Weather perfect and ideal for hiking in Colorado? You might feel like the walls of your home are getting smaller and smaller. If you feel ready to break free from the confines of your house and get the kids out and about, we’ve got a treat for you. These are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Colorado. Gather up your children and take them on one (or all) of these five hiking trails in the Centennial State.

1. Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District: Paint Mine Open Space, Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808
Calhan Paint Mines Archeological District, Paint Mine Open Space, Paint Mine Rd, Calhan, CO 80808, USA
Flickr/mark byzewski
Located just outside of Colorado Springs is the exciting and oh-so-colorful Paint Mines; a whopping 750-acres that are thought to have once been home to Native Americans around 9,000 years ago.
Flickr/Bryce Bradford
The area offers in total four miles of walking trails. You'll go through unique ecosystems. Little hikers may not be up to exploring all the trails, but you can opt for shorter treks and still have a great time. You'll feel like you were transferred to another planet walking in this place!
2. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022, USA
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (PC: Rich Keen) / Facebook
If your kids like animals, they'll absolutely love a hike around the exciting Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge! This preserve spans nearly 15,000 acres. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge boasts trails with woodlands, wetlands, and prairies, so you can pick which ecosystem you prefer. Over 330 species of animals live here, and you never know what you'll catch a glimpse of.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
There are nine Grasslands Trails, ranging from 0.3 miles (the Army Historic Trail) to the 1.5-mile Rattlesnake Hill Trail.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
In the mood for wetlands? There are three marsh trails here. The Havana Ponds Trail, at just 0.2 miles, is a great option for young kids or stubborn little ones. The Lake Mary Loop Trail (0.6 miles) and the Lake Ladora Loop Trail (1.8 miles) are still short enough to be manageable for most families.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Facebook
And you've also got two options for Woodlands Trails. The Woodland Trail is just 0.4 miles, and the Rod and Gun Club Trail and Wildlife Viewing Blind is 1.2 miles. This is a great place for a day of exploring.
3. Helen Hunt Falls Trail at North Cheyenne Canyon Area: Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado 80906, USA
TripAdvisor/Jim L.
The Helen Hunt Falls are named for 19th-century poet and Native American activist Helena Maria Hunt Jackson and not the Academy Award-winning actress. The trail is a stunning 0.8-mile kid-friendly hike in Colorado that ends with a beautiful cascading waterfall.
AllTrails/Karen D.
This is one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in the state!
4. Dotsero Crater: Dotsero, CO 81637
Dotsero Crater, Colorado 81637, USA
Wikipedia/Lee Siebert, Smithsonian Institution
"What did you do this summer, Billy?
"Oh, not much... just hiked a volcano!"
Epic, right? Spanning 2,300 feet wide and 1,300 feet deep, Dotsero first erupted roughly 4,200 years ago and can now be visited via a short 1.5-mile hike.
GoogleMaps
Located about one mile north of the town of Dotsero, this is the only active volcano in Colorado. A volcano is considered active if it has erupted within the last 10,000 years: Dotsero Crater is thought to have last erupted about 4,000 years ago. This is such a fascinating place.
5. Adams Falls Trail: Grand Lake, CO 80510
Adams Falls, Colorado 80510, USA
AllTrails/Peter J.
Last but not least is the short and sweet Adams Falls Trail in Grand Lake. This beautiful trail borders Rocky Mountain National Park. Spanning about 0.6 miles, the trail boasts not only an easy hike, but also ample wildlife and a gorgeous waterfall.
TripAdvisor/Daniel F.
This is such an easy hike with a wonderful payoff.

How many of these lovely kid-friendly hikes in Colorado have you and your family explored? Are there any other quick and easy family-friendly trails that you love? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

If you are ready to amp up your workout, makes plans to take The Secret Garden Hike In Colorado Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Hiking Trails Near Me In Colorado

Lisa Sammons | March 08, 2022

What are some of the best parks in Colorado for hiking?

We have so many great state parks in Colorado! Here are ten of our favorites that are fantastic for exploring and hiking. The stunning scenery, miles of trails, and fascinating history of these parks will absolutely blow you away.

What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Colorado?

We have some absolutely wonderful hiking trails with waterfalls in Colorado. One of our favorites is Rifle Falls Trail, which features not one, not two, but THREE powerful waterfalls. The hike is just 0.25 miles, making it a great kid-friendly option. And if you're looking for a great summer road trip, check out this trip that will take you to plenty of scenic waterfalls throughout the state.

What are some other things to do outside in Colorado?

Want some items to add to your Colorado bucket list? Check out these must-do activities in the Centennial State. Everyone should see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater: this amazing place is one of the greatest natural wonders in Colorado. And of course, our wonderful cave mines and many canyons make for great family-friendly trips.

Related Articles

Explore Colorado