Family Fun At YMCA Of The Rockies

YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park, CO

As Colorado natives, my hubby and I have spent quite a bit of time exploring our beautiful state and have shared our love for the town of Estes Park before. It’s always neat when we explore a new destination and even neater when it’s a place that we were completely unaware of. How this adorable, sprawling Colorado vacation destination escaped our radar is unknown, but now knowing the history and family fun it offers, the YMCA of the Rockies will definitely be a place we visit for years to come.

We were given a stay at the YMCA of the Rockies in exchange for media coverage and review. Please see my disclosures page for more information.

Family Fun & Activities

I’m not sure the kids were able to narrow down their favorite activity as there really is so much to do. Our quick weekend getaway was packed full of activities and yet, there was so much that we didn’t have time for.

The Boone Family Mountain Center

One of their highlights was definitely the towering, indoor climbing wall in the Boone Family Mountain Center. They climbed their way to the top of nearly every course and spent a little time on the smaller, bouldering wall. The employees were amazing! They not only took the time to make them feel safe and calm, but also offered tips of where to place their hands or feet and were extremely supportive and encouraging.

Make sure that you call ahead, or visit the upstairs information desk to make your reservation for your climbing time. Currently, the price is $10/climber for about an hour worth of climb time. The Boone Family Mountain Center is also home to information about local hiking trails, bike rentals and fly fishing.

Mootz Family Craft & Design Center

I’m all about crafting and at YMCA of the Rockies, there is a whole building dedicated to making things! They have tie-dye, painting wood and ceramics, making mosaic items and more. The kiddos and I spent an hour or so there creating fun souvenirs to bring home and remember our visit.

Murphy’s Dog Park

It wouldn’t be family time without our four-legged friends and not only do they have pet-friendly accommodations available, but they also have a brand new dog park! Our pup, Sadie, loved running around, checking out the obstacles and getting a drink with her people from the pup-friendly water fountain.

More Family Fun

We also took a dip in the huge, indoor swimming pool, and played lawn games. Surrounded by the gorgeous mountains and fresh, Colorado air, you’ll find basketball, gaga ball, giant chess and checkers, volleyball, miniature golf and a playground.

Meals & Lodging

Lodging

We stayed in a 3-bedroom vacation home, nestled into the mountainside. It was dark when we arrived, but in the morning we woke up to an incredible view of the valley below from our huge wrap around deck nested about 50-ft up in the trees! There are various sized vacation homes, cabins and even lodge rooms available no matter your party size and like I mentioned before, some are even pet-friendly! The vacation home also offered a full kitchen, so you can bring and prepare meals if you’d like.

Meals

Speaking of meals, there is a buffet available during breakfast, lunch and dinner or there is a quick-service/coffee bar location. Neither offer exceptional food, more like school cafeteria quality, but after a long day exploring it was nice to sit down to a warm meal. You’ll also find a general store with basic items.

Overall

Wow! I cannot believe that we didn’t know about this Rocky Mountain gem, we absolutely loved it. Not only is there SO much to do, but the history of the YMCA of the Rockies is incredible. I could spend hours walking the halls looking through the old photos of families, youth groups, school groups and more visiting over the last century.

Our vacation home came with an amazing welcome letter from the family that donated it talking about their own history and inspiring family vacations. I love that YMCA of the Rockies is a great place to take my kiddos now, knowing that it’s so rich in memories from those that have had their own wonderful family vacations there before. We will definitely be back.