Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>Colorado has more than its share of stunning natural attractions, but sometimes the kids are eager for a little more than mountain vistas and scenic drives. We’re happy to oblige with attractions for the whole family in every region of the state.</p>


Colorado Family Attractions for Kids 10 & Under

legacy_main_content_article_9318

Denver Zoo in Denver, CO

legacy_slideshow_article_9318

<p>Here are a few suggestions for kids 10 and under — from children’s museums and zoos to hot-springs pools, tubing hills and wildlife experiences. </p>
<h2>Denver &amp; Cities of the Rockies Region</h2>
<ul><li><a href="/aquariums-zoos/denver-zoo">Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance</a>: See the more than 3,500 animals that call the 80-acre zoo home. The monkey and big cats exhibits are among the top crowd pleasers.</li>
<li><a href="/amusementwater-park/elitch-gardens-theme-water-park">Elitch Gardens Theme &amp; Water Park</a>, <a href="/cities-and-towns/Denver">Denver</a>: Ride scream-inducing roller coasters, little-kid-friendly rides and slippery water slides. (Check website for seasonal hours.)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/childrens-museum-of-denver">Children’s Museum of Denver</a>: Learn about the world in the museum’s child-sized grocery market, fire station and construction workshop.</li>
<li><a href="/family-restaurant/downtown-aquarium">Downtown Aquarium</a>, Denver: Feed a slippery stingray and gaze at hypnotically moving jellyfish, stealthy sharks and frisky fish of every color.</li>
<li><a href="/aquariums-zoos/butterfly-pavilion">Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/broomfield">Broomfield</a>: Walk through a tropical rainforest habitat filled with free-flying butterflies. Sniff exotic plants, pet a sea star and hold a tarantula.</li>
<li><a href="/museums/denver-museum-nature-science">Denver Museum of Nature &amp; Science</a>: Watch an out-of-this-world show at the planetarium and IMAX theater. Tour exhibits about space, gems and minerals, dinosaurs and the color spectrum.</li>
<li><a href="/art-museum/denver-art-museum">Denver Art Museum</a>: Explore, learn and play. Get creative with hands-on activities for all ages, relax in one of the family fun areas and discover world-class art.</li>
<li><a href="/museums/colorado-railroad-museum">Colorado Railroad Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/golden">Golden</a>: Stroll the museum's 15-acre railyard featuring more than 100 railcars. Most Saturdays (and select Tuesdays) you'll also find train rides! Check the museum's <a href="https://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/timetable/train-rides/">train-ride schedule</a> before you go.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.auroragov.org/things_to_do/reservoirs/aurora_reservoir">Aurora Reservoir</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/aurora">Aurora</a>: Spend a day on the white-sand beach, paddleboard, ride the bike trail and more.</li>
</ul>

legacy_scc_article_9318

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver

slideshow - wings

<ul><li><a href="/museums/wings-over-rockies-air-space-museum">Wings Over the Rockies Air &amp; Space Museum</a>, Denver: See dozens of historic airplanes, space vehicles and interactive exhibits. The collection includes a rare B-18A Bolo–one of only five remaining WWII-era bombers–five Century-Series fighters.</li>
<li><a href="/museum/fort-collins-museum-discovery">Fort Collins Museum of Discovery</a>: Kids love the blend of science, history and culture at this hands-on experience in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fort-collins">Fort Collins</a>.</li>
<li>The <a href="/articles/why-families-love-colorado-wild-animal-sanctuary">Wild Animal Sanctuary</a>, about 45 minutes from Denver in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/keenesburg">Keenesburg</a>, amazes visitors with its Mile Into the Wild walkway that lets you observe lions, wolves, grizzlies and other rescued exotic and endangered species from above.</li>
<li>Pottery painting: Pick a piece of pottery at <a href="https://boulder.colormemine.com/">Color Me Mine</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/boutiques-clothing/crackpots-pottery-studio">Crackpots</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/longmont">Longmont</a>. Make it your very own with paints and stencils.</li>
<li>Fun Parks: Keep busy all day with rides, mini-golf, go-karts, arcade games, batting cages and giant slides at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/attractions-entertainment/gateway-park-fun-center">Gateway Park Fun Center</a> in Boulder, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/amusement-parks-play-centers-indoor-entertainment/fort-fun">Fort Fun</a> in Fort Collins, and <a href="http://www.rideakart.com/">Ride-A-Kart &amp; Cascade Creek Mini-Golf</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/estes-park">Estes Park</a>. (Check websites for seasonal hours.)</li>
<li>Mineral-rich fun, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/idaho-springs">Idaho Springs</a>: Play in the mineral-water swimming pool at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/indian-hot-springs">Indian Hot Springs</a> or pan for gold at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/mines-gold-panning/argo-mill-tunnel">Argo Mill &amp; Tunnel</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/colorado-model-railroad-museum">Colorado Model Railroad Museum</a>: In <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/greeley">Greeley</a>, examine intricate model railroad layouts, a wooden caboose from the Colorado and Southern Railroad and more than 1,000 railroad artifacts. See actual trains come and go on nearby tracks.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cabincottage/trout-haven-ranch">Trout Haven Ranch Trout Pond</a>, Estes Park: Cast your line in Trout Haven’s stocked pond — a perfect first-time fishing experience. (Check website for seasonal hours.)</li>
<li><a href="/adventure-tourism/edge-ziplines-adventure">Edge Ziplines &amp; Adventures</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/castle-rock">Castle Rock</a>: Scale a climbing wall, zipline and freefall from a platform.</li>
<li><a href="/amusementwater-park/water-world">Water World</a>, Federal Heights: Cool off at one of the biggest and best water parks in the nation. </li>
<li><a href="/archeological-site/dinosaur-ridge">Dinosaur Ridge</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/morrison">Morrison</a>: Encounter more than 100 fossilized dinosaur tracks and informative signs.</li>
<li><a href="/factoriesmine-toursgold-panning/hidee-gold-mine-tours-and-panning">Hidee Gold Mine</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/black-hawk">Black Hawk</a>: Head down into an operating gold mine and pan for gold!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-western-stock-show">The National Western Stock Show</a>, Denver: Delight in rip-roarin’ rodeos, a livestock parade, an art show, Mutton Bustin’ (kids competing to hold onto bucking sheep in a pint-sized rodeo) and funnel cake.</li>
</ul>

body copy - wings

DFP 4-Pack: Body

Body copy - Rockies

Epic Discovery at Vail

slideshow - Epic 

<ul><li>Epic Discovery at <a href="https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/epic-discovery/epic-discovery.aspx">Vail</a> and <a href="https://www.breckenridge.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/summer-activities/epic-discovery.aspx?page=viewall">Breckenridge</a>: Immerse yourself in nature, challenge yourself with thrilling activities like mountain coasters, zipline tours, adventure courses and much more.</li>
<li>Hot-springs pools: Splash around and soak up the mineral waters year-round at <a href="/hot-springs/glenwood-hot-springs-resort">Glenwood Hot Springs Pool</a> and <a href="/hot-springs/iron-mountain-hot-springs">Iron Mountain Hot Springs</a> (which provides water wheelchairs and accessible ramps so that everyone can soak in the goodness), both in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/glenwood-springs">Glenwood Springs</a>.</li>
<li>Summer fun parks: Sample the activities at mountain-top parks with alpine slides, mini-golf, bungee rides, climbing walls, mountain-bike parks and more in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/breckenridge">Breckenridge</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/copper-mountain">Copper Mountain</a>, <a href="/skiing-snowboarding/snowmass-mountain">Snowmass</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/vail">Vail</a>. There’s also <a href="/glenwood-springs/glenwood-caverns-adventure-park">Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park</a> in Glenwood Springs, which provides a wheelchair-accessible gondola to those who need it.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/mountain-top-childrens-museum">Mountain Top Explorium</a>, Breckenridge: Become a fireman in the costume studio, create a masterpiece at the Creation Station and make wildlife tracks in the wildlife exhibit.</li>
<li>Ice rinks: Skate around with beautiful mountains as your backdrop in many resort towns, including Copper Mountain, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/beaver-creek">Beaver Creek</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/keystone">Keystone</a>, Vail and Breckenridge. (Winter only.)</li>
<li>Tubing hills: Float down a hill on a bouncy tube, then ride the lift to the top to do it again and again in Keystone and Copper Mountain. (Winter only.)</li>
<li>Ski schools: Learn to ski or snowboard in kid-focused programs at one of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-ski-resorts-snows-perfect-state">11 ski areas and resorts</a> in this region. (October to April.)</li>
</ul><h2>Mountains &amp; Mesas Region</h2>


Body Copy - Bottom

Jet Boat Colorado near Grand Junction

slideshow - jet boat

<ul><li>Get wild in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/grand-junction">Grand Junction</a> at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/amusement-parks-play-centers-indoor-entertainment/bananas-fun-park">Bananas Fun Park</a>, <a href="/boating/jet-boat-colorado-llc">Jet Boat Colorado</a>, <a href="http://getairsilo.com/">Get Air at the Silo Trampoline Park</a> and <a href="/ziplining-aerial-parks/imondi-wake-zone">Imondi Wake Zone</a>, and then learn about the history of the West at the <a href="/history-museums/museum-west">Museum of the West</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.pagosawildlifepark.com/">Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/pagosa-springs">Pagosa Springs</a>: Peer into habitats of animals native to the area, including black bears, wolves, elk, mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/amusement-parks-play-centers-indoor-entertainment/crested-butte-mountain-resort-adventure-park">Crested Butte Mountain Resort Adventure Park</a>: Pan for gold or take on the climbing wall and bungee trampolines in summer.</li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/the-trailhead-childrens-museum">Trailhead Discovery Museum and Arts Center</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/crested-buttemt-crested-butte">Crested Butte</a>: Explore the play park, art and science activities, a puppet theater and a Dig Pit, with trucks, funnels and shovels.</li>
<li><a href="/skiing-snowboarding/purgatory-resort">Purgatory (formerly Durango Mountain Resort) Resort</a>: Spend a day taking scenic chairlift rides, ride the mountain coaster, pan for treasure, zoom around in go-karts or hit the alpine slide in summer. In winter, kids 12 and younger get free, unlimited skiing on select routes. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/durango-hot-springs-resort-spa">Durango Hot Springs Resort &amp; Spa</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hot-springs/ouray-hot-springs-swimming-pool">Ouray Hot Springs Pool</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/ouray">Ouray</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/motel/springs-resort-spa">The Springs Resort</a> in Pagosa Springs: Swim year-round in natural hot springs. </li>
<li><a href="/montrose/museum-of-the-mountain-west-inc">Museum of the Mountain West</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/montrose">Montrose</a>: The Old West comes alive at this gem packed with fascinating artifacts housed in restored historic buildings, including a saloon and doctor’s office.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/skiing-snowboarding/telluride-ski-golf-resort">Telluride Ski Resort</a>’s <a href="https://www.telluride.com/play/activities/gravity-play/">Mountain Village Adventure Activities</a> include disc golf, bungee tramps, gold panning and more.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/trains/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-railroad-and-museum">Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum</a>: Climb aboard a vintage steam locomotive that has been carrying passengers along the scenic Animas River from <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a> to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/silverton">Silverton</a> since 1882.</li>
<li>Ski schools: Learn to ski or snowboard in kid-focused programs (including adaptive options) at one of <a href="/articles/colorado-ski-school-learn-ski-snowboard-colorado">several ski areas and resorts</a> in this region. (November to April.)</li>
</ul><h2>The Great West</h2>


body copy - jet boat

Old Town Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs

slideshow - hot springs

<ul><li>Hot-springs pools: Hit the warm waters at <a href="/hot-spring/strawberry-park-hot-springs">Strawberry Hot Springs</a> and <a href="/hot-spring/old-town-hot-springs">Old Town Hot Springs</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/steamboat-springs">Steamboat Springs</a> and <a href="/hot-spring/hot-sulphur-springs-resort-and-spa">Hot Sulphur Springs Resort &amp; Spa</a>.</li>
<li>Summer fun parks: Get the adrenaline pumping in Steamboat Springs or <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/winter-park">Winter Park</a> with alpine slides, ziplines, scenic chairlift rides, bike parks and more.</li>
<li><a href="http://snowmountainranch.org/activities/summer-tubing-hill">Summer Tubing Hill</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/granby">Granby</a>: This is the first-of-its-kind in Colorado and only the third in the U.S. Take winter tubes for a thrilling ride down the simulated snow surface, then ride the magic carpet to the top and do it again.</li>
<li><a href="/ecotourism/headwaters-river-journey">Headwaters River Journey</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fraser">Fraser</a>: Explore the wonders of conservation and preservation at this interactive locale.</li>
<li><a href="/ziplining-aerial-parks/winter-park-adventure-quest">Winter Park Adventure Quest</a>: Book a rock-climbing outing or take a wilderness-survival course.</li>
<li><a href="/museums/pioneer-village-museum">Pioneer Village Museum</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/hot-sulphur-springs">Hot Sulphur Springs</a>: Discover the history of this area's inhabitants inside an old schoolhouse.</li>
<li>Winter tubing hills: Float down a hill on a bouncy tube, then ride the lift to the top to do it again and again in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/fraser">Fraser</a> and Winter Park.</li>
</ul><h2>Pikes Peak Wonders Region</h2>


body copy - hot springs

Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs

slideshow - cave

<ul><li><a href="/cave/cave-winds">Cave of the Winds</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/manitou-springs">Manitou Springs</a>: Travel through more than 2 miles of underground limestone passageways on well-lit, easy tours into the cave’s twists and turns.</li>
<li><a href="/zooanimal-attraction/cheyenne-mountain-zoo">Cheyenne Mountain Zoo</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/colorado-springs">Colorado Springs</a>: See nearly 800 animals — from endangered Amur tigers to moose and mountain lions — in a mountain setting that makes this one of the most unique zoos you’ll encounter.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/aquariums-zoos/pueblo-zoo">Pueblo Zoo in City Park</a>: Meet red kangaroos, white-handed gibbons and zebras, and visit an eco-center with exotic birds, penguins and reptiles.</li>
<li><a href="/amusementwater-park/north-pole-home-santas-workshop">North Pole Home of Santa’s Workshop</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/cascade">Cascade</a>: Never lose that holiday feeling with special visits from Santa, magic shows, the Candy Cane coaster and more than 20 other rides. (Open mid-May–December 24).</li>
<li><a href="/archeological-site/dinosaur-resource-center">Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/woodland-park">Woodland Park</a>: See displays of dinosaurs, prehistoric marine reptiles and fish from the late Cretaceous period; learn the stories of their discoveries and see a working fossil lab.</li>
<li><a href="/museums/royal-gorge-dinosaur-experience">Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/canon-city">Cañon City</a>: Explore full-scale dinosaur fossil casts, hands-on exhibits, animitronic dinosaurs and more.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/scenic-historic-train/cripple-creek-victor-narrow-gauge-railroad">Cripple Creek &amp; Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/cripple-creek">Cripple Creek</a>: Embark on a 45-minute ride in an old steam engine through past historic mines to the boomtown days of Cripple Creek and Victor.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/ziplining-aerial-parks/captain-zip-line-adventure-tours">Captain Zipline Adventure Tours</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/salida">Salida</a>: Swing, walk tightropes, scale cliffs and more at Colorado’s largest aerial adventure park, featuring courses for all ages and abilities.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/buell-childrens-museum">Buell Children’s Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/pueblo">Pueblo</a>: Play in the colorful hands-on exhibits, create in the arts-and-crafts studio and explore cool rotating installations.</li>
<li>The <a href="https://www.colorado.com/wildlife-viewing-refuges/nature-wildlife-discovery-center">Nature &amp; Wildlife Discovery Center</a>, Pueblo: Stroll dozens of miles of trails that are home to hundreds of birds of prey along the Arkansas River.</li>
</ul><h2>Mystic San Luis Valley Region</h2>


body copy - cave

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito

slideshow - cumbres

<ul><li><a href="/trains/cumbres-toltec-scenic-railroad">Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/antonito">Antonito</a>: Hop aboard this 1880s scenic wonder to see the area by rail.</li>
<li>Sand sledding and boarding: The young and young at heart love to slide down the soft sands at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-great-sand-dunes-national-park-preserve">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve</a> near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/alamosa">Alamosa</a>.</li>
<li><a href="/aquariums-zoos/colorado-gators-reptile-park">Colorado Gators Reptile Park</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/mosca">Mosca</a>: See — and even handle — some of the more than 300 alligators and other scaly critters.</li>
<li><a href="/wildlife-viewingrefuges/monte-vista-national-wildlife-refuge">Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge</a> in <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/monte-vista">Monte Vista</a>: Discover avocets, killdeer, white-faced ibis, herons and other wildlife.</li>
</ul><h2>Pioneer Plains + Canyons &amp; Plains Regions</h2>


body copy - cumbres

Bent's Old Fort near La Junta

slideshow - bents

<ul><li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/historic-places-districts/bents-old-fort-national-historic-site">Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site</a>, near <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/la-junta">La Junta</a>: Enter a living museum, where costume-clad guides lead you through a trading outpost once frequented by legendary Kit Carson. <strong>Tip:</strong> Check the fort's official website for when it's open while you're planning; its hours can change during different seasons. </li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trinidad-Aquatic-Center/126743264075591">Family Aquatic Center</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/trinidad">Trinidad</a>: Ride down the slide and splash into the water, wade in the kiddie pool and have a picnic. (Summer only.)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/history-museums/kit-carson-county-carousel-museum">Kit Carson County Carousel</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/burlington">Burlington</a>: Take a spin on the nostalgic carousel. Built in 1905, the wooden animals are all original and hand painted.</li>
<li><a href="/museums/old-town-museum-complex-burlington">Burlington’s Old Town Museum</a>, Burlington: See what life was like 100 years ago in this re-created prairie town with an old-timey soda fountain, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/historic-places-districts/overland-trail-museum">Overland Trail Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/sterling">Sterling</a>: Hear tales of Colorado’s earliest settlers in the period village’s blacksmith and barber shops, one-room schoolhouse and general store.</li>
</ul><h2>Want More?</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/10-places-fish-family-colorado">Places to Fish with the Family</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-family-attractions-summer">Colorado Family Attractions for Summer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/fun-kids-colorado">Fun for Kids in Colorado</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-amusement-parks">Colorado Amusement Parks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/4-family-vacations-multigenerational-travel">4 Family Vacations for Multigenerational Travel </a></li>
</ul>