Glenwood Springs Vacation Bucket List: Things to Do Before You Go Back to School

Before the kids hit the books again, give them one last hurrah in Glenwood Springs. You won’t regret a final summer fling with the family before it’s back to driving carpools, packing lunches and checking parent portals. Located in the heart of town, Hotel Colorado is not only the best family-friendly place to stay, but we’re also kids at heart, too, and know just where to find fun that pleases both kids and their parents. For the ultimate sayonara to summer, check out our bucket list of activities and coinciding, value-packed book smart packages.

• Get in the Zone. Want a sure cure for the end-of-summer blues? Sopris Splash Zone at Glenwood Hot Springs Pool—a three-part, family-friendly play area with lightly heated water—offers a full-immersion remedy. Grab a tube and hold on as the fast-moving river of whitewater on Shoshone Chutes plunges you downhill and around twists and turns that will make you smile or maybe scream. Hanging Lake is another area; it features three mini water slides for younger kids and waterfalls modeled after the famous Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon. Finally, the Grand Fountain is just that, a centerpiece water feature that acts as a kid-friendly splash pad by day and a lighted fountain with changing colors by night. 
  • Book Smart: The Splash & Crash package offers savings on all-day admission to Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Hotel Colorado lodging.
• Coasters & Caves. Take fun to the limit at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The mountaintop theme park is home to thrills of all kinds. The latest one is Defiance, a gravity-defying monster roller coaster. The ride takes less than a minute, but within those few seconds, you’ll drop, rock from side to side, and roll over in full inversions. For families with little kids, 56 inches is the height requirement to ride. For more down-to-earth thrills, try laser tag, ride the mini roller coaster, watch a 4D movie, or take one of the cave tours offered at the park. The Historic Fairy Caves tour features a reflecting pond, old-time lighting and a view of Glenwood Canyon from the cave balcony known as Exclamation Point! The King’s Row tour highlights spectacular cave rooms and formations.
  • Book Smart: The Adventure Park package bundles an all-inclusive Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Funday ticket with Hotel Colorado lodging at substantial savings.
• Last Chance Rafting. Whitewater season is still going strong in August and September on the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon, but these closing weeks of summer may be your last opportunity to hop aboard. You’ll paddle rapids with names like Baptism (you’re guaranteed to get wet), Tuttle’s Tumble (hang on tight), The Wall (you’ll run right through) and Maneater (don’t worry, he’ll spit you out). The ideal trip for families is the three-hour, half-day trip offered by all of Glenwood’s rafting outfitters. After hitting the big gun rapids, your trip will gradually mellow out into a relaxed float downriver to the takeout.
  • Book Smart: Hotel Colorado guests are eligible for discounts on their adventures with Hanging Lake Co-op and Glenwood Adventure Company—just ask the front desk when you check-in! 
• Let Them Eat Ice Cream. For a summertime treat that can’t be beat no matter your age, there is nothing that hits the sweet spot quite like ice cream. In all its permutations—cones, bars, sundaes, soft-serve, splits—ice cream is a lip-licking delight. At Hotel Colorado Restaurant & Bar, order a big bowl for dessert or enjoy a scoop with a slice of cobbler. Around town, you’ll find ice cream options aplenty as well. Sundae and Chocolate Mousse, both located downtown, are hubs for ice cream aficionados. The shops feature artisanal choices with premium toppings and cones.  

Before the school routine takes over, make a dent in your summer vacation bucket list in Glenwood Springs. To get in on all the last-minute fun and adventure, make reservations to stay at Hotel Colorado today!