This is a great place if you catch it without crowds. We find that early in the day it is much slower than afternoons. Kids under 7 can ride with a parent-but make sure your 8 year olds are mature enough to handle the tubes and the hill-the first couple of times down can be intimidating-but soon all you'll hear are howls of delight! We have our kids bring helmets, and we pack hot cocoa and snacks in the car, which can be parked close if you catch the day right-the snack bar is sparse and if the lodge is packed with people you can't get in. Last time we were there it was cash only, but I heard that has changed. You think one hour won't be enough, but it is and it is worth it. Our kids want this to be an annual tradition.

This is a little gem right on the edge of Denver. Since they closed Alameda Pkwy you can walk on the street for a nice hike or take the tour from the center. We like to hike and talk about the fossils while enjoying the view. Beware that this is rattlesnake country, but don't let that stop you. The bookstore has nicely priced trinkets that satisfy young kids at prices parents appreciate. I can buy things for all four kids and come out under $10-the cashiers will count the shark teeth in a way to make sure you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get everyone a souvenir. We love this place, especially on Saturday mornings or unexpected days off. Best in the cool of the day or fall/spring.

Sometimes a transplanted midwesterner can feel that Denver is dry and urban, and depending on where you live, lacking in trees. We like to visit Four Mile Historic Park in October during pumpkin patch season, especially on a rainy day! The crowds are smaller and the grounds come to life-the clanking of the blacksmith drowns out traffic, and the cider and pumpkins under the trees suddenly make you feel that you could be in the midwest 100 years ago. Our kids ages 5-10 loved it, especially the muddy boots.

If you blink you may miss the word "BREAD" painted on an historic victorian building as you drive by Silver Plume on I-70, but your kids or grandparents will thank you for stopping here. Take the Silver Plume exit and drive north till Main-take a right or east drive up the street until the end, on the right, you'll see what looks like an old drug store with a bread box out front. Vintage ice chests are stocked with glass bottle sodas, and a few tables. We love to stop and pick up a loaf from the "honor pay system" bread box. Hours are THursday-Sunday right now I believe, where you can step inside history, but stop for the bread on any day-you'll be glad you did. My kids beg me to stop after hiking or skiing.

We keep coming back and finding more to love about this place. Take the "tower" trail and see an amazing cabin that has been turned into a lookout/picnic shelter-on stilts. We love the meadow loop for the kids, and you can add on "Walker's Dream" to get more exercise and amazing, amazing views. A great place to bring out of town guests since the hike is classic Colorado with a view of Red Rocks and Denver plus wonderful ponderosa pines-make sure to smell them-they are like vanilla or butterscotch.