Nature's Theme Park: Family-Friendly Colorado
Contact: Roland Alonzi / 212-219-7560, ext. 6765, ralonzi@mmgmardiks.com
Caitlin Sullivan / 970-372-6571, csullivan@mmgmardiks.com
Ever wonder where theme parks get their big ideas? Think Colorado’s great outdoors. From horseback riding to historic railways, dinosaur digs to panning for gold, Colorado is Mother Nature’s original theme park. After all, what roller coaster can match the adrenaline-pumping adventure of white water rafting along the Colorado River or snowboarding down a powdery trail?
Colorado’s place as a family-friendly destination was cemented centuries ago when dinosaurs trekked, the Ancient Puebloans built cliff dwellings, cowboys roamed and prospectors panned for gold. Even a few fortuitous forest fires can be credited with creating the wide open ridges and back bowls that, today, represent Vail’s best runs. Incredibly, a host of wide-ranging historical events laid the foundation for a state brimming with discoveries. For families who share a deep appreciation of history, nature and outdoor adventure, few states deliver quite like the Centennial State.
Lions, Tigers….and a Tin Can or Two
With more than 4,000 animals, the Denver Zoo (www.denverzoo.org) is considered among the country’s finest. Its newest habitat, Predator Ridge, is an award-winner; replicating a portion of Kenya’s Sambura National Reserve in every detail. Over the eight-acre site, 14 different African species of mammals, birds and reptiles (including lions, African porcupines and hyenas) roam. Dioramas are the draw at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (www.dmns.org), one of the world’s largest natural history museums. Its diverse exhibits and programs include the Coors Gem and Mineral Hall, exploring Colorado’s mining heritage; the Hall of Life, an engaging interactive study in health science; even Egyptian Mummies. With 1,200 butterflies, Denver’s acclaimed Butterfly Pavilion & Insect Center (www.butterflies.org) is a favorite for bug lovers and kids alike.
At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (www.cmzoo.org), kids can head to the African Rift Valley exhibit for a chance to feed the giraffes. The largest mountain zoo in the country, it is home to more than 30 endangered species. In addition to some 350 animals, the historic Pueblo Zoo (www.pueblozoo.org) features several native sandstone buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Animals of another sort proliferate the Swetsville Zoo in Fort Collins (www.ftcollins.com). More than 150 sculpture animals, all crafted from car parts and scrap metal, offer families a playful take at recycling.
Digging for Dinos
With a town named “Dinosaur,” is it any wonder Colorado appeals to young aspiring paleontologists. The Dinosaur National Monument (www.nps.gov/dino) near Dinosaur features an exposed rock face of over 15,000 fossilized dinosaur bones among its many engaging sights. In Fruita (www.fruita.org), the full-scale models, array of interactive exhibits and working paleontology lab at Dinosaur Journey (www.dinosaurjourney.org) is a must-see.
At Dinosaur Ridge (www.dinoridge.org) near Denver (www.denver.org), dino-loving kids can discover the place where brontosaurus, diplodocus, stegosaurus and allosaurus were first found. Near Cañon City (www.canoncitycolorado.com), kids can visit a dinosaur lab and hold fossilized dinosaur bones at the Dinosaur Depot (www.dinosaurdepot.com), which also features interpretive exhibits that explore the rich fossil heritage of the area. The Depot also arranges tours of the acclaimed Garden Park Fossil Area, which has produced some of the finest late Jurassic dinosaur specimens ever discovered.
Railroad Revelries
The Colorado Railroad Museum (www.crrm.org) in Golden (www.goldencochamber.org) ranks high on the itineraries of many railroad buffs. A railroad depot replica, it features more than 100 historic narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars, all spread over 15 acres. The museum celebrates Colorado’s spirited railroad era, particularly its pioneering narrow gauge mountain railroads.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (www.durangotrain.com) affords families a journey back to the region’s mining days – and movie history. Featured in more than a dozen movies, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the railroad’s coal-fired steam locomotives trace a 45-mile path from Durango (www.durango.org) to Silverton (www.silvertoncolorado.com), a 3,000-foot climb winding through remnants of the region’s railroading and mining past.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway (www.cograilway.com), in operation since 1891, climbs 14,110 feet to the top of Pikes Peak for the same breathtaking views that inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful.
Adventures for Tiny Travelers
Little ones will get a thrill at the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys (www.dmmdt.org), a trove of antique treasures, and the Children’s Museum of Denver (www.cmdenver.org), where the hands-on fun includes a real fire engine. The award-winning Buell Children’s Museum (http://www.sdc-arts.org/bcc.html) in Pueblo (www.pueblochamber.org) is a 12,000-square-foot showplace with a sensory experience like no other: some 50 sensors located in the floors and walls trigger lights, sounds and visuals to engage and educate.
Colorado also offers a direct route to the North Pole and Santa’s Workshop (www.santas-colo.com), a 26-acre village near Manitou Springs (www.manitousprings.org) complete with rides, music and magic shows. The elves are at work from mid-May through Christmas Eve.
Northeast Colorado is home to the Kit Carson County Carousel (www.kitcarsoncountycarousel.com) in Burlington (www.burlingtoncolo.com), a National Historic Landmark and thrill for anyone who appreciates historic merry-go-rounds. This 1905 gem features 46 hand-carved animals, including zebras, camels and giraffes. The Four Corners Monument marks the only place in the U.S. where four states meet. Kids can stand in the very spot where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico connect.
Old West Adventures
Colorado’s rich history comes to life in Colorado Springs and neighboring Pikes Peak Country (www.pikespeakcolorado.com). Modern-day pioneers can pan for gold and learn how early miners lived at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (www.wmmi.org). Along the Santa Fe Trail National Scenic and Historic Byway (www.coloradobyways.org) near La Junta, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/beol) is an 1833 restored trading post that was once the area’s most important settlement.
Caves, Caverns and Cliff Dwellings
Named one of "The 10 Great Places to Go Underground" by USA Today, the Fairy Caves’ Caverns in Glenwood Springs (www.glenwoodchamber.com) were formed 325 million years ago. At Cave of the Winds (www.caveofthewinds.com) in Manitou Springs, kids will delight in a subterranean landscape discovered by two boys in the 1880s.
Archeology buffs won’t want to miss ancient cliff dwellings of the Mesa Verde National Park (www.nps.gov/meve), the largest archeological preserve in the U.S. Located outside of Cortez (www.cortezchamber.org), this 52,000-acre site is the first national park to preserve works created by humans.
Rafting, Riding…and Arithmetic
Colorado is best known for its unparalleled natural beauty and its recreational landscape affords visiting families innumerable experiences to take in breathtaking scenery at every turn. The state has 25 scenic and historic byways (www.coloradobyways.org), 10 of which are nationally designated.
For thrill-seeking families, southwestern Colorado offers extraordinary whitewater rafting along the Animas River. Excursions range from two hours to day-long stretches boasting mainly class II and III rapids. On land, families can take in the area’s awe-inspiring beauty on horseback rides of a few hours to several days, go mountain biking near Telluride (www.telluride.com) and even flex their muscles in an old-fashioned cattle drive. Visitors with math on their minds will revel in the interactive presentations of the Western Colorado Math & Science Center (www.sithok.org) in Grand Junction (www.visitgrandjunction.com).
The Family That Farms Together...
For a real “taste” of Colorado, families will find the state’s produce among the finest, freshest anywhere. Several U-Pick Farms dot the Grand Valley area, offering families the opportunity to sample the legendary Palisade peach, as well as locally grown apples and cherries.
Family 411
In addition to an array of luxury hotels and resorts, the state offers a range of accommodations perfectly suited for families. For families seeking an authentic dude ranch experience, Colorado offers everything from rustic working ranches to luxury ranches with gourmet food, heated swimming pools and equestrian riding. The Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association (www.coloradoranch.com) represents more than 30 member ranchers dedicated to helping families find the right ranch experience.
A wide variety of RV parks and campgrounds make Colorado one of the best places anywhere to pitch a tent, park an RV or settle into a rustic cabin for overnight camping fun. Visit the Colorado Campground and Lodging Association (www.campcolorado.com) for additional information.
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, nine national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit www.COLORADO.com. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at www.COLORADO.com/mediaroom for story ideas, press releases/press kits as well as high-resolution, downloadable photos and video for editorial use.