7 Awesome Things to do at Red Rocks with Kids

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Red Rocks amphitheater is known for its amazing concerts under the stars. Did you know there is great, family-friendly hiking in Red Rocks as well? Red Rocks in Colorado has a few trails that are kid-friendly and you’ll be surrounded with amazing views. Check out the best things to do at Red Rocks with kids!

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Red Rocks Park pin image: red rock formations with dry grass in foreground, front door to Red Rocks Trading post, red rocks amphitheater with rows of seats and large red rock wall in back, wooden bridge with green trees to the side and red rock wall in background

What is Red Rocks Park in Colorado?

Red Rocks is so many things! It’s most notably known for the concerts it hosts. While its official grand opening wasn’t until 1941, it has been having concerts since the early 1900’s. From opera, classical in the early 1900s, it began welcoming rock music in the ’40s to ’60s.

Besides music, it’s also a great place to take a hike, catch some views, learn some history, or host an event.

Highland Haven Creekside hotels near red rocks, elegant room with chandelier above a bed with a green blanket, wooden cabin feel

One of the rooms at Highland Haven Creekside

Hotels Near Red Rocks Amphitheater

While Red Rocks isn’t terribly far from Denver, it’s not quite close either. Plus, in the surrounding cities you’ll feel like you are out of the big city! So check out these great hotels near Red Rocks:

Highland Haven Creekside Inn– this hotel is top rated! It has more of a rustic, mountain feel to it while still being very nice. Breakfast is included, and it’s about 11 miles away from Red Rocks.

Cliff House Lodge– a quiant B&B that’s just over 2 miles away. Historic on the outside, beautiful on the inside!

Origin Hotel Red Rocks – just 6 miles away, this hotel is highly-rated, pet-friendly, a on the modern side.

Aiden by Best Western – a more familiar hotel chain with a more affordable price and outdoor pool, at only about 7.5 miles away.

Springhill Suites by Marriott – another familiar brand, this hotel has an outdoor pool and breakfast included. It’s about 7.5 miles from Red Rocks.

Best Things to do at Red Rocks With Kids

Red Rocks hikes with kids rock trail, kids on a red dirt trail with red rock walls on the right and dry scrub on the left and right of trail, clear blue skies

1. Hike Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks

Distance: 1.4 miles

Difficulty: easy (moderate at times)

Strollers: no

Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks park is really the best trail for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, it’s free to park and hike here.

On the trail, you get great views and rock formations along the way. You can access the beginning of the loop just to the left of The Trading Post.

The trail isn’t very difficult. There is a section where you walk over slick rock, which is really cool. It can get a tad slippery from loose gravel, but not bad otherwise.

There are also stairs on the trail in various locations, so don’t bring a stroller. If you’ve got really little ones, you’ll definitely want a carrying pack.

Red Rocks hikes with kids rock trail, kids on a red dirt trail with red rock walls on the right and dry scrub on the left, clear blue skies

Red Rocks scenic spot, smooth and tall red rock wall, fence in foreground, greenery in bottom left, blue skies

During your walk on this trail, you’ll walk on dirt/sand path, slick rock, stairs, and have to cross the street.

There aren’t many trees on the trail, so make sure to bring a hat, glasses, and wear sunscreen. Instead of trees, the landscape is rock, scrub, and smaller shrubs. It’s really gorgeous being able to spot formations all along the trail.

Red Rocks Amphitheater: rows of seats with red rock wall in background

Visit the Red Rocks Amphitheater

The amphitheater at Red Rocks is made from the natural surroundings and rock walls in the venue. The kids thought it was pretty cool. And I agree: It’s SO awesome.

Red Rocks with kids walking up the ramp to the amphitheater

Note that there are a few different parking lots you can use during the day to access the amphitheater. To get up to the concert area, it does require a bit of an uphill!

2. Just Take a Peek

It’s free to visit the amphitheater as long as there isn’t an event going on. You can step in and just soak in the cool surroundings. Or you can run the steps if you really want to.

Otherwise, sit and relax. If an event is coming up that day, you can listen to all the mic checks and watch setup.

3. Yoga on the Rocks

During the summer, you can buy tickets to Yoga on the Rocks on Saturday mornings. Hundreds of people fill the large steps of the amphitheater each week.

This is probably one of the things to do at Red Rocks with older kids and aspiring yogis.

4. Film on the Rocks

Also in the summer on Monday nights, you can get tickets to one of the movies shown at Red Rocks for Film on the Rocks. Sometimes they show movies geared more for adults, but they often have movies for the whole family as well.

5. Attend a Concert at Red Rocks

Going to a concert at Red Rocks is one of the most memorable things you can do!

While Red Rocks hosts many lesser-known artists, they also host some big name artists. Dave Matthews, Michael Franti, Incubus, Lauren Daigle, and even the Beatles at one time are a few that have come through through the years. I’ve seen a few including Harry Connick Jr, The Fray and The Piano Guys and it was awesome.

There are plenty of concession stands and restaurants, but here’s the cool thing: you’re actually allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drink. Just make sure the food is in a clear plastic bag (and that fruits and veggies are sliced up).

6. Visit the Trading Post

The Trading Post is a cute souvenir shop at Red Rocks. It has a small parking lot which shouldn’t be a problem during the day. If it’s full, there’s a large dirt lot a short walk away.

The Trading Post also has the Colorado Music Hall of Fame inside, where you can see memorabilia from artists. John Denver items were on display when we visited most recently.

7. Check out the Visitor Center

Like every popular attraction, Red Rocks has its own Visitor Center. Here you can grab something to eat, learn a little about Red Rocks, grab some swag, or even relax with a Starbucks.

What to do NEAR Red Rocks with kids

Staying near Red Rocks is a great location. If you’ve explored all you can at Red Rocks, there’s still plenty more to do in the area.

Dinosaur Ridge Colorado, wall of rock with dinosaur tracks fossilized in

Tracks at Dinosaur Ridge

Dinosaur Ridge is a short drive away where you can see fossils of dinosaurs. The walk along the trail is free (yay!) and includes placards explaining geological and historical moments. The track site is home to over 250 fossils! Visiting the exhibit hall/museum is not free, but just a few dollars.

Mount Falcon Park views from the top, rock and green evergreens on a cloudy day

Mount Falcon Park; Photo by Yaroslav Muzychenko on Unsplash

Hiking abounds nearby. Check out Mount Falcon Park where you can see old mansion ruins and great views.

For a day on the water, head to Bear Creek Lake Park just a short drive away. It’s got sand and a swim area at Big Soda Lake and you can paddle board as well. Open during summer only until Labor Day.

Head to Lair o the Bear for a fun hike, creek play, and views of the Dunafon Castle.

Best Things to do at Red Rocks with Kids

Red Rocks is famous for its concerts, but it’s so much more than music. There are so many fun things to do at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater and it’s the perfect place to spend the day with the family.

Make sure visiting Red Rocks with the kids (and seeing a fun concert) is on your list!