Keeping a group entertained in the Roaring Fork Valley usually means finding something that works for different ages at the same time. Water, rides and open space tend to lead the way, especially in a destination built around outdoor activity. That balance is reflected in this year’s Locals’ Choice contest from The Post Independent, where family-friendly spots combine accessibility with variety.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort centers its experience on large mineral pools designed for both recreation and relaxation. The facility includes a lap pool for active use and a hotter therapy pool for soaking. Additional amenities such as a lodge, spa and fitness center support longer visits. Its scale allows families to spread out while still sharing the same space.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park combines cave tours with rides and mountaintop attractions. The venue offers a mix of underground exploration and above-ground activities suited to different comfort levels. Its elevated location adds views of the surrounding valley. The setup allows families to move between educational and recreational experiences in one place.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs provides a collection of smaller soaking pools arranged along the Colorado River. Each pool varies in temperature, giving visitors options within the same setting. The layout supports a more relaxed pace compared to larger facilities. The space allows families to rotate between pools while staying in a shared environment.
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401 N River St
Glenwood Springs,
CO
81601
Since 1888, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort has been a place that locals proudly share with visitors. Home to the world’s largest Hot Springs Pool, the Resort is open year-round with no pool reservations or time limits required to enjoy the therapeutic waters. Every overnight guest receives pool access, whether staying at the family-friendly Lodge or the more intimate Hotel 1888. The Resort is a trusted favorite for staycations, out-of-town guests, and everyday adventure paired with relaxation.
51000 Two Rivers Plaza Rd
Glenwood Springs,
CO
81601
America's only mountaintop amusement park!
A mountain is ideal for many things – hiking, skiing, hang gliding, but it’s not the most logical location for a theme park. Yet, situated 7, 100 feet above sea level in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is America’s only mountaintop theme park. How exactly did Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park end up there?
Well, follow the path of curiosity long enough, as Steve and Jeanne Beckley did and you might find yourself in some interesting and unexpected places. What started out as a spelunking hobby in college became a quest to explore the private and nearly forgotten...
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281 Centennial St
Glenwood Springs,
CO
81601
The perfect Colorado hot springs experience is waiting for you! Different in size, shape, and temperature, try all 16 geothermal pools at Iron Mountain Hot Springs to determine your favorite. When you’re ready to cool off or want to splash around with the kids, take a refreshing break in our freshwater family pool. It’s a guest favorite and offers a respite from the higher-temperature geothermal pools. An attached and elevated jetted spa gives parents a convenient perch to keep an eye on their children.