Manda’s House guidebook
285 and 470, Morrison, Red Rocks, Tiny Town
Taking 285 west is a great day trip from the Denver area. There's so much to do along the way, you'll have to choose your favorites.
If you are able to see a show at Red Rocks, I highly recommend it! Even if you can't see a show while you're in town, it's worth going just to look around. You can hike or drive to the top. If you're there between 9am and 2pm, as long as there isn't a ticketed event happening, you can explore the venue for free. If you're into music be sure to see the Red Rocks hall of fame. Red Rocks is a great place to have a picnic lunch or dinner. If you're seeing a show at Red Rocks, you'll want to plan to get there early.
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Red Rocks amphitheater
18300 West Alameda ParkwayIf you are able to see a show at Red Rocks, I highly recommend it! Even if you can't see a show while you're in town, it's worth going just to look around. You can hike or drive to the top. If you're there between 9am and 2pm, as long as there isn't a ticketed event happening, you can explore the venue for free. If you're into music be sure to see the Red Rocks hall of fame. Red Rocks is a great place to have a picnic lunch or dinner. If you're seeing a show at Red Rocks, you'll want to plan to get there early.
There are a few different types of fun to be had on lookout mountain. My favorite is the view from the parking lot of the buffalo bill museum. There are a few different historical sites on Lookout Mountain. If you're into the history, don't miss the Boettcher Mansion! This old mansion that has been turned into wedding venue/museum that you can take a guided tour of as long as there isn't an event happening. On that same property, there's a nature center and easy to moderate family friendly walking trails. If you take the fork to the right and go a little further up the road past the turnoff for the mansion and nature center, there's a large gift shop, cafe, the Buffalo Bill museum and a short walking trail to his supposed gravesite. If you're short on time or not in the mood to hike, but need a leg stretch and potty break, follow the signs to the buffalo bill museum. The views from the edge of the parking lot are gorgeous year round.
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Lookout Mountain
There are a few different types of fun to be had on lookout mountain. My favorite is the view from the parking lot of the buffalo bill museum. There are a few different historical sites on Lookout Mountain. If you're into the history, don't miss the Boettcher Mansion! This old mansion that has been turned into wedding venue/museum that you can take a guided tour of as long as there isn't an event happening. On that same property, there's a nature center and easy to moderate family friendly walking trails. If you take the fork to the right and go a little further up the road past the turnoff for the mansion and nature center, there's a large gift shop, cafe, the Buffalo Bill museum and a short walking trail to his supposed gravesite. If you're short on time or not in the mood to hike, but need a leg stretch and potty break, follow the signs to the buffalo bill museum. The views from the edge of the parking lot are gorgeous year round.
If you are interested in seeing plants that are native to Colorado, you'll love this cute working farm. This farm does have animals and historical buildings. Mon-Thurs Admission costs $10 or less per person. Kids under 2 are free. They may or may not have a corn maze in the fall. Technically they're still doing timed entry, so buy your tickets online ahead of time. Friday and Saturday admission includes the corn maze and costs $15 per person or less.
According to the website, Chatfield Farms is a "700-acre native plant refuge and working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in southern Jefferson County.
Chatfield Farms is home to historical buildings dating back to the 1800s, 2.5 miles of nature trails and numerous wildflower gardens. Bring your binoculars and wander the many trails. The area is known for exceptional bird watching."
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Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms
8500 W Deer Creek Canyon RdIf you are interested in seeing plants that are native to Colorado, you'll love this cute working farm. This farm does have animals and historical buildings. Mon-Thurs Admission costs $10 or less per person. Kids under 2 are free. They may or may not have a corn maze in the fall. Technically they're still doing timed entry, so buy your tickets online ahead of time. Friday and Saturday admission includes the corn maze and costs $15 per person or less.
According to the website, Chatfield Farms is a "700-acre native plant refuge and working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in southern Jefferson County.
Chatfield Farms is home to historical buildings dating back to the 1800s, 2.5 miles of nature trails and numerous wildflower gardens. Bring your binoculars and wander the many trails. The area is known for exceptional bird watching."
Tiny Town is family friendly and especially fun for little kids! Admission is $5 per person or less. Kids under 2 are free. Tickets to ride the train are an additional $4 per person. Trains depart from the station about every 1/2 hour, more often on weekends and holidays. The ride lasts 9 to 10 minutes, and allows you to see parts of the park that are not accessible any other way. Tiny Town's train is wheelchair accessible.
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Tiny Town & Railroad
6249 S Turkey Creek RdTiny Town is family friendly and especially fun for little kids! Admission is $5 per person or less. Kids under 2 are free. Tickets to ride the train are an additional $4 per person. Trains depart from the station about every 1/2 hour, more often on weekends and holidays. The ride lasts 9 to 10 minutes, and allows you to see parts of the park that are not accessible any other way. Tiny Town's train is wheelchair accessible.
Zip lines and challenge bridges designed to engage participants of any skill level and age.
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Treehouse Adventure Park
60117 US Hwy 285Zip lines and challenge bridges designed to engage participants of any skill level and age.
Buy tickets online in advance, Adult Tickets are $20 to most events. Kids under 12 are free. Every ticket to a Bandimere Speedway event includes a pit pass, allowing you and your family the opportunity to get close to the drivers and their cars. Open April through October.
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Bandimere Speedway
3051 S Rooney RdBuy tickets online in advance, Adult Tickets are $20 to most events. Kids under 12 are free. Every ticket to a Bandimere Speedway event includes a pit pass, allowing you and your family the opportunity to get close to the drivers and their cars. Open April through October.
Dinosaur Ridge is an outdoor/indoor museum near Morrison. The indoor museum is very kid friendly but does cost a little bit. Pre-covid there was a guided tour shuttle that was reasonably priced and well worth it. I'm not sure if that shuttle still runs, but I know you can download a guided tour and walk/hike the trail to the dinosaur tracks for free. This is excellent for kids and fun for adults who are interested in dinosaurs, geology, or beautiful views.
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Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is an outdoor/indoor museum near Morrison. The indoor museum is very kid friendly but does cost a little bit. Pre-covid there was a guided tour shuttle that was reasonably priced and well worth it. I'm not sure if that shuttle still runs, but I know you can download a guided tour and walk/hike the trail to the dinosaur tracks for free. This is excellent for kids and fun for adults who are interested in dinosaurs, geology, or beautiful views.
Boulder, Nederland, and on the way to RMNP
This restaurant and bar is a fun place to go because the walls are covered with interesting things to look at. The food is excellent. You can make a day trip out of this by also visiting Boulder Falls for a short hike and perhaps Carousel of Happiness in Nederland if you have time.
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Dark Horse
2922 Baseline RdThis restaurant and bar is a fun place to go because the walls are covered with interesting things to look at. The food is excellent. You can make a day trip out of this by also visiting Boulder Falls for a short hike and perhaps Carousel of Happiness in Nederland if you have time.
Boulder Falls is a very short 0.10 mile hike, that is dog and kid friendly. Boulder Falls is on the way to the Carousel of Happiness.
Boulder Falls Trailhead
Boulder Canyon DriveBoulder Falls is a very short 0.10 mile hike, that is dog and kid friendly. Boulder Falls is on the way to the Carousel of Happiness.
The Carousel of Happiness is a blending of new and old creations. If you enjoy art, history, or carousel rides, you'll have fun here. It costs $3 per ride to ride the carousel, but you can buy a 10 ride ticket for $25. Babies 9 months and younger ride for free. The Carousel of Happiness is open year round. Right next to the Carousel of Happiness there is a cute Train Cars café inside vintage train cars. Also nearby there is the Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Nature Center, Mining Museum, and Historical Gillespie House.
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Lyckokarussellen
20 Lakeview DrThe Carousel of Happiness is a blending of new and old creations. If you enjoy art, history, or carousel rides, you'll have fun here. It costs $3 per ride to ride the carousel, but you can buy a 10 ride ticket for $25. Babies 9 months and younger ride for free. The Carousel of Happiness is open year round. Right next to the Carousel of Happiness there is a cute Train Cars café inside vintage train cars. Also nearby there is the Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Nature Center, Mining Museum, and Historical Gillespie House.
Fiske Planetarium
2414 Regent DrThe Stanley Hotel
333 E Wonderview AveThis is the hotel from the movie The Shining.
Purple Mountain Taffy Company
121 E Elkhorn AveMountain Gear
144 W Elkhorn AveIt's free to watch them actually blow glass!
The Birch Ruins
300-396 Macgregor AvenueEstes Park Museum
200 4th StThis is a free history museum in Estes Park.
From educational guided hiking experiences to bus tours, The Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Field Institute offers a wide range of scheduled learning adventures for all ages.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
48 Alpine CirFrom educational guided hiking experiences to bus tours, The Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Field Institute offers a wide range of scheduled learning adventures for all ages.
Eat inside vintage train cars at this cute café next door to the Carousel of Happiness.
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The Train Cars Coffee and Yogurt Company
101 CO-119Eat inside vintage train cars at this cute café next door to the Carousel of Happiness.
This is a free mining museum that is open June through end of October. Visit the Nederland Mining Museum and get a glimpse into the world of hard rock mining days in Boulder County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn about the lives of the miners of yesteryear.
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Nederland Mining Museum
200 N Bridge StThis is a free mining museum that is open June through end of October. Visit the Nederland Mining Museum and get a glimpse into the world of hard rock mining days in Boulder County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn about the lives of the miners of yesteryear.
Colorado Springs and South on I-25
This miniature town is a fun place to spend a couple of hours marveling at the exquisite details. It costs $7.50 per person to get in, and admission includes a short scavenger hunt. If you find everything on your list, you can trade it for a piece of candy. This is fun for all ages.
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Magic Town
2418 W Colorado AveThis miniature town is a fun place to spend a couple of hours marveling at the exquisite details. It costs $7.50 per person to get in, and admission includes a short scavenger hunt. If you find everything on your list, you can trade it for a piece of candy. This is fun for all ages.
Garden of the Gods Club and Resort
3320 Mesa RdThis is something you don't even have to get out of the car to see, but you can park and get out to get a better look. Go when it's windy to see the sculptures move and spin.
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Starr Kempf's Metal Sculptures
2057 Pine Grove AveThis is something you don't even have to get out of the car to see, but you can park and get out to get a better look. Go when it's windy to see the sculptures move and spin.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo RdIt's a beautiful drive about 3 hours south of Denver. This is a reasonably short detour from I-25 that adds about an hour of driving, plus however long you spend looking around the castle. If you're scared of heights, seeing the castle doesn't take very long. If climbing sketchy metal staircases to the top of a castle sounds like an exciting adventure, plan to spend a couple hours here. This is free to visit. I recommend visiting June-October. Snow and freezing rain can make it somewhat difficult and dangerous to get to Bishop Castle. As long as the weather is nice, the guy who built the castle often is there at the castle, usually sitting in a chair near the gift shop.
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Biskopsslottet
12705 CO-165It's a beautiful drive about 3 hours south of Denver. This is a reasonably short detour from I-25 that adds about an hour of driving, plus however long you spend looking around the castle. If you're scared of heights, seeing the castle doesn't take very long. If climbing sketchy metal staircases to the top of a castle sounds like an exciting adventure, plan to spend a couple hours here. This is free to visit. I recommend visiting June-October. Snow and freezing rain can make it somewhat difficult and dangerous to get to Bishop Castle. As long as the weather is nice, the guy who built the castle often is there at the castle, usually sitting in a chair near the gift shop.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton AvenueDenver Metro Area
This is an adorable nature center and walking trail. This is a great place to have a picnic with the kids. Star K Ranch is not far from Denver International Airport (DEN).
Star K Ranch
16002 E Smith RdThis is an adorable nature center and walking trail. This is a great place to have a picnic with the kids. Star K Ranch is not far from Denver International Airport (DEN).
If you want to stay near Denver and drive around instead of hiking, but you want to see animals and nature in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for you.
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Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
6550 Gateway RoadIf you want to stay near Denver and drive around instead of hiking, but you want to see animals and nature in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for you.
Denver Botaniska Trädgårdar
1007 York St
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele StFour Mile Historic Park
715 S Forest StHistoria Colorado Center
1200 N BroadwayAurora History Museum
15051 E Alameda PkwyThis museum is free!
The Molly Brown House Museum is open year round! If you want to immerse yourself in Colorado history, you'll love the Molly Brown House Museum! It costs $16 per person to take the self-guided tour or $18 per person for the guided tour. It's a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time. This historical home is not handicap accessible, there are stairs. Plan to pay for parking, and give yourself time to find a parking space. Because this is definitely a look but don't touch kind of place, it's not great for little kids. The Molly Brown House website also offers walking tours and a scavenger hunt in the downtown Denver area.
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Molly Brown House Museum
1340 Pennsylvania StThe Molly Brown House Museum is open year round! If you want to immerse yourself in Colorado history, you'll love the Molly Brown House Museum! It costs $16 per person to take the self-guided tour or $18 per person for the guided tour. It's a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time. This historical home is not handicap accessible, there are stairs. Plan to pay for parking, and give yourself time to find a parking space. Because this is definitely a look but don't touch kind of place, it's not great for little kids. The Molly Brown House website also offers walking tours and a scavenger hunt in the downtown Denver area.
Hammond's Candies
5735 Washington StThis candy factory gives free tours!
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
1310 Maple StLakeside Nöjespark
4601 Sheridan BoulevardForney Museum of Transportation
4303 Brighton BlvdIf airplanes, aviation, or space exploration are exciting to you, don't miss the Wings Over the Rockies Museum!
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Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
7711 E Academy BlvdIf airplanes, aviation, or space exploration are exciting to you, don't miss the Wings Over the Rockies Museum!
Littleton Museum
6028 S Gallup StDenver Firefighters Museum
1326 Tremont PlNational Ballpark Museum
1940 Blake StDenver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys
830 Kipling StMuseum of Contemporary Art Denver
1485 Delgany StColorado Railroad Museum
17155 W 44th AveFjärilspaviljongen
6252 W 104th AveWhile this interactive place is family friendly, and many kids absolutely love it, I highly recommend going without kids if you can. Plan to spend a whole day here, or at least several hours.
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Meow Wolf Denver
1338 1st StWhile this interactive place is family friendly, and many kids absolutely love it, I highly recommend going without kids if you can. Plan to spend a whole day here, or at least several hours.
If you're looking for a fun adults only date activity, consider Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret. They offer a variety of shows, you can buy tickets from their website. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
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The Clocktower Cabaret
1601 Arapahoe StIf you're looking for a fun adults only date activity, consider Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret. They offer a variety of shows, you can buy tickets from their website. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Fun for all ages! You can easily spend an entire day here and not see everything.
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Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado BlvdFun for all ages! You can easily spend an entire day here and not see everything.
Highway 17 Sand Dunes Alamosa, Crestone
There's more than just a pool here, this is actually a hot springs. I highly recommend paying extra for the upgrade to the adults only greenhouse hot springs area, it's well worth the extra $5!
Sand Dunes Recreation Pool
1991 County Road 63There's more than just a pool here, this is actually a hot springs. I highly recommend paying extra for the upgrade to the adults only greenhouse hot springs area, it's well worth the extra $5!
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
It's about a 30 minute easy hike uphill from the parking area to the Ziggurat. This cement spiral tower is a great place for reflection and meditation. The sand can get very very hot during the day, and there are cactuses and yucca and other spiky plants near the path, so closed toed shoes are recommended for this hike.
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Crestone Ziggurat
Cordial WayIt's about a 30 minute easy hike uphill from the parking area to the Ziggurat. This cement spiral tower is a great place for reflection and meditation. The sand can get very very hot during the day, and there are cactuses and yucca and other spiky plants near the path, so closed toed shoes are recommended for this hike.
Tashi Gomang Stupa
Zapata Falls
Zapata Falls TrailValley View Hot Springs
64393 County Road GG$20ish per person and worth every penny! This is a small zoo, they have so much more than Alligators.
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Colorado Gators Reptile Park
9162 Ln 9 N$20ish per person and worth every penny! This is a small zoo, they have so much more than Alligators.
Hwy 160, Mesa Verde, Durango, Pagosa Springs
The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs is the most luxurious hot springs in Colorado in my opinion. There are 25 different pools of varying temperatures. If you pay for a massage you get free entry into the hot springs the day of your massage.
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Pahgosa Spa at The Springs Resort
125 Hot Springs BlvdThe Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs is the most luxurious hot springs in Colorado in my opinion. There are 25 different pools of varying temperatures. If you pay for a massage you get free entry into the hot springs the day of your massage.
Treasure Falls
Valhalla PlaceIt's free to get into the Durango Fish Hatchery, but do bring quarters so that you can buy food to throw to the baby fish. Each quarter buys a handful of fish food from the dispenser near the entrance. It's fun to watch what the baby fish do when you toss pieces of food to them.
Fish Hatchery
151 East 16th StreetIt's free to get into the Durango Fish Hatchery, but do bring quarters so that you can buy food to throw to the baby fish. Each quarter buys a handful of fish food from the dispenser near the entrance. It's fun to watch what the baby fish do when you toss pieces of food to them.
Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum
27501 CO-184Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center
35853 Rd H.5Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
479 Main AveI-70 West Idaho Springs, Blackhawk, Georgetown, Mt. Evans
Taking 1-70 west is a great day trip from the Denver area. There's so much to do along the way, you'll have to choose your favorites.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
646 Loop DrThis small mountain town features several casinos, restaurants, and historic places of interest. There are casino buses you can take from Denver to Black Hawk for a fee so that you can enjoy the scenery without having to drive the mountain roads.
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Black Hawk
This small mountain town features several casinos, restaurants, and historic places of interest. There are casino buses you can take from Denver to Black Hawk for a fee so that you can enjoy the scenery without having to drive the mountain roads.
If you look on Groupon, sometimes you can find a discount on tour tickets. If you're interested in Colorado history or mining history, don't miss this wonderful museum and tour. They also have some fun activities for kids such as panning for gold.
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Argo Mill and Tunnel
2350 Riverside DrIf you look on Groupon, sometimes you can find a discount on tour tickets. If you're interested in Colorado history or mining history, don't miss this wonderful museum and tour. They also have some fun activities for kids such as panning for gold.
Mt. Evans is about an hour drive from Idaho Springs on this gorgeous scenic byway. You can drive almost to the top of Mt. Evans.
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Mt. Evans Scenic Byway
Mt. Evans is about an hour drive from Idaho Springs on this gorgeous scenic byway. You can drive almost to the top of Mt. Evans.
This is the closest hot springs to Denver and it's one of the least expensive. However, if you're willing to drive a little further Colorado does have some even nicer hot springs.
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Indian Hot Springs
302 Soda Creek RdThis is the closest hot springs to Denver and it's one of the least expensive. However, if you're willing to drive a little further Colorado does have some even nicer hot springs.