Cheap and Fun Colorado with Kids

• What is the WOW Children's Museum?
  • The WOW Children's Museum is an informal early learning center, designed to foster creativity, innovative thinking, problem-solving, and a love of learning.
• What types of learning spaces are available?
  • Learning spaces allow children to explore concepts such as art, banking, the health industry, and the marketplace.
• What themed exhibits can children explore?
  • There is a Forest of Light, a pirate ship, and a lighthouse to explore.
• What is the Discovery Garden?
  • The Discovery Garden teaches children about plants and outdoor cooking.
• What is the Micro U exhibit?
  • A recent addition, the Micro U exhibit, is geared towards infants and toddlers.
• Does the museum offer private events?
  • The museum offers a birthday party service and rents out the entire facility, which can accommodate up to 125 people.

110 N. Harrison Avenue, Lafayette, CO 80026, Phone: 303-604-2424

• What is the Buell Children's Museum?
  • The Buell Children's Museum is part of the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center and focuses on art, history, and science.
• How large is the museum, and what does it feature?
  • The 12,000-square-foot facility stretches over two levels and houses 50 high-tech, multisensory exhibits designed to appeal to all ages.
• What is the Magic Carpet Theatre?
  • In the Magic Carpet Theatre, visitors can take over the stage lighting and sound and even star in their own show.
• What is the Artrageous exhibit?
  • In the Artrageous exhibit, aspiring artists use mixed media to create collages and other artworks.
• What is the Buell Baby Barn?
  • The Buell Baby Barn has a barnyard theme and caters specifically to children ages 1-4.
• What recognition has the museum received?
  • The museum was voted best in Pueblos and ranked as the second-best children's art museum in the country.

210 N. Santa Fe Ave. Pueblo, CO 81003, Phone: 719-295-7200

Unique Attractions

• Who was William J. Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill?
  • William J. Cody was a renowned buffalo hunter, which earned him the nickname Buffalo Bill. He traveled the world hosting Wild West shows and was even invited to perform at Queen Victoria's Jubilee in the UK.
• How did Buffalo Bill show kindness to children?
  • He had a soft spot for children and allowed orphans to enter his shows for free.
• What is the Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum?
  • The Buffalo Bill Grave and Museum depicts his life and shows. It is situated in Lookout Mountain Park near his grave, where visitors can learn about buffaloes and other wildlife, and enjoy the mountain scenery.
• Does the museum celebrate Buffalo Bill's legacy?
  • Each February, the museum celebrates William Cody's birthday with special events.
• What items are available in the museum shop?
  • The shop offers a variety of souvenirs, including Stetsons similar to the ones Buffalo Bill wore.

987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road, Golden, CO 80401, Phone: 303-526-0744

• What is the mission of the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center?
  • The mission of this center is to change the way people think about invertebrates. Scientists believe that invertebrates, which include insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and arachnids, make up 97% of the animal kingdom and are vital for the planet's survival.
• What does the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center offer?
  • The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center provides hands-on learning experiences through its exhibits and educational programs.
• What can visitors find in the Colorado Backyard exhibit?
  • The Colorado Backyard contains giant insect models that demonstrate the city's diverse invertebrate population.
• What seasonal exhibits does the center offer?
  • Seasonal exhibits include Bug-a-Boo and Bugtober Masquerade, showcasing the illusion and camouflage tricks insects use to survive.
• What are Low Sensory guided tours?
  • The Low Sensory guided tours take place first thing in the morning, using natural light. These tours allow visitors to see the center's 'inhabitants' waking up and preparing for the day.

6252 W. 104th Avenue, Westminster, CO 80020, Phone: 303-469-5441

For Tweens and Teens

• How much time should visitors plan to spend at this attraction?
  • Visitors should expect to spend a full day at this attraction. Each cave tour lasts between 1-2 hours, and there are several thrilling rides to experience.
• What is the Discovery Tour?
  • The Discovery Tour traces the history and geology of the caves along electrically lit concrete paths in 15 rooms, navigating up and down 196 steps.
• What is the Lantern Tour?
  • The Lantern Tour explores almost a mile of the unimproved sections of the cave, taking visitors through dark, narrow tunnels and uneven stairways.
• What is the Cave Trek?
  • The Cave Trek entails crawling, climbing, and squeezing through a mile of muddy passages, all while listening to ghost stories and folklore.
• What other attractions are available beyond the caves?
  • Beyond the caves, there are a range of hair-raising, nail-biting rides with names like Terrordactyl and Bat-a-pult.

Cave Of The Winds Mountain Park, 100 Cave of the Winds Rd Manitou Springs, CO 80829, Phone: 719-685-5444

• What is the history of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?
  • Philanthropist Spencer Penrose built a lodge in the mountains near Colorado Springs to house his growing collection of exotic animals. In 1926, this collection became the genesis of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
• How large is the zoo, and how many animals does it house?
  • The zoo now houses 750 animals, exhibited by region, across 146 acres of land.
• What is the mission of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?
  • The zoo's mission is to connect people to wildlife and engage in animal care, conservation, and captive breeding.
• What is the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun?
  • Mr. Penrose built a 100-foot observation tower on the land and dedicated it to American humorist Will Rogers, a contemporary who died in an airplane crash. Visitors may drive up to explore the tower.
• What is the Run to the Shrine?
  • The Run to the Shrine is a special event held each May, offering visitors a unique way to experience the zoo and its surroundings.

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd. Colorado Springs, CO, Phone: 719-633-9925

• What is the Children’s Museum of Denver?
  • The Children’s Museum of Denver caters to children from birth to 8 years old. Its philosophy is that children are not 'blank slates' but intellectual explorers, and that play is invaluable in learning.
• What kind of learning experiences does the museum offer?
  • Children are given the opportunity to create, invent, solve problems, and use their imagination.
• What exhibits and play areas are available?
  • Kids can explore the Adventure Forest, the Big Backyard, and engage in simulated rock climbing and kayaking in the Box Canyon.
• What interactive activities can children enjoy?
  • They can investigate water, bubbles, and energy sources, and play at being a vet or going to the market.
• Are there additional amenities at the museum?
  • The museum features a café, a gift shop, and a cozy Book Nook.
• Can birthday parties be arranged?
  • Yes, birthday parties can be arranged at the zoo.

2121 Children's Museum Drive, Denver, CO 80211, Phone: 303-433-7444

• Who built the model railroad at the museum?
  • Dave Trussell and several volunteers spent five years putting together the model railroad at the museum.
• What are the key features of the model railroad?
  • The display includes 500 scale locomotives, 80 scale miles of train tracks, and 28,000 trees in a 5,500 square foot building.
• What landmarks are depicted in the miniature landscape?
  • The Oregon, California, and Eastern Railway wooden bridges are accurately portrayed in the miniature landscape.
• What artifacts are part of the museum’s collection?
  • The museum has collections totaling several thousand artifacts, including a full-sized 1919 caboose.
• What permanent exhibits does the museum feature?
  • Permanent exhibits include Department 56 Christmas villages set in Dickens' time, the North Pole, New England, and several others.
• What special train collections are on display?
  • A rare post-war Lionel Trains Collection is on display at the museum.
• How many visitors does the museum attract annually?
  • The museum attracts 20,000 visitors per year from around the world.

Colorado Model Railroad Museum, 680 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80631, Phone: 970-392-2934

Unusual Attractions

• What was the early history of the museum?
  • From 1981 to 1987, the museum collection was itinerant, moving from venue to venue in the capital.
• Where was the museum located from 1987 to 2019?
  • From 1987 to 2019, the museum leased the Pearce-McAllister Cottage from the State of Colorado Historical Society.
• What is the museum’s current status?
  • The museum now has an opportunity to own property, which was expected to be ready for opening in early 2020.
• How many items does the museum curate?
  • The museum curates more than 20,000 items, including rare dolls, toys, books, and board games.
• What are some of the rare and notable artifacts in the collection?
  • The collection includes a rare Japanese friendship doll made in 1927, WPA dolls and other toys made during the Depression era, as well as various vintage books, board games, and mechanical toys.
• What is the O'Meara Someday House?
  • The pièce de résistance is the O'Meara Someday House, a dollhouse and furnishings modeled on the owner's own childhood home.

Denver Museum of Miniatures- Dolls and Toys, P.O. Box 9765, Denver, Co, 80209, Phone: 303-322-1053