Fairytale Winter Escape

A group of people riding bikes in the snow.

Once the snow blankets our rugged mountains, Grand County looks straight out of a fairy tale — which is why it's the perfect time to bring your child here for a winter getaway. Need some inspiration for your trip? Here's our plan for the perfect fairytale winter escape in Grand County for you and your child. 

Friday Night

Make your base for the weekend Winter Park, just 67 miles from Denver, or set up camp in Granby, where you'll be close to everything the county has to offer. After you settle into your hotel, have dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant like Hernando's Pizza Pub in Winter Park or the Granby Ranch Grill in Granby and then get ready for your big weekend.

Saturday Morning

Start Saturday morning with breakfast crêpes or Belgian waffles at Goodys Mountain Cafe & Crêperie in Winter Park or blueberry pancakes at Midtown Café in Granby. Then go to Snow Mountain Ranch - YMCA of the Rockies for a magical sleigh ride. Along the way, your horse-drawn sleigh will stop by a campfire, where your family can roast marshmallows and savor a cup of hot chocolate. Afterwards, head inside for a crafting class or continue the outdoor fun on the ranch's tubing hill.

Saturday Afternoon

Saturday afternoon is all about being pampered. Start with a relaxing lunch at Rapids Lodge and Restaurant in Grand Lake and then head to Strands Salon in Kremmling for some mommy-daughter nail art and a princess hairstyle for your daughter. Then stop by Taste of the Rockies in Hot Sulphur Springs for some classic homemade candy.

Saturday Evening

On Saturday evening, it's time for a movie and dinner at The Foundry Cinema & Bowl in Fraser, where you can munch on wood-fired pizza from the comfort of stadium-style seating while you watch a family-friendly film on the big screen. Or check out our calendar of Grand County events and see what's happening— there's a good chance there's something special going on that you and your daughter will enjoy.

Sunday Morning

After a leisurely Sunday brunch, get ready to glide across the ice at the skating rink at Cooper Creek Square in Winter Park. Skate rentals are available from Christy Sports, adjacent to the rink, and there's also a fire pit where you can warm your fingers and toes and roast marshmallows. For a cup of hot cocoa, check out Mountain Grind — and don't forget to stop at Imaginations, Cooper Creek's excellent toy store.

Sunday Afternoon

After lunch, grab your bathing suits and head to the Grand Park Community Recreation Center in Fraser. The rec center boasts an indoor pool, a lazy river, an aquatic feature and a water slide, as well as a whirlpool spa, sauna and steam room, so the whole family is sure to be happy.

Sunday Evening

Before the weekend is over, make sure to do some shopping. And if you haven't done it yet, don't forget to make some snow angels — the perfect ending to your fairy tale escape.