Summer is in full swing, and that means family day trips! I’m sure you remember taking those fun trips with your family when you were growing up. Now it’s your turn to plan those trips for your family! We know that on these trips you want to include your whole family, and that means bringing your furry friends along too. Below are a few of the fun and easy day trips you can take from Denver that’ll make your pooch feel like part of the family too.

Seven Falls

Take your family, furry members included, to beautiful Sevens Falls located just outside Colorado Springs. This majestic day trip has a series of waterfalls hidden deep within a 1,400-ft-wall box canyon. While you’re there, explore everything the falls have to offer. From new and wonderful dining options to an abundance of hiking and walking trails, this beautiful area has something for everyone! Next to the falls, a 224-step stairway leads to a system of trails that will lead you to Inspiration Point, which will give you a breathtaking view of Colorado Springs. Admission for adults in $14, Children 3+ is $8, and children 2 and under are free!

Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark, located conveniently in Colorado Springs, and makes for a perfect day trip. Admission to the park is free, and dogs are more than welcome as long as they are on a leash! Hike along the beautiful trails and admire the unique red rocks formations. Your pooch can also join you for lunch on the terrace of the Cafe at the Garden.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Come explore the less-seen side of Garden of the Gods! Spend your day trip enjoying the beautiful red rocks with your whole family, dogs included. Furry friends are welcome on most trails so long as they’re on leashes. There are also two dog loops where unleashed pets are welcome, though those areas are unfenced.

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Step into the past at the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings. Explore the remains of an old village, carved directly into the rocks. Dogs are allowed anywhere you can go, provided they’re on leash. Take this day trip with  the whole family, and have fun while learning how people used to live.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

While it’s most well known for its summer concerts, Red Rocks is much more than just a venue. A popular destination for tourists and locals alike, the park is teeming with hiking and biking trails, places to have a picnic lunch, and a wonderful visitor center. Leashed pets are welcomed on the hiking trails-- just be sure to bring plenty of water for both you and Fido. The park is located near Morrison, just 15 miles west of Denver, the ideal distance for a lovely day trip.

St. Mary’s Glacier

This scenic area is the only place in the United States where a river flows into a creek, which produces a nearly year-round snowfield. The views are extraordinary, and the opportunity to have a snowball fight in August is too fun to pass up. Your leashed pup is welcome to join your family as you explore the area, but it’s recommended that you dress in layers and bring plenty of water since Colorado’s weather is very hard to predict.

Union Reservoir Dog Beach

This is the perfect place to bring your dog for a day trip to  the beach, even in landlocked Colorado. Watch your dog frolic on the beach on a day the whole family can enjoy. Off-leash pups are welcome in the designated off-leash areas, but must remain leashed in the other areas of the park. The reservoir is also a great area for fishing, swimming, camping, and windsurfing.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

This day trip is not for the faint of heart-- if your dog is scared of heights, you may want to consider a different option on this list. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in the park and on the bridge, but are not allowed on the rides or inside buildings. The park  does provide free kennels where your dog can rest while you enjoy the rides or restaurants in the park.   Have you and your pooch enjoyed any of these trips? Know of any we're missing? Leave a comment for us below!