There are countless fun things to do in Golden, Co! For certain, the Wild Wild West is still alive and well in this Colorado college town that embraces every demographic. From a smoke and vape free downtown with fine dining and shopping to wild and fun river activities, Golden is a familial summer wonderland. Educational exploits abound as well at Golden’s plethora of museums! It’s high time to bookmark this locale and get to planning a visit.
THINGS TO DO IN GOLDEN, CO
While Colorado is one of those destinations that is on just about everyone’s bucket list, it is a place that offers incomparable beauty as well as a wide variety of activities. When we travel as a family, we typically travel for fun, adventure and education. I realize this puts us in a very unique niche, but it enables us to find some of the most unique spots during our travels.
In Golden, CO, though, there is fun, adventure, education and all the typical faves for the majority of travelers … fine dining, great shopping, interesting tours, and plenty of adventure on the river.
On our last visit through the foothills of Denver, I was particularly taken aback by the vast number of things to do In Golden, CO with our family that traverses all the ages. We had a blast and I’m happy to share our faves with you below.
ADVENTURE AND EDUCATION IN GOLDEN
Located 20 miles from downtown Denver, the city of Golden is a diamond in the rough, so to speak. A quiet, friendly city that feels more like a very small Western town. In fact, Golden, CO seems smaller in scale than the much smaller Western Slope city of Glenwood Springs! A trip to Golden CO is the perfect opportunity to unplug as a family, while not breaking the bank as there are tons of free activities in this comprehensive list of Things To Do In Golden, CO.
As a homeschooling mom, I personally love vacations that incorporate adventure and education seamlessly. I found everything here in Golden, including the ultimate riverfront real estate in which to camp. Golden Co is fun, it is lively, it is young, it is hip, and it is rife with friendly locals. A city with a small town feel, nestled in the mountains with the staple fresh air, sun and nature that is so solidly Colorado! It is the city “Where the West Lives.”
WHERE IS GOLDEN, CO?
Golden, Colorado is conveniently just 45 minutes from Denver Airport and a quick 25-minute drive from downtown Denver. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it’s a perfect destination for families looking to escape the big city! Everything from hiking and biking to kayaking and Paddleboarding to shopping and educational fun, Golden CO is a great destination for families looking for a small town feel in a city with all the amenities.
WHERE TO STAY IN GOLDEN?
CAMPING IN GOLDEN
Kids love to camp, which is why it’s at the top of my list of fun things to do In Golden, CO with the family. Clear Creek Campground has RV campsites literally on the river! At night you can drift off to sleep lulled by the sounds of the river. It is conveniently located on Clear Creek Trail, it is just a short drive, or a lovely (and educational) walk, to downtown Golden and all its restaurants, shops and mom and pop stores.
The campground itself is quiet and clean with plenty of trees to offer shade in the heat of the summer, but the breeze off the river and Colorado’s notoriously cool nights make Clear Creek a very comfortable place to stay. It’s important to note that the showers are free and hot water is seemingly endless. There is free WIFI and a laundromat, as well. For those sites on the river, it offers a park-like setting, with a starting price of $63/night.
The one drawback is that campfires are not permitted. This is a big bummer to those of us who view Smores as a mandatory camping food.
HOTELS IN GOLDEN
Of course, there are countless hotels, airbnbs, bed & breakfasts, etc in Golden as well. A quick search on Golden’s very own site should summon up all you need to know if your needs surpass the minimalist gambit of camping. Heads up, we almost stayed at the Marriott …
EDUCATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN GOLDEN CO
Ok, now that lodging is taken care of, we can get to the uber fun things to do In Golden, Co with your family.
FREE FUN AT THE COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES MUSEUM
As a homeschooling mom, finding interesting and fun geology lessons is all but impossible, but the School Of Mines Museum really delivers. My youngest son is honestly very interested in all things rocks, and he loved this museum. With extensive displays of gems, fossils and a cool walk-through a mine, kids will be captivated and their interest peaked at this FREE museum. My kids thought viewing two legit moon rocks from two Apollo missions was cool, as well as the outdoor geology trail with real fossils. The Colorado School of Mines museum is the second most visited earth science museum on an American college campus and is a definite must see on this list of things to do In Golden, CO!
CLEAR CREEK HISTORY PARK
Be sure to walk along Clear Creek, a beautifully well maintained River Walk, to Clear Creek History Park. With many of the original buildings from the Old Pearce Ranch in Golden Gate Canyon, it’s a cool foray into history and the simple way of life. Visitors can peek through the windows of several legit 1800’s cabins and see other real buildings from the Pearce Ranch like the barn, a chicken coop (with chickens) and an outhouse. A cool 1876 schoolhouse is on the property as well, which is open every day of the week and admission is … FREE, which makes this a must do of all educational things to do In Golden, CO.
AMERICAN MOUNTAINEERING MUSEUM
Finally, you must check out the American Mountaineering Museum. Dedicated to the sport and passion of mountaineering, it is the first of its kind. It is a ginormous educational museum, dedicated to gathering information about mountains and educating the masses on mountaineering history, safety, and mountain culture. The museum exhibits include climate, science, cultures and more.
To quote the City of Golden, “From the storied history of the 10th Mountain Division to the daring first ascent of Mt. Everest, learn about Mountaineering’s exciting history and meet larger-than-life figures and modern day heroes who have brought the challenge to where it is today. Jump a crevasse, hang out in a port-a-ledge and find your route up Mt. Everest!”
ADVENTUROUS RIVER THINGS TO DO IN GOLDEN CO
Clear Creek is a great place to spend the days kayaking, tubing, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, etc. It is one of the best fun and safe Things To Do In Golden CO With Family. In addition to the beauty that surrounds Golden, it is a water lovers dream. As we spend the majority of our summer months on the river, you have it on good authority that Golden Co has something for everyone, from beginner to expert, to enjoy the water.
For those that prefer to spectate rather than partake, Golden has strategically placed seating areas, great for reading, photography or simply enjoying the view.
Here are a few of the many exciting water-themed adventure activities that should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list this summer for fun Things To Do In Golden, CO.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Whitewater Rafting is a big draw for Golden CO in the summer. Nearly every outfitter specializes in rafting trips for all skill levels. Whether you are a novice and would simply prefer a river float or am expert adventurer looking for high flying extreme water, rest assured you will find what you are looking for here. Choose from half-day trips to multi-day trips.
Regardless of the type of trip you choose, whitewater rafting in Colorado is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before and you are guaranteed fun, safe and highly enjoyable time!!
KAYAK/SUP
Everywhere we go these activities are at the top of our list for fun. Have you ever wanted to try Kayaking or Stand Up Paddle (SUP)? This is the place to give it a go. Golden River Sports, a local outfitter, works exclusively with Whitewater Workshop and Colorado River School for all their Kayaking/SUP lessons. Whether you are wanting to learn the basics, like strokes, to roll in a kayak or learn to surf, give these ladies and gents a call. Be sure to tell them ALL KelloggShow sent ya!
Already an accomplished kayaker or paddle boarder? Check out the Clear Creek Whitewater Park for some boating fun, or take a quick 10-minute drive up Highway 58 and try your hand at a solid Class IV river run! Definitely water is at the top of our list for fun things to do In Golden, CO.
TUBING
Tubing on Clear Creek is a fun and refreshing activity for everyone. All you need is a swimsuit, a PFD (lifevest – that you can rent from Golden River Sports), some sunscreen and a great attitude. Lay back, relax and enjoy the company of your family!!
WHERE TO EAT IN GOLDEN?
Food, it’s the way to everyone’s heart, right? It’s also one of my favorite things to do In Golden, CO.
Getting your family outside and away from their electronics is both healthy and a great way to bond and will be a surefire way to build up an appetite where you will want to hit up Woody’s Woodfired Pizza for the ultimate feast! Just writing about Woody’s makes me hungry!
WOODY’S WOODFIRED PIZZA IN GOLDEN
My top pick is Woody’s Woodfired Pizza for the pizza and the ambiance. For the service, for the family-friendly atmosphere, yes it’s all top-notch, but it’s the incredibly amazing pizza that keeps us coming back.
Now I’d be remiss if I didn’t rave about the service. It is impeccable, our glasses are never empty our servers are always more than capable of dealing with a large group and they do so with a smile and joy – they obviously enjoy their careers.
You must also know that Woody’s is the ideal restaurant to visit after a day of adventuring or learning or even shopping. When the kids are starving and everyone’s feeling slightly cranky … Woody’s is there for ya.
First, it’s a family joint, which is why it’s made my short list of the best and most fun Things To Do In Golden CO With Family. Woody’s is so much fun!! People are talking and laughing and having a great time. There is no stress for a family that’s been out and about all day and are now hungry and exhausted. Rest assured a little whining and some tears will go completely unnoticed and unjudged. Second, there is the generously placed self-serve popcorn maker that supplies bottomless bowls of movie theater style popcorn while you wait for your pizza. Guys, that is winning in a nutshell.
Woody’s is just fun, plain and simple. Delicious fun. More than a dozen large TV’s broadcast the big game in high def, so there is no fear of missing that all-important sports event, which means your day doesn’t have to revolve around a schedule. Go here, eat their pizza and tell me if it’s not a top Things To Do In Golden, CO.
TOP PIZZA PICKS AT WOODY’S
My fave picks? Piled high with all natural Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, ham, bacon, and mozzarella cheese, the Nothin but Meat won over my kids and husband Dan’s as their absolutely favorite. My fave is the Margherita Pizza, Herbed Olive Oil, thin sliced Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, fontina, and mozzarella cheeses.
And because it’s Colorado, Woody’s is the Winner of the City of Golden Sustainable Business of the Year! Woody’s understands the importance of supporting a sustainable future, they support their local economy and their local patrons. Check out Woody’s enjoy some great food and support a business that truly makes a difference!
Golden is a Family Friendly City!
There are so many more Things To Do In Golden CO and the surrounding areas that I could ever possibly fit into one blog. Golden is a city your family will fall in love with. It’s a wonderful multi-generational locale as well. From museums to gorgeous hikes and trails to paragliding and whitewater rafting, you’re sure to have the time of your life. It’s easy to plan a vacation your family will talk about for years to come.