by Elean Gersack

Spring break is just weeks away. Plan ahead and enjoy some memorable family activities right here in Colorado. From state parks to museums, there is much to do and see close to home.

Outdoor Recreation

Castlewood Canyon State Park
2989 South State Highway 83, Franktown
303-688-5242

This beautiful retreat is located just to the southeast in Franktown – about five miles south of Highway 86 and Highway 83. Enjoy educational programs, hiking, picnicking, and a rock-climbing wall. A daily park pass is $6 and an annual pass is $55 with park hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit
http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/castlewoodcanyon.

Chatfield State Park
11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton
303-791-7275

Bike, hike, camp, ride horses, or boat at the Chatfield State Park. Park hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/Chatfield.

Garden of the Gods
1805 N 30th Street, Colorado Springs
719-634-6666

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Venture south to the amazing geological rock formations at The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Hike, bike or take a guided walk tour through this historic Colorado nature park. For more information, visit
www.gardenofgods.com.

Roxborough State Park
4751 North Roxborough Drive, Littleton
303-973-3959

Unique rock formations, plants and wildlife make Roxborough State Park a must-see for all. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Biking and hiking, as well as snow shoeing and cross county skiing, are favorite activities at Roxborough. For more information, visit
http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/roxborough.

Museums and Attractions

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road,
Colorado Springs
719-633-9925

For a change of scenery, consider exploring the zoo to the south – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. This beautiful location offers some steep climbing, so in addition to viewing some amazing animals, enjoy a good cardio workout. For more information, visit www.cmzoo.org.

The Children’s Museum of Denver
2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver
303-433-7444

Located just off of I-25 and 23rd Avenue in downtown Denver, The Children’s Museum is the perfect creative learning venue for toddlers and young children. For more information, visit www.cmdenver.org.

The Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W 44th Ave., Golden
800-365-6263

For the conductors out there, make a trek to the historic Colorado Railroad Museum. On March 22, the Bunny Express takes ride with special guest, the Easter Bunny. Other upcoming special events include the School’s Out Steamup on May 31 – June 1, Father’s Day train rides on June 14 – 15 and A Day Out With Thomas in September. For more information, visit www.crrm.org.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
303-322-7009

The new exhibit, “Gold”, opens on February 15. Take a journey of wealth and status and view more than two thousand pounds of the shiny rock. Witness some inspiring views during the current IMAX film, Alps. For more information, visit www.dmns.org.

The Wildlife Experience
10035 S. Peoria, Parker
720-488-3300

Located just east of I-25 and Lincoln Avenue, The Wildlife Experience offers wildlife exhibits and an extreme screen iWERKS theater. A new exhibit, Survivor: Jamestown, opens February 2 and takes visitors on an interactive look at 1607 and the New World. Explore the “Land Down Under” with the iWERKS film, Australia, which runs February 2 through August 1. For more information, visit www.thewildlifeexperience.org.

Indoor Recreation

Sir Bouncealots and Castle Crafts Café
3194 N Industrial Way Unit O, Castle Rock
303-382-1111

Kids will enjoy hours of jumping fun as well as arts and crafts at Sir Bouncealots. Parents can access the internet and drink coffee while the kids play. For more information, visit www.sirbouncealots.com.

Rock’n & Jam’n Indoor Climbing
7390 S. Fraser St, Unit E, Centennial
303-254-6299

For kids and adults ages six and older, this indoor climbing facility offers the tallest and steepest climbing walls around. For more information, visit www.rocknandjamn.com.