Get ready for a weekend of fresh air, historic charm, and kid-approved activities in Leadville and Twin Lakes. This easy-to-follow itinerary is designed for families with young children and includes fun hikes, interactive museums, train rides, and places to let little legs run wild. Whether you’re skipping stones or riding the rails, these stops offer plenty of opportunities for discovery, imagination, and laughter.
Photo by Diana Lange
Leadville Legends & High Mountain Fun
Stop 1: Leadville National Fish Hatchery
Start your adventure at one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the country. This stop is part nature walk, part playground, and part history lesson.
Kids can:
- Take the 1 mile nature hike, with a picnic area and play space at the halfway mark
- Look for and feed fish in the raceways and pond (bring your quarters)
- Learn about and look for signs of the Evergreen Lakes Hotel that was lost in a fire
Leadville Fish Hatchery (@LittleRadAdventure)
Stop 2: Fire On The Mountain Art Gallery
Pop into this creative space for a visual treasure hunt and creative time. Let your kids spot handmade crafts and then pick out some pottery to paint into a personalized souvenir of the trip.
Stop 3: Leadville Railroad Ride
All aboard for mountain views and mining town tales! This scenic train ride is a relaxing way to take in Leadville’s high-altitude landscape.
Leadville Railroad (Photo by @liz_archer40)
Stop 4: National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum
Explore tunnels, touch giant rock specimens, and check out interactive displays about Colorado’s mining history. Kid favorites include the life-sized mock mine and the sparkly gem room.
Stop 5: Rocky Top Toys & Gifts
Wind down the day with a visit to this cozy local toy shop. It’s a great place to pick out a child size souvenir or even small treat before dinner.
Rocky Top Toys and Gifts
Lakeside Legends & Mountain Pass Views
Stop 6: Twin Lakes Visitor Center + Nature Walk
Stop in for maps, friendly tips, and clean restrooms, then head out on a short nature walk.
A half-mile trail leads to the lake’s edge—perfect for skipping stones, tossing pinecones, and spotting reflections in the water.
Stop 7: Mount Bump Hike (Easy, Scenic)
This short, scenic trail in the Twin Lakes village offers just enough elevation to keep things interesting without tiring out little feet. Look for boulders to climb and keep your eyes peeled for marmots!
Stop 8: Interlaken Ghost Resort (via boat, kayak, or hike)
Accessible by boat, kayak, or a longer hike, this once-luxurious resort is now a peaceful and slightly spooky historic site. Climb the tower for sweeping lake views and imagine what it was like a century ago.
Mount Bump
Stop 9: Drive to the Top of Independence Pass (Continental Divide)
Cap off your adventure with a high-alpine drive to one of Colorado’s most stunning viewpoints.At 12,095 feet, you’ll be standing on the Continental Divide with wide-open views and crisp mountain air. Don’t forget the family photo!
Bonus Tips for Parents
- Pack snacks, sunscreen, layers, and plenty of water.
- Bring a notebook or sketchpad for kids to draw what they see along the way.
- Keep things flexible—these stops are designed to work well in any order.
- Stop for sweet treats or hot cocoa at local spots like Perkolated Peaks, Twin Lakes General Store, Blueflower Candies & Provisions or Silver Llama Market & Eatery.
Leadville and Twin Lakes are full of big adventure and small-town charm, perfect for families looking to explore, play, and connect with the outdoors.
With historic sites to discover, trails to roam, and surprises around every corner, this itinerary is packed with moments your family will remember for years to come.
Grab your gear and get ready for a mountain getaway filled with fresh air and fun.
@colorado_kid_adventures
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