Colorado recorded a record 96.8 million visitors in 2025, but tourism growth is beginning to slow. While the state looks for new sources of travelers, Fort Collins is deliberately courting families who want a vacation without breaking the budget.
Why families are still traveling
According to Priceline’s State of Summer Travel Report, 89 % of families said they plan to travel during the summer school break, even though more than half of respondents noted higher travel costs this year. Parents are making trade‑offs—cutting back on everyday expenses such as dining out or alcohol—to fund a vacation, the report shows.
Fort Collins’ family‑focused advantages
Located just a short flight from Denver, Fort Collins benefits from lower airfare for many domestic travelers. Once on the ground, families can rent a car for a day and then enjoy days of free or low‑cost recreation in the city’s extensive parks and nature preserves.
Colorado State University adds a youthful, hip energy to the town. Vintage shops, a martini bar and a build‑your‑own charcuterie restaurant provide options for parents, while the university’s Trial Garden offers a colorful, stroller‑friendly stroll among Colorado‑adapted flower varieties.
Allergy‑aware dining options
Traveling with food allergies is a common concern for families, and Fort Collins rises to the challenge. Many restaurants label allergens clearly or provide dedicated gluten‑free menus. Explorado Market, a gluten‑free bakery, also eliminates peanuts, soy and seed oils from its offerings. Nearby, Edison’s Ice Cream follows the same gluten‑free approach.
Family‑friendly eateries such as Union Bar and Soda Fountain serve whimsical milkshakes, while The Exchange’s central courtyard lets diners choose from Mexican, Italian, Colombian and other cuisines in a communal setting.
Historic charm and kid‑centric attractions
Old Town Fort Collins, whose brick streets and brightly painted storefronts inspired Walt Disney’s Main Street, U.S.A., retains its 1880s character. A grassroots preservation effort in the 1970s saved the historic Victorians from demolition, and the 1985‑opened Old Town Square now functions as a pedestrian‑only European‑style zone with a splash pad, sculptures and ample seating.
Families can explore the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, enjoy arcade fun at Fort Fun, or attend family‑oriented theater and music events. For a unique shopping experience, the Trimble Court Artisans co‑op showcases handcrafted goods from more than 50 Colorado artists.
Nature just minutes away
Outdoor adventure is within easy reach. The Poudre River Picnic Rock Natural Area, a 15‑minute drive from downtown, offers swimming, kayaking, tubing and fishing. Local resident Michelle Goth, who runs the Blackberry Babe bakery, praised the river’s “unbeatable” combination of scenery and rapids for her teenage son’s white‑water rafting trips.
Horsetooth Reservoir lies another 15 minutes away, providing hiking, biking and boating opportunities. The iconic Rocky Mountain National Park is a short 45‑mile drive, making a weekend mountain escape feasible for families staying in Fort Collins.
Accommodations for families
The Elizabeth Hotel, situated in Old Town, caters to families with connecting rooms, suite configurations and in‑room record players plus a guitar‑lending library for music‑loving guests. Its central location means families can return to their rooms in minutes, eliminating the need for a car ride after a day of exploring.
Looking ahead
By emphasizing affordable travel, allergy‑friendly dining, historic charm and easy access to outdoor recreation, Fort Collins aims to become a bright spot for Colorado tourism. The city’s blend of university‑town vibrancy and family‑oriented amenities offers a compelling alternative for parents seeking memorable, budget‑conscious vacations.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
