Photo: The Stanley Hotel
Photo: Ana Calvo del Campo
Photo: s3718이서준
The Stanley Hotel
★4.4(17,069 reviews)$Activity
🕑 2-3 hours (including a tour and exploring the grounds)👶 Best for ages 8 and up. The ghost tours are specifically designed to be family-friendly rather than scary, making them perfect for tweens and teens who love a little mystery. Younger children will enjoy exploring the beautiful grounds and gardens, though they may not appreciate the historical aspects as much.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
The Stanley Hotel offers a unique blend of history and mild spookiness perfect for families with older children. This grand 1909 hotel, famous for inspiring Stephen King's 'The Shining,' features age-appropriate daytime ghost tours, stunning mountain views, and expansive grounds where kids can explore while learning about Colorado's fascinating past.
Highlights
- ✓Family-friendly ghost tours that are educational and only mildly spooky
- ✓Stunning historic architecture and grand hotel lobby perfect for photos
- ✓Expansive grounds with mountain views and room to explore
- ✓Stephen King connections and literary history that appeal to book-loving families
- ✓Interactive scavenger hunts available for children during tours
Pro Tips
- 1.Book the 'Daytime Historical Ghost Tour' specifically,it's educational and spooky-lite, perfect for kids who might be frightened by the evening tours.
- 2.Explore the grounds freely even if you're not staying overnight; the expansive lawns and mountain backdrop make for great photo opportunities and room to run around.
- 3.Visit the gift shop for Stanley Hotel memorabilia and age-appropriate ghost story books that kids love taking home as souvenirs.
- 4.Grab lunch or afternoon tea at the Cascades Restaurant, which offers a kids' menu in a grand historic setting that children find impressive.
- 5.Combine your visit with nearby Rocky Mountain National Park for a full day of adventure,the hotel is just minutes from the park entrance.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during weekday mornings or early afternoons for smaller tour groups and a more relaxed experience. Summer and fall offer the best weather for exploring the grounds, while October adds festive Halloween programming that families enjoy.
What to Know
Tours require advance reservations and cost extra beyond general admission to explore the property. Free parking is available on-site, and the hotel welcomes day visitors to walk the grounds, dine at their restaurants, and visit the gift shop even if you're not overnight guests.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with special Halloween programming in October that's especially popular with families. Winter visits offer snowy mountain scenery but require warm clothing for exploring outdoor grounds. Summer brings the best weather for enjoying the extensive property.
Nearby Eats
Ed's Cantina & Grill offers kid-friendly Mexican food just minutes away, while Smokin' Dave's BBQ & Tap House provides casual family dining with a varied menu that pleases picky eaters.
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