Photo: Me 1974
Photo: D.
Photo: Felipe Arredondo.
Highlands Ranch Mansion
★4.8(697 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1-1.5 hours (including 45-minute tour plus time to explore the grounds)👶 Best for ages 6-14. School-age children who've studied Colorado history will appreciate the authentic period details and stories, while the spacious outdoor grounds are perfect for younger siblings to explore. Teens interested in architecture or Western history will find the mansion's transformation fascinating.🧡 Saved by 43 families
About
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved historic mansion that brings Colorado's ranching heritage to life for curious kids. The Highlands Ranch Mansion offers engaging family-friendly tours through elegant Victorian rooms and sprawling grounds where children can imagine life on a working cattle ranch in the late 1800s.
Highlights
- ✓Guided tours through authentically furnished Victorian-era rooms that tell Colorado ranching stories
- ✓Beautiful historic architecture and period details that transport you to the 1890s
- ✓Expansive grounds and gardens perfect for exploration and photos
- ✓Kid-friendly docents who make history come alive with engaging storytelling
- ✓Connection to local Colorado history that complements school curriculum
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to confirm tour availability as the limited hours (Tuesday-Thursday only) mean tours can fill up, especially during field trip season.
- 2.Let kids explore the beautiful grounds before or after the tour - the expansive lawns and gardens are perfect for burning off energy and make great photo spots.
- 3.Visit on Wednesday afternoon (4-6 PM) when it's typically less crowded than the weekday morning hours popular with school groups.
- 4.Bring questions! The knowledgeable docents love sharing stories about the mansion's colorful history, from cattle barons to the mansion's various uses over the decades.
- 5.Check their event calendar as they occasionally host family-friendly seasonal events that offer special activities beyond the regular tours.
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday or Thursday mornings (9 AM-3 PM) are ideal for a quieter experience, though Wednesday late afternoons work well if you need evening hours. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor grounds before or after your tour.
What to Know
Tours are typically free or low-cost (check website for current pricing), with ample free parking on-site. The mansion operates on very limited hours (closed Friday-Monday), so plan accordingly and consider calling ahead to confirm schedule.
Seasonal Notes
The mansion is closed weekends and Mondays year-round, with very limited weekday hours. Spring and summer offer the best weather for enjoying the outdoor grounds. Check their calendar for special holiday events and seasonal programs that may offer extended hours or family activities.
Nearby Eats
Highlands Ranch Town Center (just minutes away) offers numerous family-friendly options including Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Noodles & Company. For a sit-down meal, try Bonefish Grill or The Egg & I for breakfast/brunch before a Tuesday or Thursday morning tour.
More Activities Near Highlands Ranch
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Backcountry Wilderness Area Horse Corrals offers families an authentic Colorado outdoor experience with over 3,000 acres of scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking adventures. The open space provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities where kids can spot deer, birds, and other native animals while exploring the beautiful natural landscape of Highlands Ranch.
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Coyote Ridge Natural Area
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Coyote Ridge Natural Area offers families over 600 acres of pristine Colorado landscapes perfect for introducing kids to outdoor adventure. With well-maintained trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, children can explore native grasslands, spot wildlife like deer and prairie dogs, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Front Range mountains without the overwhelming crowds of busier hiking destinations.
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Schweiger Ranch
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Schweiger Ranch offers an authentic working ranch experience where kids can step back in time while getting their hands dirty with real farm activities. This hidden gem in Highlands Ranch features historic buildings dating back to the 1800s, friendly farm animals to meet, and educational programs that teach children about Colorado's agricultural heritage in the most engaging way possible.
Playground
Redstone Park
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Redstone Park is a sprawling community hub in Highlands Ranch that truly has something for every family member. With its impressive playground equipment, skate park, multiple sports fields, and shaded picnic areas, it's the perfect spot for families who want variety in one location,whether your kids want to burn energy on the playground or practice their skateboarding skills.