Expert: Larry Caldwell - 7/23/2006

Question
Ever since my husband and I went to Colorado(15 years ago) for our honeymoon, we've been dieing to bring our kids there. Is there anything my family of four can do next summer in Colorado?

Answer
Yes, there is plenty that you can do with your family in Colorado.  
First, let's start with the area of Denver.
1.  Take a Ride on the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad.
http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/
This is a fun trip and the ride out to Georgetown in very scenic.  
2.  Have dinner at Casa Bonita.  
http://www.casabonitadenver.com/
This is great fun for the family.  The kids will love it here!
3.  Visit Red Rocks Park.  If you are lucky, they might even have a concert going on that the whole family will enjoy.  Even without a concert, the kids will still love climbing around and exploring this great place.
http://www.denvergov.org/Mountain_Parks/template2358.asp
4.  Pan For Gold!
http://www.historicargotours.com/
This is located right near the Georgetown Loop so could be done on the same day.  
5.  Take a the Factory Tour at Celestial Seasonings in Boulder, CO.
http://www.celestialseasonings.com/whoweare/tour/index.php
The kids will love to try all the free samples of iced herbal tea!
Second, let's move on to the Colorado Springs Area.  
1.  Visit Garden of the Gods
http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1
There are lots of great trails with all different levels of difficulty.  This is a great place for families!
2.  Visit the Air Force Academy
http://www.usafa.af.mil/index.cfm?catname=Visiting%20USAFA
3.  Take a Ride up Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway
http://www.cograilway.co
4. Visit the Royal Gorge Bridge.  There is plenty of fun things for the children to enjoy there including a cable car ride, an incline railway, a zoo, and a small train ride.
http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/default.asp
Third, a visit to Colorado would not be complete without some time spent at Rocky Mountain National Park.  Stay in Estes Park while you visit the Park area.  There are plenty of family friendly lodging selections.
http://www.estes-park.com/
http://www.estes-park.com/lodging
HAVE FUN Planning a vacation for next summer!