7 Awesome Things to do at Red Rocks with Kids
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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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.
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
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.
We have visited both Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks and while they are similar, they are very different. Red Rocks will give you a much different shape of formations that you see in it’s cousin down south, so it’s definitely worth a visit even if you’ve been to Garden of the Gods.
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.
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.
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 teens 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 typically 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).
*this is generally the case, but some shows may prohibit bringing your own food/beverage items. Check your specific event details to verify.
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.
Bonus: Easter Sunrise Service
If you happen to be in the Denver area in March or April (whenever Easter falls), you can participate in a glorious event on Easter morning. Head to Red Rocks early, before sunrise. Enjoy worship music and a service while waiting for the sun to rise. The event is free.
Best Things 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.
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 Castle Ruins
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. This makes for one of the best things to do near Red Rocks park that will keep you a little cooler!
Head to Lair o the Bear for a fun hike, creek play, and views of the Dunafon Castle.
Related Post: Colorado Road Trip Itinerary the Whole Family will Love
Questions/ FAQ about Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Is Red Rocks all ages?
Red Rocks is open to all ages for daytime activities and visits.
Yoga on the Rocks requires a parental/guardian waiver for anyone under 18.
Certain events may have age restrictions, though most shows at Red Rocks are all-ages.
In general to just visit the park, there is not a Red Rocks age limit to visiting.
Can You Bring a Drone to Red Rocks?
The rules at Red Rocks specifically state you may not use any remote control flying devices or unmanned aerial vehicles.
What are the Hours of the Amphitheater at Red Rocks?
Generally, the amphitheater is open to visitors from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. If there is an evening event scheduled, the amphitheater will close to free visitors by 2 pm.
Specific, daytime events may close the amphitheater to visitors as well.
Can dogs go to Red Rocks?
Yes! Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the trails or to visit the amphitheater as long as there is not an event going on.
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!
