Colorado with Kids
Colorado is an outdoor adventure playground that offers memorable experiences for both adults and kids, with its many mountains, waterways, parks, lakes, and bustling urban areas. In the winter, families can whoosh down the state's many ski slopes, while in summer they can hike through its numerous trails and then gather around a campfire at night.
There are a few things to remember when traveling with kids in Colorado. Throughout much of the state, you will be at a high altitude, which will affect every member of the family. Make sure children drink plenty of water, are protected from the sun, and have plenty of down time.
Stock up on sunscreen, water, and extra food if you plan to undertake a family hike. Keep an eye on all members of your group when enjoying the outdoors and watch that no one strays too close to rivers or mountain overlooks.
Where to Go
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. This superlative zoo is loaded with interactive exhibits that allow kids to really learn about the animals they are seeing. Animal lovers can feed giraffes by hand and more daring tykes can soar in a gondola that flies over the zoo.
Children's Museum of Denver, Denver. One of the best children's museums in the country, the Children's Museum of Denver has an impressive range of hands-on exhibits. There's a fire station with a fire truck and pole, and an assembly line where kids can design and build various items.
Dinosaur Journey, Fruita. What kid isn't intrigued by dinosaurs? This museum provides interactive experiences for curious young ones: they can look for fossils in a mock quarry, examine dino prints, and be wowed by animatronic dinosaurs.
Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown. This 3-mile narrow-gauge loop ascends over 640 feet of mountainous terrain between the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. It feels as if you're being transported back to an earlier era as the steam engine slowly chugs up the tracks.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs. This once-sleepy resort town, renowned for its hot springs, has transformed itself into one of the state's best family vacation spots. The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has a thrilling alpine coaster, a fun zipline ride, and a roller coaster that overhangs a cliff. Add in several caves, two rivers, and miles of hiking trails and your family is guaranteed to stay busy.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, San Luis Valley. While the largest sand dunes in the United States may seem entirely out of place amid the state's soaring mountains, they provide unique adventures for families. Kids enjoy amazing hikes, nighttime stargazing, tours to spot the bison in the southwest part of the park, and, if they're particularly adventurous, climbing the massive dunes.
