We're planning a vacation in Colorado for a week with our two kids 10 and 7. We plan on watching a game at Coors Field and then heading to Colorado Springs and maybe Vail. Any suggestions for places to stay, eat or things to do in Denver, Colorado Springs or Vail?

Here are some websites for things to do in Denver and Colorado Springs-

http://www.waterworldcolorado.com/ A big water park

http://www.elitchgardens.com/ an amusement park with a water park

http://www.dmns.org/main/en/ the museum of nature and science with kid-friendly exhibits

http://www.denverzoo.org/ the zoo

http://www.cmdenver.org/ -Children's museum

http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/d...flash_content/ aquarium


http://www.cmzoo.org/ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo--on the side of a mountain--giraffes

http://www.cograilway.com/ to the top of Pike's Peak

http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1 fun place to hike

http://web.vail.net/plan/summer.index.cfm -- guide to Vail's summer activities

You might consider a rafting trip/float trip--here is the website for only one of the many rafting companies aroung Buena Vista-which would be on your way from Colorado Springs to Vail http://www.riverrunnersltd.com/

Close to the river rafting companies is Mt Princeton Resort with big swimming pools-- lovely after a trip on the river
http://www.mtprinceton.com/

As far a places to stay, in all three locations there are lots of choices--how much do you want to spend per night? If you gave us that information, you might get some good suggestions.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a pretty neat interactive exhibit on health right now. Get there early in the day to avoid the lines.

Off the beaten path, you can visit the Buffalo Bill museum, which has some interesting exhibits on the Old West and cowboy culture.

In the same neighborhood, on I-70 at Genesee Park, is the buffalo overlook, where you can often see buffalo roaming.

Also consider a trip to the top of Mount Evans outside of Denver, with pancakes at Echo Lake Lodge on the way up. Just watch for the cyclists on the road; it's a great place for all recreationalists.

If your sons enjoy trains, Georgetown Railroad west of Denver in Georgetown is a treat.

Have you considered Breckenridge at all? It's also a really nice family-oriented community with plenty to do yearround in town and nearby.

I would consider whitewater rafting somewhere (there are possibilities in several Colorado locations and taking the Durango to Silverton train.

Your kids would love the giraffes at Cheyene Mountain, you get to buy crackers and feed them.

Get a sundae at Michelle's, downtown Colorado Sprgs.

Manitou Springs--there are great B&B's. Cannot remember but one of the week they have music in the park. Everything is walking distance. Eat at Adam's Mountain Cafe (for any meal), sometimes they will have a line-offer something for everyone(organic, vegetarian, steak lover, dessert lover, quaint atmosphere..)

The Broadmoor is upscale accommodations and food, but the food is excellent. Golf for dad????

Pikes Peak Railway is a great way to get to the top.

Also Sterling, CO has the Rennaisce(sp?) Fair check the dates--but that is great. Comedy-town idiot, kings and queens, jousting matches on real horses, great pretzels and turkey legs, sterling silver jewelery, and great people watching.

Seeing the chapel at the Air Force Academy (Colorado Spgs)is breathe taking.

Rodeo Hall of Fame is also in Colorado Springs

Cave of the winds is great way to spend a couple of hours, especially when it is HOT.

Durango is a long ways to go for a train ride -- a day's drive each way. The Georgetown loup and the mine tour would probably be more interesting for the kids. And Tiny Town west of Denver is a good kid's attraction.

In MOrrison, just outside of Denver is a little museum about the dinosaurs and prehistoric Denver that is REALLY nice. There is an even nicer one not far from Colorado Springs in Woodland Park.If you are from a part of the country without dinosaurs, this is well worth it for your kids' ages.

Our kids enjoyed Rock Ledge Ranch Historic site right near Garden of the Gods and the Buffalo Bill Museum on Lookout Mountain near Denver mentioned in another post.

Is the Georgetown loop train still running? I had heard they had discontinued it.

Durango to Silverton is a long way from the well trod Denver-Colorado Springs area but worth a couple of days. I listed it as an option as the OP does not appear to be wedded to a specific itinerary.

With a week, I sure would not spend two long days with kids driving to and from Durango. The Georgetown Loop is alive and well and runs daily. I think the kids would really like the silver mine and the old buildings.

Again, it depends what the focus of the trip is. Personally, I don't think Denver is the most interesting city if you are talking about scenery.

That is not to slight Rocky Mountain National Park, which, of course, is not in Denver. One way or the other, you need to hit the mountains when you go to Colorado. I usually pick up a car at the airport and drive right out of Denver.

LaurenKahn1

The OP asked about kids activities, things to do, places to eat and to stay in Colorado Springs,Vail and Denver. Most responders gave excellent advice. I live in Denver and, as stated in most of the replies, there are numerous things for kids to do here. Also I have visited many cities around the world, and I would still put Denver on my top ten list. I have to believe that you haven't spent much time here.

Go over to Glenwood Springs. Go to the Hot Springs. Go on a raft ride down the Colorado. Hike up to Hanging Lake. Go see Doc Holliday's grave. Visit the Fairy Caves.

I have taken about a half dozen trips to Colorado. I have rafted several times in the state and had two home exchange trips there (others were business combined with pleasure; I have a cousin there as well). I do not see Denver the city as a prime destination for me. I think Colorado's prime attraction is the scenery and that is what I go for. Mind you this is not to trash the state at all. I love CO. I just don't think Denver is on the "A List" of cities.

Now, the OP is free to throw my advice in the trash because it is his trip. You can differ with me, of course, but we are allowed to have different opinions, AttyWSW.

Insofar as I am concerned the Georgetown Loop RR is nothing like Durango to Silverton. However, if the family is going to be in the area near the Georgetown RR, it might be something they would want to do.

Driving through Independence Pass during the summer is very "interesting" (translation: white knuckle driving but really something).

I forgot the Pike's Peak RR. That is something else if you are in CO Springs. You can also go horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods. The scenery is wonderful.

My favorite things in Colorado

Zipline in Durango- the only way there is via the train

Mesa Verde

Great Sand Dunes- be sure and drive the Medano Creek Primitive Road, your kids would like aligator farm

I like the alpine slide in Winterpark

Alpine slides are great anywhere!