Denver and surrounding areas with young teen

Question

Hello. We are in the Eastern US when we were trying to narrow down vacation options for the summer. I'm dying to go west again and my daughter has never been. I would like a mix of outdoor activities and other items so I'm asking for any itinerary suggestions for Denver, Colorado springs, etc that would entertain a 15 yr old. Currently I am considering Garden of the Gods, concert at Red Rock and an afternoon horseback ride. But I'm open to all things for other areas for a little hiking or sightseeing that could fill up five or six days. I have seen some items on extreme sport parks?

Answer

Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado offer a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and activities that will keep a 15-year-old engaged. A 5-6 day itinerary can combine scenic exploration, fun attractions, and a bit of adventure sports, creating a memorable Western vacation.

Here’s a suggested itinerary that balances sightseeing, outdoor activities, and unique experiences:

Day 1: Arrival and Denver Exploration
- Explore downtown Denver: Union Station, 16th Street Mall, and Larimer Square.
- Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, which has interactive exhibits for teens.
- Check out the Denver Botanic Gardens or take a short walk in City Park.
Day 2: Colorado Springs & Garden of the Gods
- Drive to Colorado Springs (~1.5 hours).
- Visit Garden of the Gods for stunning red rock formations; easy hikes and scenic drives are available.
- Optional: Pikes Peak Scenic Drive or Cog Railway for panoramic views.
- Evening concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre if scheduling aligns, or tour the venue during the day.
Day 3: Horseback Riding and Adventure Activities
- Book an afternoon horseback ride through Colorado’s scenic trails near Colorado Springs or Boulder.
- For more teen-focused adventure, consider a zipline tour, rock climbing, or an extreme sports park like Epic Mountain Adventures in Evergreen.
- Evening: casual downtown Colorado Springs or Boulder dinner with local cuisine.
Day 4: Hiking and Nature
- Drive into Rocky Mountain National Park (~1.5-2 hours from Denver or Estes Park) for easy to moderate hiking.
- Recommended hikes suitable for teens: Bear Lake Loop, Alberta Falls, or Sprague Lake.
- Wildlife spotting opportunities: elk, deer, and possibly moose.
- Overnight in Estes Park or return to Denver in the evening.
Day 5: Denver or Surrounding Adventures
- Visit the Denver Zoo or the Downtown Aquarium for a fun indoor activity.
- Optional: Mountain biking or hiking in nearby parks like Red Rocks Trail, Lookout Mountain, or Mount Falcon for shorter outdoor activities.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in a lively area like LoDo (Lower Downtown).
Day 6: Optional Day Trips
- Golden, CO: Visit Coors Brewery tour and explore charming downtown.
- Boulder: Pearl Street Mall for shopping, street performers, and local eateries.
- Optional rafting or paddleboarding in nearby rivers if teen is adventurous and water levels are safe.

Additional Tips:

Book activities like horseback riding and Red Rocks concerts in advance.
Check weather forecasts, as Colorado can have variable summer weather; pack layers for cooler mountain mornings and warmer afternoons.
Rent a car to maximize flexibility and access to outdoor areas outside of Denver.
Include short breaks and casual exploration time, so the trip doesn’t feel rushed for your teen.

This itinerary provides a balance of urban exploration, natural beauty, adventure activities, and cultural experiences, ensuring both you and your teen enjoy a full and memorable Colorado vacation.

Denver and surrounding areas with young teen

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