Memorial Day Weekend in Colorado: The Best Family Activities Near Denver (And One Adventure You’ll Never Forget)
Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer in Colorado. Families across Denver are looking for ways to get outside, unplug from screens, and create real memories together before the busy summer season kicks in.
If you’re searching for the best Memorial Day activities near Denver, there’s one thing Colorado does better than almost anywhere else: outdoor adventure.
From mountain towns and scenic drives to hiking, hot springs, and whitewater rafting, Memorial Day is the perfect time to experience the Rockies with your family.
And if you want an activity that combines excitement, incredible scenery, and a truly unforgettable experience, whitewater rafting should be at the top of your list.
Why Memorial Day Weekend Is Perfect for Family Adventures in Colorado
Late May is one of the best times to explore Colorado outdoors:
Snow is melting in the mountains, creating exciting rafting conditions
Temperatures are warm during the day and cool at night
Wildflowers begin blooming across the foothills
Summer crowds haven’t fully arrived yet
Most mountain towns are fully open for the season
For families near Denver, Memorial Day is the ideal opportunity for a quick mountain escape without needing a long vacation.
Top Memorial Day Activities for Families Near Denver
1. Go Whitewater Rafting in the Rockies
If your family wants more than just another BBQ or crowded park, rafting is the adventure everyone will remember long after the weekend ends.
Family-friendly rafting trips near Denver offer:
Safe beginner-friendly rapids
Incredible mountain scenery
Wildlife sightings
Professional guides
Fun for kids, teens, and adults
Many families are surprised how accessible rafting is — even for first-timers.
Depending on the river and water level, kids as young as 5–7 years old can often participate on beginner sections.
Why Families Love Rafting for Memorial Day
Rafting is one of the few activities that:
Gets everyone off their phones
Works for multiple age groups
Feels adventurous without requiring experience
Creates genuine shared memories
Gives you a full Colorado experience in a single day
It’s also one of the best ways to cool off as temperatures start rising near Denver.
Best Rafting Trips Near Denver for Memorial Day Weekend
Beginner & Family-Friendly Rafting Trips
These are perfect for:
Families with younger kids
First-time rafters
Multi-generational groups
Visitors to Colorado
Expect:
Mild to moderate rapids
Calm scenic sections
Splashy fun without intense whitewater
Plenty of photo opportunities
Click here to book the best family rafting trip today!
Half-Day Rafting Trips
A half-day rafting adventure is ideal for Memorial Day schedules because you can still:
Explore mountain towns afterward
Grab lunch or dinner nearby
Visit breweries or ice cream shops
Spend the evening back in Denver
Many Denver families choose half-day rafting trips because they offer the perfect balance of adventure and convenience.
Full-Day Adventure Packages
For families wanting a bigger Memorial Day experience, full-day rafting trips often include:
Longer stretches of river
More rapids
Riverside lunch
More time in the mountains
Better overall value
These trips are especially popular for families with teens and adventurous adults.
Other Great Family Activities Near Denver for Memorial Day
Hiking in the Foothills
Popular family hiking areas include:
Golden
Boulder
Evergreen
Idaho Springs
Rocky Mountain National Park
Morning hikes pair perfectly with afternoon rafting trips.
Scenic Mountain Drives
Families looking for a slower pace can enjoy:
Trail Ridge Road
Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway
Guanella Pass
Peak to Peak Highway
Late May offers incredible mountain views while avoiding peak summer traffic.
Hot Springs Getaways
After a day outdoors, many families head to nearby hot springs towns for relaxation.
Great options include:
Glenwood Springs
Buena Vista
Idaho Springs
Why Memorial Day Rafting Trips Book Up Early
Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest kickoff weekends for rafting season in Colorado.
The best trip times — especially morning family-friendly departures — often sell out weeks in advance because:
Water conditions are excellent
Weather is ideal
Families travel for the long weekend
Availability is limited
Booking early helps ensure:
Better departure times
Spots together for larger families
More trip options
Better pricing availability
What to Bring for a Memorial Day Rafting Trip
Most rafting companies provide:
Helmets
Life jackets
Paddles
Safety instruction
Quick-dry clothing
Water shoes or secure sandals
Sunscreen
Sunglasses with a strap
Change of clothes
Waterproof phone case
Colorado weather can change quickly in the mountains, so layering is always recommended.
Make This Memorial Day One Your Family Actually Remembers
The best family weekends aren’t usually the ones spent sitting around the house.
They’re the ones where:
Kids try something new
Parents get to relax and have fun too
Everyone laughs together
You come home with stories worth telling
Whitewater rafting gives families a chance to experience Colorado the way it was meant to be experienced — outdoors, together, and surrounded by the Rockies.
Reserve Your Memorial Day Rafting Trip Before Spots Fill Up
Memorial Day is one of the most popular weekends of the year for rafting near Denver, and prime launch times can fill quickly.
If you’re planning a family getaway, now is the best time to reserve your rafting adventure and lock in your preferred trip time.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic beginner float or a more exciting whitewater experience, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to start summer with an unforgettable Colorado adventure.
