Family Vacations: Top Spots

From Teresa Plowright, former About.com Guide

Most of us think of Colorado as a winter getaway, famous for its Rocky Mountain ski resorts. But there are good reasons that Denver locals drive to the mountains in summer time. Mountain and river fun awaits: whitewater rafting, river kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, ziplining across a rushing river...

The Roaring Fork Valley area -- around Aspen and Glenwood Springs-- has all the above. Other attractions in Glenwood Springs include a giant hot springs pool (with waterslide) and playing in an artificial surfing wave in a river park. Families will want to visit the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which has a seriously scary Giant Canyon Swing, an easy-to-ride alpine coaster, and the historic Glenwood Caverns, where visitors can escape the summer heat with a tour of the huge cool caves.

Read about these and more Fun Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, including biking (flat!), family-friendly farm-to-table dining, and recently-discovered Ice Age fossils at Snowmass ski resort.

And of course, Colorado is a great ski destination during winter months!