YMCA of the Rockies

I doubt that few places anywhere in the world can rival YMCA of the Rockies for the sheer quantity of recreational activities available at their two vacation centers in Estes Park, Colorado. Add to that the affordable cabins, family reunion lodges, and camping accommodations, and it makes for one of the best value family vacations no matter what the age of your kids.

The Y’s two “resorts,” Snow Mountain Ranch and Estes Park Center, are about a two-hour drive apart in the Colorado Rockies. Snow Mountain is near the town of Winter Park, while Estes Park Center is adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park. They’re open winter and summer, and both offer hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking (trailers for babies available), tennis, basketball, horseshoes, swimming, river rafting, skating rinks, volleyball, ropes courses, climbing walls, crafts centers, daycamps, mini golf, art classes, and much more. The Estes Park Center also has pony rides and hayrides for little ones. Snow Mountain has childcare for kids ages 2 months-6 years (reservation required) and is the headquarters for families who want to camp. Both have all-you-can-eat buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner at rock bottom prices. Many families pack as much activity as they can into their stay, while others simply relax and enjoy back-to-nature family togetherness in a spectacular setting.

Although you don’t need to be a member of the YMCA of the Rockies to stay at either facility, if you join, you’ll get first dibs on dates and cabins when the office begins taking reservations. (There is sometimes a two-year wait list.) Most of the recreational activities are complimentary, while others, such as river rafting and horseback riding, have an extra fee.