If you are looking for a vacation destination that provides a variety of affordable, convenient, scenic, and fun kid-friendly and family-friendly activities, check out Grand Junction, Colorado. Surrounded by over 1.5 million acres of public land and some of Colorado’s most magnificent landscapes, Grand Junction offers a perfect blend of wide-open spaces, endless outdoor adventures, and a variety of family-friendly fun. Enjoy thrilling hikes through forests, hands-on learning experiences, arts & crafts, educational history exhibits, and a picnic at a playground.
Making Learning Fun
Enjoy learning outside of the classroom with interactive experiences. From dinosaur fossils to Anasazi artifacts and bearded dragons to alpacas, there are plenty of hands-on and educational things to do with kids in Grand Junction.
Discover Dinosaurs
Dinosaur Journey Museum is part of the Museums of Western Colorado and features the most profound fossils found in the Grand Junction area. Dinosaur enthusiasts, youngsters, and even adults, love visiting this interactive museum, which includes over 15,000 actual fossils, an earthquake simulator, fossil-cast dinosaur reproductions and even animatronic dinosaurs. Add to the fun by hiking Dinosaur Hill, an interactive 0.9 mile loop where a giant plant-eating dinosaur, called the Brontosaurus was recovered in 1901, and was one of the most complete fossils found to date! Learn all about the recovery of these fossils. You can also become true explorers on the Trail Through Time and hike the interpretive 1.5 miles to see real fossils and identify which fossils belong to which dinosaur, like a true paleontologist!
Eureka! McConnell Science Museum
Science meets children’s museum at Eureka! McConnell Science Museum. Eureka! fuses the basic elements of science and mathematics with hands-on learning. Become an astronaut and land a space shuttle, hold a bearded dragon, irrigate a peach orchard, and step into the mysterious darkness of the phosphorescent geology cave - all in one visit! Let your imagination soar as learning continues while exploring at Eureka!
Museum of the West
Step back in time at the Museum of the West! Explore a thousand years of Western Colorado’s history through captivating exhibits. It’s easy to imagine your family as pioneers riding stagecoaches or pilots soaring through the skies in a 1958 Cessna from Walker Field. Marvel at ancient artifacts like an Anasazi cup and ladle, dive deeper with Ute and Fremont art displays, get a glimpse of real outlaw firearms including Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill’s guns, and even experience a one-room schoolhouse replica. The Sterling T. Smith Education Tower offers a 360° view of the surrounding landscapes, while the tower top display provides information on Downtown’s historic preservation efforts, regional archaeology and local geology.
Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works
Experience the unique activity of walking an alpaca on a leash! Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works farm, just east of Grand Junction, is more than just a peach orchard; it’s an alpaca ranch where families can take the adorable creatures on a walk around the orchard. The stroll is a unique, fun-filled experience with stunning views that little ones and parents will remember as a core memory. During the mill tour, you can learn about peach farming and see how alpaca fiber is processed. There is a retail shop on site with a variety of handmade alpaca products from socks and hats to dryer balls and custom dyed yarn. Then, everyone can enjoy ripe fruit of the season on the drive back to one of Grand Junction’s many places to stay.
Pear Blossom Farms
Take a tour to gain a unique perspective about farm culture in Grand Junction! Pear Blossom Farms dates back generations to the late 1800’s. The orchards are rich in history and the fruits of their labor have been woven into the family’s secret recipes. Take home some extra special Jalapeño Sauces in four flavors: Red, Green, Peach and Chipotle, made from peppers that won’t be too spicy for the young connoisseurs who are developing their palate. In contrast, try their Fruit Syrups over pancakes or your favorite ice cream, like the Seedless Raspberry or Wild Chokecherry with vanilla!
Outdoor Adventures in Grand Junction
Photo by: Paige Bekins
The Grand Junction area is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Miles of uncrowded hiking trails, calm water river adventures, wheelchair and stroller-friendly trails, and over 300 alpine lakes are just a few of the top kid-friendly outdoor activities in the Grand Junction area. A drive up Rim Rock Drive through the Colorado National Monument is a must. The majestic scenery guarantees the kiddos will look away from their screens to take in the larger-than-life landscapes. Be sure to stop at the Upper Ute Canyon View, walk to the left of the "mummy" and yell "cowabunga!" We promise everyone will laugh out loud. There are dozens of pull-offs throughout the drive where it's easy to quickly jump out of the car and take a short walk to see the breathtaking overlooks.
Riverfront Trail
The Riverfront Trail is broken into sections, but every part of it is paved and wheelchair and stroller accessible. For bigger kiddos, rent 24” youth bikes from Brown Cycles located Downtown for only $60 per day or a 20” kids mountain bike from Bicycle Outfitters for only $40 per day. The Monument View Section of the trail is the longest consecutive section, spanning 8.4 miles. This trail is easy and takes about 4.5 hours to complete. Burn out their energy with this stunning pathway along the river, even passing by a playground if they are still up for it! For easier sections, the Las Colonias Section is only 1.4 miles long and passes the stunning Butterfly Pond. Meander down this trail by foot or bike and spot wildlife along the way. Prefer a birds-eye view? Zoom along the Riverfront Zip Adventures, a zipline that glides you right over the Colorado River. It’s a quick activity that won’t break the bank – only $18 for 17 years and under.
Butterfly Pond & Colorado River
Photo by: Caitlin Coulombe
At Butterfly Pond, you can rent stand-up-paddle boards, river surf boards, kayaks, body boards, inner tubes, and rafts. Butterfly Pond is a stone’s throw away from the Colorado River, so consider a family float trip down the gentle current, enjoying the scenic views and refreshing water on a warm day. Grand Junction Adventures will pick you up in their van at the end of your float. Don’t forget to wear life preservers at all times and apply lots of sunscreen. Class 3 & 4 white water rapids generally do not exist until you cross into Utah, so the Grand Junction section of the Colorado River is a gentle flow unless there is unusually high-water levels. Be sure to chat with your rental company or guide before your float to determine the status of the water level and flow.
As of April 22, 2025, The River Park at Las Colonias has a yellow flag posted, which indicates the park is now accessible for innertube use with caution. During the summer months, the River Park is a popular spot for recreation. To promote public safety, all visitors are asked to follow the River Park rules, pay attention to the flag warning system, and wear life jackets. The flags used to notify the public about hazard levels are located near the east and west ends of the River Park. A yellow flag signifies a medium hazard warning, and while innertubes are acceptable, visitors should still exercise caution using the park. A red flag indicates a high hazard warning, and only experienced river users should use the park with strong caution.
Parks Near Grand Junction
Canyon View Park is one of Grand Junction’s largest parks, with over 110 acres. It’s the perfect place for the kiddos to run around or play ball. The park is complete with family-friendly activities, including ponds, trails and a playground. Pack a picnic and sit in the shade under the gazebo while watching birds soar by. There are also basketball, football, baseball, handball, and tennis facilities. If there’s any wind, bring a kite and watch it dance high in the sky!
Classic Family Vacation Fun
Some family vacation activities never get old – although the stories parents tell about bowling memories from their own childhood might! It turns out that what was fun back in the day, is still fun in Grand Junction!
Freeway Bowl Fun Center
While the youngsters might call the giant bowling pin and neon sign “vintage” or “retro” and parents will call them “classic” or “nostalgic,” - everyone will call a night of bowling and arcades memorable at Freeway Bowl Fun Center! Just think, years from now your kids will be telling their own children the memories of bowling on their Grand Junction vacation and continuing the tradition!
Grand Junction Motor Speedway
Gear up for heart-pounding thrills! This premier racing facility offers a full range of experiences, whether you're a seasoned racer or a curious newcomer. The Grand Junction Motor Speedway caters to all ages. For little ones who don't meet the height requirement, there are awesome two-seater karts for a thrilling ride-along adventure. Experienced adult racers can push their limits on the track with high-performance Rotax TAG and DD2 karts, available after qualifying with a time under 75 seconds in the Honda rentals. Speed your way along these tracks and create unforgettable memories with the whole family.
Get Air Trampoline Park
While Grand Junction has more than 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s always a chance you may catch a rainy day or a desire to escape the heat of a sunny day. The Get Air Trampoline Park is a great place to spend inside playing dodgeball, flipping into foam pits and of course, jumping on trampolines! If you have younger kiddos, the entire park is open to kids seven years old and under and their parents every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM to noon and every Sunday from 9:30 AM to 11 AM.
Shopping for Kids in Grand Junction
Yes, shopping in Grand Junction can be enjoyable for the whole family - if you go to the right places! Here are a couple of kid-approved shops unique to Grand Junction and have items you can’t find anywhere else.
Colorado Baby
Megan, Alberto, and their seven kiddos are the family behind Colorado Baby, a boutique children’s shop focused on quality clothing and natural parenting products. From books to toys, baby gear to cloth diapering – this perfectly appointed shop is worth a stop even if you don’t have kids, it’s just that cute. Almost all of their inventory is available online as well, including new mom classes.
Hog & Hen and Candy Time Shoppe
Imagine the perfect marriage of a beautifully rustic general store, specialty bodega, local market, liquor store, and gluttonous confectionery shop with nostalgic candy like cinnamon bears and Razzle’s candy and gum. The Hog and The Hen & Candy Time Shoppe is a great place to shop for unique, local gifts and Colorado family vacation souvenirs to take home. Plus, you can also enjoy incredible, fresh sandwiches made to order in the deli – we recommend The Tom. The Hog and The Hen may be hard to describe, but it’s easy to enjoy with the whole family!
Colorado Q, Baker's Boutique and Gelato Junction
Who can say no to ice cream? Stop in at Colorado Q, Baker's Boutique and Gelato Junction for a treat rewarding the kiddos good behavior. If anyone has an appetite, mouth-watering BBQ can be the main, with pulled pork sandwiches, classic grilled cheeses and quesadillas. The special treat is the house-made ice cream and gelato or try the custom cupcakes, lemon blueberry scones, cinnamon rolls, and caramel chocolate chip cookie bars. It’s the perfect sweet pick-me-up. Grab the kids a cone and enjoy a stroll down Main Street, which is a designated park. There are over 115 sculptures, and many are meant to be climbed and crawled on by the kiddos.
Plan Ahead for Summer Activities
Summer is right around the corner, so while you can keep learning going all year with museums, add in these extra activities to cool off and get out some energy!
Grand Mesa
At higher elevation, the Grand Mesa is cooler in temperature so you can explore hundreds of hiking trails or cast a line into one of over 300 alpine lakes filled with freshwater trout. You can even pack a picnic and eat at Mesa Lakes Picnic Site, which opens in mid-June. Munch on some snacks and watch as fish jump out of the water! Due to the elevation, the sun can be intense; be sure to bring plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen. Colorado’s weather can also change rapidly, so pack accordingly with multiple layers of clothing.
Bananas Fun Park
Photo by: Chris Burns
You’re going to go bananas with all that Bananas Fun Park offers. The Aqua Play Center is 6,000 square feet of thrilling splash pad excitement, perfect for the warm summer days. Bananas Fun Park also has go-karts, bumper boats, miniature golf, laser tag, an inflatable playland, water slides, water guns and the best birthday packages anywhere. They even have a full-service restaurant at Congo Café with adult beverages, so the parents can sit back and relax! Bananas is a very clean, safe and fun environment – definitely plan to visit.
Dos Rios Splash Pad and Playground
Cool off and jump around in the Dos Rios Splash Park, which opens at the beginning of May. Younger kids can splash around while older siblings play on the Dos Rios Playground. There are no lifeguards present, so children on the splash pad must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool Complex
The Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool Complex is centrally located for Grand Junction guests. The Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Grand Junction operates this seasonal swimming amenity. Featuring a 50-meter outdoor pool, diving boards, waterslides and splash pads for even the smallest guests. Take the entire family to this pool to splash around, take a slide and plunge into the water or just relax and lounge under the sun and start your summer base tan.
If you’re looking for something a little cooler, check out some of the best places to go tubing in Colorado here.
Grand Junction guarantees your family vacation will be one for the books. For more Grand Junction family adventures, places to stay and restaurant recommendations, check out the digital version of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide or request the free magazine be mailed to you. There are no ads, so it's an enjoyable read.