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Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Colorado in August 2023

  1. Day 1: Denver Zoo
    20 minutes (10 miles) from Denver International Airport

    In the morning, take a walk on the wild side at Denver Zoo. See over 4,000 animals from 600 different species and enjoy interactive exhibits. In the afternoon, visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to explore the mysteries of the natural world. In the evening, head to the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a concert or movie under the stars.

  2. Day 2: Garden of the Gods
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    1 hour 30 minutes (70 miles) from Denver Zoo

    In the morning, explore the stunning rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Take a hike or bike ride on one of the many trails, or take a guided tour to learn more about the geology and history of this unique park. In the afternoon, cool off at nearby Manitou Springs, known for its mineral springs and charming shops. In the evening, head to Colorado Springs for dinner and a show at the Pikes Peak Center.

  3. Day 3: Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
    2 hours 30 minutes (120 miles) from Garden of the Gods

    In the morning, experience the thrill of crossing the highest suspension bridge in the United States at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding canyon and Arkansas River. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience to see life-sized dinosaur models and interactive exhibits. In the evening, head to Cañon City for dinner and a drink at one of the local breweries.

  4. Day 4: Mesa Verde National Park
    5 hours (250 miles) from Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

    In the morning, travel back in time at Mesa Verde National Park, which features the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world. Take a guided tour to see how the Ancestral Puebloans lived over 700 years ago. In the afternoon, visit the town of Durango for a scenic train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a show at the historic Strater Hotel.

  5. Day 5: Rocky Mountain National Park
    6 hours (316 miles) from Mesa Verde National Park

    In the morning, explore the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. Take a hike on one of the many trails, or go horseback riding to see wildlife up close. In the afternoon, visit nearby Estes Park for shopping and dining. In the evening, relax and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains from your hotel.

Recommendations

Other family-friendly attractions to consider include the Children's Museum of Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and the Butterfly Pavilion. For a side trip, consider visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. To maximize your fun, rent bikes or kayaks to explore the local scenery. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

For hotels and flights, check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo

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