Get the Creative Juices Flowing for the Day?S Adventure
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Published on Colorado.com (https://www.colorado.com) Uncovering History of the Mystic San Luis Valley 5 days More Itineraries Get ready to take the kiddos' learning to new heights with Colo-Road Trips Educational Itineraries, trips crafted with plenty of hands-on learning, educational adventures and, of course, stops for ice cream. Each was designed with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade in mind, but the activities, outings and accommodations will be enjoyed by children of all ages ? yes, that?s you Mom and Dad. Supplement your trip with trivia, educational videos and games ? or just hop in the car and go! Explore the Mystic San Luis Valley on this epic road trip. Along the way, you'll drive along scenic byways, pop into museums, visit a state park and animal refuge and spot a ton of sand too. Traverse through Walsenburg, La Veta, Fort Garland, Alamosa, Monte Vista, Del Norte, Lake City and Creede. Get more educational Colo-Road Trips >> Grab Your Supplies Grab Your Supplies While all that is truly needed is your kid's sense of adventure, a notebook, a writing utensil and plenty of colored pencils will come in handy. Day 1 ACTIVITY Get Your Hike On: Lathrop State Park Opened in 1962, Colorado?s first state park offers stunning views of Spanish Peaks, Greenhorn Mountain and Pikes Peak. With two lakes, three hiking trails and many varieties of plants, Lathrop State Park is a must- visit. COTREX Map the Trail Educational Activity Educational Activity Get Your Hike On Hiking at Lathrop State Park is a way to connect to a place, hone observation skills and get some energy out! Get Activity. Extra Credit Extra Credit Go Geocaching Interested in an outdoor treasure hunt? Before heading out of Lathrop State Park, try your hand at geocaching. Get Activity. LUNCH Green Chili Eatery Don?t let this small shack fool you. This eatery has it all with delicious food, famed green chile and plenty of patio space for the kids to roam around. Insider's Tip Roll On: Hop on the road and head 20 minutes south to La Veta. ACTIVITY Architecture Detective: Highway of Legends Colorado's Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway is the perfect detour for those exploring southern Colorado. Along this stretch of two-lane highway, you can view unusual volcanic formations radiating outward from the Spanish Peaks, drive over Cuchara Pass on the mountains' shoulder and view the glorious Cuchara Valley, a hidden wonderland. Educational Activity Educational Activity Channel Your Inner Detective! Make a stop in La Veta at the beginning of your drive and become an architectural detective. Get Activity. DINNER Dog Bar & Grill A staple in the Cuchara Valley, Dog Bar & Grill was named one of the "Top 12 Best Outdoor Patios in Colorado" by The Denver Post. This dog-themed restaurant is the perfect stop to stretch your feet after your travels on the Highway of Legends and includes a kid's menu for those with puppy-sized appetites. ACTIVITY Stargazing at Cuchara Mountain Park Tucked in the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Cuchara is a charming mountain village with a million-star review. Spend your night gazing at the formations in the sky at the Cuchara Mountain Park ? and keep your eyes peeled, you might catch a shooting star! Insider's Tip Enjoy a Sundae: Stop by Charlie?s Market after a night under the stars to grab a sweet treat at this old-fashioned soda fountain located in a grocery store. LODGING La Veta Inn After a long day?s adventure, spend some time telling stories by the fire. If you book a suite, you?ll be able to tuck your kids into their bedroom while you get to relax in your own space down the hallway. When you awake, the day's first activity is only a two-minute walk away. Day 2 BREAKFAST Ryus Avenue Bakery This small-town artisan bakery serves up melt-in-your-mouth pastries that?ll get you and your kids energized for the day. The bakery also has a garden patio where you can enjoy its baked goods in the fresh mountain air. ACTIVITY Travel Back in History: Fort Garland Built in 1858 to protect early settlers from Indigenous raids during the Indian Wars, this 19th-century treasure highlights adobe structures, the Black Buffalo Soldiers of the Ninth Cavalry and some interesting Civil War history. Be prepared to be transported back in time through the exhibits of women and children as well as military life at Fort Garland. Educational Activity Educational Activity Travel Back in History Explore the life of a Buffalo Soldier at Fort Garland Museum. Get Activity. Insider's Tip Drive to Fort Garland: Head south out of La Veta for about 45 minutes to your next destination. LUNCH Rendezvous BBQ Before you embark on your next leg, be sure to stop by Rendezvous ? the only place where you can find Mississippi-style barbecue with a Colorado twist. The pulled pork and sweet potatoes are crowd favorites, even for those picky eaters. ACTIVITY Exploring Colorado?s History: Los Caminos Antiguos Byway Los Caminos Antiguos byway traverses the cradle of the San Luis Valley. You'll see historic bits of the state and spot a valley rich in culture, agriculture and vistas. The Hispano influence is evident in the churches and people. Educational Activity Educational Activity Spanish, Anyone? As you travel along the Los Caminos Antiguos byway, try to match the Spanish words to the English translation. Get Activity. Insider's Tip Stretch Your Legs: Head to the top of a hill where Shrine of the Stations of the Cross, a historic church, is located. DINNER Locavores This fast-casual restaurant serves up fresh meals that have been sourced from farmers and ranchers within 200 miles of its location ? a great lesson in sustainability for the younger ones. While you?re there, make sure to ask for crayons. Kids can draw their masterpieces on the tables. ACTIVITY Hike Blanca Vista Park Stretch your legs at Blanca Vista Park. The mile Crestone Trail is accessible from the wildlife viewing area and features a grand view of the mighty Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. COTREX Map the Trail Insider's Tip Have a Nightcap: Visit the Colorado Farm Brewery to "tap" off your night at the nation?s only farm-to-glass brewery. They offer a variety of styles made with the estate?s very own ingredients. The kiddos can enjoy a farm tour while enjoying a delicious root beer as well. LODGING Dunes Inn If the children need to keep up with their online courses, the Dunes Inn offers free fiber internet to all guests. This gives the little ones time to catch up on homework and parents time to catch up with friends and family. Day 3 BREAKFAST Milagros Coffee House With a rotating gallery by local artists, this coffee shop is the perfect place to get the creative juices flowing for the day?s adventure. Several menu items are brewed strong enough to power parents throughout the day. ACTIVITY Welcome to Alamosa: Alamosa Welcome Center Alamosa, the largest town in the San Luis Valley, is considered the Gateway to the sand dunes. Said to be named after cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande, Alamosa has a college, museum and many nearby attractions. Educational Activity Educational Activity Interested in Working in the Travel Industry? Here?s your chance! After a visit to the Alamosa Welcome Center create a poster or brochure to encourage people to visit the Mystic San Luis Valley. Get Activity. LUNCH My Brother's Place Word on the street is that this pizza parlor rivals most New York City slices and is tike-approved too. Make sure to grab a seat upstairs, which has ample space for kids to be kids. ACTIVITY Time Traveling in Alamosa: San Luis Valley Museum and Cultural Center With exhibits on the lives of Indigenous, Hispanic and Japanese American peoples as well as information on early railroading and early mercantile stores, this museum is a must-see. Educational Activity Educational Activity Shopping: In the Past vs. Today Explore how modern-day shopping compares to the past at the San Luis Valley Museum and Cultural Center. Get Activity. Trivia Trivia How?s Your Memory? Test your memory about your travels from the first three days. Get Trivia. DINNER The Rubi Slipper Enjoy American classics in this vintage-style diner, where kids can enjoy a root beer float. But, make sure they save room for dessert! We hear their funnel fries and fried ice cream are top-notch! ACTIVITY Colorado Gators Reptile Park Colorado Gators began in 1977 as a fish farm to raise tilapia for human consumption. The geothermal well is 2050 feet deep and 87 degrees. In 1987, the first alligators were brought in as ... LODGING Great Sand Dunes Lodge The best part about a night at the lodge is the view of the sand dunes from your private patio. Keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds, as they tend to frequent the property. Insider's Tip Cool Off: Take a dip at the Sand Dunes Swimming Pool located in Hooper. Day 4 BREAKFAST Great Sand Dunes Oasis Located at the entrance of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, this is a one-stop-shop where you can cross multiple trips off of your list. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and then head over to the rentals shop to grab a sandboard for the day?s adventure. ACTIVITY Sand Matters: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles.