YMCA of the Rockies: Activity Capital of Colorado!

Concessionaires

See, told you!

Most of the activities are included in your lodging cost (an Estes Park lodge room starts at $109, two-bedroom cabin $129 and 3-bedroom vacation homes start at $334).  The rooms are rustic and clean, though we stayed at the Longs Peak Lodge, which had been recently renovated to include granite countertops in the bathrooms. If you’re not staying at YMCA of the Rockies, you can buy an all-day activity pass for $15.

Hands down, our latest visit to YMCA of the Rockies was the most fun we’ve ever had because the kids are finally old enough to participate in the numerous programs. Shortly after arriving, we headed over to the Sweet Memorial Building to sign up for a few of the many programs (most of which are free). Choices included Animal Detective, Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!, Aquatic Exploration, Bubbles, Capture the Flag, Family High Ropes, History Walk, Kickball, Knots, Scavenger Hunt and so many more.

We opted for Nature Art (the kiddos made natural kaleidoscopes and rock necklaces), wiffleball and Family Adventure, a series of bonding activities with other families as we attempted to rescue ourselves from being stranded in Hawaii.

Though I kept wondering if that was really a bad thing?

When I signed up for the activities I put down all our names, assuming I needed to be there. With the exception of Family Adventure, most of the activities were for kids-only. And then I realized the glorious truth: I had an entire hour of freedom each time.

And so this Mama chose to do a quick (but steep) trek up Bible Point, a 1.5-mile round-trip hike with stunning views.

YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park

Overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park

The kids also had a stellar time just kicking back at the playground.

The tire swing of death

And we were delighted to stumble upon a cossetted playground where a heated game of tetherball ensued.

This is my favorite picture I took of the trip, which perfectly captured our many moments of sheer joy.

So does this one of Bode’s dirty little legs, evidence of a well-played kid.

And we can’t forget our beloved new friends as we sang along with Cowboy Brad’s fireside program.

Bode & Ollie

Swayin’ to the music.

And bringing down the house to the Hokey Pokey

And THAT, my friends, is what it’s all about.

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Other details of our stay:

Colorado’s Most Family-friendly Vacation



Hadley’s Utopia (the craft center) and the Incredible Hulk



Colorado’s most affordable family vacation (at Mile High Mamas)