Got an e-mail this morning from Scott out in Topeka, Kansas. He said,


Thanks, Scott, for the e-mail. It's always a good idea to find bloggers in the area you're planning to visit and ask them for advice or tips. You can find some real gems that way.

Here's a list of options around Denver. I will cover my favorites after the obvious options listed below

Tours

• Since you live in the capital of Kansas, you might try visiting the Captiol building in Denver and comparing the two. It would be a great opportunity to talk about state histories and how different men (and women) shaped the states they lived in. A marker on the east steps marks the altitude at one mile above sea level, giving Denver its nickname of the Mile High City. The capitol tour currently omits the dome climb up to an observation deck. It is closed for construction.
  
• While we're in history, you could also take them to tour the Molly Brown house. The "Unsinkable" Molly Brown had a Broadway play and subsequent movie made about her. The house is a great way to see how the "upper crust" of Denver society lived.
• If you don't have a problem with beer, you can visit the world's largest single-site brewery in Golden. Coors has been making beer there for a century, with the exception of prohibition when they made malted milk. The tours are informative and give kids a chance to see a consumable product manufactured on a large scale.
• Skip the beer? Try Celestial Seasonings. The Boulder tea company makes unique and celebrated brands of tea. I haven't been on this one, but my friends tell me it's not to be missed.
• VanBriggle Pottery is down in Colorado Springs, but it's a chance to see ceramics made. VanBriggle is world famous for their signature style vases.

Museums

• Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden, CO)
  
• Forney Muesum of Transportation
  
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Colorado Aquarium
• Children's Museum
• Denver Zoo
• Denver Botanic Gardens
  

Attractions

• Water World - One of the largest -- if not the largest -- water parks in the world. Hey, when you're 1,000 miles from the nearest large body of water, what else can you do to get wet? Have not been there in a few years, so I don't know if it's still as good as I remember. Can be expensive.
  
• Elitch Gardens - Six Flags may sell the park soon, meaning this could be it's last season. I loved it when it was at it's old location and family owned, less so now that it moved. It's reputation in the last few years has really suffered, especially because of how expensive it is, even with an integrated water park. Six Flags is clearly mismanaging this park. Avoid it.
  

Hidden Gems and Cheap Thrills
Now that we've covered the obvious, here are my favorites:

• Colorado Railroad Museum - Being that I'm a bit of a railroad buff, this museum has been a favorite of mine. If I'm up in Denver, I gravitate toward this place. The site does a good job of showing what's there.
  
• Adventure Golf & Raceway - The same folks that brought you Water World created Adventure Golf about 10 years ago and have recently expanded it. It's great fun with exploding volcanoes and jungle theming.
  
• Idaho Springs - 30 minutes west of Denver on I-70, Idaho Springs is a former mining town nestled in the mountains next to Clear Creek. It's very easy to spend the afternoon here with a tour of the Argo Gold Mill and a walk down main street. The Mt. Evans highway south of town is the highest paved road in the nation, taking you and your car above 14,000 feet ASL. If you are near Idaho Springs for lunch or dinner, Beau Jo's Pizza is a must. This original location is the best place to get it. The only thing better is to spend the day skiing and then hit Beau Jo's.
  
• Georgetown - 15 minutes beyond Idaho Springs is Georgetown, home of the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Victorian homes remain from the town's heyday as a mining center. A trip to the summit of Guanella Pass south of town is a beautiful drive with views of Mt. Evans and Bierstadt. Stop by the Fort Mackinaw Candy Factory for some home made ice cream and salt water taffy. The Continental Divide runs nearby and the quickest way to see it is Loveland Pass. My favorite view of Torrey's Peak is along the way.
• Winter Park - This is really outside of Denver at nearly 1 1/2 hours over I-70 and US 40, but it's a great place to go if you want to beat the heat. Today's high at Winter Park will be 70 degrees. The Ski Train makes summer runs to this mountain resort. They have good mini-golf, an alpine slide (best in the state) and a chair lift, along with other fun stuff.
  
• Red Rocks Amphitheater - Recently renovated with a visitors center, the amphitheater has been a Denver landmark for nearly a century and played by classical artists and rock stars alike. Dramatic red sandstone formations form a natural amphitheater. The park is free to visitors, except when closed for concerts.
  
• Light Rail - Ok, ok, ok. I'm a railbuff. But taking the light rail in from the south end of town and getting off at Union Station (take the C line) makes for a day riding the free shuttle up the 16th street mall to the capitol. Denver's revitalized downtown is full of different cultural experiences.
  
• Heritage Square - This is a pay-as-you-go amusement park with an alpine slide, go-karts, and other attractions. There is no charge to enter and walk around. Walt Disney was one of the original investors.
  
• Parks - Denver and it's suburbs have a vast system of parks and trails. Renting mountain bikes and going exploring is one way to get out and really enjoy the day. Bring plenty of water and give yourself a day or two to acclimate to Denver's altitude.
  

Words of Warning

1. Not everything I recommended is 100% safe. Use your judgment on whether you should do these activities.
   
2. There are seasonal hazards. In the summer, Denver and the mountains have monsoons that can turn innocent looking clouds into ferocious monsters in minutes. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are almost a given. Plan your day with that in mind.

Thanks, Scott, for your question. Enjoy your time in the Mile High City!

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