Quick Answer: Best Things to Do With Kids in Buena Vista, CO
The top family-friendly activities in Buena Vista, Colorado include whitewater rafting, soaking at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, exploring Buena Vista River Park, hiking family trails near Browns Canyon National Monument, camping under the stars near the Collegiate Peaks, and visiting the Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy. Buena Vista is one of Colorado's best family vacation destinations, with activities suited for kids as young as 2 and teens alike.
If you’re searching for the perfect Colorado family vacation, look no further than Buena Vista. Nestled between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River in central Colorado, “BV” is a mountain town that punches far above its weight when it comes to things to do with kids. Whether your crew is full of toddlers or teenagers, thrill-seekers or nature lovers, Buena Vista delivers an adventure for everyone.
Here at Wilderness Aware Rafting, we’ve been guiding families down the Arkansas River for decades. We know this area inside and out — so we put together this comprehensive guide to the best things to do with kids in Buena Vista, Colorado, covering everything from world-class whitewater rafting to goat farms and hot springs.
1. Family Whitewater Rafting on the Arkansas River
TOP PICK FOR FAMILIES
More than 250,000 people visit Buena Vista each year specifically to raft the Arkansas River — and for good reason. The Arkansas is consistently ranked among the top whitewater rivers in the United States, and it has stretches perfectly suited for every age and experience level.
For families with young children ages 4 and up, our Family Rafting Trip on the Milk Run or Lower Browns Canyon (Class I–II) is a dream introduction to river life. Kids giggle through gentle splashes, spot wildlife along the canyon walls, and come away with big grins and bigger stories.
For families with kids ages 6 and up, the iconic Browns Canyon rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument delivers Class III whitewater that’s exciting without being overwhelming. Named rapids like Zoom Flume, Pinball, and the Staircase will have the whole family cheering.
| Trip | Min. Age | Difficulty | Duration | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk Run (Family Float) | Ages 4+ | Class I–II | Quarter-day | Starting at $62/person |
| Lower Browns Canyon | Ages 4+ | Class I–II | Half-day | Starting at $62/person |
| Browns Canyon | Ages 6+ | Class III | Half-day or full-day | Youth from $89/person |
💡 Pro Tip: Rafting season runs May through Labor Day. June and July bring the most exciting flows after snowmelt from the Collegiate Peaks. Book early — summer dates fill up fast, especially on weekends.
2. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort
PERFECT AFTER A BIG ADVENTURE DAY
Just nine miles south of downtown Buena Vista, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is a must-do for any family visiting the area. These geothermal waters have drawn visitors for nearly 150 years — and for good reason.
The resort features multiple pool areas ranging from relaxing soaking pools and exercise pools to the wildly popular natural creekside pools along Chalk Creek, where kids can move rocks around to mix warm spring water with cool creek water and find their perfect temperature.
The biggest draw for kids? A water slide that descends the hillside into a warm pool — a highlight the whole family will be talking about long after the trip is over. It’s open seasonally during summer months, with an additional fee to ride.
💡 Pro Tip: Mt. Princeton is open 365 days a year, making it an excellent choice even if you're visiting Buena Vista outside of summer. Pair it with a morning rafting trip for a perfect full-day family itinerary.
3. Buena Vista River Park & the BV Boulder Garden
FREE FAMILY FUN
The Buena Vista River Park is the heart of outdoor life in BV, and it’s completely free to visit. Running along more than half a mile of the Arkansas River in the South Main neighborhood, this world-class park packs in an incredible amount for families:
- BV Boulder Garden — hand-sculpted concrete bouldering structures designed for all skill levels; a fantastic intro to climbing for kids
- Skate park for the older kids and teens
- Ball fields, disc golf, and running/walking tracks
- Picnic tables with front-row views of kayakers tackling the whitewater park
- A dog-friendly area for the family pup
The adjacent South Main neighborhood is also worth exploring on foot, with local shops, food trucks, and the popular LAWN event space where the Surf Hotel hosts live summer concerts perfect for families.
💡 Pro Tip: There's also a splash park near the corner of Railroad and Main Street — a great way to cool off with little ones on a warm afternoon.
4. Hiking Family-Friendly Trails Near Buena Vista
GREAT FOR ALL AGES
Buena Vista sits at the base of the Sawatch Mountain Range — home to more 14,000-foot peaks (14ers) than any other range in Colorado. You don’t need to summit a 14er to experience this dramatic landscape, though. The area has excellent family hiking for every ability level.
- Barbara Whipple Trail — A gentle, accessible path that’s great for younger kids and strollers; runs along the river with beautiful views.
- Midland Hill Trail / Bridge to Bridge Loop — Moderate trails near South Main offering sweeping panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks. Perfect for families with older kids.
- Browns Canyon National Monument Trails — Hike into the canyon and see the same granite walls and wildlife — bighorn sheep, prairie falcons, and elk — that rafters float past. A short 10-minute drive from downtown BV.
- Cottonwood Lake Trail — A 3.3-mile round trip at nearly 12,000 feet elevation. Manageable for kids with only 423 feet of elevation gain, and the alpine views are breathtaking.
💡 Pro Tip: Colorado's high altitude sun is intense. Pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water no matter how short the hike — and start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in summer.
5. Camping & Staying Overnight Near the River
CLASSIC COLORADO FAMILY EXPERIENCE
Few things stick with kids like sleeping under a canopy of stars in the Colorado Rockies. Buena Vista camping options are plentiful — from developed campgrounds along the Arkansas River to backcountry sites beneath the Collegiate Peaks, there’s something for every type of family.Â
- Camp near Mt. Princeton for meadow and mountain views, with the hot springs just minutes away.
- Camp along the Arkansas River and fall asleep to the sound of the current — and wake up steps from the put-in for your morning rafting trip.
- Prefer a bed? Several local inns, cabins, and boutique hotels in the area keep you connected to the mountain lifestyle while offering a hot shower and comfortable beds.
Wilderness Aware Rafting also offers multi-day rafting trips on the Arkansas River that combine camping and whitewater into a single unforgettable experience — ideal for families with older kids looking for a true Colorado adventure.
6. Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy
UNIQUE KID FAVORITE
Looking for something a little different? Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy is a perennial favorite with families visiting Buena Vista. The farm offers guided tours that take kids through sustainable agriculture practices and let them meet — and sometimes help milk — the dairy goats.
Farm tours are available daily and run less than two hours. Milking tours, offered spring through summer, include a full farm tour plus hands-on experience. Children two and under are free, and kids’ tickets range from $4–$12 depending on the season.
💡 Pro Tip: Book ahead — tours fill up quickly in peak summer months.
7. Explore Downtown Buena Vista
Don’t overlook the town itself. Downtown Buena Vista is a walkable, charming stretch of historic 1880s buildings filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, and hidden gems that kids love:
- Stedman’s — An old-fashioned candy store with over 150 flavors of homemade fudge and more than 200 varieties of glass-bottle soda
- Local ice cream shops for a post-adventure cool-down
- Eddyline Restaurant & Brewery — A family-friendly spot with great food and mountain brewery vibes
- Buena Vista Heritage Museum — Housed in the 1882 courthouse with interactive exhibits on mining, ranching, and the town’s history; kids and grandparents alike enjoy it
- Evergreen Café and Gunsmoke Café — Beloved breakfast spots to fuel up before a big adventure day
Sample 2-Day Family Itinerary for Buena Vista
Want to make the most of your visit? Here’s a quick family-tested itinerary:
Day 1: Water & Adventure
- Morning: Browns Canyon half-day rafting trip with Wilderness Aware
- Afternoon: Explore Buena Vista River Park — bouldering, disc golf, and the splash park
- Evening: Dinner at Eddyline Restaurant; ice cream on Main Street
Day 2: Nature & Relaxation
- Morning: Hike the Barbara Whipple Trail or Cottonwood Lake Trail
- Afternoon: Visit Mt. Princeton Hot Springs — soak, slide, and play in Chalk Creek
- Evening: Camp under the stars along the Arkansas River OR grab a local cabin
Frequently Asked Questions: Kids Activities in Buena Vista, CO
The minimum age depends on the trip. Wilderness Aware Rafting’s family-friendly Milk Run and Lower Browns Canyon trips welcome children as young as 4 years old. The classic Browns Canyon whitewater trip through Browns Canyon National Monument is generally suitable for kids ages 6 and up. More advanced trips on the Numbers section require participants to be 14–15 years old. Age minimums can also vary based on current water levels.
Yes — Buena Vista is one of Colorado’s best family vacation destinations. It offers activities for all ages including whitewater rafting, hot springs, hiking, camping, a world-class river park, a goat dairy, and a charming downtown. It’s especially popular with families in summer (June–August) when all outdoor activities are in full swing.
Buena Vista has several great free activities for kids, including the Buena Vista River Park (bouldering garden, disc golf, skate park), the splash park near Railroad and Main Street, hiking trails like the Barbara Whipple Trail, and exploring downtown. Browns Canyon National Monument has free, accessible hiking areas as well.
Summer (June through August) is the most popular and best time to visit Buena Vista with kids. Rafting conditions peak in June and July, Mt. Princeton’s water slides are open, and all outdoor activities are fully available. The area enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. Fall is beautiful for hiking, and Mt. Princeton Hot Springs is open year-round.
Buena Vista is approximately 120 miles southwest of Denver, roughly a 2-hour drive via U.S. Highway 285 S. It’s an easy and scenic day trip or weekend getaway from Denver, Colorado Springs, and other Front Range cities.
Plan Your Buena Vista Family Adventure
Buena Vista, Colorado earns its name — “Beautiful View” — in every direction. From the granite walls of Browns Canyon to the 14,000-foot peaks of the Collegiate Range, this mountain town gives families the kind of wide-open Colorado experience that’s increasingly rare to find. Whether it’s the roar of a river rapid, the warmth of a hot spring, or the simple magic of roasting marshmallows under the stars, the things to do with kids in Buena Vista create the kind of memories that travel home with you.
At Wilderness Aware Rafting, our family rafting trips are designed to be the highlight of your Colorado vacation. With trips for kids as young as 4, gear included, and expert guides who love introducing new rafters to the Arkansas River, we’re here to make it unforgettable. Browse our family rafting trips or our full lineup of Colorado whitewater rafting trips and get ready for the best summer yet.
