Things To Do With Kids

All aboard for family fun! Granby offers a treasure trove of activities designed to create lasting memories with your little ones. Whether your crew craves adventure on the water, exploration on land, or a dose of history at the Moffat Road Railroad Museum, Granby has something for every kiddo.

Get Your Bike On

If it’s summer in Granby, we can guarantee you’re going to find your way onto a bike—we’re home to some of the best mountain biking in the West. Looking for a mellow ride? Rent a cruiser to explore the wide and winding Fraser to Granby Trail (it’s Chariot/Burley friendly) that runs for 16 miles from Granby to the neighboring town of Fraser. 

If you’re up for more cross-country or downhill, locals love the trails at Granby Ranch, which tend to be more difficult. An easier way to enjoy them is hop on the Quickdraw chairlift and cruise down the Fraser Canyon Trail, a fun intermediate ride. Rent bikes at Granby Westside Cycles or Granby Ranch.

Hike Monarch Lake

The drive in may be long and bumpy, but once you reach this stunning mountain lake, it’s easy street from there. Most hikes around here require serious climbing, but the Monarch Lake Trail is a beauty. The 4.2 mile loop encircles the lake with little to no rough terrain or elevation gain, making it a great family option. Be aware that this is serious moose territory! They love to linger on the lakeshore or even stand blocking the trails while hikers wait to pass. Be sure to read the wildlife alert signs, keep your distance, and do not approach them.

Hit the Beach 

Beautiful Lake Granby is just minutes from town and home to multiple state park access points for camping, fishing, and boating. Sunset Point campground has a nice beach area and is less crowded than other sites—camping here is first-come, first served. Further north, Grand Lake and the town of Grand Lake is a beloved destination for a reason—the old-timey shops with boardwalks hold ice cream, souvenirs, artwork, treats, and treasures and are great for browsing, and the small public beach is a favorite spot for kids to play and swim.

Granby Ranch

Granby Ranch, a family-friendly, easy-access resort, is a dream if you’ve got kids. All ski runs lead to the same base area, where parents can sit by a roaring outdoor fire and watch older kids make hot laps, or little ones play in the snow or ride the magic carpet over and over. Child-friendly green runs include fun features like swinging saloon doors and a covered bridge for kids to ski through. One of the best parts is the prices are half that of larger resorts, and parking is just steps from the lift. 

Moffat Road Railroad Museum

When the snow starts to fly and kids’ thoughts turn to Christmas, there’s no better place to catch the magic of the season than at the Moffat Road Railroad Museum. The snow-covered Christmas model train layout is on display during the holidays, as well as during the summer months. This fascinating museum is completely kid-friendly—ramps, steps, and benches allow for littles to get eye to eye with the engines, and museum director, Dave Naples, complete with his overalls and conductor cap. Dave hands out scavenger hunts for kids to find hidden toys, dinosaurs, and Santa. It's also a great place to check out all summer long!

YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch

Snow Mountain Ranch is a family gem and must-do no matter what the weather—just buy a day pass to visit if you’re not staying there (additional fees/passes for skiing required) and you’re good to go.

The outdoors is where the ranch shines in winter. The more than 100 km of world-class Nordic trails welcome cross-country skiers, fat bikers, and snowshoers. After a few hours exploring, stop by the tubing hill for some slippery fun, or grab ice skates and a hockey stick to shoot pucks at the outdoor covered rink. If you’d rather relax, let the stable’s horses do the work and pile in under the blankets for a sleigh ride, or opt for a trail ride through powdery snow. 

Too blustery? Head to the Kiva building for some old-school indoor roller skating, indoor wall climbing, or a ping pong tourney. Another great spot for a cold afternoon is the Leggett craft shop, packed with DIY wooden models, jewelry-making supplies, leather craft, ceramics, and more, sure to bring out your little inner artists.