Denver, CO

Spend the day racing go-karts and riding bumper boats at the Boondocks Fun Center. Along with go-karts and bumper boats, the 8-acre complex is home to miniature golf, batting cages, a roller coaster simulator, laser tag, an arcade and more. You won't run out of thrills at this family fun domain.

Address: 11425 Community Center Dr., Northglenn, CO 80233 - MAP
Phone: (720) 977-8000
Web: www.boondocksfuncenter.com

Give the kids a fun and educational experience they won't soon forget at the Children's Museum of Denver. The museum is packed with hands-on exhibits and activities that explore subjects from the alphabet, to math, to the arts. Some of the more imaginative activities include dressing like a fire fighter to learn fire safety, or pretend-play as a veterinarian or grocery clerk to encourage social interaction with other kids.

Address: 2121 Children's Museum Dr., Denver, CO 80211 - MAP
Phone: (303) 433-7444
Web: www.mychildsmuseum.org

Experience some of the country's best mountain biking, skiing, hiking, fishing, rafting, and kayaking at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The resort welcomes beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers to enjoy uncrowded slopes. If skiing isn't your thing don't worry, the town of Crested Butte offers shopping, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife you won't find in any other ski town.

Address: 12 Snowmass Rd., Crested Butte, CO 81224 - MAP
Phone: (970) 349-2222
Web: www.skicb.com

Explore over 68,000 pieces of art from around the globe at the Denver Art Museum. Arts on display include architecture, design and graphics, modern and contemporary art, painting and sculpture, photography, native arts, textile arts, and more. The museum features works by artists like Claude Monet, Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

Address: 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO 80204 - MAP
Phone: (720) 865-5000
Web: www.denverartmuseum.org

Stroll among orchids, irises, begonias, ferns, violets, lilies, lotuses, lilacs, roses, cacti and more at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The 23-acre park is home to various gardens, and living and preserved collections showcasing over 250 plan families. After walking through the gardens, catch a lecture or eat at the on-site restaurant, Offshoots.

Address: 1007 York St., Denver, CO 80206 - MAP
Phone: (720) 865-3500
Web: www.botanicgardens.org

Check out a concert or family show at the Denver Coliseum. The 10,200-seat venue hosts events like roller derby, graduations, important high school sporting events, concerts, circuses, ice skating shows, truck and auto shows and much more.

Address: 4600 Humboldt St., Denver, CO 80216 - MAP
Phone: (720) 865-2475
Web: www.denvercoliseum.com

Hang out with the animals at the Denver Zoo. You'll see over 3,500 animals like pandas, flamingos, monkeys, lions, gorillas, tigers, hippopotamuses, snakes, fish, hyenas, and turtles. The 80-acre zoo houses its animals in habitats that best replicate the animal's natural environment.

Address: 2300 Steele St., Denver, CO 80205 - MAP
Phone: (303) 376-4800
Web: www.denverzoo.org

If you're looking for thrills, visit the Elitch Gardens Theme Park, where the roar of the roller coasters and the shrieks from excited passengers will greet you at the entrance. Rides like the Mind Eraser, the Boomerang and the Twister II may not be your thing, so mellow out on the carousel or ferris wheel, or make a splash in the Commotion Ocean. You won't run out of fun at Elitch Gardens.

Address: 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, CO 80204 - MAP
Phone: (303) 595-4FUN
Web: www.elitchgardens.com

Take in the scene at Four Mile Historic Park. The park is a reflection of the pioneer spirit of Denver's early settlers and boasts the oldest structure in the city, the Four Mile House. The building was constructed in 1859 and served as a stage shop, inn and tavern for travelers. The park offers programs for Denver guests and residents to learn the history and heritage of the Mile High City.

Address: 715 S. Forest St., Denver, Colorado 80246 - MAP
Phone: (720) 865-0800
Web: www.fourmilepark.org

Travel back to yesteryear on the classic rides at Lakeside Amusement Park. The park is one of the oldest in the nation and is home to old-time favorites like the Loop-O-Plane, Tilt-A-Whirl, and of course, a ferris wheel. For a truly historic experience, take a ride on the wooden Cyclone coaster - it was built in 1940, so it could be older than you!

Address: 4601 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80212 - MAP
Phone: (303) 477-1621
Web: www.lakesideamusementpark.com

You won't find a view of Colorado quite like the one you'll get at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. The highest suspension bridge in the nation crosses the 1,250-foot gorge that has been called Colorado's Natural Wonder. Visitors at Royal Gorge don't only enjoy the view, the area is popular for whitewater rafting, and rides on the sightseeing Royal Gorge Railroad.

Address: 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO - MAP
Phone: (719) 275-7507
Web: www.royalgorgebridge.com

Learn about the life of one of America's most famous socialites at the Molly Brown House. For those who don't know, Molly Brown was an American socialite, philanthropist and activist who gained notoriety for surviving the sinking of the Titanic. She has been immortalized in Broadway plays and movies; the Molly Brown House is one of the most visited attractions in Denver.

Address: 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203 - MAP
Phone: (303) 832-4092
Web: www.mollybrown.org

Make a splash through 67-acres of water-themed fun and attractions at America's largest water park, Water World. Wave pools, water slides and water rides set the standard at this park, promising big thrills for the whole family.

Address: 1800 West 89th Ave., Denver, CO 80260 - MAP
Phone: (303) 427-7873
Web: www.waterworldcolorado.com

Discover the wonders of the ocean at Denver's Downtown Aquarium. The aquarium houses about 500 creatures like stingrays, sharks, turtles, eels, piranhas, bass, and rainbow fish, presented in exhibits that mimic the animal's natural habitat. Other attractions include a stingray touch tank, a restaurant, lounge and ballroom.

Address: 700 Water Street, Denver, CO 80211 - MAP
Phone: (303) 561-4450
Web: www.aquariumrestaurants.com

Step onto the scene in Denver's oldest neighborhood, the Lower Downtown Historical District. LoDo is home to restaurants, shopping, bars, clubs, art galleries, and venues like Coors Field and Pepsi Center. Take a walking tour of the area and soak in the culture, history and beauty of this Denver treasure.

Address: 1616 17th St. Denver, CO 80202 - MAP
Phone: (303) 628-5428
Web: www.lodo.org