Anonymous
Post 04/28/2015 10:01     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

There is a free jazz concert on Sundays at city park, which is adjacent to the zoo and nature and science museum.
Anonymous
Post 04/28/2015 09:59     Subject: Re:If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

These are in southern Colorado, so probably won't work for you, but my favorites are Mesa Verde (mentioned above I believe) and the Great Sand Dunes - both truly astounding!

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

http://www.mesaverde.com/

Depending where you end up going the Black Canyon of the Gunnison might be accessible:

http://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/index.htm

There is so much to see and do in Colorado - hard to choose! I grew up in Colorado and still haven't done it all!
Anonymous
Post 04/28/2015 09:38     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

OP here. Thanks for all the suggestions!
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 19:32     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

You can get $4 rockpile tickets for the Rockies games. Great value if you're not afraid of heights
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 19:20     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

We did Colorado Springs (Garden of Gods, Pikes Peak), rafting en route to Mt Princeton camping (I know you said no camping but Mt Princeton has a very cool hot springs with a water slide), then breckenridge. We loved it! Hotels and food weren't too expensive but not sure what your budget is. Maybe look into renting a condo for a week? I wouldn't stay in Denver other than a day or two - it's just another big city. And, I'd prioritize the ski towns (breakenridge, Aspen, vail) over Colorado springs. One idea is to base yourself in Frisco in a condo vbro rental since that's near the ski towns but just outside so restaurants would be cheaper. Btw, my kids loved ziplining and rafting but those excursions were $$. Hiking is plentiful and free and beautiful to counterbalance.
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 17:34     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Definitely go to Garden of the Gods. It's amazing.


Well if you are ending her to Colorado Springs see needs to go to Pike's Peak too.


And feed the giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 17:12     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

The Celestial Seasonings tour in Boulder and Hammond's candy factory in Denver are fun for kids. Bring lots of sunblock and pack water. It can be very dry and hot.
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 17:08     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

I would do a few nights in Estes Park, the YMCA of the rockies has cheap lodging.
I'd also do a day in Boulder, head to Boulder creek, Chataqua, and Pearl Street
Definitely head to the Garden of the Gods, maybe hang out in Manitou Springs after.
In Denver there is the museum of Nature and Science which is good for older and younger kids since they opened a huge new discovery zone. The zoo is also very nice but pricey.
If you need restaurant recommendations let me know what type of food you like.
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 17:04     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

Anonymous wrote:Definitely go to Garden of the Gods. It's amazing.


Well if you are ending her to Colorado Springs see needs to go to Pike's Peak too.
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 14:24     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

Definitely go to Garden of the Gods. It's amazing.
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 13:57     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

How budget is budget? Lots of 2 bed ski condos available in the sub $150/night range. Cook in condo to save money.
If camping is out but you want to try mountain hiking these look really cool: http://www.huts.org/
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 13:34     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

ski resorts are cheap in summer
we did crested butte,not near Denver, but fun
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 13:27     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

In and around Denver.
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 11:38     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

What part of Colorado?
Anonymous
Post 04/27/2015 10:54     Subject: If You Had 8-10 Days in Colorado in August...

and two kids, 10 & 6, and are budget travelers, what would you do? Only one caveat: roughing it is fine (expected), but my husband hates camping, so that's out. Suggestions?