Have you ever gone on a trip that left you wishing for just one more day? Our time in Colorado was full of unforgettable moments. We shared a few laughs. There were plenty of “Can we stay here forever?” vibes.
As a family, we choose experiences over things. Our goal is simple: show our kids the world. When I was growing up, my parents didn’t have the money for us to take family vacations. The closet we ever traveled was Texas and that was only because we lived 10 minutes from the state line. I raveled to Florida with the band when I was in high school and then to Indiana when I was in college. That was the extent of my travel, before my husband.
My husband, on the other hand, traveled a lot as a kid. When we started dating, traveling was something we tried to do, as much as possible. I went to North Carolina with him for his family reunion. After college graduation, we went to New Orleans.
We promised that when we had kids, we would make sure they saw life outside our home city and state. We fulfilled that promise by taking our kids on a Disney Cruise and Magic Springs. That may not be much to some but to us, at least to me, it was more than I experienced growing up. To add to that, we drove to Arizona in June 2024 and then in October 2024, we took a family trip to Colorado. Compared to other family trips, it was a trip we will never forget.
The Challenges of Planning
Planning a family vacation is not always easy. I work as a high school administrator in a neighboring district. My kids attend school in our home district. Matching our schedules can feel impossible. Luckily, both districts had the same fall break, so we jumped at the chance to plan our trip.
The hardest part was deciding where to stay. Colorado has so many hotels to choose from, but safety was a top priority. After doing some research, we narrowed it down to Aurora, Denver, and Boulder. I wanted to stay in a mountain cabin, but that would have added too many hours to our drive. We didn’t want to spend more than 15 hours on the road. In the end, we stayed in Englewood, Colorado. From there, we could easily visit Denver, Aurora, and Boulder.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Residence Inn in Englewood. The hotel was comfortable. It had everything we needed. There were two bedrooms with bathrooms, a kitchen, and a sleeper sofa in the living room. It was also close to all the places we wanted to visit, which made our trip better.
Our Adventures
We didn’t have a set plan for this trip, which was exciting and stressful. I’m someone who loves to have everything planned out, but it was fun to figure things out as we went.
Denver Zoo
We purchased our tickets online. No matter what age you are, once you walk in, you feel like a kid again. My son was so excited that I forgot he was a teenager. But then again, as the adult, I was just as excited to see all the animals. My favorite part was seeing the elephants stroll side by side, interlocking their trunks. It was like watching two people in love. The zoo is not your average stroll-through-the-park experience. TIP: wear comfortable shoes, drink plenty of fluids while walking, and take ALL the pictures and videos. Experiencing THIS zoo was unlike any other zoo experience for my family and me. We have never been to a zoo like this before. We plan to return, soon!
- What to Pack:
- Sunscreen and hats (you’ll be outside a lot).
- Comfortable shoes because this place is huge!
- Refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
- Why You’ll Love It: The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats. It’s an experience that’ll leave your whole family talking about it for weeks.
Southland’s Park Shopping Center
The shopping center has something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or you’re looking for a great meal, you’ll feel right at home. If you’re just enjoying the Colorado sunshine, you’ll also feel right at home. Bonus: The outdoor setting is perfect for those Instagram-worthy family photos.
University of Colorado – Boulder
Of all the places we visited, Boulder was by far MY FAVORITE! The air felt different. The vibe was more my speed — it was slower and much more calmer. I’m sure because I’m from an older generation. We didn’t see much of Boulder; we only visited the campus. But, that small corner was enough to convince me that when I retire, that’s where I want to live.
The campus is beautiful! We visited the gift shop and almost had an opportunity to see Deion Sanders. We walked around the football stadium. All of the gates were locked so we did not go inside the stadium. We did walk around one of the levels and peaked through the gates to get a glimpse of the football field.
Planning Your Colorado Trip: Practice Tips for Busy Moms and Wives
While we enjoyed being spontaneous, there were things we missed out on because we didn’t plan ahead. If you’re a busy mom juggling schedules, packing lists, and family expectations, it can feel overwhelming.
Living in Louisiana, we are accustomed to frequent temperature changes. I researched the weather. But, the temperature in Colorado is not equal to the same temperature in Louisiana. So, not knowing exactly what to expect in Colorado in October, we packed a variety of outfits. Some of the items we wore are below.
Don’t Skimp on Footwear
Even if hiking isn’t in the plan, Colorado is a walker’s paradise.
- What to Bring:
- Sturdy sneakers or walking shoes with good support.
- A pair of comfortable, casual flats or sandals for those low-key outings
- Comfortable shoes because this place is huge!
- Refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
- Pro Tip: Break in new shoes before the trip to avoid blisters. You don’t want to limp your way through vacation. We packed our most comfortable sneakers. Take a look below.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Colorado’s high altitude means the sun is strong. Even if it doesn’t feel hot, you can still end up with a sunburn.
- What to Pack:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (apply it generously and reapply every two hours)
- SPF lip balm to avoid cracked lips
- For the Family: Keep a travel-sized sunscreen in your bag for quick touch-ups.
Stay Hydrated and Prepared
Colorado’s dry climate and higher altitude can leave you feeling parched and fatigued if you’re not careful. Hydration is key!
- Essentials to Bring:
- Refillable water bottles for each family member. Bonus points if they’re insulated to keep water cool.
- Healthy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or fruit.
- A small first-aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any medications your family needs.
5. Plan Ahead (Because Spontaneity is Overrated with Kids!)
Colorado has so much to offer, but planning ahead can save you time, money, and stress.
- How to Prep:
- Check websites like Groupon for discounted tickets to attractions like the Denver Zoo or museums.
- Research dining spots ahead of time. Many restaurants in Colorado cater to families, but it’s worth making reservations if you’re visiting popular spots during peak hours.
- Map out your mist-visit locations and group them by proximity to avoid unnecessary driving back and forth.
6. Travel Light but Smart
Whether you’re flying or driving, packing smart can save you headaches. We packed one bag per person. I make a list of what everyone needed making sure we had our chargers — plug in and portable.
- Must-Haves for the Trip
- Entertainment for the kids
- Chargers for all devices (don’t forget portable power banks for on-the-go recharges).
- A small bag with essentials like snacks, wipes, hand sanitizer, and a change of clothes for younger kids.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Colorado that sticks with you long after you’ve left. Our family trip was everything we hoped for and more. The beauty of the mountains and the memories we made will stay with us forever. Exploring new places was fun.
Traveling as a family takes effort, but it’s always worth it. If you’re thinking about visiting Colorado, I hope our story and tips inspire you to go for it. There’s so much beauty to see and so many memories waiting to be made.
Start planning your adventure! Happy travels!
