While all that is truly needed is your kid's sense of adventure, a notebook, a writing utensil and plenty of colored pencils will come in handy.
Get inspired! This highly interactive museum showcases the history of some of America’s greatest athletes and their quest for Olympic glory. One-of-a-kind artifacts, interactive exhibits and immersive technology are sure to engage and inspire kids and adults alike.
Keep the games going with lunch at Back East. Catch live sporting events on their flatscreens while enjoying pizzas piled high with toppings that everyone will enjoy.
Connect the present to the past with a visit to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. You’ll learn the history and culture of the Pikes Peak region through dynamic exhibits that emphasize the unique character of the community.
What do you want to learn about today? Select the exhibits and floors at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum that most interest you. Get activity.
After checking out the colorful geologic formations at Paint Mines Interpretive Park, show off how much you learned by completing a crossword puzzle. Get extra credit activity.
Who doesn’t love dinner and a show? Load up on a Western chuckwagon spread of smoked meats with all the trimmings, then prepare to be entertained by the humor and harmonies of the world-renowned Flying W Wranglers band.
The Western legacy lives on at Flying W Ranch. Explore hiking trails set amid striking red-rock formations, or check out Old West demonstrations where kids will learn all about Navajo rug weaving, silversmithing and more. If that’s not enough, you can even take a mini train ride on the ranch.
Who needs to sleep when your hotel has an indoor water park? After slipping, sliding and splashing, explore the resort grounds where fun is virtually endless. Create a plush toy from scratch, get treats at the candy shop or sign up for one of the many regularly scheduled kids activities. When it’s finally time for bed, you’ll find that the large rooms provide plenty of space to relax.
Book one of the themed suites where the kids can bunk in log cabins or wolf dens.
Order the tasty Wolf Wake Up Breakfast, served family-style with a giant cinnamon roll, to fuel the whole crew for your next adventure.
Relive the glory days of the gold camp with hands-on exhibits at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. Other exhibits showcase area geology, flora and fauna, and regional recreation opportunities.
How good is your memory? Test your memory while exploring the museum’s collections at the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. Get activity.
Purchase some feed pellets to feed the donkeys if they’re in town! Approved treats are available in the museums and retail shops for a small donation.
While the sandwiches, salads and pasties are delicious, the kids will love the huge selection of cookies, bars, cakes and pies for dessert. Plan on getting a few to go!
Ready for an underground adventure? Grab a hard hat and descend 1,000 feet to learn about historic and modern-day mining at the Mollie Kathleen Mine.
Explore the evolution of mining as you experience the sights and sounds of the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a former gold mine. Get activity.
Time to see how much you remember from your visit to Cripple Creek with some trivia questions. Get trivia.
Dinner is laid back and easy on this restaurant’s shady, dog-friendly patio. The large, fenced yard has games to keep the kids entertained while you choose from the extensive menu, ranging from mac and cheese to salads, sandwiches, burgers and more.
Have you ever wanted to collect real fossils? Here’s your chance! Have fun learning about the ancient past by collecting genuine plant and insect fossils. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting plant and insect remains, including ants, spiders and flies.
Make the hour's drive to Buena Vista and stay the night along the scenic Arkansas River.
Fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the Arkansas River, and in the morning check out the nearby Buena Vista Whitewater Park and beach. Let loose and have fun climbing on the rocks, digging your toes in the sand, and catching a few kayakers and surfers ride the waves.
Cool off from the day’s adventure with a scoop of gelato from The Midland Stop and explore the town before bedtime.
Time to fuel up for the day’s adventure! Adults will love this high-quality caffeinated brew, and kids will feel all grown up with their own faux coffee drink. Grab a muffin, quiche or breakfast burrito for the short drive to Salida.
Hit the road for a fun-filled day exploring Salida and and other spots in Chaffee County.
Zip, jump, swing and crawl your way through 66 unique challenges suspended alongside the Arkansas River. While many of the challenges are for ages 7 and up, there is something for every age and ability to explore at the park.
Feast on organic, locally sourced tacos, burgers and salads while watching surfers, kayakers and tubers navigate the river park. The large patio offers prime viewing of the area and hours of entertainment for the family!
Sneak a peek into what life was like on a ranch 100 years ago! Established in 1868, this high-altitude sixth-generation cattle ranch is still in use, and lucky visitors are able to visit the historic homestead.
Ever wonder what life was like for a homesteader? Enjoy life on the ranch and use your imagination to craft a daily journal entry while at the Hutchinson Homestead and Ranch. Get activity.
Build your own burrito, taco, bowl or salad; then find a seat on the huge, sunny patio. After dinner (mo’quito burritos and quesadillas for the kiddos), play a few rounds of skeeball and foosball in the roomy, kid-friendly dining room.
Make the hour's long drive from Salida to the Wet Mountain Valley town of Westcliffe.
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Mission: Wolf is a remote sanctuary for wolf-dog crosses and captive wolves. Kids will enjoy learning about the breed — and might even catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures or hear their howls.
Using just a few words, write a poem about the majestic animals who call Mission: Wolf home. Get activity.
Have you ever seen a real-life castle? Well here’s your chance! This one was built by Jim Bishop over the span of 60 years — the world’s largest one-man project. Witness his labor of love and roam over three stories of rooms, towers and bridges. Watch out though: There’s rumblings that a fire-breathing dragon lives here. Get extra credit activity.
Star-studded nightlife takes on new meaning as you spend the evening stargazing from this International Dark-Sky-designated lodge with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.
Breakfast at a bowling alley? Why not? This cafe serves up delicious pancakes, french toast and eggs. Be sure to try their biscuits with gravy, locals can’t stop raving about them.
Make the hour's drive from Westcliffe to Cañon City.
Home to America’s highest suspension bridge and the majestic Royal Gorge, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a long-loved Colorado landmark. Adults will marvel at awe-inspiring panoramic views while kids delight in adventurous park fun.
Ever wonder how old the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is, or how far above the ground it is? Learn these facts and more. Get activity.
Sit back on the shady deck, listen to live music and keep your eyes peeled for the wild mountain goats — they love this part of the park!
Explore the Colorado outback and discover remnants of the area’s mining history with an off-road ATV Tour. Play Dirty ATV offers a 2-hour, professionally guided adventure suitable for all ages.
Check out the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center for cool artifacts and records from the region from 1870 to present day. The history center showcases topics including the film industry in Fremont County, fossil discovery and local family legends.
Explore early pioneer life with a visit to the Rudd Cabin at the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center. Get activity.
Are you ready for a dinosaur hunt? Cañon City has sculptures of dinosaurs and bighorn sheep throughout town. How many can you find? Get extra credit activity.
The whole family will be well fed and entertained with delicious pizza, funky murals and tons of video games. Kids can build their own mini-pizza, while the grownups sample gourmet pies such as the Rafter, the Pesto Special or The Big One.
New to river rafting with little ones? Get your feet wet on the most rafted river in the country on Raft Masters’ Family Float. Kids will love the splashy fun on this 5-mile float trip.
Colorado’s rivers are precious! Learn how you can follow the Care for Colorado Principles to help protect all of our incredible resources through entertaining and educational videos suitable for all ages.
Make Royal Gorge Cabins your base camp for exploring the area. Their location can’t be beat and their two-bedroom cabins are the ideal choice for families, complete with three flatscreen TVs and an indoor and outdoor fireplace.
Start the day off at the espresso bar and grab a house-roasted coffee that’ll wake you right up — and happy face or confetti pancakes for the kiddos. All kids meals come complete with a toy to keep them busy at the table and in the car.
Grab an extra latte to go for the 45-minute drive to Pueblo.
El Pueblo History Museum showcases the region’s history through innovative exhibits. On rotation is the "Borderlands of Southern Colorado" exhibit. Kids will enjoy exploring the re-created 1840s adobe trading post and plaza, and the archaeological excavation site of the original 1842 El Pueblo trading post.
Explore the stories and traditions of the people who lived and traveled in the area at El Pueblo History Museum. Get activity.
No visit to Pueblo is complete without sampling the renowned Pueblo chile. Feeling spicy? Grandpa Berry’s Blast Furnace burger brings the heat with ingredients such as extra chiles, Shishito peppers, pimento cheese and sriracha ketchup. Kiddos not a fan? Not to worry, they can fill up on kid-sized burgers, fries, milkshakes and malts.
The Buell Children’s Museum teems with hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science and history. Kids of all ages can explore their creative side by starring in their own productions in the El Pomar Magic Carpet Theater or crafting their own masterpieces in the Artrageous Studio.
Ready to discover your passion? Explore a wide variety of activities at Buell Children’s Museum to discover what piques your interest. Get activity.
Compare and contrast two pieces of art at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Museum. Get extra credit activity.
Watch the world float by from Angelo’s gorgeous patio on the Pueblo Riverwalk overlooking the Arkansas River. The extensive Italian menu serves up East Coast-style pizza, pastas, sandwiches and entrees.
Kids will be fascinated learning about the history of Pueblo on this mile-long walk along the Arkansas River channel. You can also search and find more than 50 art installations and visit the Veteran’s Bridge, which honors those who have served our country.
Sit back, relax and learn some cool facts on a 25-minute interpretive boat ride on the Arkansas River.
Stay close to the action at Springhill Suites, located near historic downtown Pueblo. Suites give families plenty of room to spread out, with a sofa sleeper in the separate sitting area, and family-friendly amenities such as a microwave and mini-fridge. Want to soak up your last few hours of vacay? Lap it up at the indoor pool and hot tub.