7 fun things to do in Golden, CO, with kids (and how to capture the memories)
Tucked right against the Front Range foothills, Golden, Colorado offers the ideal mix of historic Western charm, outdoor adventure, and breathtaking mountain views. Located roughly 20 minutes west of Denver, this vibrant town is one of the top destinations in Jefferson County for day-trippers and vacationing families alike.
Whether you are planning a weekend trip or looking for a memorable family day out, here is your guide to the best things to do in Golden, CO, along with insider tips on how to turn your visit into timeless family portraits.
1. Stroll and splash along Clear Creek
Clear Creek runs straight through downtown Golden and serves as our town's outdoor centerpiece. The paved Clear Creek Trail is flat, stroller-friendly, and connects several popular parks.
What to do: watch kayakers tackle the Whitewater Park, let kids splash in the shallow water near Lions Park during summer, or wander through the historic log cabins at Golden History Park.
Photo Perk: the shaded riverbanks, wooden footbridges, and golden cottonwood trees make Clear Creek one of the best locations for a candid family portrait session in Golden.
2. Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum
If anyone in your crew loves locomotives, the Colorado Railroad Museum is an absolute must-visit destination.
What to do: Spanning 15 outdoor acres, this museum features over 100 historic steam engines, passenger cars, and cabooses. On select weekends, families can even hop aboard for a ride on a historic train around the loop.
3. Take in panoramic views on Lookout Mountain
A quick, winding drive up the historic Lariat Loop brings you straight to the summit of Lookout Mountain.
What to do: Explore the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, walk the short pine-forested nature trails, and look out across sweeping views of the Denver skyline and surrounding Front Range peaks.
Photo Perk: Sunset at Lookout Mountain delivers unmatched warm, golden-hour light filtering through native ponderosa pines with dramatic mountain valleys in the background.
4. Explore downtown Washington Ave
Downtown Golden combines 19th-century Gold Rush history with cozy cafes, artisan ice cream parlors, and local toy shops.
What to do: Snap a photo under the iconic "Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden" arch spanning Washington Avenue. Keep young kids engaged with the Itty Bitty Art Tour—a fun scavenger hunt searching for mini painted murals and bronze animal sculptures on brick walls and curbs throughout downtown.
5. Check out Dinosaur Ridge
Located just minutes south of downtown Golden near Morrison, Dinosaur Ridge is one of the world's premier dinosaur fossil sites.
What to do: Take a guided shuttle or self-guided walk along the open-air ridge trail to see over 300 fossilized dinosaur footprints and Jurassic bone sites embedded right into the sandstone walls.
6. Hike foothills trails at North Table Mountain
For active families who want to experience authentic Colorado nature without a strenuous climb, North Table Mountain Park offers accessible hiking paths right on the edge of town.
What to do: The trails lead up around the mesa rim, offering wide-open vistas of downtown Golden, South Table Mountain, and Lookout Mountain.
7. Freeze time with a Golden family photoshoot
While capturing quick snaps on your phone keeps relatives updated, vacation photos far too often leave one parent stuck behind the camera lens.
Scheduling a 45-to-60-minute outdoor session with Golden Family Portraits ensures your family's connection is captured together in professional, heirloom quality.
Tips for a relaxed family portrait session in Golden
Keep it adventurous: don't worry about forcing stiff, posed smiles. The most genuine portraits happen when your family is exploring trails, laughing, or walking hand-in-hand.
Coordinate (don't match) outfits: choose complementary warm earth tones—rust, cream, deep navy, mustard, or olive green—that harmonize naturally with Colorado's mountain backdrops.
Plan for mountain weather: bring light layers or blankets for evening sessions, as temperatures drop quickly in the foothills once the sun dips behind the peaks.
Ready to plan your Golden experience?
Whether you're visiting Colorado on vacation or local to the Denver area, let's turn your day in Golden into artwork you will treasure for generations. Contact Golden Family Portraits today to reserve your family portrait session date.
