Downtown Aquarium - Denver

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver is a small but action-packed adventure for kids of any age. We have been with all of our kids and even a few friends, and although we leave satisfied every time, we also bruise a bit from the impact of the cost. If you are like us, you do your best to stretch every penny because adventuring with a big family can ruin even the most generous budget. If you are looking to try something new, enjoy fishes of all kinds, and can navigate busy downtown streets, give the Downtown Aquarium a try!


Specifics

Check the website (link above) for pricing per person. Admission charged outside of front doors.

The aquarium is indoors and fully equipped with roomy bathrooms, a restaurant, and gift shop.

Monument Valley North Playground - Colorado Springs

This playground enjoyed a significant facelift during the spring of 2014. Located near Boddington Park, and accessible from a small parking lot on Wood Ave. (as well as the Monument Valley trail), this two-part playground has beautiful new equipment for children of all ages, plush fall surfaces, and brilliant views of the valley lawn in all directions. If you are a jogger, this is a great resting point when you have kiddos in tow, and because of its relative seclusion, the playground is rarely over-crowded. Bonus!


Specifics

Access by trail from Wood Avenue is steep! Be careful if you have trouble ascending or descending hills. You can also gain access to the playground via Monument Valley trail, but expect to walk a significant distance.

Some of the equipment is built for older kids, so keep a careful eye on younger babes who might dare climb to the highest points.

Sheltered restrooms are nearby, but they might be closed during the winter months due to freeze danger (Oct - April).

Playground Safety Resources

As we travel from playground to playground throughout Colorado, we become more keen to the safety measures that are often employed (or neglected). To keep your little loves safe, be aware of the most common injuries sustained at playgrounds, and what you can do to help prevent them.

Age-Appropriate Equipment

Playgrounds are made to suit different ages. Most playgrounds are built for older kids, ages 6-9 or older. Steps are taller or absent, replaced by bar- or rope-ladders.

Playgrounds that are built for younger children often have smaller steps and climbing equipment that is low to the ground.

Playgrounds built for babies and toddlers are often devoid of steps, but instead have gentle, sloping access to equipment. Climbing apparatuses are not more than a couple of feet off the ground.

Fall Surfaces 

Different ground materials proved different levels of protection in the event of a fall. A child can sustain life-threatening head injuries by falling just a couple of feet to the ground. It is critical that the ground beneath a playground is covered in appropriate, shock-absorbing materials. Grass, dirt, and asphalt are considered unsafe surfaces for playground activities. Wood chips, sand, rubber mats, shredded rubber, or poured rubber are examples of safer fall surfaces on a playground.


Read for Yourself:

The Playground Encyclopedia

CDC Playground Injuries Fact Sheet

National Program for Playground Safety

Manitou Cliff Dwellings - Manitou Springs

Manitou Cliff Dwellings have provided a stunning and educational getaway for our family for many years. It never grows old! The welcome center is part museum, part gift shop. And the dwellings are accessible by foot by even the littlest of walkers. There are so many points of explanation and education, this would make a wonderful school field trip.


Specifics

There is a snack bar and picnic patio located near the Cliff Dwellings. 

Fully equipped restrooms can be found in the welcome center. 

A fee is paid (per person seven years old and older) at the gate.

Garden of the Gods - Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods Nature Center and National Landmark is an excellent family adventure for young and old. There are dirt trails (moderate to difficult) and paved walkways (stroller friendly) that trailhead from the main parking lot, and a Welcome/Nature Center across the road from the main entrance. As you drive the winding roads through the park, look for signs pointing to the Trading Post and prepare yourself for a sensory overload of Colorado history memorabilia. And fudge. 


Specifics

There are clean restrooms at the main parking lot in the park, and fully equipped facilities in the Welcome/Nature Center. 

There is no shelter on the trails in case of inclement weather, so watch out for dark clouds over the Peak. 

You must have a permit (available at the Welcome/Nature Center) to climb the rocks with proper equipment, but kids often enjoy getting a few "practice runs" in on the smaller rocks. Wink, wink.

America the Beautiful Park - Colorado Springs

With areas for big kids, little kids, and even baby kids, this playground at America the Beautiful Park suits our big family perfectly. During the Summer, the water fountain across the lawn sprays liquid joy down on squealing kiddos as they move from playground to covered picnic tables to water fountain and back again. It's a never-ending assembly line of glee. Well, actually, it does end. The water stops flowing at Summer's end, BUT the playground is open year round! Hooray!!! While you're there, check out the beautifully landscaped paths southwest of the playground. They offer wonderful photo opportunities, or just a lovely place to rest.


Specifics

The fall surfaces include a combination of wood chips and rubber pad. 

Play equipment is available for all ages, so expect older children to be around. Toddlers and young children should be supervised closely and kept in the appropriate areas of the playground.

There are sheltered restrooms nearby, but they close for the winter to prevent freeze damage (October - April).