Default Colo Roadtrips Hero with Logo

<div><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/legacy_images/2020CTO__K-to-5th-grade-Logo_Slate_0.png" /></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Get ready to take the kiddos' learning to new heights with Colo-Road Trips Educational Itineraries, trips crafted with plenty of hands-on learning, educational adventures and, of course, stops for ice cream. Each was designed with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade in mind, but the activities, outings and accommodations will be enjoyed by children of all ages — yes, that’s you, moms and dads. Supplement your trip with trivia, educational videos and games — or just hop in the car and go!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>During this trip through Denver &amp; Cities of the Rockies, kids will experience the Front Range region like never before. From airplanes and first responders to dinos and modern-day farms, there's plenty of educational fun to be had!</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.colorado.com/educational-colo-road-trips">Get more educational Colo-Road Trips</a></div>

Exploring Denver & Cities of the Rockies

legacy_lii_road_trip_610056

While all that is truly needed is your kids' sense of adventure, a notebook, a writing utensil and plenty of colored pencils will come in handy.

Things To Bring

Wings Over the Rockies Air &amp; Space Museum (Wings) is located on the former grounds of Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. The museum is housed in the historic Hangar No. 1, built in 1939.The museum preserves the history of Lowry Air Force Base's operations from 1938 to 1994 in its collections, archives and research library while educating and inspiring visitors about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future.
The museum features over 70 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, an RF-84K Thunderflash and one of only two B-1A Lancers.
In 1997, the Colorado State Legislature passed House Bill 1269, making Wings Over the Rockies Air &amp; Space Museum Colorado's Official Air and Space Museum.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Day 1, Activity 1

Learn about flight, airplane design and the principles of aerodynamics while making paper airplanes at the Wings Over the Rockies Air &amp; Space Museum. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day1_Activity_One_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Come Fly with Me

Just a few steps from the museum is Lowry Beer Garden, one of the area’s hidden gems. Situated on an old U.S. Air Force base, the kiddos will have plenty of room to roam on the expansive patio, which overlooks an old B-52 bomber. Relax while you enjoy a craft brew from the restaurant’s extensive beer selection and munch on delicious comfort foods.

Lowry Beer Garden

Day 1, Lunch

Across from Lowry Beer Garden is <a href="https://www.rocketicecream.com/">Rocket Ice Cream</a>, a small ice-cream stand with a large rocket perched atop the building — you can’t miss it! The location offers homemade vegan and traditional dairy ice creams, along with a vast selection of flavors that’s guaranteed to suit the pickiest of eaters.

Take Flight

The Denver Firefighters Museum shares the rich history of the Denver Fire Department and firefighting in Colorado through exhibits, interactive programs, collections, and community events.

Denver Firefighters Museum

Day 1, Activity 2

Test your home fire-safety knowledge after a trip to the Denver Firefighters Museum. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day1_ActivIty2_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Safety First

Celebrate the history of the Lowry Air Force base at Officers Club, which serves up classic American fare. The family can sit back and relax in one of the restaurant's many booths and enjoy a casual environment and excellent meals.

Officers Club Dinner

Kids and parents alike will enjoy the engaging and hands-on exhibits that connect visitors to Colorado’s history and heritage.

Explore the History Colorado Center

Day 1, Dinner; Day 1, Activity 3

What type of art would you choose to have in your home? Spend some time at the <a href="https://www.denverartmuseum.org/">Denver Art Museum</a> choosing. (Admission is free for everyone 18 and under!) <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day1_EC_.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

Curator for a Day

Put a little pop in your life! At the Curtis, Denver's only pop culture themed hotel.

Curtis Hotel

Day 1, Lodging

Loved by local hikers and cyclists, The Cow is the perfect place to stop and fuel up before the day’s adventure. Kids will love the Cinnamonster, a warm cinnamon bun dipped in the eatery’s special cream-cheese frosting. Adults — we recommend anything smothered in some of the state's best green chili (traditional and vegetarian available). The restaurant also has an outdoor patio next to Bear Creek.

Chow Down at The Cow an Eatery

Day 2, Breakfast; Day 2, Activity 1

From Denver, drive west towards the mountains and the charming town of Morrison.

Head to Morrison

Dinosaur Ridge is an outdoor/indoor museum near Morrison featuring fossils from the Cretaceous and Jurassic Periods, first studied and named during the Bone Wars of 1877. An esteemed panel of paleontologists rank Dinosaur Ridge as the #1 dinosaur tracksite in America.

Dinosaur Ridge

Day 2, Activity 1

Pretend you're a paleontologist and compare dinosaur footprints during your tour of Dinosaur Ridge. Observe and record what paleontologists have discovered at this world-class site. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day2_Activity1_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Dinosaur Tracker

Your next stop is the welcoming city of Golden.

Mosey on Over to Golden

The award-winning Bridgewater Grill, located in an elegant creekside setting and nestled within the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offers casual, comfortable and contemporary favorites.

Bridgewater Grill

Day 2, Lunch

If you roll in with an electric vehicle, the grill offers a complimentary charging station to power up for the next leg of your adventure.

It's Electric!

The Museum illustrates the life, times, and <a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/experience-legacy-buffalo-bill-colorado">legend of William F. Cody</a>. It includes exhibits about Buffalo Bill's life and the Wild West shows, Indian artifacts and firearms. See Sitting Bull's bow and arrows, Buffalo Bill's show outfits, Frederick Remington's "Portrait of a Ranch Hand," and many other objects from the Old West in the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum

Day 2, Activity 2

Explore the life of William Cody and compare it to your own during a trip to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day2_Activity2_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

The Wild, Wild West

More than just great pizza! Right next to Coors Brewery.

Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza and Watering Hole

Photographs, memorabilia and artifacts rely on the unique stories of Golden and the city’s inhabitants at the museum. Kids will enjoy exploring the old buildings and feeding the flock of chickens at the history park.

Golden History Museum and Park

Stay at the Official Hotel of Red Rocks Park &amp; Amphitheatre. This modern hotel has several amenities that you and your kids can enjoy — including a free shuttle to the venue to catch a concert. Take advantage of the hotel’s fat bikes, which can be used to explore the area’s unique geology. Bunkbed suites are available and, for extra fun for the kiddos, request to have a tent and sleeping bag set up in your room.

Dino Dreams at Origin Hotel Red Rocks

Day 2, Dinner; Day 2, Activity 3; Day 2, Lodging 

How much do the kiddos remember about the day's explorations? Test their memories with a couple of questions. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day2_Trivia_.pdf">Get trivia</a>.

Trivia Activity

A favorite Boulder institution serving hearty, inventive breakfasts and lunches made from scratch. Try the Saddlebags breakfast as seen on the Travel Channel's "Man vs. Food."

The Buff Restaurant

Day 3, Breakfast

Drive to Boulder for your next adventure-filled day.

Book it to Boulder

Come learn about Boulder's past, present, and future at the award-winning Boulder Experience Gallery and through our privately-curated exhibits that highlight the creativity and innovation that make Boulder special. Complimentary parking and a breathtaking rooftop view!

The Museum of Boulder

Day 3, Activity 1

Get ready to see the Boulder Museum through new eyes while on a hunt to discover artifacts that you may normally overlook. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day3_Activity1_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Scavenger Hunt

The Sink is famous for its Sink burger, cold beverage and to 80-year Sink history

The Sink Restaurant and Bar

Chautauqua Park, established in 1898, provides families with easy access to trails, open spaces for kids to interact with nature, a playground and a wide variety of trees. Before you head out on the trails, be sure to stop in at the Ranger Cottage for maps and hiking suggestions.

Nature Walk: Chautauqua Park

Day 3, Lunch; Day 3, Activity 2

Get up close and personal with the trees at Chautauqua Park. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day3_Activity2_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Barking up the Right Tree

As you make your way to Longmont, have your kids create an acrostic poem to remember your trip. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day3_EC_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Remembering Boulder

Seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this supreme casual restaurant in Longmont has crazy-good fried chicken, award winning Colorado craft beers, and big fun happy hour.

The Post Chicken & Beer Longmont

<a href="https://cyan-lion-92ge.squarespace.com/farmstoreandtickets/farmfest">Farmfest Public Hours</a>: You will be able to have direct contact with your favorite farm animals: the goats, sheep, llamas, cows, alpaca, chickens &amp; horses. On Wednesdays and some Friday evenings, we offer Farmfest Music Evenings.

Sunflower Farm

Modern and comfy suites in Longmont. We’re just off State Highway 119 in Longmont, five minutes from downtown and walking distance from shops and restaurants.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Longmont

Day 3, Dinner; Day 3, Activity 2; Day 3, Lodging

Cavegirl Coffeehouse is Longmont’s premier clean-drinking, clean-eating, gluten-free Coffeehouse with a modern and healthy flair.

Cavegirl Coffeehouse

Day 4, Breakfast

Make your way to Estes Park with a stop for some scholarly shenanigans in Lyons.

Head Toward Estes Park

Lyons Redstone Museum, located in the old schoolhouse built in 1881, preserves the history of the town of Lyons. Historically a sandstone quarrying town, today Lyons is known for its art, music, culture and natural beauty.

Artifact Exploration: Lyons Redstone Museum

Day 4, Activity 1

Dive into the history of Lyons by carefully examining artifacts at the Lyons Redstone Museum. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day4_Activity1_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

ArtiFACTs

Kids will enjoy the playground at <a href="https://www.townoflyons.com/349/LaVern-M-Johnson-Park">LaVern Johnson Park</a> and access to the nearby creek.

Playground Time!

Craft Beer. Classic Cocktails. Rocky Mountain Inspired Cuisine.
Located inside The Ridgeline Hotel, enjoy comfort foods like nachos, wings, burgers, pizza, appetizers! We have something to please every palate!

Latitude 105 Alehouse

A living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Day 4, Lunch; Day 4, Activity 2

Explore the Care for Colorado Principles by completing an age-appropriate word search. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day4_Activity2_UPDATED.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Care for Colorado

Built in 1937 as a dance hall for the Big Band Era, The Rock Inn continues to be a lively gathering place with local flair.

The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern

Kids will enjoy a stop at the taffy shop, ice cream parlour and candy stores that dot the streets along with looking at all the cool souvenirs.

Shopping Along Main Street in Estes Park

There’s no shortage of things to do at the Ridgeline Hotel. From the heated indoor pool to a fully stocked game room, where you can even play giant Jenga and Connect Four, this hotel is one of the best places to stay in the Rockies. Be sure to book a one-bedroom suite with an extra playroom for the kiddos.

Rest Your Heads at The Ridgeline Hotel

Day 4, Dinner; Day 4, Activity 3; Day 4, Lodging

Enjoy sweets or a savory meal made with fresh, local ingredients from Taste Local's from-scratch-focused kitchen.

Taste Local

Day 5, Breakfast

Cruise to Fort Collins, with a stop in Loveland along the way.

Head to Fort Collins

Located at 2908 Aspen Drive in Loveland, Colorado, Benson Sculpture Garden has provided a beautiful and unique outdoor setting for showcasing sculpture

Benson Sculpture Garden

Day 5, Activity 1

Hone your sleuthing skills by playing a game of I Spy at the Benson Sculpture Garden. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day5_Activity1_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

I Spy

Purchase an engraved lock at the Loveland Visitor Center and head over to the largest <a href="https://www.valentinesdayinloveland.com/news/lock-your-love-in-loveland">love-lock sculpture</a> of its kind in the country! Here, you and your family will be able to choose a special place for your one-of-a-kind lock.

Lock in Your Love

Located in one of Fort Collins’ liveliest open-air markets, The Pizza Press makes eating pizza fun for the whole family. Inspired by the Roaring '20s and the era’s newspaper history, this build-your-own pizza parlor has it all. Here, you can order a pie named after a famous paper or publish your own creation and top it off with craft ingredients. The Junior Editor is a kids' special that includes a 6-inch pizza with two toppings, a fresh-baked cookie and a small fountain drink.

Extra! Extra! Read All About Lunch at The Pizza Press

The Farm at Lee Martinez Park has provided hands-on family fun since 1985. The Farm serves as an educational and interactive experience for Fort Collins residents and visitors. Your visit to The Farm will be an adventure for all ages. You can learn more about the industry that shaped this region, have interactive, hands-on farm fun, and introduce your child to agriculture and farm life while visiting. Activities include: museum and farm store, hayrides, pony rides, birthdays, special events, farm animals.

The Farm at Lee Martinez Park

Day 5, Lunch; Day 5, Activity 2

From farming equipment to farm animals, kids and adults will experience farm life at the Farm at Lee Martinez Park. Farm favorites will provide an opportunity to discover what each person likes the best. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day5_Activity2_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Farm Favorites

What better way to wrap up a day than on one of Fort Collins’ best patios? Here you’ll find mouthwatering comfort foods served against some of the best views in the city. Inspired by old-school diners, Union Bar and Soda Fountain’s specialty is their milkshakes — which are both kid and adult friendly. A fruit cup and sundae are included with all kids' menu items.

Diner-Style Dinner

Explore the new Fort Collins Museum of Discovery in Fort Collins!  Just 60 miles from Denver and 45 miles from Cheyenne, FCMoD blends science, history and culture into an interactive and engaging museum that literally offers the best of all worlds!

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

In spring 2019, we underwent thoughtful renovations to bring renewed luster to our historic 97 year old Hotel in our guestrooms and public spaces.  Our newly expanded lobby now creates an even stronger sense of community right inside our front door.

The Armstrong Hotel

Day 5, Dinner; Day 5, Activity 3; Day 5, Lodging

Try to unscramble vocabulary from the day's adventures. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day5_EC_.pdf">Get extra credit activity</a>.

Word Jumble

Time to get your breakfast on! This locals' favorite serves up all of the breakfast classics, and kids' menu items are just under six bucks. The restaurant also boasts a ton of booth seating, so the kids can let off some steam ... before learning about steam engines.

Breakfast at Butters Greeley

Day 6, Breakfast

The Colorado Model Railroad Musuem houses America's most scenic model railroad and the only one in the world that operates like a real railroad for the public. Historic fun for the whole family when you play eye spy games and explore the Caboose.

Colorado Model Railroad Museum

Day 6, Activity 1

The Colorado Model Railroad Museum is a magical place that transports the visitor to a world of model trains and their landscapes. Which details will you be amazed by? <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day6_Activity1_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

It’s All in the Details

As you head toward Aurora, stop by one of the many farms in Brighton to pick up fresh fruits for the ride.

One Bushel for the Road

Our menu is loaded with award-winning choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Whether you choose one of our many specialty omelets or a breakfast burritos, a specialty salad or a burger, Sam's No.3 strives to provide variety.

Sam's No. 3

Morrison Nature Center is a hidden treasure with many trails that are filled with plants and animals.

Discovering Your Senses: Morrison Nature Center

Day 6, Lunch; Day 6, Activity 2

Explore the Morrison Nature Center using your five senses during a short hike. <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day6_Activity2_.pdf">Get activity</a>.

Discovering Your Senses

Want to spend more time at the Morrison Nature Center and keep exploring? Check out the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/sites/default/files/DCOR_Day6_EC_.pdf">extra credit activity</a>.

Compare and Contrast

With recipes that go back generations, Taqueria Corona is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Aurora with a menu full of authentic classics. The best part? The prices are super affordable with tacos coming in at just under $2. This makes trying new dishes an easy feat.

Taco Time at Taqueria Corona

Budding chefs will love the Create Kids cooking classes at Create Cooking School located in the Stanley Marketplace.

Expand your Cooking Skills With a Class at Create Cooking School

Day 6, Dinner; Day 6, Activity 3

Head over to <a href="https://www.snowlcafe.com/taiyaki/">Snowl</a> for an insta-worthy nutella-filled, fish-shaped cone topped with ice cream. It sounds like a mouthful but we promise it tastes as good as it looks.

Continue the Culinary Exploration With Taiyaki Ice Cream

Old Hickory Steakhouse: Enjoy a memorable dinner as you dine in the luxurious atmosphere of Old Hickory Steakhouse, offering the highest quality beef, fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, table-side desserts and fine wines. 
Mountain Pass Sports Bar: Indulge in an extensive selection of savory burgers, fresh salads and draft beer. Catch an exciting game of one of Denver's favorite professional teams on our 75-foot flat-panel TV, where game day will never be the same.
Cantina Montana: Enjoy the bold flavors of Mexico, along with signature margaritas at this festive bar and restaurant. Hours of operation vary day-by-day. 
 Arapahoe Springs Bar &amp; Grill: Keep cool on a hot day with an assortment of frozen drinks and cocktails. Satisfy your appetite with our delectable dinner menu that includes burgers, wraps, salads and sweet treats.
 Rockies Marketplace: Don't have time to sit down at a restaurant? Before heading to Aurora, visit our grab-and-go marketplace offering chef-crafted entrees, fresh fruit and alternative snacks.