Colorado Parent - March 2026

MARCH 2026

BIG CITIES, BIG MEMORIES

Memory-Making Getaways

BEYOND Choosing a College

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 1

2 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 3

CONT ENT S March 2026

in each issue

6 8 9

The Mama Files

Moodswing

Things We Love Mom Next Door

10 23

Things to Do

features

LETTING GO WITHOUT CHECKING OUT Sending a child off to college can be one of the most emotional milestones in parenting.

PHOTOS BY FREEPIK.COM

WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT COLLEGE PLANNING Applying to college is a lot different than writing an essay and hitting submit.

what’s on the web St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Around CO It’s time to get your green on and have some fun. Spring Break Spots for the Whole Fam Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or staying at home, explore the best spring break spots. Easter Bunny Sightings Find some fun-filled events for children to see the hopping bunny and take adorable pictures. Celebrating Women’s History Month Colorado women have been instrumental in forging paths for social change, equity, and innovation.

8 VACATION THEMES THAT GO BEYOND THE BEACH With only 18 summers together, beach bum parents may be considering pressing pause on their shoreline excursions.

PLACES TO TRAVEL IN THE US AS A FAMILY Who says you have to have a passport to experience a different culture?

CONNECT WITH US

@coloradoparent

@coloradoparentmagazine

4 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

® READ NOW! Want to see the best of the best in your community? Read the latest edition of

Faces & Places® facesandplaces.com

facesandplaces.com

Winter 2026 | Faces & Places ® 1

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 5

THE Mama FILES

MEET OUR TEAM AMY L. FOREMAN Publisher EDITORIAL AMANDA MILLER Managing Editor AMANDA CIANI MADELINE PISTORIUS Production Manager KAYLA DUPREE MADELINE MILETELLO ASAREL SMITH MCKINNA SPROLES Graphic Designers MORGAN ESPENAN Digital Content Coordinator SARAH MILLER Client Success Manager SABRINA SMITH BREE WAY Client Success Specialist JILLIAN NORMAN Production Intern ADVERTISING/MARKETING ASHLEY ZANDERS Sales Operations CRYSTAL BARRETT AMELIA ROESSLER JULIANNA STEEN Associate Editors ART/PRODUCTION CHLOE ALLEN ANTOINE COURTNEY KAYLA FRICKS GOMEZ RYN WHITESIDE Senior Account Executives CAMILLE CAVIN JENNIFER HOFFMANN KAYLEIGH MONTANA JILLIAN WRAY Account Executives ELISABETH BARRETT Marketing Coordinator COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TERI HODGES Director of Community Partnerships ROXANE VOORHIES Community Outreach ADMINISTRATION BRANDON FOREMAN Chief Executive Officer LAURIE ACOSTA Director of Operations GAYLE GAUTHREAUX Director of Finance ALEXIS ALEXANDER Senior Executive Administrator

The Season of Letting Go

It’s hard to believe I’m about to let my old- est spread her wings and leave the nest.

isn’t fully developed until the mid-to-late twenties (around age 25 on average). So expecting 15-, 16-, or 17-year-olds to make life-altering decisions without consistent parental involvement feels… ambitious. Needless to say, I’ve learned a few things I hope can help other parents navigate this season. First: Get access to your child’s email and Common App account. Better yet, create a new, professional email address with their name in it. Use the same email and password across platforms (write it down somewhere safe). This has been a lifesav- er. I can track deadlines, spot scholarship opportunities, and gently remind her before the clock runs out. And speaking of scholarships—apply for all of them. You truly can’t apply for too many. The worst that happens? You don’t get them all. The best? You do. My one regret? Not doing more college tours. Maybe we’ll still squeeze a few in. As much as I want her to stay close to home (where I can “accidentally” drop off groceries), there’s a big world out there, and I want her to explore it. I want her to become the independent, fierce young woman she’s already becoming. My mini-me—just a little smarter, a little sassier, with bigger goals…and the same big heart that loves big. And maybe that means I didn’t do such a bad job after all.

Is she ready? My honest answer is no.

Do I feel like she’s been taught everything she needs to survive on her own? Again…no. Somewhere around the transition to high school, I look back and wonder if I started to miss the mark. I always wanted to be a great mother—but also someone she would still talk to. Somewhere along the way, I may have leaned a little too far into “friend” and not enough into “push her harder.” That balance is tricky, and no one hands you a manual when they hand you a newborn.

Is she a bad kid? Absolutely not.

She has the biggest heart. She’s compas- sionate. She loves children. She stands up to bullies and fiercely protects the people she cares about. Sometimes she loves too much, trusts too easily, and gives her heart away when it isn’t always deserved. As we close out her high school years and step into the college chapter, it’s bitter- sweet—heavy on the sweet, if I’m being honest. It’s been a learning experience for both of us. I’m incredibly grateful her school provides a college counselor to guide students through the process. My only frustration? Parents are largely cut out. We receive the same reminder emails the students do, but unless you’re having regular conversa- tions at home, things get missed. I under- stand the intention—they want these kids to grow into independent adults. But research shows the teenage brain

CONTACT US EDITORIAL@FRG.INC CORPORATE OFFICE (225) 292-0032 3636 S. SHERWOOD FOREST BLVD., STE. 540 BATON ROUGE, LA 70816

Amy L. Foreman Publisher

2025

2023

2024

Email amy@frg.inc to tell me about topics you’d like to see in future issues. COLORADO PARENT MAGAZINE is published monthly by GEAUX PUBLISH INC. and distributed free of charge. Subscriptions accepted. Only authorized distributors may deliver and pick up the magazine. Paid advertisements appear in GEAUX PUBLISH INC. publications, including print and other digital formats. GEAUX PUBLISH INC does not endorse or evaluate the product, service, or company, nor any claims made by the advertisement. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all materials contributed. Some content in this magazine was created with assistance from AI tools and has been reviewed and edited by our human editorial team. We cannot be held responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. COLORADO PARENT MAGAZINE Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited.

6 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

You good?

Reach out to a friend about their mental health. Find more ways to help at SeizeTheAwkward.org

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 7

local

BY AMELIA ROESSLER MOODSWING Reimagining Pickleball

I f you’re looking for a new place to visit, no need to look any farther. Moodswing has everything. At Moodswing, stained glass decorates the inside as booths and lounges line the walls, the smell of delicious foods fill the air, and the sound of pickleball floats in the other room. Moodswing is reimagining pick- leball as a social experience. Play hard, con- nect with people, sip on coffee or cocktails, listen to music, do work, and watch TV. “We’ve just been really purposeful in know- ing that no matter who you are, what you’re into, hopefully you’ll come into a place like this,” says Justin Riley, owner and managing partner of Moodswing and Perpetual First, a company transforming adaptive reuse prop- erties into unique food and beverage spaces. Justin says Moodswing was created along- side his business partners Colton Cartwright and Giovanni Leone because they shared the vision for building thoughtful, commu- nity-focused environments. The idea formed a few years ago as they noticed how frag- mented social life had become. “One place to work, another to exercise, another to eat, another to socialize. We wanted to create a space where all of that could coexist natural- ly under one roof,” Justin says. During COVID, Justin says he picked up pickleball like the rest of the world. He says Moodswing is modeled closest to the con- cept Chicken N Pickle, a place to socialize, eat, and play pickleball. Chicken N Pickle recently opened a location in Thornton, tar- geting the suburban environment.

Justin and his partner visited Chicken N Pickle, and what they found were plenty of things they liked, and some they didn’t. While it was extremely kid-friendly, Justin and his partner found the environment – as two guys wanting to play pickleball, have a beer, and hangout – a bit chaotic. “There were kids literally chucking pickleballs at each other, using the pickleball courts as corrals.” As a new parent himself, Justin says it is cool they targeted a younger group, but he says Moodswing wants to create a place for liter- ally everyone. And that means real diligence and programming to make sure it doesn’t become too much of anything. But that doesn’t mean Moodswing isn’t kid-friendly. There are family-friendly times of day, open spaces for kids to move, food options for all ages, and activities that par- ents and kids can enjoy together. According to Justin, Moodswing was intentionally designed so families don’t feel like they are forcing themselves into a space that was not built for them. The name Moodswing was also a purposeful choice of ambiguity, he says. The company and building is multifaceted, with the mantra being a place to offer for those all across the spectrum. “You can come in for coffee and just hang out and co-work, and then very easily transition into having lunch and play- ing pickleball, or then your family comes into town, and there’s something that you guys can do for that.”

varied – indoor and outdoor stages feature no demographic in particular. They’ve hosted music from line dancing, to a DJ, to a Shrek cover band. The challenge Moodswing faces now is doing what they can to get people in to see the space, Justin says. He feels if people come in, then they really get it. The food’s great, the drinks are fun, and there’s always some kind of cool programming. As a parent to a one-year-old daughter, Justin is proud to have Moodswing open. From get- ting permits and working hard with the city, to trying to be present for his wife and new daughter while working 14–16 hour days, Justin says it was a challenge. Justin hopes families will come out and rent a pickleball court and play with their adult friends or their kids. Pickleball, as Justin puts it, is a sport for all ages, demographics, socioeconomic statuses, whatever. It works for everyone. “But we also acknowledge that there are people who don’t want to play pickleball and they just want to come either hang out with their family, or hang out with their friends, or their family are in town, or go on a first date, all of that stuff,” says Justin. Moodswing is open Sunday through Thursday 8am-11pm and Friday and Saturday 8am-midnight. It is located at 3625 E. 48th Ave, Denver. Check out their website mood- swing.com for more information.

Justin even works to make sure the music is

8 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

Things We Love Spring is officially here! Whether you’re already itching to be done with school or just ready to spend some quality time outside, we’ve got the best picks for you to enjoy the start to the spring season. From things to make going outside with the fam easier to goodies for the kiddos to enjoy outside and the rainy days, we’ve got you covered. Marching Into Spring

GEOSAFARI KID BINOCULARS Kids will love using these binocs this spring to get up close and personal with nature without actually getting all that close. It’s a must-have for littles who are curious, but a bit skittish about bugs and whatnot. $15.99, amazon.com

PLAY MAT & TOY STORAGE BAG A portable play mat that’ll double as storage for your tot’s favorite toys — a must-have for any parents who are constantly on the go with their baby in tow. $29.99, amazon.com

3 4 5

JAVASOK Durable, flexible, and portable, the

COTOPAXI DAYPACK It’s time to go back outside, and what’s better than a daypack that will survive being stuffed in a locker, used as a pillow in the park, and dragged onto the bus? $65, cotopaxi.com

BUSY IDEAS FOR BORED KIDS From spoon races to bubble painting and life-sized board games, this set of cards is chock-full of ideas to inspire play and keep boredom at bay. Choose from 50 ideas that are sure to lift any kiddo’s spirits and bring joy to their day. $10, crateandbarrel.com

JavaSok is perfect for stopping puddles on your desk or in your cupholders while keeping your hands dry and the iced drink still cold. $16.99, sok-it.com

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 9

mom next door Meet Michelle Lyman

“

It’s really important that you laugh, cry, giggle, and debrief sometimes with the things that are going on in life, take a step back and take a deep breath when you’re in the moment.

BY AMELIA ROESSLER

Despite the age gap and different parenting styles, Michelle knows what works for some families doesn’t work for others. But she’s found that finding fellow parents who have similar parenting styles can be beneficial to talk through things. Michelle is currently a stay-at-home mom, having lost her job in advertising shortly after COVID hit. She plans to go back to work in the fall, when her daughter goes to kindergarten, but does some work currently for her significant other’s ski and bike shop in Breckenridge, where the family resides. “I enjoy the fact that I get to parent and make the rules and spend time with her. I know what she’s learning, and I’m aware of her activities in a day, whereas sometimes when you send them off to daycare, you just don’t know exactly what’s going on,” says Michelle. Because of that, Michelle has been able to let Ryder participate in a multitude of activities including swimming, gymnastics, ski and snowboarding lessons, soccer, and French lessons. Michelle feels like a good balance of learning the fundamentals of life and being a good person and learning the things taught

in school is important for children.

“So I feel like when she’s at home, you have the autonomy to do those things and kind of go with the flow a little bit, but have a structure as well. Really just keep an eye on your child, make sure they’re growing up healthy and getting fresh air and all that stuff,” she says. Michelle adds that living in Colorado is the perfect place to create the balance of learning and getting outside to enjoy the ski town and activities they live near. The best piece of advice Michelle says she ever received was to just take a deep breath. They told her, the second you take one, perhaps things have changed. “Don’t get so worked up about stuff, because once you feel like you’ve gotten in a rhythm, everything changes. And it is so true that you blink and it changes,” she explains. Michelle says kids evolve every day, every minute, every hour. She knows that learning to ebb and flow is important because things that seem big now might not be that big shortly in the future.

10 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

Her advice to parents is similar: Take a deep breath. “I would also say it’s really important to take a little time to yourself. And I know that’s really hard when you’re in it, but even the three hours I give myself a month with other moms without our children around is amazing, but you can learn so much from what other people are doing, and it can morph how you parent,” Michelle says. Every month, Michelle and about 20 other local moms meet for dinner to chat. There are around 160 women in the group, but every month, different people will show up for dinner. She has been organizing this meet up for a year and a half and calls it Mom’s Night Out. She believes it is important to lean on other Moms and take some time for yourself. “Because sometimes you just need to bounce some ideas off others, sometimes you just need to laugh or cry,” Michelle explains. “But a little space to just take everything in can put it in perspective.” Michelle says she found this especially helpful when dealing with the tiredeness. “Becuase sometimes when you’re in it, you lose focus and you don’t even realize how exhausted you are.” When training for her two Ironman last year, Michelle pushed the envelope, getting up at three or four in the morning to workout and train before getting kids to school or getting her daughter ready for activities. Her trick to make it work? Organization. Although Michelle will admit she did not sleep as much as she should have and has trained her body to work on very little sleep, she says you have to face every day with a plan. With the joys and challenges of raising a blended family, Michelle says it’s important to “trust your tribe and trust your instincts. You can learn a lot from the other parents you are around.” Favorite date night… Red Rocks. RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Words that describe your family… crazy, grounded, fun.

Favorite genre of movie or television show… cooking show.

Favorite food… sushi or ramen.

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 11

Letting Go Without Checking Out: BY AMELIA ROESSLER How Parenting Shifts During the College Years

S ending a child off to college can be one of the most emotional milestones in parenting. As time flies, the days of changing diapers, helping with homework, dropping them off at school activities, and packing lunches fade into the rearview mirror. It’s time for them to go to college. As parents, you try to remain confident that the foundation you have built over the past 18 years will be able to accompany your child across the miles and throughout the years. But how do you navigate the transition as a parent? How do you navigate independence and set boundaries that benefit both you and your child? MIXED EMOTIONS Marti Burton, MA, ALC, NCC, EMDR-T, and therapist at Empower Counseling & Coaching, says she sees a mix of emotions from parents when a child leaves for college. Many times she will see pride, fulfillment, and excitement at a child getting into college, receiving scholarships, or just experiencing something new. But Burton says sometimes those emotions come with increased sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and role confusion. “Role confusion is a normal, but uncomfortable, part of development that comes when parenting is no longer the main focus of an adult’s life. It can take some time to adjust to reducing emphasis on parenting duties and instead focusing on things that bring fulfillment to parents,” says Burton.

to remain flexible. “We often don’t know what life will look like until we are living it, and boundaries that make sense on the front end might not be realistic when at college. Continuous communication around changes in boundaries and expectations can help make this process smooth.” One common boundary mistake Burton sees well-intended parents make is not listening to their child’s needs. An example can be when a parent either visits too often or expects their child to come home more than the child wants or needs. To reduce frustration and set some expectations, seek open communication and feedback between parents and children. Remember, college is a great opportunity for children to learn independence and continue to grow into who they are as a person. THINGS TO REMEMBER One of the biggest pieces of advice Burton says she can give parents when they are learning to let their child go to college is to let them make mistakes. “Well-meaning parents often want life to be easy for their children and want to mitigate or fix challenges for them. We all make mistakes, and the important part of this is the learning that comes from these experiences. It might be uncomfortable for parents to let this happen, but it can create valuable lessons for the rest of life,” she says.

She also explains that no emotion is wrong or inherently bad, and she prefers to use “favorable” or “unfavorable” to describe emotions rather than positive or negative. This stage can feel harder than parents expect, even with a successful transition. Burton says parents tend to focus on their child’s experience and emotions, and forget that they also will experience change. “Parents help their children logistically prepare for college, help process the mixed emotions upcoming college students have, and even put their own experience to the side to support their child. When there is a successful transition, the parent doesn’t necessarily have to put as much emphasis on their child anymore, and are then faced with their emotions that have been placed to the side,” she says. SETTING BOUNDARIES An important first step for parents setting new boundaries is to have open and honest conversations between parent(s) and children, Burton explains. Exploring what exactly the child wants and/or needs while being curious, but also realistic, as to what you as a parent can provide during this time helps set groundwork and expectations. Helpful topics of discussion can include how often visits can occur (that goes both ways for parents visiting college and students coming home), how involved parents can be in academics and school life, and expectations around communication.

Burton says another piece of advice is to have parents remember that your own

Most importantly, Burton says it’s important

12 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

college experience might not be the same as your child’s. She often hears parents comment that college was the best time of their lives, so why is their child struggling? According to Burton, when children hear this, they can internalize that they are wrong for struggling or not liking college. To help, lean in with curiosity to a child’s experience, instead of putting an experience on their child. COPING TOOLS A tool that can help parents adjust is intentional reflection. When parents get worried about how their child is doing, or even just missing their child, they tend to want to go into “fix mode.” But this can lead to broken boundaries and create more frustration. “I like to use reflection as a way to not necessarily fix the uncomfortable emotions, but rather learn to manage the discomfort when it comes up,” says Burton. Parents can reflect on their accomplishments with parenting (“I raised an intelligent/kind/ capable child”), helpful qualities about their child (“My child is good at making friends and managing their time”), or any other pieces of information that can help them recognize that their child will be ok, she explains. The discomfort that can come with these transitions do not last forever. Burton’s one piece of reassurance to offer parents navigating this stage is that it is temporary. “I like to compare it to the newborn stage, where the sleepless nights, crying, and overall transition to parenthood feels endless. Then one day, sleep starts coming more naturally, the crying seems to slow down, and you feel like you have the hang of caring for a child.” Colleges often have resources not only for students, but for parents making this transition as well. Some colleges may contain versions of “parent corners” on their websites that contain information about what is happening at the school and how they can support their child in the transition. Every parent has their own experience when it comes to this transition. You might feel different feelings and emotions than your spouse or friends in the same stage. But just because you feel differently than someone else does not make you wrong or a bad parent, Burton assures. She says it is important to give yourself, and your student, grace throughout these changes.

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 13

What No One Tells You About College Planning

BY AMANDA MILLER

W hen people hear “applying to college,” they may think that it’s simply filling out some information about the student-to-be, writing a college essay (if even required), and clicking submit. In reality, it is much different. There are several unspoken steps that can cause plenty of stress, confusion, and forgetfulness. Luckily, we’re here to help. We have uncovered those hidden steps and stressors and are here to help make college planning easier to manage. ORGANIZED EMAILS Creating a “professional” email is important. While CoolKid101@hotmail.com was super cool as a kiddo and even better as a junk email address as a young adult, it’s not going to look great when keeping up with college applications and correspondence. College-bound students are encouraged to create a new email, preferably one that is some variation of their name (that will be hard, we know). With the new email, it can be used to organize correspondence with each

Families can also explore dual enrollment or college-level courses while still in high school, which can save money and, in some cases, allow students to test out of certain college classes. Other smaller but important costs include sending ACT or SAT scores to colleges, joining honor societies such as the National Society of High School Scholars, and graduation-related items like caps, gowns, tassels, and honor cords. NEEDED DOCUMENTATION Speaking of documentation, having documents on hand will save plenty of time and prevent headaches. Immunization records, transcripts, test scores, application fees, driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers are often the most requested documents to have during the process. Compiling them will help avoid scrambling before deadlines, move the process along faster, and reduce stress when colleges request certain information.

college. Many students will be applying to more than one college, so those color-coded tags and folders that Gmail provides will be extremely helpful. As a note, parents, we recommend having access to the email just to help make sure application confirmations, financial aid notices, scholarship deadlines, and future test reminders aren’t going unnoticed. It’s also great for added transparency without hovering over the student-to-be. UNEXPECTED COSTS These costs can be especially unexpected. Transcript requests, application fees, and any immunization records that have to be mailed can all add up quickly. Knowing about these expenses ahead of time helps families budget realistically, prevent delays when payments are required, and reduce frustration when documentation is needed. High school counseling offices can provide a clear breakdown of transcript and record fees, while college admissions websites often list application costs upfront.

Where families can get documents: • Immunization records: Pediatrician’s office

14 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

HELPFUL APPS If this has taught anyone anything, it’s that there are a lot of pieces to this college planning puzzle. There are multiple systems to keep up with, and each one serves a different purpose. Luckily, there’s an app (several, actually) that will help bring everything together and keep it simple. • Common App: Apply to hundreds of colleges easily. Simply fill out the application once and send directly to multiple schools. • College Board: Organization is the name of the game with this app. Keep up with the SAT, AP exams, financial aid profiles, and scholarship information. There are even college search tools. • MyACT: Registration for the ACT is available through this app, and students can view scores, send scores to colleges, and manage test dates. • Scholarships.com: Students can create a profile and get matched with scholarships based on grades, interests, backgrounds, etc. College prep isn’t just about getting into college; it’s also about reducing stress, building independence, and teaching life organization skills.

or state health department • Transcripts: High school counseling office • Test scores: College Board (SAT/AP) and MyACT • Birth certificate: State vital records office • Social Security card: Social Security Administration COLLEGE ESSAYS College essays aren’t just writing another school paper. They’re personal, reflective, and time-consuming. We recommend starting the writing process early. This will help give time for the student-to-be to really brainstorm what they want to express, simmer on it post-writing for a few days without feeling rushed to submit, and even share the essay with another person for feedback. This is especially great for when the prompts change for each college. Reviewing Common App essay prompts and college admissions guidance early can help students better understand what schools are looking for. Starting early, or pre-writing at the very least, gives parents a welcome reprieve from the added stress when their child seeks out help because they “don’t know what to write about.”

These tests can send people into a tailspin at times, but they’re oftentimes a major component of the college application process. Utilizing apps such as College Board and MyACT (more on that in a moment) helps choose the right test for the student, avoid duplicate or unnecessary registrations, track scores, and even send them directly. If possible, signing up for a tutoring class can help improve scores, and students can take the ACT multiple times. Be aware though that each attempt comes with a fee. TEAMWORK There are a lot of websites to log in to for applications, including that Gmail account we already advised to create. However, teaming up to navigate through all the chaos is what will make the process run smoothly. That means parents teaming up with their kiddos! When parents understand what their child is experiencing, conversations will shift from “Did you do this yet?” to “What’s next on the list?” It’s collaborative instead of confrontational, which makes this already stressful process a lot easier. High school counselors and college admissions offices can also serve as helpful partners throughout the process. Keeping a shared calendar of testing dates, application deadlines, and financial aid due dates can help everyone stay on the same page.

ACT VS. SAT

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 15

8 Vacation Themes that go Beyond the Beach!

BY AMANDA CIANI

S ummer fun is synonymous with family vacations! And for many families, that means packing up the van and heading to the beach. But what about when the kids continually hit you with, “I’m bored!”, as soon as the cooler is plopped onto the sand, even before the umbrella is popped. With only 18 summers together, beach bum parents may be considering pressing pause on their shoreline excursions to opt for something more appealing to their non-“beach-people” kids. The college years will be here before you know it (and you can head back to the beach); in the meantime, check out these eight great summer travel ideas that go beyond the beach… TRAVEL THROUGH TIME The United States of America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year! Every state across the grand U-S-of-A has unique historical sites, including some living history attractions with fun reenactors! Families interested in history can choose an era or theme, such as America’s Founding (Boston, Philadelphia, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown), Westward Expansion (St. Louis + Independence, MO, Chimney Rock, NE), the Civil War (Gettysburg, Richmond), or Indigenous History (Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, South Dakota, North Carolina, Alaska), and plan away. MUSEUM MOSEY + ZOO HOP The majority of major cities have majorly fun museums, aquariums, and zoos. A trip to explore other cities’ offerings is both educational, and oh-so fun! Reminder: If you have a membership to your local museum, aquarium, or zoo, be sure to keep it handy when you travel. Many memberships

for details on the America the Beautiful passes!

participate in reciprocal networks, meaning when you travel to other museums, aquariums, and zoos, you can flash your membership and receive hefty discounts or even free admission. So not only can families see cool children’s museums, science centers, history museums, aquariums, and zoos in their hometown, but all across the country— and in a fund-friendly manner, too! SPORTS STOPS Avid fans of athletics have tons of awesome options when it comes to travel. Consider a challenge to see the most games in MLB stadiums in one summer (there are 29 in the U.S. and 1 in Canada, too!), play golf on a new course, or honor the best of the best and plan a trip to see the Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, NY), the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, OH), or the Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, MA). Another amazing opportunity for families is to check out a motorsport race at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama or at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500!

THEME PARK TRAVEL Fans of adrenaline rushes would adore a theme park themed travel experience! And there is an assortment of parks to choose from, with an estimated 900+ theme parks located in the US. Herschend does a wonderful job with parks that boast hospitality and heart, including: Dollywood (TN), Silver Dollar City (MO), Kentucky Kingdom (KY), Dutch Wonderland (PA), Kennywood (PA) and more. Six Flags features exhilarating rides at their many parks, including: Six Flags Great Adventure (NJ), Magic Mountain (CA), Over Texas and Fiesta Texas (TX), St. Louis (MO), Kings Island and Cedar Point (OH), Carowinds (NC), Great Escape (NY), and more. Universal has several claims to fame including their Islands of Adventure in Florida, a Hollywood destination, and new this summer! Universal Kids Resort will open in Frisco, Texas. Of course, this list would not be complete without mentioning Disney World in Florida and California’s Disneyland, too. FOODIE ROAD TRIP The best way to some families’ hearts is through their stomachs. And every major city offers their own unique take on breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. Some ideas to indulge in include a tour of a city’s top tacos, their take on barbeque, how they do pizza, and more. Plus, in many popular locations, food is the destination! Make a map of must-try foods, and hit the road. From cheesesteaks in Philly, lobster rolls in Maine, Chicago dogs

NATIONAL PARKS TOUR From sea to shining sea, there are so

many amazing landscapes to explore on our continent! Within the United State’s impressive 63 National Parks, families can explore alpine landscapes, deserts, canyons, volcanic landscapes, forests, wetlands, swamps and bayous, coastal landscapes, arctic areas, grasslands, prairies and badlands, and glaciers, too. Have a 4th grader at home? They can receive a free Every Kids Outdoors 4th Grade pass which is valid through the duration of a student’s 4th grade school year through the following summer (September–August). Head to recreation.gov

16 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

in… Chicago, bagels in NY, clam chowder in Boston, sourdough bread in San Fran, gumbo and jambalaya in Louisiana, Nashville Hot Chicken, pralines in Georgia, cheese curds in Wisconsin, there are so many staples to taste! While exploring the nation’s flavors, also consider investigating fabulous food markets and food halls like Seattle’s Pike Place, Boston’s Quincy Market, Philly’s Reading Terminal market, NY’s Chelsea Market, NOLA’s French Market, Cincinnati’s Findlay Market and more! FOCUS ON FILMS Movie aficionados would love traveling to filmed-in locations that immediately look familiar. The top US cities with filmed-in locations would include Los Angeles, CA; New York City, NY, and Atlanta, GA. LA boasts many behind-the-scenes studio tours and iconic filming spots that may be recognized like the Hollywood Boulevard and Griffith Observatory. NYC’s Central Park, Times Square, and downtown skyline can be seen in many popular shows and movies! And Atlanta, GA is a popular tourist destination for fans of popular Marvel films, and shows like The Walking Dead and Stranger Things! EERIE ADVENTURES Families that are fans of oddities and spooky things have a host of haunts to explore across the US! With witchy streets to wander, quaint stores galore, and familiar sights from Hocus Pocus, Salem, Massachusetts is a mecca, of course! Beyond that, some of the most reported haunted hotels are located in unique cities, worth travelling to for fans of ghosts, or not! The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, and still has regular reports of the paranormal. The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a former hospital and “cancer cure” facility, which still offers nightly ghosts tours (and spa services, for a more relaxing, less scream-inducing time), and The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas has frequent reports of apparition sightings, perhaps from past surgery patients of the medical-building-turned-hotel. Another great idea for out-there families would be a trip to Nevada to explore the perimeter of Area 51, where lots of roadside attractions are located, or check out the city of Point Pleasant, West Virginia to see if you can find Mothman! No matter where you go, the best part of vacation is spending time with your people. So make those plans and enjoy that time- off from the everyday mundane during a fabulous fam vacay!

Wishing you a summer full of fun, A beach mom raising anti-beach boys

coloradoparent.com

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 17

Best Places to Travel in the U.S. as a Family

BY JULIANNA STEEN

M any of my favorite childhood memories come from trips my family took as I grew up. Travel can be extremely advantageous in expanding your children’s horizons (and palates!). Who says you have to have a passport to experience a different culture? Our country has so many amazing natural wonders and historic, fun-filled cities, you could plan trips for years and never leave the US. DETERMINE YOUR PRIORITIES: Before you commit to any trip, it is essential that you decide what kind of trip you want to go on. Factors like your kids’ ages, your family’s interests, and your budget will help you decide where you go. Here are some questions about “types” of trip categories to consider: • Are you hoping for a “vacation” (chill and relaxing) or a “trip” (go-go-go sightseeing)? • Does your family prefer adventuring outdoors or exploring a new city? • What can your kids handle when it comes to logistics like car time, flying, and excursions? • What excites your kids (and you too)? Do your kids prefer theme parks to historical sites, building a sandcastle to hiking a mountain, or small town charm to the big city? GO WEST IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS There is something awe-inspiring about seeing God’s beautiful creation in full display. Whether it’s the giant Red Rocks, the dramatically steep Rockies, a grazing

Phoenix, Denver, or Las Vegas) and spend a little time there, and then go explore nature.

wild bison, or a rushing waterfall, the nature of the Great West never fails to take my breath away. Depending on your family’s preferences, you can do a “big roadtrip” (think: driving thousands of miles RV-style), or you can go “one-home-base” style. Do what’s best for you. (My family prefers to fly in, stay in one centrally located Airbnb, and drive no more than four hours/day roundtrip.) Utah National Parks: Zion, Bryce, Arches (iconic + doable in a road trip loop) Colorado: Rocky Mountain NP + Estes Park, Boulder (great for non-desert mountain vibes!) California State & National Parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, Muir Woods South Dakota: Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park Montana: Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Jackson Hole, Bozeman Arizona: Sedona, Red Rocks, Scottsdale, Goldfield Ghost Town Best for: Late Elementary, Tweens, and Teens (easily tiring) Great if your family wants: hiking, animal spottings, outdoor adventures, stargazing, ATVing, horseback riding, ziplining, white water rafting Don’t miss: Be sure to try local foods like huckleberry jam, bison burgers, or cactus. Good to know: Highly recommend going in “off season” (fall) for cheaper prices if you’re not planning to ski. This is the secret sauce: Fly into a city (like

THE CITY LIFE The great thing about the city is there are always things to do for every age. My family typically plans a combination of city sightseeing and nature excursions. These are a few things to do in popular cities across the country. New York City, NY: Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Broadway plays, Twin Towers Memorial, Empire State Building, afternoon tea at the Plaza, Central Park, The High Line, Chelsea Market, FAO Schwarz, Rockefeller Center San Francisco, CA: Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, Cable Car Ride, Ferry Building Marketplace, Palace of Fine Arts, Pier 39 (see the seals!), Alcatraz, Ghiradelli Sq., Napa Valley Dallas, TX: Fortworth Stockyard, Dallas World Aquarium, Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington), Day trip to Waco (Magnolia Silos) Nashville, TN: Country Music Hall of Fame, The Parthenon in Centennial Park, Adventure Science Center, Gaylord Opryland Hotel + Mall, 12th South (plus, easy to drive to in the South!) Washington, DC: Smithsonian (free!), National Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, National Zoo (also free!), Lincoln Memorial + MLK Memorial walk, Library of Congress, Capitol tour, Georgetown, the White House, Monuments at night (so underrated)

18 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

many also have great public transportation. This is the secret sauce: Know your family. If you’re not museum people, don’t plan to go to five museums. If you’re big foodies, make a few reservations or do some research on local foods/popular food joints. Want to see a show? Get tickets ahead of time. BEYOND THE BEACH If you’re a beach fam, that’s fabulous—gotta love a classic trip to Gulf Shores, AL or Destin, FL. But consider spicing up your beach trip by trying a new location that also offers other attractions outside of the beach. San Diego, CA: See the seals, day trip to Carlsbad (tulips), LEGOLAND California, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Old Town San Diego Florida Keys: Key West Shipwreck Museum (pirate-y), Turtle Hospital, Robbie’s of Islamorada (feed the tarpon), The Overseas Highway, Dolphin Research Center Outer Banks, NC: The Lost Colony/Roanoke history, Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kitty Hawk), Aquarium on Roanoke Island, jeep tour of wild horses in Corolla Miami, FL: Brickell/downtown Miami, Bayside Marketplace, Little Havana, Everglades airboat tour, Wynwood Walls Charleston, SC: Walk the Historic District, Charleston City Market, King Street, The Battery, White Point Garden, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Hawaii: The upgrade of a lifetime! Volcanoes, Pearl Harbor, luaus, waterfalls, jungle, fruit stands Best for: Whether your teen is hoping for more than just beach time or you’re wanting stroller-friendly activities, these beach-city combos work for most everyone. Great if your family wants: beach, but also shopping, museums, cultural experiences Don’t miss: Even if you’re not “beach people,” some of the best moments come from being by the water. Try a boat ride, a peer over the pier, or a Highway 1-esque drive for good views. Good to know: You can typically find several epic free activities no matter where you go— you don’t have to break the bank in order to have a good time. This is the secret sauce: Breaking up your beach days will help you to enjoy them even more! Whether you’re planning an extensive 10-day trip or a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway, you won’t regret exploring these incredible sights across the US with your kids. I can testify: Those memories will last a lifetime and will bond you closer together as a family.

Boston, MA: Freedom Trail, Boston Children’s Museum, Duck Boat Tour, Boston Tea Party Museum, Public Library, Harvard, Public Gardens, Fenway Park, Quincy Market, Beacon Hill Seattle, WA: Pike Place Market (watch the fish toss), Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Ferry to Bainbridge Island (cheap “mini adventure”), Woodland Park Zoo, Discovery Park Las Vegas, NV: Bellagio Fountains + Conservatory, stroll the Strip, Shark Reef Aquarium (Mandalay Bay), Tournament of Kings (Medieval Times energy), Area15, Valley of Fire, Grand Canyon West, Red Rock Canyon Los Angeles, CA: Griffith Observatory (free!), Hollywood sign, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach boardwalk, Warner Bros Studio Tour, Disneyland, Hollywood Blvd., The Grove, the Farmers Market, Universal CityWalk/ Universal Studios Best for: You can easily adapt your trip to accommodate all ages and interests. Great if your family wants: Easy stroller days, museums, variety of food options, cityscapes Don’t miss: Cities are always hosting cool events, whether it’s festivals or concerts. Check ahead of time to see what will be happening when you’ll be visiting! Good to know: Walkable cities are ideal, but

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 19

There are many proven, effective ways to reduce stuttering. Doing nothing is not one of them.

We can help, but you have to take the first step. We’re here for you.

THE S TUTTERING F OUNDATION A Nonprofit Organization Since 1947—Helping Those Who Stutter ®

800-992-9392

www.StutteringHelp.org

20 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

things to do

Our Picks MARCH

1 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Mile High City’s biggest celebration of Irish Culture. Free to attend. The parade begins at 9:30am at the corner of 19th and Wynkoop, Denver. Free to attend. denverstpatricksdayparade.com

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 21

The Phantom of the Opera One of the most beautiful and spectacular produc- tions in history, The Phantom of the Opera is back to thrill audiences with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score. March 18 through April 5. Tickets starting at $80. Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, Denver. artscomplex.com

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN

Spring Spectacular Hop into the Spring Spectacular and enjoy all the free fun activi- ties - Spring Artisan Market, face painting, games, and crafts. There is also a chance to get a photo with the Easter Bunny. March 28 from 9am-2pm. Free to attend. Broomfield Community Center, Broomfield. broomfield.org

The Original Harlem Globetrotters: 100 Year Tour See some of the best athletes on the planet, unmatched fan inter- action, incredible ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, and side-splitting comedy. Tickets start at $40. March 15. Denver Coliseum, Denver. harlemglobetrotters.com

Olde Town Arvada St. Patrick’s Day Festival Everyone is Irish at the all-ages, annu- al St. Patrick’s Day Festival featuring live music, 95+ unique vendors, food trucks, a dedicated kid zone, and adult libations. Happening on March 14 from noon to 6pm, admission to the event is free. Olde Town Arvada, Arvada. oldetownarvada.org

Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information. HEADS UP!

22 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

Aurora Polar Plunge

Whether you’re a daring plunger, a speedy 5K runner/walker, or a thrill-seeker ready to do both, this event promises non-stop excite- ment. Presented by Spectrum, the event supports Special Olympics Colorado. March 28. Registration starts at $40. Aurora Reservoir, Aurora. p2p.onecause.com/26aurplunge Northern Colorado Home + Garden Show A fantastic event for picking up those essential and unexpected home goods, it features a kid zone and 200+ vendors for your pets, children, interior, exterior, and yard. March 6-8, free admission. Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley. nocohomeandgardenshow.com

Denver Restaurant Week The perfect chance to try out new spots where restaurants offer special menus over the 10-day, two-weekend format. Find every type of cuisine from Colorado grass-fed beef to international fusions and fresh seafood to vegetarian options. March 6-15. denverrestaurantweek.com

World Ballet Company: Cinderella

PHOTO BY THE ELECTRIC IMAGE CO.D

Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage! The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet. March 18 and 19, 7pm. Newman Center for the

Denver March Powwow

Join for the annual Denver March Powwow and experience the rich traditions of American Indi- an pow wow culture. March 20-22. $7 admission per day, kids 6 and under free, public welcome. Denver Coliseum, Denver. denvermarchpowwow.com

Performing Arts, Denver. worldballetcompany.com

MARCH 2026 COLORADOPARENT.COM 23

at 100+ art galleries, artists’ studios, and creative businesses. 858 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. denversartdistrict.org Northern Colorado Home + Garden Show Through March 8 A fantastic event for picking up those essential and unexpected home goods, it features a kid zone and 200+ vendors. Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley. nocohomeandgardenshow.com 7 Saturday Mile High Beer Festival 12:30-5pm Sample an unbeatable selection of craft brews from 40+ Colorado breweries, cideries, and distilleries, plus out-of- state favorites. Denargo Market, Denver. milehighbeerfest.com 8 Sunday Celtic Mania with The Denver Brass 2:30-4:30pm With Celtic Colorado Pipes & Drums, Rocky Mountain Highland Dancers, and Celtic Steps Irish Dance School, it’s a whirlwind of ancient traditions and modern energy. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver. denverbrass.org Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild Noon Runnin’ of the Green 7K & 2M 10am-noon Runnin’ of the Green is a family- friendly 7K and 2 Mile race/ walk celebrating Irish traditions, St. Patrick’s Day, and Spring. Washington Park, Denver. rungreen7k.com Enjoy NHL hockey. Ball Arena, Denver. nhl.com/avalanche

Disney On Ice March 27-29

Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com

Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, and George, visit for Peppa Pig: My First Concert - a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. coloradosymphony.org 3 Tuesday Family Storytime 10:30-11:15am Stories, songs and rhymes followed by time to socialize and play. Best for babies, toddlers, preschoolers ages 0-5, and their families. Broomfield Library and Auditorium, Broomfield. compass.broomfield.org 4 Wednesday Lamont Symphony Orchestra & Choirs 7:30-9:30pm The Lamont Symphony Orchestra and Choirs present Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem. Free to attend. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver. liberalarts.du.edu

1 Sunday Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 1:30pm Enjoy NBA basketball. Ball Arena, Denver. nba.com Denver Polar Plunge & 5K 9am For the daring plunger, a speedy 5K runner/walker, or a thrill- seeker ready to do both. Wash Park, Denver. p2p.onecause.com/26denplunge

6 Friday A Midsummer Night’s Dream Through March 15 Colorado Ballet presents Christopher Wheeldon’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, where dancers of today breathe fresh, new character into this iconic work. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver. artscomplex.com

Colorado Golf Expo Through March 8

Chicken N Pickle Artisan Craft & Art Walk 10am-2pm

The Colorado Golf Expo is the premier destination for all things golf, featuring the latest equipment, innovative technology, and expert advice from industry leaders. National

Browse a curated selection of handmade goods, gifts, art, and specialty items. Enjoy great food, drinks, and a lively community atmosphere. Free to attend. Chicken N PIckle, Thornton. chickennpickle.com

Western Center, Denver. coloradogolfexpo.com

Denver Restaurant Week Through March 15 The perfect chance to try out new spots where restaurants offer special menus over the 10-day, two-weekend format. denverrestaurantweek.com

Peppa Pig: My First Concert 1pm and 4pm

9 Monday Family Storytime 10:30-11am

5 Thursday Downtown Aquarium Homeschool Day 10am-8pm

First Friday Art Walks 5:30-10pm

Stories, songs, rhymes, and fun designed for toddlers and active walkers through preschool age. Lafayette Public Library, Lafayette. lafayetteco.gov/storytimes

First Friday Art Walks continue in Denver’s Art District. Year-round, rain or shine, join on First Fridays for late-night viewing of artwork

Homeschooled students and their families are invited for an educational day at the Aquarium. Advanced registration required.

VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

24 COLORADO PARENT MARCH 2026

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28

coloradoparent.com

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online