Plan An Adventure: Our Guide To Family Vacations In Colorado
Family vacations in Colorado can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation.As part of a Huffington Post Travel serieson traveling with children, here are recommended attractions for those planning Colorado family vacations.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National ParkTrail Ridge Road
Address:1000 U.S. 36, Estes Park, CO 80517-8397
Phone:970-586-1206
Hours:The park is open daily, year-round. However, weather conditions often close portions of the park. Trail Ridge Road is closed in the winter as well as much of the fall and spring due to high snow accumulation.
Price:Park entrance is $20 per car and $10 for pedestrians and bikes (good for 7 days). Annual passes are available for $40.
The National Center For Atmospheric Research
National Center for Atmospheric Research
Address:3090 center Green Dr., Boulder CO 80301
Phone:303-497-1174
Hours:Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours daily at noon.
Price:Free
Museum of Space Exploration And The May Natural Museum Of The Tropics
Address:710 Rock Creek Canyon Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80926
Phone:719-576-0450
Hours:Both museums are open seasonally from May through September daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price:Adults, $6; kids, $3 ; seniors, $5; special group rates available
Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater raftingmakes for an unforgettable outdoor family adventure. Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting offers trips to five rivers in central Colorado as well as rivers in other parts of the state, depending on where you are traveling. Trips cater to a variety of skill levels, so not every family has to commit to the rigor of adrenaline-pumping class V rapids. Kids must be at least 7 years old for some rafting trips and 15 or 16 for others. Trips offered are full day, half day, overnight and longer.
Address:Main Street Station; 505 S. Main St., Suite A-10, Breckenridge CO 80424
Phone:800-370-0581 and 877-RAFTING
Hours:Summer months, daily. Call for trip dates and times
Price:It depends on many variables such as class of rapids, river, length of trip etc. Rates can range anywhere from $109 to $139 and up for a full day trip.
Grand Lake
Address:1128 Lake Ave., Grand Lake, CO 80447
Phone:800-670-0792
Hours:The beach and warm weather activities are open until Labor Day. It is a popular area for snowmobiles, cross-country skiing and other activities in the winter.
Price:Beach access, free; activity fees, vary.
The Denver Zoo
Address:2300 Steele St., Denver, CO 80205
Phone:303-376-4800
Hours:March through October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through February, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price:Children 2 and under, free; ages 3 to 11, $8; ages 12 to 64, $13 ; ages 65 and up, $10
Downtown Aspen
You might see a movie star, a rock star or just regular vacationing families taking in the sights and sounds of the historic mining town ofAspen. While it is known as the shopping and play area of the rich and famous, it is also home to Wagner Park for kids, the Popcorn Wagon, New York Pizza, a climbing wall and even fast food. Families can catch a free downtown concert in the summer, view the water fountains and dine out, without breaking the bank.
Address:Main St., Aspen, CO 81612
Phone:800-670-0792
Hours:Open year-round. Hours dependent on type of business.
Price:Free
Have you been to Colorado? What are your favorite attractions?
Check out moreFAMILY VACATION GUIDES.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
