Photo Credit: AzmanJaka
How to plan a family reunion in Estes Park
Everything you need to know about planning your next Family Reunion in Estes Park!
When to start Planning
Time of Year
The very first task should be settling on a date. Here are some things to keep in mind about the time of year you choose:
Large reunions in the summer or fall should be planned and booked a year or more in advance. Summer is the most popular time of year for family reunions because the weather us usually nicer and it’s easier for family members with kids to come when they are out of school. Because of this, it’s really smart to plan early for your summer family reunions!
Fall has become one of the most popular times to come to Estes Park as well, and we can see why! Fall colors and the elk rut bring many tourists to town. Though it’s harder for families with kids to get away in the fall, if you choose a fall family reunion we also advise you to book your lodging a year in advance.
If you are having a small reunion in the winter or spring, it can often be accommodated with a shorter timeline.
Logistics & Tips
How to Set a Date
Send an email to all your family members letting them know that you’re organizing a family reunion. List several possible dates and ask everyone to rank them by availability. An easy way to keep track of responses is to use a free online poll.
Just remember that it will be nearly impossible to find a date that suits everyone, so settle on the date that works for the majority and stick with it.
Get Volunteers
The best way to encourage attendance and participation is to delegate tasks! Some areas you might want to delegate are: food, decorations, swag (matching reunion t-shirts are so fun!), activities, games, and lodging.
Think about who might be best to take on each category. Maybe picky-eater cousin Alice shouldn’t be in charge of food. And don’t ask a busy, working parent to take on finding lodging to accommodate everyone. Let people sign up to help based on their interests and availability, not arbitrary assignments. It’s always more fun when people feel included and energized, rather than burdened.
But, the biggest tip is not to do all the planning alone! Make it a collaboration from the start.
Lodging
Things to think about as you are looking for lodging
Get lodging with space to accommodate a gathering. Many of our lodging properties in Estes Park have a large room or pavilion where you can gather the whole group together for games, activities, or group meals. This is makes it easy to connect indoors in all kinds of weather, without having to come up with a restaurant or separate venue to rent.
Consider lodging with a kitchen so you don’t always have to eat out. Many people who have hosted a successful reunion in Estes Park have remarked that having a kitchen for easy, casual meals “at home” made their family reunion so much smoother. You don’t always want to eat out at a restaurant, and there’s nothing like connecting around the table in a cozy, intimate and comfortable setting. It sparks the best conversations!
Have lots of kids? Consider lodging with a pool so it’s easy to burn off energy with a free activity. Or how about bringing Fido along. He’s part of the family too! Search by features like, children welcome, pet friendly, swimming pool, or kitchen to find a spot where everyone is welcome and you have exactly what you need.
You don’t all need to stay at the same property. Sometimes it works best to have a variety of choices that are nearby, but meet different budgets. Consider choosing a few different lodging properties in one area (such as along Fall River Road, or Downtown Estes Park) so everyone is still centralized for easier coordination.
You can easily see where each of our properties are located by switching to “Map View” on our Family Reunions Listings page.
Activities
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the biggest draws for a family reunion in Estes Park is the access to Rocky Mountain National Park and all of the surrounding beauty! RMNP has hikes for all ages and abilities.
Check out our suggestions for family friendly hike here. And learn about accessible trails within the park, or outfitters like Kirks’ Mountain Outfitters that will cater your guided hike or fly-fishing excursion to all ages and abilities.
Another thing families really enjoy is a horseback ride through the National Park. Whether you want a short 1-hr ride, or a longer all-day horseback experience, National Park Gateway Stables can make your cowboy and cowgirl dreams come true.
In Town
Aside from walking around the many great shops in town, one of the most fun family activities in Downtown Estes Park is the Open Air Adventure Park! Your family can work together or individually to complete 32 different aerial challenges. If you book a private evening reservation, they’ll even provide you with a crackling fire pit under the stars where you can share laughter and s’mores after your shared adventure.
On the Water
Another great idea for a family activity is going whitewater rafting! It’s thrilling, and a quintessentially Colorado experience that everyone will remember. Check out our list of preferred whitewater rafting outfitters here.