Family Camp at the YMCA of the Rockies

WRITTEN BY KIRA HENNING MOM OF 4, LIVES IN MESA

Most of the time when we travel, we are looking for centrally located, family friendly options that don’t break the bank. Little did I know, YMCA of the Rockies offers all of this and so much more. If you’re like me and right now you are thinking, the YMCA? Like the place to get yourself clean and have a good meal and do whatever you feel? YES! That YMCA!

I truly believe this is a hidden gem for families.

Not only does your stay include lodging, daily breakfast, and beautiful surroundings, the majority of the activities offered are completely free (and even those that do have a charge associated, the fee is nominal).

Where We Stayed

Pulling up to the property, we were blown away by the beautiful, expansive grounds Situated in Rocky Mountain National Park, you have direct access to the park and everything it has to offer

Our family stayed in their hotel style lodging –modest, but accommodating and comfortable, the rooms were large, the beds were comfortable, and the views could not be beat One of my favorite features: no TV!

What We Did

There are family-centered offerings almost hourly in their activity center

We took advantage of Trivia Night (second place, thank you very much!) and had blast coming together to try to answer some of the tricky questions

I enjoyed a yoga class nestled in a cabin in the pines with my mom. The kids played at one of the many playgrounds on the property every day. They also enjoyed mini golf and sand volleyball

But the highlight of our stay was the guided hike we took through Moraine Park As we brought our two older girls and Nani along, we chose a less strenuous (albeit still challenging) option while the younger kids stayed back with Grandpa

Accessed right off the YMCA property, a knowledgeable and friendly team of guides took us through the coolest nature walk – educating our family on glaciation and the flora and fauna of the park. Definitely a must do! Seriously! I was still telling my gym friends about this a week after we got home!

A recommendation: familiarize yourself with the activity offerings prior to arriving on property, especially if you are going in peak times such as a holiday weekend like we did

Some of the more popular activities (axe throwing, archery) book up quickly Again, there is SO much to do, we just subbed in a different activity, but if your heart is set on something specific, I would book in advance of your stay

This encouraged us to stay outside and when downtime was needed, the kids opted to read, color, or just rest

Each room is also equipped with a fridge which we stocked with snacks (and adult beverages) of our own.

Scan the QR code to keep reading about the all inclusive dining and more about planning a family stay here, and the road trip to get there!