Rafting photo credit jackalope-west on Unsplash

Local’s Guide to Boulder, Colorado’s Top Family-Friendly Tours

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Boulder, Colorado, nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is a haven for families seeking adventure, education, and fun. With its stunning natural landscapes and a community rich in cultural offerings, Boulder provides a variety of tours that cater to all ages. Whether you visit Boulder for one day or for a longer trip, there are a wide variety of highly rated tours to explore the area. Here is our local’s guide to some of the top family-friendly tours in and around Boulder, Colorado, that you won’t want to miss.

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Boulder Family Friendly Tours Highlights

1. Discover Rocky Mountain National Park – Picnic Lunch Included

Rocky Mountain National Park Moose at Sheep Lake
Rocky Mountain National Park Moose at Sheep Lake

Just a short drive from Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park offers breathtaking beauty and wildlife. The “Discover Rocky Mountain National Park – Picnic Lunch Included” tour on Viator is the top rated tour in Boulder and not to be missed. This tour includes pickup in either Denver or Boulder, a stop for coffee in Lyons, multiple stops within Rocky Mountain National Park, and a picnic lunch (assuming good weather). You’ll have a chance to see wildlife, beautiful views, and to learn more about the park itself.

Tour details

2024 CostFrom US$159
DurationAbout 8 hours
Pickup and transportation Included?Yes, upscale transportation from 2 locations, 1 Denver & 1 Boulder
Language(s)English
Age restrictionsNo children under 8 years old
Food & drinks included?Water refills are included (bring your own water bottle)
Picnic lunch included

Near Dream Lake in early June RMNP
Near Dream Lake in early June RMNP

2. Celestial Seasonings Tour

Celestial Seasonings Colorado
Celestial Seasonings Colorado

Dive into the aromatic world of tea with a tour of the Celestial Seasonings tea factory just north of Boulder. This tour offers a glimpse into how teas and herbal infusions from around the world are blended and packaged. The highlight for many is the famous Mint Room, where the powerful scents of peppermint and spearmint offer a thrilling sensory experience. Either before or after your tour, don’t forget to sample some of the 100+ varieties of tea!

Visit the gift shop before leaving to purchase boxes of tea to bring home as a souvenir.

Tour details

2024 CostUS$5
Duration / Schedule45 minutes, scheduled on the hour during business hours (no reservations needed).
Pickup and transportation Included?No
Language(s)English
Age restrictionsNo children under 5 years old on the tour. Children under 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Food & drinks included?Free tea samples of 100 varieties of tea. There is a café to enjoy a lunch before or after your tour (this is an extra cost).
Other tour notes:– Walkers and wheelchairs are welcome;
– No photography or videography on the tour;
– Hairnets and beard nets are required to be worn;
– Service animals are not allowed on the tour

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3. Ride Boulder’s Best Guided E-Bike Tour

Wonderland Lake Boulder in Fall, photo credit Visit Boulder, The Convention and Visitors Bureau
Wonderland Lake Boulder in Fall, photo credit Visit Boulder, The Convention and Visitors Bureau

Explore the beauty of Boulder with ease on Boulder’s top rated e-bike tour. The tour takes you past the Pearl Street pedestrian mall, University of Colorado’s Boulder campus, Wonderland Lake, Boulder Creek the Boulder Flatirons, electric bikes provide a boost, making it easy to navigate the city’s bike-friendly trails and paths. The tour offers a fantastic way to see Boulder’s top sights while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Electric bike, helmet, and bottled water are included.

Tour details

2024 CostFrom US$100
Duration 2-3 hours
Pickup and transportation Included?No (the meeting point is close to public transportation)
Language(s)English
Age restrictions2 children, 12 and under can ride with adults
Weight restrictionsMaximum. weight limit of 350 lbs
Food & drinks included?Bottled water provided, no other food & drink
Other tour notes:The tour is not wheelchair accessible

4. Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek

Rafting photo credit jackalope-west on Unsplash
Whitewater Rafting

Gear up for excitement with a family rafting trip, available through Viator. Tailored to all skill levels, these rafting tours glide through mild to moderate rapids. It’s an exhilarating way to bond as a family and cool off during the warmer months. Free use of wetsuits, splash jackets, helmets, paddles, and personal flotation devices Note that this tour goes from Empire, so does require a roughly 1 hour drive.

Tour details

2024 CostFrom $105
Duration / Schedule3 hours
Pickup and transportation Included?No
Language(s)English
Age restrictionsChildren are able to join in on this tour
Food & drinks included?No
Other tour notes:The tour is not wheelchair accessible. However, they may be able to make arrangements for many with mobility challenges. Contact the tour company directly to discuss options.

Other options are available for intermediate and advanced rafting tours. Check Viator here for availability!

5. Scenic Mountain Photoshoot in Boulder, Colorado

Irises with a view over the Flatirons in Boulder
Irises with a view over the Flatirons in Boulder

Capture your family moments with a scenic photoshoot in the Rocky Mountains. Professional photographers can guide you to picturesque locations around Boulder for that perfect family portrait with a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s not only a fun outing but also a great way to keep your vacation memories alive.

Tour details

2024 CostFrom US$100 per group. Each group receives a $50 digital image credit
Duration 1 hour
Pickup and transportation Included?No, photo shoot locations vary. Drive or take an Uber to the trail sites if not on public transportation.
Language(s)English
Age restrictionsNo
Food & drinks included?No
Other tour notes:The trails are not wheelchair accessible.

6. Boulder Dash Scavenger Hunt

Pearl Street Mall in Fall, photo credit Visit Boulder
Pearl Street Mall in Fall, photo credit Visit Boulder

Engage in some friendly competition with the Boulder Dash Scavenger Hunt. This city-wide scavenger hunt takes you through the vibrant streets of Boulder, solving puzzles and challenges along the way. It’s a creative way to discover the city’s hidden gems while spending quality family time.

The game uses your smartphone, and participants interact with a live remote guide. This is a great way to explore Boulder and learn more about this great town!

Tour details

2024 CostFrom $22
Duration / Schedule2 hours
Pickup and transportation Included?No
Language(s)English
Age restrictionsNone
Food & drinks included?No

7. Colorado Railbike Adventures (Erie)

Railbiking in Erie Colorado
Railbiking in Erie Colorado

Experience the Colorado landscapes in a unique way with the Colorado Railbike tour. Situated a short drive from Boulder, this tour allows you and your family to pedal custom-built railbikes along historic railroad tracks. Enjoy the scenic views of the Front Range and plains without the worry of steep hills, making it perfect for all ages.

A typical tour includes instructions for all riders followed by a gentle ride to the turnaround spot. As the staff turns the bikes around, enjoy a break and learn about the history of the railways in the area. Bike slightly uphill back to the station after your break. Though it was uphill, this was not very challenging.

Tour details

2024 CostUS$160 per railbike (fits 4 people)
Duration / Schedule2 hours (see website for times)
Pickup and transportation Included?No
Language(s)English
Age restrictionsNo age restrictions. There is an option (for $180) to rent a rail bike with an additional spot for one non-pedaling rider under 48 inches tall.
Weight restrictionsEach rider must be less than 300 lbs.
Food & drinks included?No
Other tour notes:There are lawn games at the depot to play before or after your ride.

Railbikes in Erie, Colorado
Railbikes in Erie, Colorado

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8. Snowshoeing in the Rocky Mountains

Snowshoeing Brainard Lake west of Boulder, photo credit Shannon Dizmang on Flickr
Snowshoeing Brainard Lake west of Boulder, photo credit Shannon Dizmang on Flickr

Embrace the winter wonderland of Colorado with a small group 4-mile snowshoe tour in the Rocky Mountains. This family-friendly activity is perfect for those looking to explore the serene, snow-covered landscapes in a fun and engaging way. Depending on trail conditions, participants may snowshoe or use micro spikes.

Options are driving to a mountain lake approximately an hour and a half past Nederland (west of Boulder). There, the group will visit either a ranch or alpine lake. Alternatively, do a 3.5 mile hike around a bison preserve closer to Denver/Boulder.

Tour details

2024 CostUS$145 per person (max 6 people)
Duration / Schedule6 hours
Pickup and transportation Included?Yes, if within 20 minutes of Denver
Language(s)English
Age restrictionsNo age restrictions. This is not be suitable for those over 95 years of age; those who are pregnant, or have pre-existing medical conditions.
Food & drinks included?Yes, lunch (sandwich, chips, snacks) and water
Other tour notes:Snowshoes or micro spikes, hiking poles, and gators (keeping snow out of your boots) are included. Other warm clothing is not included.

Boulder, Colorado, offers these and many other family-friendly activities to ensure that your vacation is filled with excitement, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s exploring the natural beauty of the mountains or diving into the fascinating world of tea, Boulder has something to offer visitors of all ages.

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Boulder tours pin2, snowshoe photo credit Shannon Dizmang on Flickr

Travel Resources

We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.

Air TravelSkyScanner
LodgingBooking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld
Tours and ActivitiesViator.com, GetYourGuide.com
Car rentalsDiscovercars.com
Travel insuranceSquaremouth
Bike and scooter rentalsBikeBookings.com
Train ticketsTrainline, RailEurope
Bus ticketsFlixbus, Busbud
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