CHALLENGE: Family Vacation with one son, one daughter(and a husband). One is in high school, the other in elementary. How do you create connection between siblings while giving them their own space? Visit YMCA of the Rockies!
I'm just now getting it through my head that my family doesn't have to love all the same activities to have a good vacation. Fortunately for me, I found plenty of choices right up the "hill" in Estes Park. Driving up my husband commented how nice it was not to have to sit in traffic to get there, and after this last year we were all ready to get away and play.
We booked a 3 bedroom cabin for the 4 of us. They do have larger cabins if you're bringing friends or extended family. I love that they also offer Lodge rooms for more of a "hotel" feel. We wanted to hang out and relax a bit too, so the cabin worked out well for us.
You'll definitely want to book ahead for the activities you're most interested in. We signed up for a guided hike and AXE Throwing!! Some of the other activities that you have to book ahead are; Archery, Roller Skating, Escape Room, Mini-Golf, Bike Rentals, Horseback Riding, Outdoor Climbing Wall and MORE!
The last time we came up here we ran out of time and didn't get to experience the amazing Craft & Design Center. If you like art, this place will blow you away! Since we knew we only had a few days we decided to divide and conquer. My husband took my son on the Guided Hike, while my daughter and I visited the art center and she had plenty of time to get a swim in.
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We had a fun, full day and it was so nice to have a cozy cabin to retreat to. Instead of everyone heading to their rooms to disappear into their tech we sat down and played Clue. It was relaxing and just amazing to spend quality time together. The YMCA of the Rockies provides the space to create the family trip that works for you. We didn't overbook ourselves, but you may enjoy getting it all in! We took time after eating breakfast at the Aspen Dining Room to read (my husband read an entire book!), and allowed some time for the kids to use a little of their tech before heading off to our next adventure...
Axe Throwing! Just so you know, it's not as easy as it looks, but we enjoyed it and I would definitely do it again. In between more swimming, a tour of the onsite museum, and the oh-so-necessary gift shop visit(per my daughter), we swung by the Game Room to pick up a new game the for night. Apparently if you win too many games of Clue in a row, no one want to play it with you. Competitive much? So, sticking with our "old skool" game theme, the kids picked the game of Life. They have a zillion games to choose from! Happy to say, this bought us another evening of family connection.
You never have to leave the YMCA property if you don't want to. You can purchase a meal plan and have breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Aspen Dining Room. If you go with a cabin, you can bring groceries and cook or bbq to your heart's content. If you choose a lodge room, you'll want to purchase a meal plan for the dining room and/or grab sandwiches from the coffee shop in the Administration building. If you want to venture out, the town of Estes Park offers a wide variety of great dining options.
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What I want to share is that a vacation at the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center can be "built" by you. You can create a trip that will be remembered by your children for the rest of their lives.
Here are a few ideas-
* Budget friendly Lodge room trip
* Weekend family getaway
* Week-long family reunion (everyone in one cabin or separate lodge rooms in the same lodge)
* Couples adventure weekend
* Summer Camp Trip! You(and your partner) can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, biking and RELAXING while your children, from 2nd grade through high school, meet new friends at the YMCA's Summer Day Camp.
* Aren't able to stay overnight? The YMCA of the Rockies offers Day Passes!
What did I get out of our trip?
* Our kids tried new things
* They enjoyed their favorite activities
* We couldn't stop oohing and awing at the views of Rocky Mountain National Park, everywhere you look...
* We played together, laughed together and came home rested and happy!
I hope you find this review helpful. I know most of us are looking for get aways this summer and we're so lucky to have this amazing property so close to home. I hope you'll take advantage of this special place with your family.
Have a great summer!
Warmly,
Michele
Our trip was hosted by the YMCA of the Rockies. My views, as always, are my own.
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