Family Adventures: 5 Kid-Friendly Hikes Inside Rocky Mountain National Park

By Jamie Palmesano, Brownfield’s
all photos by Jamie Palmesano

There’s nothing quite like introducing kids to the beauty and wonder of the Rocky Mountains. Whether it’s the roar of a waterfall, spotting a marmot sunning on a rock, or seeing a perfect reflection in an alpine lake, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is full of moments that ignite curiosity and joy.

June is a perfect time to bring the whole family out on the trail—just as the snow melts and wildflowers begin to bloom. If you're looking for short, rewarding, and scenic hikes that are manageable for children (and enjoyable for adults), here are five tried-and-true favorites inside RMNP.

1. Alberta Falls (1.6 miles round trip)
Trailhead: Glacier Gorge
This crowd-pleaser is great for families wanting a big reward for minimal effort. The well-marked trail winds through aspen groves and pine forests as it opens up to a spectacular 30-foot waterfall tumbling into a rocky gorge. Kids love the sound and spray of the falls, and there are plenty of safe boulders nearby for a snack break. 
Pro Tip:  The Glacier Gorge lot fills up quickly.  Hop on the free shuttle at the Park & Ride to be dropped off at the Trailhead.

Alberta Falls

2. Adams Falls (0.6 miles round trip)
Trailhead: East Inlet (near Grand Lake)
Short, dramatic, and ideal for younger hikers, this trail leads to a stunning cascade in under 10 minutes. The thunder of the falls is exhilarating, and the surrounding aspen groves offer a beautiful contrast to the alpine forests elsewhere in the park. This hike is on RMNP’s quieter west side, offering a peaceful experience in early summer.
Nearby Tip: Spend some time in Grand Lake afterward—a fun and family-friendly mountain town. Stop at the various pull-offs along Trail Ridge Road and enjoy America’s highest continuously paved road.

Adams Falls

3. Dream Lake (2.2 miles round trip)
Trailhead: Bear Lake
This iconic alpine lake is accessible by a trail that climbs gently past Nymph Lake and offers striking views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Dream Lake lives up to its name, especially when the water is still and reflects the peaks above. Snow can linger into June, so bring traction devices if it's been a snowy spring.
Why Kids Love It: Wildlife sightings are common—chipmunks, trout, ducks, and even the occasional elk at lower elevations!

Dream Lake

4. The Pool (3.4 miles round trip)
Trailhead: Fern Lake (via Moraine Park)
A little longer but relatively flat, the trail to The Pool follows the Big Thompson River and crosses meadows where elk and turkeys roam. At the destination, kids can explore the large swirling eddy where Fern Creek meets the river. It’s a great spot for skipping stones, putting your hands in the water, resting, or simply enjoying the river’s music.
Bonus: Along the way, stop by Arch Rocks—massive boulders that look like nature’s playground.

5. Cub Lake (4.6 miles round trip)
Trailhead: Moraine Park
For families with slightly older kids who can handle a longer trek, the hike to Cub Lake is a fantastic adventure. The trail weaves through meadows, wetlands, and woodlands before arriving at a lily-pad-covered lake surrounded by rock walls. Wildlife is abundant, especially in June, with elk, ducks, moose, and beavers making appearances.
Adventure Angle: Turn this into a “junior naturalist” hike—have kids look for animal tracks, identify wildflowers, or sketch the scenery.

Happy Trails!