Spring break is right around the corner, so we’ve curated a kid-approved Grand Junction itinerary. There’s no need for a packed schedule or long drives between activities because Grand Junction makes it convenient and easy for the whole family to have fun. Experience a thrilling race around the track on a go-kart, or slow things down and delight in from-scratch ice cream in shops that entertain the kiddos as much as satisfy their sweet tooth. The #1 attraction in town is visiting Colorado National Monument, also known as the mini-Grand Canyon. Hint: There’s a hidden echo in a secret spot that’s surprisingly easy to reach — and kids absolutely love testing it out. It’s easy to enjoy time together in Grand Junction!
Day One: Red Rock Views & Downtown Discovery
Kick off your spring break adventure with a trip to Colorado National Monument (CNM), located just ten minutes from Downtown Grand Junction. The close proximity ensures that there will be no “are we there yet?”, and with the herds of bighorn sheep that migrate around the area, especially as the weather turns warmer, everyone will be excitedly peeking out the window as you drive along the 23-mile scenic Rim Rock Drive. Springtime is when the magic really happens, as newborn lambs begin appearing on roadsides (please drive cautiously and slowly while in CNM), wobbling beside their mothers and turning every pull-off into a front-row wildlife show you won’t want to miss.
For little legs that can’t trek too far, trails like Devil’s Kitchen ensure a good time for all. This 1.5-mile out-and-back leads to a rock formation and expansive overview, perfect for grabbing a quick snack in the “kitchen!”. If you’d like to opt for something even more accessible, pause along Rim Rock Drive at the more than 19 overlooks and pullouts and take in the majestic views, only steps from the parking lot. We recommend stopping at the Upper Ute Canyon View pull-off. Walk to the far left of the "mummy," where you see guard rails and educational boards, and yell “cowabunga.” We promise the wee ones will be squealing with joy! If you’re looking for something moderate, check out Echo Canyon trail. This 3.3-mile out-and-back walk takes you between the red rock canyon walls, allowing you a tranquil reset as the birds sing around you. Kiddos will be trekking ahead of you, eager for the next majestic view, looking up to the canyons towering over them.
After a morning outdoors, make your way back to Downtown Grand Junction, just six miles from the CNM East Gate, to refuel and explore. The Rockslide Brew Pub offers patio seating so you can enjoy the fresh air, while the little ones choose from their picky-eater-approved menu. The grilled cheese or classic mac & cheese are great options for the kids, while parents opt for the ahi tacos or the hearty brewhouse bacon cheeseburger. This place loves kids, so don’t hesitate to stop here!
Photo by: Darby Cisneros
As you stroll through Downtown, you’ll find over 115 sculptures and murals framing the sidewalks – some of the sculptures are even meant to be climbed on! In between art sightings, you can pop into shops like Colorado Baby, bursting with natural products and toys. The owners, Megan and her husband, have eight children, so they have all the experience and passion you would expect. And Megan has an eye for quality and natural materials - this isn’t your average kid shop. Board Fox Games allows you to try out some of the board games before deciding which one comes home with you. They have a 4.9 out of 5 rating, largely due to the fun and helpful staff, so this is worth a stop. Let the imagination fly at Fat Cat Pottery and paint your own pottery. It’s a blast choosing from their many designs and making their creation come to life with vibrant colors. For more hands-on fun, eBricks “Unofficial LEGO Distributor,” has a massive container of LEGOs to play with and build. In addition, they carry an exceptional collection of rare, vintage, and newly released sets.
Finish off the day with an easy dinner and dessert from Colorado Q, Baker’s Boutique & Gelato Junction. BBQ’d meats like the pulled pork layered over mac and cheese are always a hit for the littles, while the adults can indulge in the slow-smoked ribs. For dessert, pick from an array of ice cream flavors or delicious pastries like the caramel chocolate chip cookie bars or a lemon bar, and delight your taste buds.
Day Two: Gardens, Museums & Riverfront Fun
Start the morning at Spoons Bistro & Bakery. The kids’ waffles of French toast are always a hit, while the smoked salmon Florentine, with avocado and tomatoes, is perfect for a more mature palate. If you want to tap into your childhood, they also have a large Belgian waffle, topped with cinnamon honey butter and maple syrup – the little ones don’t get all the fun! If you want to enjoy a slow morning, they also offer lunch or weekend brunch! For lunch, the American Dreamer burger is a 1/2-pound Angus beef patty topped with applewood-smoked bacon and cheddar, and it's sure to fuel you for the rest of the day's adventures.
Once you’re satiated, head over to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, a calm and colorful setting that’s sure to have the littles oohing and aahing. You’ll find fresh blooms, tropical greenhouses, and open pathways that invite exploration around the various plants. The gardens also have koi ponds where the littles can watch fish swim, and the turtles that roam the Butterfly House are sure to grab their attention. Yes, we said butterflies, you must visit!
In the afternoon, choose a museum tailored to your kids’ interests. The Museums of Western Colorado will have the family's historians and paleontologists dazzled. The Museum of the West offers exhibits that introduce local history and culture, including an old stagecoach that you can “ride” in, or a 1958 Cessna from Walker Field that you can “fly.” Dinosaur Journey Museum brings Jurassic Park to life with animatronic dinos! This excitement roars into the little ones as they look around, and even as they search for dinosaur bones in the interactive sand pit! For even more hands-on fun, the Eureka! McConnell Science Museum has over 150 interactive exhibits where little ones can irrigate a peach orchard, walk through a phosphorescent cave, and become an astronaut to land a space shuttle.
Afterward, get some energy out at the Colorado Riverfront Trail, which is 28 miles of paved trails broken into smaller sections. The Monument View section is 16.7 miles out-and-back that starts in a park and ends at Connected Lakes, so pop in wherever you please for a stroller-friendly walk. Explore as many miles as their little legs can walk or pedal underneath a mix of sunshine and tree canopies shading overhead. There are benches along the path, so you can fuel up with a quick snack while enjoying the expansive water views of the Colorado River. Everyone will be skipping down the trail as fish leap from the water. Don’t miss this opportunity to teach the little ones how to skip stones across the water!
Photo by: Vincenzo Favale
End the night at Enzo’s Ristorante with an array of pastas, calzones, and pizzas. Share a family-size pizza, like the Colorado Cowboy pizza, with grilled chicken, bacon, sausage, and ham; or opt for an individual pizza, like the chicken cabo wabo with carbonara alfredo sauce, bacon, caramelized onions and mozzarella cheese. For the carb eater, try the wagyu ravioli rustico made with sauteed wagyu beef, black truffles and porcini mushrooms served in a white wine garlic sauce.
Day Three: Arcade Excitement and Frozen Treats
Stop by First Watch and savor a delightful breakfast or brunch. The kids gravitate towards the chocolate chip pancakes and hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The lemon ricotta pancakes are a local favorite for the adults, quenched by the purple haze drink made with lemon, cane sugar, butterfly pea flower tea, and a hint of lavender. The elevated egg sandwich, bacon, Gruyere cheese, avocado, and lemon-dressed arugula are placed on a brioche bun with a side of seasoned potatoes. Bonus: First Watch does offer boozy beverages, including mimosas, sangria, bloody marys, and cinnamon toast cereal milk with RumHaven Coconut Rum.
Photo by: Chris Burns
After fueling up, spend the morning letting out energy at Bananas Fun Park! From laser tag to an array of arcade games to mini golf, there’s something for each member of the family. Laser tag is a popular attraction with a two-level arena designed to test skill and strategy, featuring flowing pillars, barriers, and high energy. Older kiddos (11+) can test their driving skills on a go-kart racing to the finish line, while ages 3-10 can ride as a passenger with an adult driver, so they get the same fast-paced fun! There’s more! Bananas has bumper boats, a laser maze, and a 10,000 square foot inflatapark pavilion. They also have a café complete with pizza, calzones, sandwiches, wings, hot dogs, chicken strips and so much more!
We all scream for ice cream! Third Bowl is Grand Junction’s newest ice cream shop and makes everything from scratch using as many organic and locally sourced ingredients as possible. A cup of the cookies & cream is perfect for the small ones, while the adults get an adventure of their own with the cowboy coffee or cinnamon cayenne honey. No visit to Grand Junction is complete until you try the world-famous toffee from Enstrom Candies. Kiddos will be peering over the counters to take a look at their chocolate mold creations, like high-heeled shoes or festive charms. There’s also a window where you can watch the confectioners bring these delights to life, pouring hot caramel and then sprinkling a layer of toffee across long stainless steel tables. The famous toffee is found in every suitcase that departs the Grand Junction Regional Airport.
You can see why Grand Junction is the best place to visit for Spring Break with the family. The best part is that it is one of the most affordable places to stay in the state, so you can stay a couple of extra days without breaking the bank! We can’t wait to welcome you!
For more things to do in Grand Junction, check out the Official Grand Junction Adventure Guide!