Things to do in Colorado With Kids
With its varied terrain of the Rockies, river canyons, and desert, Colorado has boundless opportunities for sightseeing. But if you travel with kids, you know beautiful vistas only keep their attention for so long, even if the hikes are stunning!
So, whether traveling through the state on an RV trip or heading to one destination, keep the kids happy with a stopover at some of these things to do in Colorado with kids.
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Dinosaur Ridge
Kids love dinosaurs, so they're sure to be thrilled to discover the over 250 dinosaur footprints and fossils at Dinosaur Ridge. Just west of Denver between the Rockies and the High Plains, this popular attraction is part of the Fossil Area National Landmark and is one of the most famous dinosaur sites in the world. Besides exploring the dinosaur tracks and fossils, kids can participate in the indoor interactive exhibits. The attraction offers guided or self-guided tours of excavation sites such as the Dinosaur Ridge Done Quarry. Families with older kids may want to hike Dinosaur Ridge Trail.
Boulder Reservoir
Colorado may be a landlocked state, but you can still find beach fun at Boulder Reservoir in the Rocky Mountain foothills of northern Colorado. The reservoir is a beach paradise in summer with sunbathing, cycling, waterskiing, and boating. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, volleyball, and horseshoe courts. You'll find ample opportunities for recreation for all ages, and several family resorts and campgrounds are nearby. And parents get a special perk. After the kids are energy-spent, they'll tag along happily at Downtown Boulder's pedestrian Pearl Street Mall to explore art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
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Colorado Railroad Museum
For a thrilling and educational experience, stop by the Colorado Railroad Museum in the Goldrush town of Golden. The museum features over 100 vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses on a 15-acre railyard. You can also explore the exhibit galleries and library and shop at the Depot General Store for train gifts for all ages. Parents can take a break from the stress of driving and still enjoy the vistas of the Rocky Mountain foothills on a train ride.
Pikes Peak Jeep Tour
Kids can enjoy the grand scenery of Colorado's Pikes Peak region in a different and engaging way with an open-air jeep ride. It's located near the glacial-carved Pikes Peak in Pike National Forest. Fun and informative cowboy guides fill you in on the history and geology of the area. The jeep tours are safe and suitable for kids ages three and older.
Elitch Gardens
When traveling with kids, you can't go wrong with a stopover at a theme park. Denver's colorful Elitch Gardens has been entertaining kids (and adults) of all ages for over 100 years. Older adventurous kids at least 48 in tall can take roller coaster-style rides without an accompanying adult on attractions like the Brain Drain, Boomerang, and Sidewinder. Family rides like the Big Wheel, a 100 ft tall Ferris wheel are for adults and kids under 42 in tall (except infants). For the wee ones, Elitch Gardens features a waterpark and kiddie rides.
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This article was written by Anna Timbrook.
Anna was born to travel the world having studied languages all her life. Although she has traveled the world, she now calls Switzerland home and spends her time writing about her experiences on Expert World Travel. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.