Colorado Livin’

KIDS Count in Colorado: Surprising Colorado trends in mental health, poverty and more

The Colorado Children’s Campaign released its thirtieth annual KIDS COUNT in Colorado! report on August 29, 2023.  The report tracks child well-being at both the state and county levels in the areas of family economic prosperity, child and family health, early childhood learning and development, and youth success. Building Understanding: Youth Mental Health and Well-Being in Colorado, the 2023 edition of KIDS COUNT in Colorado!, spotlights trends in youth mental health and access to care. It includes an overview of the most recent data on the topic and offers recommendations for policy action to promote youth mental health in the years ahead. The report finds that nearly every source of data on youth has identified concerning increases in mental health struggles in...

Grand Lake, Colorado: Fall fun for families

Grand Lake, Colorado is a beautiful destination year-round, and the fall season is no exception.  With the largest natural lake in Colorado surrounded by gorgeous mountains, there are plenty of activities and attractions you can enjoy during the fall in Grand Lake. Also, while you’re enjoying fall in Colorado, be sure to check out these guides Scenic Driving Colorado: Exploring the State’s Most Spectacular Backroads and Ultimate Guide to Fall in Colorado.  Fall Fun in Grand Lake Fall Foliage: Grand Lake is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and in the fall, the changing colors of the aspen trees create a breathtaking landscape. Take a scenic drive or hike through Rocky Mountain National Park or Arapaho National Forest to witness the vibrant fall foliage. Wildlife V...

Colorado’s best Oktoberfest celebrations: keg bowling, fun runs & more!

I once bought a Halloween costume just because its name was Gretchen. It was a dirndl. You know, the costume you think of when you think Oktoberfest? Yeah, well. That stuck. I think Oktoberfest every year (and even one time wore the costume – although it no longer fits).  There are so many great Oktoberfest celebrations both in town and up the mountain. Here are some of our favorites: Mountains and More Royal Gorge: September 9-21, ride the lunch train through the Royal Gorge with Bavarian fare and special Logo pint glass and of course, Oktoberfest beer! Breckenridge: One of the biggest and most fun Oktoberfest celebrations in the Rocky Mountains. Try dozens of different beers and food. Enjoy dancers, costumes, oompah band and polka music. Stick around for the keg tapping and gam...

Estes Park: Top 10 Fall Activities for Families

Estes Park, Colorado, is a wonderful destination for fall family fun. Located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, beautiful fall foliage, and family-friendly attractions. Also, while you’re enjoying fall in Colorado, be sure to check out these guides Scenic Driving Colorado: Exploring the State’s Most Spectacular Backroads and Ultimate Guide to Fall in Colorado.  Estes Park Fall Family Adventures  Explore Rocky Mountain National Park: Fall is a fantastic time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, as the park’s landscape transforms into vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold. Take your family on scenic hikes, spot wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep, and enjoy breathtaking views of the mou...

Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Ideas for Switching your Mobile Phone Carrier

Fun fact: 51 percent of Americans say it’s easier to find a new romantic partner than a mobile carrier according to a new Comcast survey.  Breaking up is hard to do, especially when we don’t want to deal with the hassle of changing things up even though nearly half of Americans (48 percent) have had a negative experience with their current provider.   Parents: Is It Time to Break Up (with your carrier)? Parents have the hardest time most of all and are especially prone to be over their mobile provider. One-third of parents (33 percent) say they are done and ready for a change, more than double that of non-parents (14 percent). The biggest gripe for parents is pricing. In fact, parents report they are four times more likely than non-parents to be always looking for the next n...

Georgetown, Colorado: Top 8 Family Fun Activities

From an energy museum to a lake to ice cream and candy shops, Georgetown, Colorado is a charming historic town located in the Rocky Mountains. While it may be small, there are plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions in and around Georgetown. Here are some fun things to do as a family in Georgetown, Colorado. Looking for more Colorado fun? Be sure to check out Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs: Getaways, Outdoor Recreation Bites and Brews and scroll down for our summer activity guide with 200+ Denver activities. Family Fun in Georgetown, Colorado Georgetown Loop Railroad: Take a scenic train ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to learn about the area’s mining history. Kids will enjoy the...

Colorado’s best scenic train rides for kids

Colorado is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and exploring them by scenic trains can be a fantastic family activity. Here are some Colorado scenic trains that offer family-friendly experiences. Are you looking to ditch the train and hit the trail? Check out Colorado hiking with kids: 50 hiking adventures for families and scroll down for our summer activity guide with 200+ Denver activities!  Colorado’s Best Scenic Trailrides with Kids Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: This historic train takes you on a spectacular journey through the San Juan Mountains. You and your family can board the steam-powered train in Durango and enjoy a round trip to the charming town of Silverton. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning mountain views, deep canyons, and...

Evergreen Explorations: Two Colorado parks you’ve never heard of

Sure, you’ve strolled around Evergreen Lake and hiked at Alderfer/Three Sisters Park but how about expanding your explorations even further to check out Fillius and Bergen Parks in Evergreen, Colorado?  Bergen and Fillius Parks are along the historic Lariat Loop Trail. Both parks, located in Evergreen, offer hikes, picnic areas and historic stone structures designed by architect J.J.B. Benedict. Bergen Parkway divides both parks. Douglas-fir and mature ponderosa pine forests make these parks excellent on hot summer days. Looking for more Colorado fun? Be sure to check out Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs: Getaways, Outdoor Recreation Bites and Brews and scroll down for our summer activity guide with 200+ Denver activities. Bergen Park The 25-acre Bergen Park was built on lan...

Manitou Springs: Top 10 family fun activities

Manitou Springs is the perfect place to explore as a family. Nestled between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs offers fun attractions, outdoor adventures, delicious food and affordable lodging. Looking for more Colorado fun? Be sure to check out Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs: Getaways, Outdoor Recreation Bites and Brews and scroll down for our summer activity guide with 200+ Denver activities.  Here are some fun things you can do as a family in Manitou Springs: Manitou Springs Family Activities Explore Manitou Cliff Dwellings: Visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, a unique archaeological site featuring ancient Native American cliff dwellings. You can explore the preserved structures, climb ladders, and learn about the history and culture of the Anas...

Central City: 7 Fun Activities for Colorado Families

If you’re like our non-gambling family, Central City, Colorado has not been on your radar. But did you know that Central City offers several family-friendly activities and attractions that can provide a fun-filled experience that includes a Family Series at the opera, whitewater rafting, festivals and more? Here are some options for family fun in Central City: Central City Family Activities Gilpin County Museum: Located in Central City, the Gilpin County Museum showcases the region’s rich mining history. You can explore exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring the past to life. Central City Opera House: Take the family to the Central City Opera House, one of the oldest operating theaters in Colorado. Enjoy a variety of performances, including family-friendly pro...

Top 10 Washington Park Activities for Denver Families

Washington Park, (or, for the locals, ‘Wash Park,’) is a popular destination in Denver, Colorado, for family fun. This urban park offers a variety of activities and amenities that cater to both kids and adults with 155 acres of pleasant grounds including two lakes and two flower gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon. Be sure to check out the interesting shopping and dining nearby on Old South Gaylord Street. Top 10 Washington Park Activities Playground: The park features a large playground with swings, slides, climbing structures, and interactive play areas. Kids can have a great time exploring and playing in a safe environment. It is one of the earliest staples of my kids’ childhood! Boating: Washington Park has two beaut...

Love dinosaurs? Where to find them in Colorado!

Do you love dinosaurs? The land of Colorado was once roamed by mighty stegosauruses, triceratops and other long-necked dinosaur giants. There are several paleontological sites and museums across Colorado where you can see ancient fossils of the state’s earliest residents. Visit Denver shares these Denver-area dinosaur attractions.  DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE One of the best places in Denver to find dinosaurs is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, one of the premier natural history museums in the country. The Museum has close to 115,000 dinosaur, plant, and mammal fossils in its collections. You can visit the award-winning Prehistoric Journey exhibition, which features a Stegosaurus fossil discovered near Cañon City by a high school teacher, and an Allosaur...