Top Family Friendly Activities in Salida, CO

Salida, Colorado, may be known for its artsy mountain vibe and access to world-class outdoor recreation, but it's also one of the most welcoming towns in the Rockies for families. Whether you're introducing your kids to the Arkansas River for the first time, exploring local history, or seeking approachable outdoor adventures, Salida delivers a mix of enriching, energetic, and downright fun activities that appeal to every age  And with a calendar dotted with seasonal festivals, hands-on experiences, and year-round attractions, it's easy to plan a family outing any time of year.

Below, we take a closer look at the top family-friendly events and activities that make Salida such an engaging destination for both parents and kids.

There's no better place to begin our tour of family-friendly locales than Salida's expansive network of outdoor recreational areas, including 18 parks spread across 36 acres and more than 5 miles of in-town trails. The jewel of this system is Riverside Park. Set along the Arkansas River in Downtown Salida, this 3-acre gem is one of Salida's most vibrant family hubs, with a mix of open green space, river access, and playgrounds framed by mountain scenery. The park is perfect for picnics, floating, kayaking, or simply watching boats move through the whitewater features of the Salida Kayak Park.

You'll also find climbing structures, shaded areas, seasonal events under the park's Salida Rotary Amphitheater bandshell, and direct access to the paved Riverwalk Trail. On warm summer days, the river's edge becomes a natural gathering spot for families cooling off and enjoying Salida's relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Elsewhere in Salida's network of parks and open spaces, you'll find the 12-acre Marvin Park. Also situated along the Arkansas River, five minutes northwest of downtown, Marvin Park features a playground, walking trails, and sports fields. The 7-acre Centennial Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a playground, tennis and pickleball courts, sand volleyball, and a skate park.

In addition to its recreational parks, Salida also boasts more than 400 acres of open space. The anchor to the town's outdoor recreation is the Arkansas Hills Open Space. Located immediately northeast of Downtown Salida and extending eastward from the Arkansas River and the base of Tenderfoot Mountain, this sublime landscape offers natural opportunities for exploration beyond the river.

Salida sits at the heart of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, one of Colorado's premier destinations for river recreation. The Arkansas River is well-known for its rafting and kayaking, and families will find options for all ages: younger children can enjoy scenic float trips and guided paddle trips, while older kids and teens can try beginner-friendly whitewater routes.

Foremost is the area's abundance of trails. The town's extensive trail networks include nearly 63 miles of multi-use trails within the Arkansas Hills Trail System and more than 83 miles within the Methodist Mountain Trail System.

Both areas have a wide variety of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, with options for every skill level. Families can choose mellow riverfront rides or try beginner mountain biking trails that still capture the thrill of Salida's terrain. There are also numerous motorized trails and dirt paths for those who want to kick their trail experience up a notch.

Companies like Captain Zipline offer family-friendly canopy tours, rope bridges, aerial challenges with sweeping views of the canyon, and several options combining zipline and rafting. It's an exhilarating way to experience the region's rugged beauty together.

For families in search of hands-on discovery, Salida's surrounding hills and creek beds are known for accessible rockhounding and the chance to find quartz, topaz, and other minerals. It's an adventure that gives kids and adults an up-close experience with Salida's natural landscapes and, when paired with hiking, will keep kids engaged for hours.

For year-round warmth and relaxation, the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center is a favorite. Adjacent to Centennial Park, the indoor pools are fed by some of the largest natural hot springs in North America, cooled to comfortable family-friendly temperatures, and ideal for all ages. Kids can splash and play, while adults unwind in mineral-rich water with views of the mountains just outside the windows. It's an effortless way to recharge after a day of outdoor adventure or exploring downtown.

Also located near Salida's Centennial Park, the Salida Museum introduces families to both the town's and broader Chaffee County's rich heritage through exhibits showcasing Native American artifacts, pioneer tools, mining history, and local stories. It's compact enough for younger kids to enjoy without losing interest, yet full of authentic detail for older children and adults while offering a thoughtful break from more active adventures.

Approximately 30 minutes west of Downtown Salida, Monarch Mountain transforms winter weekends into something magical. This independently owned ski area is known for its friendly atmosphere, soft natural snow, and approachable terrain. It's one of the easiest mountains for families — especially those introducing kids to winter sports for the first time.

Along with downhill skiing and snowboarding, Monarch offers tubing, snowmobile tours, and access to snowshoeing trails for a more low-key winter outing. Whether you want an all-day adventure or a few trail runs followed by hot chocolate in the lodge, Monarch has an easygoing charm that feels tailor-made for family memories.

Historic downtown Salida is lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, but it also holds a surprise hit with kids: the Fun Street Family Arcade. Packed with both retro favorites and modern games, it's an easy stop between shopping and dinner — or a go-to spot when the weather turns. With pinball, air hockey, racing games, and ticket-win games, it offers a nostalgic break that parents love just as much as their kids.

A few miles west of downtown, the Mt. Shavano Fish Hatchery offers a surprisingly captivating look at Colorado's aquatic ecosystems. Families can tour the facility and witness thousands of trout in different stages of growth. The hatchery is also a showcase for conservation efforts supporting the region's waterways. The tour is just the right length to keep all ages engaged, with many children mesmerized by the tanks and raceway.

Ten minutes west of Salida, just before the town of Poncha Springs, is the Chaffee County Fairgrounds & Events Center, home of the Chaffee County Fair & Rodeo. A highlight of the summer season, which pulls together local heritage, family fun, and the unmistakable charm of Colorado's high country, the fair brings together carnival rides, livestock shows, kid-friendly games, live music, arts and crafts, and plenty of classic fair food.

The rodeo itself is just as engaging, with everything from barrel racing to bull riding in a lively, approachable atmosphere for all ages. It's one of those weekends when kids can experience the arena's energy and enjoy a summer fair set against Salida's scenic mountain backdrop.

If you're interested in learning more about available homes and land for sale in Salida — or if you're interested in listing a Chaffee County property for sale — contact First Colorado Land Office today to begin your real estate journey.