produce stand, etc. You can also throw in some fun pitstops along the way.
•Go to the zoo or aquarium: Look for discounted days, reciprocal memberships, or late-afternoon admission.
a real-life gold mine (Phoenix Gold Mine), or stroll through the charming historic downtown, perus- ing the boutiques and dining at the local spots. • Golden : (20 min) Walk alongside real dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Ridge, explore prehistoric Colorado at Triceratops Trail, ride the rails at the Colorado Railroad Museum, or stroll along Clear Creek and explore the shops and restaurants of historic downtown Golden. • Georgetown : (45 min) Step back in time in this picturesque mountain town known as the “Silver Queen of the Rockies,” where families can ride the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, tour the Hotel de Paris Museum, browse the colorful Victorian downtown, or take in the fall foliage along the sce- nic Guanella Pass. • Colorado Springs / Manitou Springs: (~1.5 hours) Explore the towering red rocks at Garden of the Gods, ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, go underground at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, or wander around quirky downtown Manitou Springs. • Boulder : (~40 min) Hike beneath the Flatirons at Chautauqua Park, wander pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall, watch the street performers, grab a treat, or explore one of the area’s family-friendly trails. MAKE THE DRIVE PART OF THE FUN Spice up your drive with some car ride games, like fall road-trip bingo: See who can spot a pumpkin patch, red leaves, a scarecrow, cows, a roadside
If you’re feeling really generous, let each child choose one stop. Other fun ways to embrace the fall season on your roadtrip is to create a fall play- list or listen to a spooky audiobook together (or a story set in autumn, like Rip Van Winkle). You can also bring disposable/instant cameras for older kids to snap pictures along the way, or have every- one vote on the best fall display they see. SPLURGE HERE, SAVE THERE Budget travel doesn’t mean saying no to everything—it’s about picking the one or two experiences that are actually worth paying for. For example:
•Find the best city parks: Think playgrounds, botanical gardens, and scenic overlooks.
•Ride local transportation: If they have streetcars, a train, or even a downtown trolley, it can become an attraction for kids.
•Visit a local farmers market: Let each kid get a treat to make it extra fun!
•Find a quirky local landmark: Giant statues, unusual museums, roadside attractions, famous signs, historic buildings, or other “only in this city” stops… there’s some in every city! Find the whimsy in every stop. •Attend a local event: Festivals, outdoor movies, concerts, art walks, markets, and seasonal celebra- tions can make the trip feel much more magical and local. If you’re hitting the road from the Denver area, here are a few cities to consider: • Glenwood Springs: (~2.5 hours) This resort city is famous for its hot springs (after all, it has the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool), but it also has everything from an amusement park (Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park) to tandem paragliding!
SAVE : Pack sandwiches. SPLURGE : Stop at the famous local bakery.
SAVE : Choose a free hike. SPLURGE : Buy tickets for the scenic train.
SAVE : Skip the hotel. SPLURGE : Let everyone pick a souvenir.
It’s all about balance! Sometimes you have to say no so you can say yes. After all, you don’t have to travel far—or spend a fortune—to make a trip feel unforgettable. So fill up the tank, pack some snacks, and get ready to make a few fabulous fall memories—without emptying your wallet.
• Idaho Springs: (~45 min) Go whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, explore the ARGO Mill & Tunnel or
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