Family Road Trip from Plano, Texas to Colorado: Scenic Adventures and Relaxing Work Days

Day 1: Drive to Amarillo

Plano, Texas to Amarillo, Texas on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Depart Plano

Start your road trip early from Plano to make the most of your day ahead heading northwest towards Amarillo. Prepare snacks and entertainment for your son during the drive.
0USD, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Tlantic Ray's Grill, Amarillo

Enjoy a hearty Texan breakfast featuring breakfast tacos and pancakes. The restaurant opens at 8am, perfect for fueling up after the drive.
USD20, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Cadillac Ranch

Experience this unique public art installation of half-buried vintage Cadillacs. It’s an iconic roadside attraction that’s great for photos and letting your son stretch his legs.
Free, 0h45m

11:00am

Explore Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Spend some relaxing time walking through the lush gardens and learning about desert plants, an enjoyable educational stop for kids.
USD5 per person, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tyler's Barbecue

Taste authentic Texas BBQ with a family friendly vibe. The restaurant is open from 11am to 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Amarillo Zoo

Visit the zoo, which offers a nice collection of animals and educational exhibits, excellent for your son to explore and enjoy.
USD8 per person, 1h30m

3:30pm

Check into hotel and relax

Rest at your hotel in Amarillo to recharge for the next day’s longer drive into Colorado.
Hotel cost varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch

Experience a famous Amarillo steakhouse that offers a fun atmosphere and hearty portions. The restaurant opens till 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Amarillo to Colorado Springs

Amarillo, Texas to Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or nearby diner to start your day.
Included or USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Colorado Springs

Set off northwest to Colorado Springs, a drive of roughly 5 hours. Pack snacks and stops for the journey.
0USD, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch stop in Pueblo, Colorado at Backyard Grill

Stop for a casual lunch with sandwiches and salads in Pueblo, open from 11am to 3pm.
USD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Resume drive to Colorado Springs

Continue driving north arriving at Colorado Springs in the afternoon.
0USD, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check into hotel

Settle into a comfortable hotel in Colorado Springs to prepare for sightseeing.
Hotel varies, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Garden of the Gods

Explore this free public park offering stunning red rock formations and walking trails with easy access for families.
Free, 2h0m

7:15pm

Dinner at Shuga’s

Dine at Shuga’s, known for its eclectic menu and family-friendly ambiance. The restaurant closes at 9pm.
USD35, 1h15m
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Day 3: Explore Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Steam

Start your day with gourmet coffee and breakfast favorites at this cozy cafe open from 7am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Discover one of the country’s highest zoos with amazing mountain views and interactive experiences perfect for your son.
USD25 per person, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Founding Farmers

Enjoy farm-to-table dining with great American cuisine, open from 11am to 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

Explore local history with exhibits geared towards families and educational experiences.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax back at hotel or stroll Downtown Colorado Springs

Take some leisure time to rest or explore local shops and parks downtown.
0USD, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant

Experience a unique dinner with cheese and chocolate fondue in a cozy atmosphere. Open till 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Work Day

Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quiet breakfast at your hotel to start your workday.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Work Time

Use your hotel workspace or a nearby coworking space for a productive workday.
Varies, 8h0m

12:00pm

Lunch break at Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.

Take a relaxing lunch at a casual brewery with good food options, open from 11am.
USD20, 1h0m

5:30pm

Leisure walk at Acacia Park

After work, take a stroll at this nearby park to unwind and let your son enjoy running around.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro on the Boulevard

Enjoy a light and healthy dinner at this well-reviewed bistro. Closes at 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 5: Work Day

Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast included with your stay before starting the workday.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Work from hotel or coworking space

Continue your professional tasks with reliable internet and quiet surroundings.
Varies, 8h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Deal's Gateway Grill

Enjoy creative American cuisine with plenty of vegetable options, open from 11am to 2pm.
USD25, 1h0m

5:30pm

Visit The Broadmoor Seven Falls

If time and energy permit, visit this scenic waterfall area for a lovely evening walk (closes at 7pm).
USD14 per person, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Rabbit Hole

Dine in a whimsical underground restaurant offering creative dishes, open till 10pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Colorado Springs to Denver

Colorado Springs to Denver, Colorado on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Egg

Start your day with delicious breakfast fare at this local favorite, open from 7am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Denver

Enjoy a scenic northbound drive of about 1.5 hours from Colorado Springs to Denver.
0USD, 1h30m

11:00am

Check into hotel in Denver

Settle into your hotel and prepare for afternoon activities in the Mile High City.
Hotel varies, 0h30m

11:30am

Visit Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Explore fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and natural history. Open 9am to 5pm.
USD19 per adult, USD14 per child, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at City O' City

Enjoy vegetarian and vegan cuisine in a funky setting, open from 11am to 10pm.
USD25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk through Denver Botanic Gardens

Relax amid beautiful gardens showcasing regional plant life, open 9am to 5pm.
USD15 per adult, USD10 per child, 1h30m

5:30pm

Relax at hotel

Rest before dinner and prepare for the evening.
0USD, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange

Try classic wild game dishes in Denver’s oldest restaurant, open till 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Denver Sightseeing

Denver, Colorado on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy creative and tasty breakfast dishes, opening at 6:30am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Denver Zoo

Visit the zoo featuring engaging exhibits for kids, open 9:30am to 5pm.
USD19 per adult, USD14 per child, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sam's No. 3

Diner style with huge portions and classic American food, open 7am to 11pm.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Denver Art Museum

Explore diverse art collections with interactive exhibits for children, open 10am to 5pm.
USD14 per adult, free for kids under 18, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax at City Park and feed ducks

Enjoy outdoor time at this scenic park, a great spot for your son to play.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Wagner's Steakhouse

Delight in premium steaks in a refined setting, open until 10pm.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Drive back to Plano

Denver, Colorado to Plano, Texas on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your long drive back home.
Included, 0h30m

7:30am

Depart Denver to Plano

Begin your approximately 12-hour drive back with rest and snack breaks as needed.
0USD, 12h0m

12:00pm

Lunch break in Amarillo at Big Texan Steak Ranch

Stop for a quick lunch and a rest to break up the drive, open till 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

7:30pm

Arrive in Plano

End of your memorable family road trip with lots of great experiences and stories to share.
0USD, 0h0m
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