What to do in Grand Lake and Denver ?
 

We will meet my BIL and his family in Grand Lake. Stay there for 3 nights in August. Total 4 adults and 12 kids (between 13 and 6 years old). We got cabins already. Plan on taking the kids for a hike and horse back riding. Anymore suggestions what to do nearby ?

On the way home only my family (2 adults and 2 children) will stopover in Denver for 2 nights. Plan on visiting Denver Museum of Natural History. We will skip the zoo this time. Any suggestions where to take our kids out ? They are 8 and 6 years old. Is it worth to go to Denver Botanical Garden with our kiddies. Thanks.

For kids that age the garden probably would be boring. There is a nice train museum, Colorado Railroad History museum in Golden with several open cars that kids can climb on in addition to a great model railroad set. Could hit that on the way back into Denver. The Georgetown Loop railroad and especially the silver mine would interest. Unfortunately, an hour west of Denver off I-70. The Children Museum has a lot interactive exhibits designed for kids that age. You will be bored. But sits in Confluence Park and the area around that is very nice. The special exhibit at the Museum is the "plastic body" thing. Unfortunately the Colorado History Museum is not closed. There is a firehouse museum downtown -- small but interesting. That should get you started.

Don't forget the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum http://www.kingtut.org/plan_your_visit?location=denver

In Grand Lake, you're right at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain Nat. Park. A trip to the top of park over Trail Ridge Road is a must - be sure to bring warm clothing as the temps will be a lot colder than below! Also, plan to go earlier in the day to avoid afternoon lightning and storms that are common this time of year.

Yes, definitely drive to the top of Trail Ridge Road, if you haven't arrived in Grand Lake from that direction.

For a group that size, you might like Pancho & Lefty's for Mexican food. There is a decent golf course in Grand Lake, and free tennis courts next door. There's a miniature golf right in town that our kids liked, and gives adults a chance to take a break at a nearby restaurant/bar.

Also, there is a new wine bar/creperie on the main street in Grand Lake, which adults would enjoy. Kids, too, and it's inexpensive and cute.

We always rented motorboats and tooled around for a half-day or so. We and our kids loved it. You can rent right there in Grand Lake, and go into the adjoining lake. Or you can drive down to the next lake to rent a boat, because it's cheaper. Be aware that thunderstorms can come up in mid-afternoon, so you might want to go out in the morning which is usually clearer and calmer weather.

Have fun. Grand Lake is a favorite of ours, and very pretty.

I'd tour the Denver Mint. Info and reservations here:

http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/?fl...artreservation

Denver has a children's museum. I haven't been there, but the website is www.mychildsmuseum.org

Lee Ann

I just took my two grandsons ages 4 & 5 to the Botanical Gardens (along with their mom) yesterday as it was a free admissions day. They loved it and want to return, but be aware that it's pricey for a family. The Denver Aquarium is also a possibility.

I agree with skipping the Botanic Gardens with kids that age. Also, I think the kids are a little old for the Children's Museum. We went a couple of times when my kids were toddlers and that was plenty - I was dreadfully bored and the kid's never seemed too excited by the whole experience.

I recommend taking your time driving to Denver. Depending on the route you take to Denver you could stop in Winter Park along the way and do the Alpine Slide and then stop again for the Georgetown Loop railroad and mine. Maybe stop for pizza at Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs for a famous Colorado Mountain Pie. I'm not a huge fan but it is very popular and can be a fun stop.

Bring an extra change of clothes or swimsuits and towels for the kids when you visit the museum. There is an water jet fountain on the west side of the museum that my kids loved at that age. They were happy spending hours running through the fountain.

Historytraveler, would you take your grandsons back if you had to pay admission? I'm not being snarky, I'm just curious. I also used to take my kids to the Botanic Gardens on free days, they enjoyed it but I could never justify the expense of a paid admission. I think $9 for a child is overpriced.

That's exactly what I meant by saying it was pricey. You're right it is certainly overpriced for kids. Too bad as mine really enjoyed it and apparently many others did also. If the grandchildren do mention it again (they often forget such things with all the other options available) I thought I'd split the price with my daughter. There was a huge crowd, and I would like to think that those in charge would review their pricing and make it more affordable for families.

Wow awesome tips. We will check the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Winter Park Alpine Slide. Thanks a lot everyone. I will try to post a trip report when we come home. It will be a long road trip 26 hours one way.