Top Budget-Friendly Activities in Grand County

Two men walking down a trail with trees in the background.

Complete with hundreds of thousands of wild acres to explore, almost limitless outdoor recreation, and unbeatable mid-week specials and packages to boot, Grand County is the perfect place to spend a family vacation. But did you know that we have even more ways to save a few pennies, making it easier than ever to get away? Here are our favorite ways to explore, relax, and play without breaking the bank:

1. Visit our State & National Parks

Not only does Grand County offer the quiet, Western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, but it also offers easy access to several peaceful state parks and local wilderness areas and trials. Hike, boat, camp, bike or sightsee for budget-friendly and fun-filled days!

Don't Miss: Geocaching across the Continental Divide on one of our most famous scenic trails!

Entry: A timed-entry permit is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 24 to mid-October. A fee or park pass is also required.

2. Learn Something New

Grand County has an incredibly rich history. From pioneers and early settlers to our Colorado River headwaters, Grand County tells plenty of unique and interesting stories that begin here.

Explore some of our local museums or heritage areas including Cozen's Ranch Museum & Stage Shop, the Emily Warner Field Aviation Museum, the Kauffman House Museum, Kremmling Heritage Park, or Pioneer Village Museum

Fees: Fees vary by museum:

  • Cozen's Ranch Museum: Tickets start at $5, and children 5 and under are free. Learn More.
  • Emily Warner Field Aviation Museum: Free admission.
  • Kauffman House Museum: Tickets start at $5, and children 12 and under are free. Learn More.
  • Kremmling Heritage Park: Tickets start at $5, and children 5 and under are free. Learn More.
  • Pioneer Village Museum: Tickets start at $5, and children 5 and under are free. Learn More.

 3. See Every Scenic Corner

One of the best ways to explore the area, regardless of budget, is to go for a few scenic drives. You will love the serenity of the quiet mountain roads, and the kids will love spotting wildlife and snapping photos of the views. From the popular Trail Ridge Road to the lengthy Colorado River Headwaters Scenic and Historic Byway, Grand County has all the mountain, lake, river, and town views you could ever want. 

Don't Miss: If you're visiting in the fall, the drive through Corona/Rollins Pass is a must-see. You'll be amazed at all the colors the trees turn, and there will be plenty of wildlife to marvel at during the season, too!

Fees: Since Trail Ridge Road is in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will have to pay the daily automobile or motorcycle fee, starting at $15. Learn More

Play

1. Get on the Trail

Hiking and biking are two visitor- and local-favorite activities in the Rocky Mountains. Luckily, Grand County encompasses both "Mountain Bike Capital, USA™" and hundreds of miles of public hiking trails to explore. Whether you prefer wildflower hikes or popular biking trails, Grand County has it all. 

Don't Miss: If you like biking, don't miss Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park Resort or Bike Granby Ranch. "Extensive" doesn't even begin to describe our bike parks. 

Fees: Fees vary depending on what you decide to do. If you hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, park entry fees start at $10. If you need to rent a mountain bike or want to visit a bike park, fees vary by outfitter and location. Review our options here.

2. Enjoy our Waterways

Grand County has so much recreational water, it would be difficult to explore it all in one trip. However, exploring a lake on a stand-up paddleboard is a great place to start! If you're looking to stay a little drier, but still want to take advantage of our waterways, fishing is the perfect activity. Try lake fishing or fly fishing throughout the county!

Don't Miss: Grand Lake is Colorado's largest natural lake. Even if you don't get on the water, enjoy its beach in the summertime for a wonderful, family-friendly (and free!) afternoon.

Fees: Paddleboard rentals start at $25 for an hour. Fishing rates vary depending on if you need to rent your own equipment, if you'd like a guide, or if you're planning to go it alone with your own equipment. Fishermen over the age of 16 need a fishing license, which starts at $9 for a one-day license. Learn More.

3. Spend the Day at a Family-Friendly Resort

Find endless family-friendly fun at a local resort like Winter Park Resort or Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies. Explore a human maze, slide down an alpine slide, go zip lining, or try a new trend: summer tubing! Whichever you choose, you won't be disappointed!

Don't Miss: Winter Park Resort is home to Colorado's longest alpine slide. Don't forget to stop by to try it out!

Fees: Our local resorts' activity fees vary. For Winter Park's alpine slide, tickets start at $6. A day pass to Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies starts at $10, and it's free for children under the age of 5. Some activity costs are extra, while others are included in the day rate. Learn More

Relax

1. Catch a Show

On top of two live performance groups, Grand County also has a one-stop-shop for shows and entertainment: The Foundry. Catch a movie, grab some dinner, and go bowling, all in one place!

Don't Miss: Grand County offers several live music performances that are often absolutely free! Check our events calendar for upcoming live music events or other family-friendly festivals or events around the area.

Fees: Live performance fees will vary based on the group and show. Call 970-363-7161 for up-to-date information on movie and bowling prices at the Foundry.

2. Enjoy Our Rec Centers

Let our local recreation centers fill a day of fun for you! From rock walls to ice rinks, pools to youth classes, there's plenty of enjoyment to be had. 

Don't Miss: For the ultimate relaxation and an afternoon of fun for the whole family, don't miss the indoor lazy river at Grand Park Community Recreation Center.