7 Fun-Filled Places in Colorado to Take Restless Kids (That Parents Will Love, Too)

"I'm bored!" "There's nothing to do!" "Can we go somewhere?" Have your kids ever said these phrases (in a whiny voice, of course)? Don't worry, I'm about to send you a lifeline to dig you and your kids out of the black hole of boredom in ways that will make everyone happy. Let's face it — kids get restless and need to do something to get their excess energy out. Luckily, there are many fun-filled places in Colorado to take restless children. Here are just a few:

1. Spend a day or a weekend exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park

Home to the tallest dunes on the continent, you'll feel a sense of wonder at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Among some of the most exhilarating things to do here with kids is boarding or sledding down the dunes. Several places near the park rent sandboards and sand sleds, and they are specifically designed to slide down dry sand.

Sandboarding and sand sledding sound like so much fun, don't they? Remember to bring your National Parks Pass with you on your visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park!

2. Discover fossils at Dinosaur National Monument

Another place you can use your National Parks Pass is the Dinosaur National Monument, a must for any kid. Why? Well, aside from gorgeous scenery, hiking, camping, stargazing, a river where you can fish or go rafting, and seeing petroglyphs there are more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils. What kid wouldn't want to see fossils?

3. See the animals at the Denver Zoo

Zoos are always a big hit with kids, so of course I added the Denver Zoo to this list! Kids will love seeing all of the animals like llamas, sloths, hippos, rhinos, and lemurs but there are other attractions such as a carousel and a miniature train. Spend an entire day here and watch how excited your kiddos get when you see how much fun they're having.

4. Explore Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is just one of those unforgettable family-friendly Colorado places you'll want to return to over and over again. Not only are three different cave tours offered but attractions like gold panning, ziplining, and the thrilling Terror-Dactyl ride make visiting this park an exciting adventure. Head to the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park website to book your experience.

5. Spend an afternoon at the Children's Museum of Denver

If you have younger kids, a trip to the Children's Museum of Denver is always a great option. This museum has been part of the community for more than 50 years and is an all-inclusive place. There are more than enough hands-on exhibits to keep kids entertained and engaged as they play and learn. Visit the Children's Museum website for hours of operation and admission pricing.

6. Spend the day at an amusement park

From young kids to adults, there are rides for everyone at Elitch Gardens Theme Park. The littles will love rides like the Balloon Race and Crazy Bus while teens can experience the thrill of a lifetime on the Boomerang rollercoaster with twists and loops or the Mind Eraser rollercoaster with their legs dangling as they're suspended in the air. There's also a water park here which is perfect for summer!

7. Have an outdoor adventure at Aurora Reservoir

Another nature escape in Colorado is a trip to Aurora Reservoir for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and more. There's a beach, picnic areas, a nature center, and SUP board and kayak rentals for a whole day of fun! Visit the Aurora, Colorado website to learn more.

I do help this list of fun-filled places in Colorado has given you ideas on where to take your restless kids. What are some of your favorite kid-friendly places in Colorado? Tell us about them through our nomination form.