Planning an affordable family vacation to Estes Park? Check out some of our top free or low-cost activities to add to your travel itinerary without breaking your vacation budget!

Rock Climbing at Performance Park
Be one of the first to scale the rock wall behind Performance Park at the west end of downtown Estes Park. Just installed this spring, the cliff face is now climbable, thanks to the folks at the Colorado Mountain School. If you have your own equipment, you can head up at any time; if you need to rent some and get a quick lesson, the Colorado Mountain School guides can lend a hand (or belay)!

Paddleboat around Lake Estes
Lake Estes offers the best views of the surrounding mountains, along with cool and breezy temperatures on a warm summer’s day. Stop by the marina, operated by the Estes Valley Recreation & Parks District, and rent a four-person paddleboat for $30/hour. Want to amp up your adventure? Check out the newly-added paddleboards! Or, looking to stay on the shore? Pedal carts and bikes are available for rent as well.

Walk the Riverwalk
Need a low-key, mild day? The Estes Park Riverwalk stretches the length of downtown and offers gorgeous mountain views with soothing sounds of the babbling river. You can window shop or just enjoy the scenery. And, there are lots of places to stop for a rest, a snooze, or an ice cream cone! Tip: Park at the Visitor Center and use the connecting tunnel to avoid downtown traffic.

Want to make your Estes Park vacation even more affordable? View our online specials to find discounts and savings on your lodging!