Most hotels in Boulder are excellent for families, aside from a few B&Bs and short-term rentals that cater to adults only. But if you’re looking for a fun home base that goes out of its way to make your kids feel comfortable, these are for you. Here are our top five kid-friendly places to stay in and near Boulder.
Boulder’s Ultimate Guide to Family Fun
This article is part of a larger series. To see all the articles in this Ultimate Guide, click here.
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1. Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Boulder
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Although the Courtyard by Marriott in Boulder is not located in the heart of the downtown action (it’s on the east side of Pearl Street), it’s still conveniently located. Plus, it has an indoor pool and Whirlpool to make up for it. The Courtyard also offers families board games and playing cards, if you’re looking for a spontaneous round of friendly competition.
The Courtyard also has a casual restaurant on site called The Bistro, which serves reasonably priced breakfast and dinner and therefore makes it easy to feed the little monsters — and fuel yourself with coffee. Starbucks is served in the Bistro (and of course, rooms have coffee makers). And at night, parents can unwind with on-site cocktails.
The hotel’s interactive GoBoard is another convenient feature for families. It provides live info on Boulder’s weather and local news, so you know how to prepare for the day’s adventures. Rooms come stocked with a mini fridge (in case you have a picky eater), flat-screen TVs with cable and cozy bedding. Families can upgrade to a suite for more space.
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2. Boulder Adventure Lodge
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The Boulder Adventure Lodge is where to stay for an active, outdoorsy family vacation. It’s located up Fourmile Canyon Drive, with quick and easy access to all of the mountains’ natural adventures as well as Fourmile Creek.
The lodge claims to offer Boulder’s only hostel-style room with four bunk beds, which is great for big families. The rustic rooms can sleep up to eight. Or stay in the Adventure Suite, with a private queen bedroom for the adults and a separate living space with a hide-a-bed for the youngsters. The full kitchen makes feeding the kiddos an easy task (and can help you save money), or you can use the outdoor grill. Other highlights: a jetted tub, deck access and amazing views.
Outside, kids can play in the Slackline Park, pool and hot tub, which is open until 10 p.m. year-round. Relax by the fire pit and look for wildlife. Deer and squirrels are common passersby.
The family that runs this lodge is happy to provide recommendations or help you plan your stay. Sit down with them in the community room and share a drink as you talk about all of the wonderful things to do in Boulder.
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3. Foot of the Mountain Motel
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The Foot of the Mountain Motel is living history; it claims to be the only motel remaining from the ‘30s and the oldest, continuously operating motel in Boulder. This log cabin-style, free-spirited, mountain getaway is totally quirky and unusual, which makes it fun for kids to explore. You’ll find surprising nooks and interesting layouts, all with easy access to Boulder’s outdoors. Plus, it’s across the street from a playground and the popular, creekside Eben G. Fine Park. Kids can also pick a book out of the “lending library” to read in the picnic area.
The motel has a lot in the back with a bocce court, cornhole and a volleyball net, and it offers bikes for rent and tubes for purchase. Rooms come with refrigerators and free coffee. Plus, breakfast is included in your stay.
Local tip: “We also have two great hikes that leave right off of the property: Flagstaff and Settler’s Park.” – Alex Gower, general manager
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4. Omni Interlocken Hotel
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You’ll have to drive a bit out of the Boulder bubble to get to the Omni, but it’s worth it. This luxurious hotel is located right next to the Flatiron mall in Broomfield. It’s right off Highway 36, which means easy access to Boulder and Denver.
Other than the dreamy Mokara Spa and access to a golf course, the Omni boasts two outdoor swimming pools (one with waterfalls) and a Whirlpool tub. For families that don’t want to leave the pool, you can eat poolside or grab a cocktail and enjoy Colorado’s blue skies. Families love the summertime “dive-in movies,” which feature movies that you can watch from the pool on Friday and Saturday evenings.
For kids, there’s also the Omni Kids Crew program. Kids get a backpack filled with goodies when they check-in (crayons, binoculars, games, an activity book, stickers and more), and they get milk and cookies delivered to their room the first night. On-site restaurants have great kid menus, too.
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5. Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites
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While Longmont is about a 30-minute drive from Boulder, the Holiday Inn Express is a competitive option for traveling families — mainly because of its indoor pool. With a 150-foot waterslide.
There’s also a separate kiddie pool and a Whirlpool tub, and the water area stays open late, until 11 p.m.
A full breakfast is included in your stay, and kids eat free at the restaurant. Rooms come with the option for a cot, rollaway bed or crib for kids.
