Things to do in Colorado

An ever-growing list of things to do in Colorado:

Wings over the Rockies

We visited the Lowry-Denver location with our kids and my parents about nine years ago, and we had a blast. I forgot how many flight simulators and other hands-on activities they had for kids. They even a Wright Flyer simulator that demonstrated how difficult it was to fly the original Wright Brothers Flyer. The main part of the museum is a giant hangar with aircraft from many different eras.

Children's Museum of Denver

A decent children's museum with an old fashioned fire truck that our kids enjoyed very much. We haven't been here since our children were very little, but I remember it as being full of creative opportunities and just having an overall fun and relaxed vibe.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

It's definitely not the Museum of Science & Industry, but it has a big dinosaur, lovely/creepy dioramas, and very nice traveling exhibits. It's also in a unique building and located in a park.

Dinosaur Ridge

A fun hour and a half. Take the tram ride around the ridge because the guides always present a wonderful, child-friendly story of the fossils. You get a clear view of Red Rocks Amphitheater from the back of the ridge. Unless you've got someone who is really, really, really into the science of dinosaurs, don't bother with the combo pass for the Morrison Museum. It's a wonderful museum, but it doesn't have much for kids.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

Yes, that Red Rocks. It's a park until about 1:30pm on days when there's a show. It used to be free to visit during the day, but we haven't been there in years. It's fun to visit when there's no performance. You also used to be able to walk around on the stage. I even have footage of my buddy, Paul, playing guitar on the stage to an empty amphitheater. But they may have more restrictions now. (Possibly due to this incident.)

Pints Pub

The first restaurant I ever visited in Denver. It's still going strong. A very authentic English pub with excellent hand-pulled ales and the largest single malt scotch selection in the world(?). It's also family-friendly.

Boulder Pearl Street Mall

A very Boulder experience. Relaxed shopping & dining with very entertaining buskers. There used to be a very funny, lanky Rastafarian who would fold himself into a one foot square cube. But then he got deported. If you've ever watched Mork & Mindy, the McConnell's Music Store was on Pearl Street Mall.

Carousel of Happiness, Nederland

This is a restored 1910 carousel, and it was always a favorite of our kids. Nederland is a mountain town about a 25 minute drive into the foothills west of Boulder. The road is very well maintained, but it is mountain driving. Use a low gear coming down so you don't set your brakes on fire. I speak from experience.

NCAR, Boulder

The National Center for Atmospheric Research features I. M. Pei-designed buildings that sit atop a high mesa over Boulder. There are mildly interesting children's exhibits inside. But the real draw is the view. It's tucked up against the Flatiron mountains and the site offers panoramic views of Boulder and Denver.

Celestial Seasonings Tour, Boulder

Celestial Seasonings tea company provides a tour of their tea factory. See how long you can last in the Peppermint Room!

Sunrise Circle Amphitheater, Boulder

This natural amphitheater sits above Boulder atop Flagstaff Mountain. A short (but steep) drive up from a Boulder subdivision delivers you to the top of Flagstaff mountain. Short, easy hikes produce 360-degree views of Boulder, Denver, and the continental divide. Stephen King fans will know that this location, and Boulder in general, features prominently in his novel The Stand.

WOW! Children's Museum, Lafayette (near us)

The WOW! (Worlds of Wonder) Children's Museum was always a favorite of our kids when they were young. It features a pirate ship play area & it's kind of fun for adults, as well. Plus, this very excellent public art sculpture is nearby:

Chautauqua Park, Boulder

This is the quintessential Boulder photo spot. The Chautauqua Movement was an adult education and social movement in the United States that began in the 1870s and peaked in the early 20th century. It provided cultural enrichment through lectures, performances, and educational programs, primarily in rural areas, and aimed to make learning accessible to a broader audience. Now the Gipsy Kings play concerts there. The hikes are wonderful and there's a very nice restaurant.

Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster (near us)

The Butterfly Pavilion is always more interesting than it seems. And the kids love it. Plus, spiders!

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

It might sound a little strange, but this former arsenal underwent many years of superfund cleanups. And it is now a natural habitat for bison, deer, raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, prairie dogs, and coyotes. It is an amazingly peaceful drive, and a great place for a picnic.

UFO Watchtower, Hooper (a long way from Denver)

I had to include this since I used it as the main photo. I cannot exactly recommend this place as a destination. But if you find yourself driving from/to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I recommend it as an entertaining pitstop. I used our visits as an opportunity to help my children exercise their critical thinking skills. And click through to their website. It does not disappoint.