Colorado offers such a variety of attractions that everyone is sure to find at least one that is appealing, from the budget-minded weekend warrior of the great outdoors to those seeking a pampering week of shopping and spa treatments. Families, history buffs, film followers, foodies, and wine-lovers can also find plenty to tempt them to come to Colorado – and keep coming back.
Colorado’s attractions are as varied as its topography. This state stretches from flat, wheat-laden fields in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the central and northwestern parts of the state. The south central section of Colorado is home to vineyards and fruit farms, thanks to its uniquely mild climate, while the southeastern section has a rich history of gold prospecting. Likewise, visitors to Colorado can enjoy anything from zip line tours over the forest to high art and opera. Below are just a few of the top draws in the state of Colorado:
Best Family Activities When in Colorado
- Colorado’s Skiing vacations need no introduction. From adrenaline-pumping runs in the high mountains to family-friendly bunny hills, you can find it here. No ski equipment of your own? No problem – equipment rentals are widely available. Some families choose to maximize their time on the slopes by renting a house or chalet; check out this ski vacation home rental page for options.
- Hiking, Horseback Riding, and the Great Outdoors are also popular activities for Colorado tourists; there are four national parks, five national monuments, twenty-five scenic and historic byways, and 42 state parks that allow visitors to soak up natural beauty and grandeur. Some of the top attractions are for outdoor enthusiasts: mountain peaks, Monument National Park, whitewater and river rafting, and off-road trail tours.
- Historical Sites and Museums give visitors a sense of the past. These include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway and Museum, Dinosaur National Monument, and Monument National Park – a stunning scenery that evokes thoughts of the Grand Canyon.
- If art, music, and the great indoors are more your style, Colorado won’t disappoint. Throughout the year, Denver, Aspen, Vail, and other hotspots offer world-class shops, spas, and events. In the summertime, culture comes outside to play, with festivals dedicated to opera, Shakespeare, aerial dance, and silent films. Various music festivals occur around the state with styles from rock to bluegrass, and free weekly concerts are given in many areas.
Horses, parks, dinosaurs? Sounds like a great vacation for families and kids. Some vacation rentals are both pet- and family-friendly, so you don’t have to leave any member of your family behind.
Flights to Denver will also put you in close proximity to the city zoo. Unlike other zoos in the U.S., this one is different and should be visited under all circumstances. It has an array of exhibits and animals that you must see along with your children. Some of the notable attractions in the zoo include African jungle exhibit, African savannah exhibit, Primate Panorama exhibit, Tropical Discovery exhibit and the Bird World.
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| The State Capitol of Colorado |
Another place of interest is the Colorado State Capital Building. The structure is famous for its shiny large dome. You can climb up the building to reach the observation decks, which will give you a breathtaking view of the city. There are guided tours of the building also available, which will allow you to see many other attractions within the State Capitol.
Children will enjoy a visit to the Downtown Aquarium. The aquarium houses 500 different marine species. There is also a restaurant in the building that is lined with see-through glass, so that visitors can enjoy marine life while they are relaxing and eating. A must-see exhibit at the aquarium is the Aquarium Adventure.
Just like most other big cities in the U.S., even Denver has its own botanic gardens. There are more than 30 gardens, and some of the most popular are the Rock Alpine Garden, Xeriscape Demo Garden and the Winnie the Pooh Garden. You can be certain that your kids will love the latter garden a lot and you will find it difficult to drag them away!
People visiting the city in winter can indulge in winter activities, such as snowboarding, sledging, skiing and ice skating. Children can have a whale of a time going snow tubing or riding ski bikes. There are many ski resorts close to Denver, with the most popular ones being Breckenridge and Keystone.
Cherry Creek Mall
Once you finish enjoying the attractions of the city, you can head to the numerous shopping malls here. Some of the most popular are Cherry Creek, Flat Iron Crossing, 16th Street Mall and Park Meadows. You will surely find souvenirs and items to take back home. Perhaps all the money that you have saved on cheap tickets can be spent during an afternoon of shopping.
