Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is one of the most visually stunning natural landscapes in Colorado and a must-visit for families spending time in the Denver area. Located just 15 miles west of downtown Denver in the foothills town of Morrison, the park features massive 300-foot red sandstone formations that frame the world-famous outdoor amphitheatre. The entire park is free to visit on non-event days, making it one of the best free family outings in the state.

The amphitheatre itself is an experience even without a concert. Visiting on a non-event day, families can walk freely through the seating area, stand on the stage, and take in the acoustics and views. The sensation of standing between the two enormous rock formations -- Ship Rock and Creation Rock -- that form the natural walls of the venue is genuinely awe-inspiring for kids and adults.

Many visitors run the amphitheatre steps as exercise (a famous Denver tradition), and kids love the challenge of running up and down the rows.

For hiking, the Trading Post Trail is the best family option. This 1. 4-mile loop trail starts at the Trading Post parking area and winds through dramatic red rock formations, offering close-up views of the geological features that make this area unique.

The trail is rated easy to moderate with some gentle elevation changes. Kids ages 4+ can handle it comfortably. Along the trail, interpretive signs point out dinosaur track fossils embedded in the sandstone -- finding these real 150-million-year-old trace fossils gives kids a tangible connection to prehistoric life.

Several shorter trails offer additional options. The Geologic Overlook Trail provides panoramic views of the Denver skyline and the Great Plains stretching to the eastern horizon. The Creation Rock Trail loops around the northern formation. None of the trails exceed 2 miles, and all are manageable for families.

The geological story of Red Rocks is fascinating for curious kids. The formations are 300-million-year-old sandstone, pushed upward and tilted by the same tectonic forces that created the Rocky Mountains. The red color comes from iron oxide (rust) in the stone. Interpretive plaques throughout the park explain the geology in accessible language.

Practical notes: the park sits at 6,450 feet elevation, about 1,100 feet higher than Denver. Visitors coming from sea level may notice mild altitude effects -- shortness of breath, quicker fatigue, and headache. Take hikes slowly, drink extra water, and do not push kids who seem winded.

Weather in the foothills can change rapidly -- afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and temperatures can swing 20 degrees during a visit. Bring layers and a rain jacket.

The Trading Post at the trailhead is a gift shop and visitor center selling souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. The park has restroom facilities near the amphitheatre and at the Trading Post. There is no food service in the park beyond the Trading Post snack counter -- bring water and picnic supplies.

Parking is free in multiple lots throughout the park. The amphitheatre lot is the most convenient for the venue itself; the Trading Post lot is best for the hiking trails. On concert days (frequent in summer), access is restricted to ticket holders, so always check the schedule at redrocksonline.com before planning your visit.

Red Rocks pairs naturally with a visit to nearby Dinosaur Ridge (3 miles away), where exposed dinosaur bones and tracks along a road cut make a perfect companion outing for paleontology-loving families.