
     • Echo Mountain Tubing Hill (Idaho Springs) – Features a conveyor belt to bring you back up the hill, with stunning mountain views! ($)
2. Ice Skating (Free – $$)
   • Several outdoor rinks around the state offer free skating or affordable rentals:
     • Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park – Free entry, $11 skate rental
     • Evergreen Lake – $15/adult, $7/kids skate rental
     • Winter Park Village Ice Rink – Free with your own skates
3. Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing (Free)
   • Enjoy breathtaking winter scenery on easy family-friendly hikes:
     • Lair o’ the Bear Park (Morrison)
     • South Valley Park (Littleton)
     • Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge (Denver – great for spotting bison!)
4. Escape the Crowds at Rocky Mountain National Park (Free – $)
   • Winter is the perfect time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park without the usual summer crowds. Enjoy peaceful hikes, stunning snowy landscapes, and wildlife spotting without the traffic.
5. Visit a Hot Springs ($$)
   • Warm up in one of Colorado’s famous hot springs!
     • Indian Hot Springs (Idaho Springs) – Family-friendly geothermal pool
     • Iron Mountain Hot Springs (Glenwood Springs) – Kid-friendly soaking tubs
     • Old Town Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs) – Includes a water slide!
6. Winter Festivals to Check Out (Free – $$)
   • Many Colorado towns keep the winter fun going with exciting seasonal festivals:
     • Cripple Creek Ice Festival (Feb 15–23, 2025) – Watch artists carve intricate ice sculptures and explore interactive ice displays!
     • WinterWonderGrass Festival (Feb 28 – March 2, 2025) – A family-friendly bluegrass music festival in Steamboat Springs featuring live performances and craft beer tastings.

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Indoor Escapes

7. Library Storytime & Events (Free)
   • Local libraries offer free storytimes and activities:
     • Bemis Library (Littleton)
     • Jefferson County Libraries
     • Douglas County Libraries
8. Denver Museum Free Days (Free)
   • Many museums offer free admission days, including:
     • Denver Museum of Nature & Science
     • Denver Art Museum
     • Clyfford Still Museum
9. Indoor Golf Simulators – The Divot & More ($$)
   • Keep your swing sharp this winter with high-tech indoor golf simulators:
     • The Divot (Littleton) – Private bays, leagues, and coaching
     • XGolf (Lone Tree & Broomfield)
     • Optimum Golf (Denver)
10. Indoor Swimming Pools & Rec Centers ($)

• Local rec centers with fun indoor pools:
  • The Ridge Rec Center (Littleton)
  • Apex Center (Arvada – has a lazy river!)
  • Old Town Hot Springs (Steamboat)

11. Trampoline Parks & Indoor Play Centers ($$)

• Need to burn energy? Try:
  • Urban Air Adventure Park (South Denver)
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park (Thornton)
  • Little Monkey Bizness (Parker – for younger kids)

12. Explore a Bookstore or Board Game Café (Free – $)

• Second Star to the Right (Denver) – Magical kids’ bookstore
• Enchanted Grounds (Littleton) – Coffee shop & board game store

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Creative & Cozy At-Home Fun

13. Build a DIY Hot Cocoa Bar (Cheap & Fun)

• Set up toppings like marshmallows, peppermint, and whipped cream.

14. Have a Family Movie Marathon (Free – $)

• Try a winter theme like Frozen or Happy Feet.

15. Make Snow Ice Cream (Free!)

• All you need is fresh snow, vanilla extract, and condensed milk.

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Winter in Colorado doesn’t have to be spent indoors waiting for warmer weather. Whether you want to hit the slopes, explore the city, or stay cozy at home, there are plenty of ways to beat cabin fever and make family memories.

📌 What’s your favorite winter activity? Comment below and share!