Planning a Family Fun Day that includes Family Photos

Normally, I’m all about keeping it close to home when it comes to kids and photoshoot locations. However, there are some GORGEOUS locations I’d love to explore with you in and around Estes Park, Colorado. This would be a great opportunity for your Colorado fall family photos to have a different feel from the common photography locations around Denver. It also provides a great opportunity to make the day into a family adventure that builds on the fun you’ll have during the photoshoot and allows you and the kiddos to explore new parks, playgrounds, and local restaurants. 

So, let’s turn your photoshoot into a family day-trip! You could pack the kids into the car right before naptime, (hopefully) enjoy a quiet drive to Estes Park, grab an early dinner at a local restaurant, have fun playing together during family photos, then enjoy some dessert and playground time before heading back home to Denver. 

Now, I totally understand that I just turned an hour commitment for photos into a whole day adventure, so I want to make this as easy as possible! I’ve compiled a list below for kid-friendly restaurants, playground locations, and dessert options for you to explore. 

Playgrounds and Parks: 

1. Stanley Park Playground: In the heart of Estes Park, this playground is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including views of the Rocky Mountains.
2. George Hix Riverside Plaza: Right along the Fall River. Reportedly has a great kids-friendly garden and play area. 
3. Check out one of the many town-maintained parks

Kid-friendly Restaurants Ideas:

• Scratch Deli and Baker – Lots of specialty and make-your-own sandwich options. Open until 3pm
• Notchtop – Breakfast, brunch and lunch cafe. Open until 3pm
• Poppy’s Pizza and Grill – Outdoor seating facing water. Kids menu. 
• Antonio’s Real New York Pizza – Be sure to check outs. Pizza pies look HUGE!
• Coffee on the Rocks –  Open until 4pm. More limited food options, but reportedly you can also buy food to feed the ducks and spot lots of wildlife! 

Dessert Options: 

• The Sundae Saloon – Ice cream and funnel cakes
• Hayley’s – Ice Cream and frozen yogurt
• The Danish Cone Factory – Handmade ice cream
• Estes Park Sugar Shack – Lots of options – ice cream, popcorn, fudge, candy and more
• Laura’s Fine Candies – Tons of options – candied apples, homemade ice cream, popcorn and more

I can’t wait for the opportunity to share some of the fantastic Estes Park photography locations I have in store for us! Let’s chat more about planning your fall family photos today! Head over to the contact page on my website to get in touch. 

Be sure to inquire about any early booking discounts I might have available! Booking your fall photos during the summer can come with many perks!! 

Cheers! 

Kelsey