Colorado end of April with kids

[shygirl]

We are from New England and planning a trip to Colorado end of April with our 10 and 13 year old girls. We have to be in Denver towards the end of the week (Thursday through Saturday) for my husbands work. But the beginning of the week (Sunday night through Wednesday night) we can be anywhere driveable to Denver Wednesday night.
We are somewhat outdoorsy-easier hikes, would love to go white water rafting, love walking around exploring new places, beautiful scenery, etc.
thoughts on places to go and things to see? Thanks!

[pmwife]

I really like the Granby area. It's a nice drive from Denver. Mad Adventures does a great rafting trip locally.

We stayed at the YMCA at snow mountain? Near Granby. The food at the YMCA was awesome, the rooms while not a 5-star were a solid 2.5 but the mountain view's, the hiking, the activities that you can do at the y or all awesome.

[steamboat185]

End of April I would not be white water rafting the water will be FREEZING and the run off will be high making it super dangerous (it they are even running). End of April is also a tough time for hiking typically there is still a lot of snow anyplace in the foothills or higher. There is a really cool spot that should be snow free by Colorado Spring called Paint Mines- it’s beautiful!

[egishere]

Yeah the white water rafting probably won't happen- I don't think tour companies even are running yet by then. It has snowed on Mother's Day most years in the Denver metro area that I've lived here (8years) so the mountains could be nice but could be snowy. I've heard great things about the YMCA mentioned above. Or you could stay in one of the towns like Vail or Breckenridge. But yeah just be prepared that the weather may not be nice and warm or dry for hiking and lots of outdoor stuff. Boulder, CO springs and Estes Park would be good day trips if you stay in Denver.

[taratru]

Pretty much anywhere mountain-y is driveable back to Denver in a night. You aren't going to raft, it's too cold and the water is too high. I would look into Keystone/Breck area, Granby, Estes Park, or Grand Lake. All gorgeous, all mountains, all easy access to hiking, all easy to drive to if the weather is good. Keep in mind, there could be snowstorms, even in April.