Take Your Kids to Colorado get closer to the blue skies
Along the Santa Fe Trail by Ginger Wadsworth
An adaptation of the author’s biography, Land of Enchantment, describes her eventful 1852 journey with her mother and brother from Kansas to California over the Santa Fe trail in a large wagon train.
Colorado is the 38th state and it was awarded Statehood on August 1, 1876
Special Colorado Facts:
The area that is known today as Colorado has been populated for much longer than you’d expect.
There’s an archaeological site called the Lindenmeier site up in the north of the state on the border with Wyoming which is full of artifacts dated as far back as 11,200 BC.
The first people to inhabit the area were nomads who would follow herds of bison, and have been identified as people of the Folsom Tradition because of the arrow tips they used.
As with many other US states within the region, the first Europeans to reach Colorado were conquistadors.
It’s quite likely that in 1541 the famed Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado crossed parts of the southeast corner of what we now know as Colorado when searching for a mythical city of gold.
It wasn’t until 1598 when Don Juan de Oñate Salazar founded the colony of Santa Fe de Nuevo Méjico that parts of modern-day Colorado were claimed by Europeans.
Zebulon Pike was ordered to mount an expedition to find the source of the Arkansas and Red Rivers, which lead him into modern-day Colorado.
On July 15, 1806, Pike set out on what came to be called the “Pike Expedition”, in which he and his men discovered and attempted to scale what became known as “Pike’s Peak”.
Duke and Daisy ask the Lark Bunting, the Colorado state bird to recommend some interesting places to take the kids to visit in Colorado. Of course, Colorado is packed with wonders to visit so you can take time to explore more of Colorado before you visit. The following places may be on the top of your list to visit.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Spanning more than 24 acres, Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street presents a wide range of gardens and collections that illustrate an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world. Distinctive gardens define and celebrate our Western identity and a unique high-altitude climate and geography. We are passionate about connecting people to plants through botanical beauty, education, art, events, conservation, and sustainable living.
Garden of the Gods
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this National Natural Landmark and popular park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, nature trails and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
About Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys, and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. The price of a ticket also includes admission to the D&SNGRR Museum and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum
Duke and Daisy’s friend, Louisa May AllCat recommends some Colorado books to help the kids discover more about Colorado.
Along the Santa Fe Trail by Ginger Wadsworth
An adaptation of the author’s biography, Land of Enchantment, describes her eventful 1852 journey with her mother and brother from Kansas to California over the Santa Fe trail in a large wagon train.
Good Night Colorado (Good Night Our World) by Adam Gamble, Bill Mackey, et. al
Good Night Colorado includes the Maroon Bells, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Denver, skiing, elk and bighorn sheep, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado State Fair, Royal Gorge Bridge, Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, Vail, Breckenridge, and more. This lovely board book tours children around the scenic state of Colorado. Little ones will quickly recognize their favorite attractions and landmarks.
Secret Codes – Lost Landmarks – Hidden Clues – Real Locations by Aaron Johnson
Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. And he has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the heart of Colorado’s wild and rugged Rocky Mountain National Park.
Through twists and turns, the mystery unfolds while Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.
Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest. An elusive shadow group is close on their heels.
Illustrated by the author, this page-turning adventure is designed to capture the imagination of even the most reluctant of young readers. Parents looking for a delightful read-aloud adventure will find it hard to put down. (Word of Caution: readers frequently note that this is a “Please read just one more chapter” book).
If your family loves the enchanted lands of our national parks, this series will take you to hidden places and into breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy movies like National Treasure and Uncharted or mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys and Gary Paulsen’s survival story, Hatchet, you’ll love this first installment of the National Park Mystery Series.
History Colorado Recommended Children’s Books
See our lists of biographies, fiction, nonfiction and textbooks on Colorado’s history geared for kids.
