If the Thomas train is a possibility look it up on the internet RIGHT now and make a reservation. They sell out--it isn't a drop in affair.

Thanks for the tip. I've found 2005 Thomas schedules but nothing for 2006 yet so I"ve emailed the Durango train site for info. The regular route is a bit to $$$ for our trip this time unless it is a real "must do." Since we're there for a month and have 3 kids have to be really selective with our special events. Not that we won't have a splurge or 2 or 4 but they will have to be real "must dos." Lucky for me the kids have picked a state with so many wonderful free things to do. And I think we will join the rec club in Breck or Silverton (depending on where we end up) for the month also. I already have such a growing list of hikes, places to see, etc., I'm thinking when the end of June comes we will all say "just one more month in Colorado!!!

not that this will help at all but when i first went to colo it was to visit for 2 weeks.
i stayed 25 years.

I agree that Summit County would be a great location for a base, but I definitely think Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are a must! Tacky?! No way. It's the opposite. Not hoity-toity, but quaint, charming, & artsy in a classy, yet laid-back sort of way.

Sue

We have stayed all over in Co and Breckenridge was our favorite. We have rented homes on vrbo.com three times in Breckenridge and have been thrilled. The choices are vast, not as many choices in Vail. It is really nice to have a house with a family and almost all have wonderful hottubs!

Breckenridge is dead the first week in June, that is when we go, but the next weekend the season starts and it is lively.

How wonderful that you are able to do this. Your children will cherish their summers!

Thanks so much for the recommendations. Lease is signed. Our month in Summit County will begin in June. Also thanks to recs - planning extended side trips to 1. Moab 2. Leadville, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray, Durango, Silverton, Mesa Verde. 3. Buena Vista, Aspen, Sand Dunes. And Day Trips to RMNP, Vail, Glenwood Springs. Going to start a new thread for Memorial Day advice.

That will be an incredible trip. You can rent ATVs to go up in the mountains in Leadville. They let you go off by yourself and go wherever you want! They are all kinds of deserted mines and you are up so high you almost feel giddy. The kids loved driving through mud puddles at top speed (hubby and I did it too!) You can be speed demons or take it slowly, whatever your family likes.

Definitely go white water rafting on the Arkansas River, it was the highlight of our trip! We wished we had more time to do it a few more times! Some rides are suitable with small kids but definitely find a way to take your older kids on one of the rides with a few good class 3 and 4s! Wow! Nothing like it!

BellaD thank you for the tip on the ATV's - also the rafting nudge. I had pretty much written off some of these adventuresome ideas because we have a son who just turned 3. But you are right - there is no reason one of us can't take our two older daughters. Thanks!