Hiking with little kids near Denver can be quite the undertaking! There is always driving involved, and not many little kids I know love to spend an entire day in the car! I’ve compiled a list of great day hikes near Denver that are great for families, especially those with young kids.

Family friendly day hike in Boulder

Always a classic, Chautauqua Park is an amazing hike with beautiful views of the iconic Boulder Flatirons. You can get a little crazy and hike one of the Flatirons (not recommended for little ones, I’ve tried) but if you stay on the lower trail, there is a lot of fun to be had for kids! There is so much to offer here, fields to play in, nature to interact with, and even restrooms. Chautauqua park even has a playground! After your hike, you can take a quick drive into downtown Boulder and enjoy the sights, sounds, and amazing food on Pearl Street. If you’re looking for a close hike near Boulder for your family, you can’t go wrong with Chautauqua Park. I often take family photographs near Chautauqua Park, so you can see some of the amazing views they offer here and even catch a glimpse below!

An Easy Family Friendly day hike near Denver

If you’re looking for a day hike near Denver with a lake view, look no further! Elk Meadow in Evergreen is a short drive from Denver and offers a loop trail that with little ones will take about two and a half hours. There are beautiful fall colors here for Denver leaf peeping as well. As for all hikes near Denver, winter months are less ideal and can be muddy, but in the summer this trail is beautiful and offers a great space for a hike with kids near Denver. Highly recommend!

Day Hike near Denver for Red Rock Views

Are you wanting to head to South Denver? If so, Roxborough State Park and Fountain Valley Trail might be perfect for you and your family. With some pretty epic red rock formations and beautiful trails, this is a great hike not too far from Denver. Dogs aren’t allowed here, so if that is a deal breaker I would steer away from here. But this trail is beautiful and offers some great lookout views for my list of good Denver day hikes for kids!

Family Day Hike near Denver with a View

Want to find a family friendly hike in Golden? Lookout Mountain offers beautiful views of the city of Golden. For those with really little ones, Lookout Mountain can get a bit steep, so I would bring a hiking backpack for them or choose an easier option listed. However, as far as good views in Denver, Lookout Mountain is hard to beat! This might not be one of the easiest day hikes near Denver for a family, but it sure is a beautiful one!

Family Friendly Hikes at Red Rock Canyon

Want to see the iconic Red Rocks of Red Rock Canyon? Even walking around the parking lot can give you some wonderful views, and if there isn’t a concert that day at Red Rocks, you can walk up and down the stairs yourself in the stadium (and boy, will your kids enjoy that!). Red Rocks is even a great place for a snowy hike, as many of the areas around are paved! Just look to see the beauty of it in the snow! I often take family photos at Red Rocks, and love how accessible for small kids!

Denver has a lot to offer as far as family friendly day hikes go! If you’re bringing your pup along, remember to always check to make sure your hike is dog friendly, as these rules can change from time to time. Interested in having your family photos taken in Denver? I have so many wonderful locations to choose from, you can reach out to me here!