Colorado

Think you have to trek to the coast to experience an ocean’s worth of wonder? Think again. Nestled in the heart of downtown Denver, the Downtown Aquarium offers a splashy escape into the deep—without ever leaving dry land. Whether you’re a curious kid-at-heart or just looking to shake up your typical day in the city, this immersive spot has surprises around every bend (and behind every tank).

If you've ever wished your childhood daydreams would gallop into reality, the Colorado Unicorn Festival in Littleton is the fairytale you didn’t know you needed. Held at Centennial Center Park in Aurora, this celebration of all things sparkly, mythical, and delightfully over-the-top is more than just a kids' party—it’s a full-on fantasyland for anyone who still believes in magic (or just loves a good photo op with a dragon).

If you’ve ever wanted to watch giraffes nibble lettuce while gazing over an entire city skyline, this is your spot. Perched over 6,700 feet above sea level, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo isn’t just another animal park—it’s a full-on alpine adventure where the creatures and the scenery are equally jaw-dropping.

If your idea of movie night could use a twist of local flavor, a splash of funky charm, and maybe a slice of wood-fired pizza—then you're overdue for a trip to The Lyric in Fort Collins. This isn't your standard megaplex. It’s a whimsical, independently owned cinema-meets-community-hub where every corner brims with creativity, personality, and yes—bike racks shaped like mustaches.

If you've ever wondered what it’s like to walk a mile in a convict’s jumpsuit—without the actual jail time—Canon City has just the spot. Nestled against the foothills of the Rockies, the Museum of Colorado Prisons offers an offbeat, immersive peek into more than a century of lockups, legacies, and the lives of the incarcerated.

Jellystone Park At Larkspur isn’t your average campground—it’s a full-on family playground tucked between pine-covered ridges and rocky Colorado outcrops. Whether you're chasing down a giant waterslide, roasting marshmallows with Boo Boo, or waking up to sweeping views of the Front Range, this place knows how to turn a weekend into a core memory.

Nestled just outside Buena Vista with jaw-dropping views of the Arkansas River, this high-altitude playground invites you to climb, swing, and soar your way through the trees like a mountain ninja. It’s the kind of place where adrenaline meets alpine serenity—and where even the most cautious souls might find themselves dangling 50 feet in the air with a big goofy grin.

When life gives you peaches, Palisade throws a party. Every August, the little fruit-loving town of Palisade, Colorado, transforms into a sun-drenched celebration of all things peachy. Set against the dramatic Book Cliffs and surrounded by fragrant orchards, the Palisade Peach Festival is a delicious dive into farm-fresh fun and community cheer.

If you've ever dreamed of standing face-to-face with a T. rex or testing your courage on a swaying rope bridge above dinosaur tracks, then you’re in for a Jurassic-sized treat. Tucked away in the scenic hills near Cañon City, Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience is where science meets wild, roaring fun—with a side of Rocky Mountain air.

Castlewood Canyon State Park isn’t your typical “big mountains, big crowds” Colorado experience. Just 45 minutes from Denver, this hidden gem near Franktown delivers winding trails, canyon-carved views, and even a crumbling old dam that nature is slowly reclaiming. It’s wild in the best way—and the kind of place that makes you feel like an explorer, not just a hiker.