Family Fun at the YMCA of the Rockies

Posted August 2, 2014 by Prairie Wife - 4 comments

This last weekend we had an amazing opportunity all because of this blog. All through this blogging journey The Cowboy has been super supportive of this little “hobby” of mine and has celebrated the little victories with me. I’ve had the opportunity to interview some amazing woman through our Prairie Wife of the Week segment and even made contact with my favorite author! But really, most of the benefits have been for me, not the rest of the family. Though a happy Prairie Mama does mean a happy Prairie Homestead for all!

When I was invited to the Press Day for the opening of the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch Tubing Hill I was SO excited. Not only did it seem like the perfect opportunity for us to have some family fun but, it was finally a benefit for the whole family, all from this blog. The Cowkids were counting down the days until our trip, and when the day finally arrived they hopped into the van with smiles on their faces and excitement in their hearts. I have to say The Cowboy and I were a little nervous that this vacation wouldn’t live up to their expectations…we shouldn’t have worried!

We traveled to the YMCA of the Rockies the long way and took some time to stop by and visit some good friends along the way. When we finally arrived at the YMCA of the Rockies we were more than a little road weary, and ready to have some fun. The staff greeted us and got us checked into our room right away, and we easily followed the map to our lodge. The room was spacious and the bathroom, refrigerator, and microwave were spotlessly clean. There was no TV in the room but, with all the indoor and outdoor activities available, you won’t even notice it’s gone! We immediately headed to the grill to get some food for the family. The pizza was really good, and the baskets of food (chicken fingers, corn dogs, and burgers) were more than enough to feed a kid. I would order one chicken basket to feed two kids next time we go. There is also a Cafeteria style area to eat each meal but, it was closed for lunch by the time we arrived.

We then headed to the mini golf course where we had a blast! Even Cowboy C at 18 months was running around with his golf ball and putter screaming and laughing with all the other Cowkids. All the other guests seemed to be having just as much fun as us, and the area was full of laughter and families having fun. Other activities include a pool, a zip-line, roller skating, indoor and outdoor archery, hiking, and horse back riding.

At the top of their list of “must do’s” at the YMCA of the Rockies was rock climbing. They have an indoor and outdoor wall available. The Cowkids had a blast taking a ton of turns (they had a whole hour to climb) and even though they never made it to the top they sure had fun trying. The staff was encouraging and hilarious, and obviously enjoyed being with the kids. It was nice to be able to stand back and watch them while shouting encouragement and keeping an eye on Cowboy C as he played in the grass and dirt.

That night after a BBQ dinner, we headed to the stables for a hay ride. As they got the horses hitched up to the wagon we took some time to visit with the goats and sheep. At first Cowboy C wasn’t too sure about them…

But he soon warmed up to them and was giving them more food than they had probably eaten all week combined!

The wagon ride was a fun treat for us all, and a great way to get a look at the beautiful mountain views surrounding the YMCA of the Rockies. There were some great trails for hiking (one leads up to a waterfall) and we spotted quite a few deer. The wagon driver was pleasant and cheerful and chatted away about both the horses and the landscape around us.

We gave the horses a break and enjoyed some S’mores and hot chocolate!

As we walked back to our room everyone was pleasantly tired and ready to settle in for the night. The next morning as the Cowkids woke up the same question was on all of their lips… “Is today the day for the Tubing Slide?!” When I answered “Yes” their screams of joy probably woke everyone in the whole building (sorry). We grabbed breakfast and headed to the Tubing Hill. The facility is wonderful with plenty of places to sit in either the sun or the shade, and panoramic views of the mountains of Colorado. They had family friendly music playing and cold drinks and snacks are available for guests in the concession stands. There are also bathrooms located right within the building, as any mom knows, close bathrooms are always a plus!

We listened to several speeches, and I gained a whole new appreciation for the vision of this facility. Over and over again we heard about the organization’s desire to bring families together. Too often today we are pulled in so many directions, and often this direction is away from our families. The YMCA of the Rockies’ goal is to offer an affordable place for families to connect and make memories, to simply enjoy being with each other, and to return back to their homes feeling renewed in their love.

After they cut the ribbons the kids stampeded for their helmets and tubes and lined up, ready for the fun to begin!

See ya later Cowboy J!

You can ride on single tubes or on two tubes hooked together. Children 6 and under need to ride in a tube hooked up with an adult…and kids under 3 can’t ride. With the great facility it was no problem keeping an eye on Cowboy C as he ran around and The Cowboy and I took turns going down with Cowgirl G and Cowboy W. It was an absolute blast, a light mist keeps the surface slick and cools you off without soaking you. We spent two hours going up and down the hill non-stop!

I know by now you are wondering about the trek back up the hill dragging the tube. No worries, all you do is hop on the “magic carpet” and ride it up the hill and right back into the line again (trust me you can’t just take one turn).

Right next to the hill there was a group of CB Engineers working on a new expansion project for the park. They were invited over to enjoy the hill and take a break from the heat. It was wonderful to see these big tough guys and gals smiling ear to ear, and hear them screaming and laughing just like the kids.

Here is a picture of one of the new projects the YMCA is working on, I can’t wait to come back and let the kids loose in this park!

I can’t recommend the YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch enough. It was a perfect vacation for our large family of active kids. With their difference in ages I was concerned about the activities being fun for all of them, while Cowboy C couldn’t participate in all of the activities, all of the facilities were set up in such a way that it was simple to keep him occupied while the older kids played. The staff was helpful, polite, and absolutely wonderful with the kids. Keep in mind it’s open all year round with activities like skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides in the winter!

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comment section!

Does this look like a family vacation you would like to take?

Categories: Reviews

Tags: , Colorado, family fun, family vacations, Summer Fun, Tubing Hill, vacationing with kids, YMCA of the Rockies