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. The mild to moderate trails are all less than two miles long, but can be combined for longer hikes. A daily park pass is $6 and an annual pass is $60. 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 snowshoeing and cross county skiing, are favorite activities at Roxborough. For more information, visit http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/roxborough.

Museums, Attractions and Shows

The Arvada Center Children’s Theater – Just So

6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada

720-898-7200

Take a journey and explore the answers to life’s little mysteries. Just So is a delightful musical of Rudyard Kipling’s famous tales, including How the Elephant Got His Trunk and How the Leopard Got His Spots, will inspire and delight the young and young at heart. Performances are planned for February 17 though May 9. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.arvadacenter.org/on-stage/just-so or call 720-898-7200.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs

719-633-9925

For a change of scenery, exploring an amazing zoo to the south – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Feed the giraffes, ride a pony, and enjoy a great cardio workout while trekking along this mountainside zoo full of amazing animals. For repeat visitors, great news – the new Snow Leopard exhibit is now open. 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. A sampling of the interactive exhibits includes Ready Vet Go, Under My Feet & Over My Head, CMD Fire Station No. 1, and Click Clack Train Track. For more information, visit www.cmdenver.org.

The Colorado Railroad Museum

17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden

303-279-4591

All Aboard! Make a trek to the historic Colorado Railroad Museum. On April 11, the Bunny Express takes ride with special guest, the Easter Bunny. Other upcoming special events include the Mother’s Day Galloping Goosefest on May 9-10, Father’s Day train rides on June 20-21, 50th Anniversary Celebration on July 11-12, and A Day Out With Thomas on September 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27. For more information, visit www.crrm.org.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver

303-322-7009

A new exhibit, Nature Unleashed, opens on February 13 and runs through May 3. Take a journey into the reality of life’s natural disasters. Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk and Ring of Fire also open on February 13 on the IMAX big screen. 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. Animal Grossology, a crowd favorite exhibit, runs through April 26. A new exhibit, Ansel Adams – The Man Who Captured the Earth’s Beauty, opens February 21 and runs through April 19. Enjoy “Animalopolis” on the iWERKS extreme screen – opening on February 7. For more information, visit
www.thewildlifeexperience.org.

Indoor Recreation

Castle Rock Recreation Pool

2301 Woodlands Blvd., Castle Rock

303-660-1036

A giant play structure and tandem giant slides make the Castle Rock Recreation Center pool a must for families. Kids will play for hours and have oodles of fun. For more information, including open swim times and fees, call 303-660-1036 or visit www.ci.castlerock.co.us.

Lone Tree Recreation Pool

10249 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree

303-708-3500

Take a dip at the Lone Tree Recreation Center Pool. The pool features a lazy river, giant tunnel slide and zero entry play area and slide for tots. For more information, including open swim times and fees, visit www.sspr.org.

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.