Written By Cindy Richards Thursday, March 19, 2009 14:56
The Pikes Peak region is the gateway to Southern Colorado and has plenty of free things to do help you have an affordable family vacation.
The region is classified as an "alpine desert" and has a moderate, dry climate and over 300 days of sunshine annually. The peak tourism months are June through August, but the winters are mild and there are plenty of free and family friendly things to do on your next family vacation, including these 10 attractions and events:
2. Olympic Training Center - Free public tours are conducted year-round by USOC Ambassadors. The tour includes a 12-minute film and 45-minute walking tour of the complex. Nearly 70 percent of the tour is out of doors. During the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to view athlete training facilities including Sport Center Gymnasiums, weightlifting and wrestling facilities, the USA Shooting Center, Coaching & Sport Science, the Aquatics Center, and Sport Medicine. Best for children 6 and older.
3. Pioneers Museum - Guided by a mission to collect, preserve, research, and interpret the history and culture of the Pikes Peak Region, the Museum features permanent exhibits on the history of the area and changing exhibits on topics of broad interest. The Museum's active changing exhibition schedule has featured subjects as diverse as Western art, antique quilts, Plains and Pueblo Indian culture, and space exploration. Open year round.
4. Interpretive Paint Mines Located on 750 acres of the sweeping plains of eastern El Paso County, the mines have evidence of human life as far back as 9,000 years ago. The colorful clays were used for making pottery and ceremonial paints. The park features fantastic geological formations including spires and hoodoos that were formed through erosive action and the forces of nature. The park includes a restroom facility, four miles of trails, interpretive signage and many natural wonders. Open year-round.
5. Territory Days Memorial Day Weekend. Territory Days has grown from a small neighborhood craft fair, parade and barbeque into a three-day street festival which now hosts more than 180 craft, commercial and food booths. Includes activities such as gold panning, rides and face painting.
6. Donkey Derby Days June. Donkey Derby Days tops the list of favorite Cripple Creek events. People from all over the world descend on downtown, drawn by a chance to watch a race featuring the town’s resident donkey herd, distant relatives of the original donkeys from the town’s Gold Rush days. Enjoy games, live entertainment, heritage competitions and other family activities at Donkey Derby Days, Cripple Creek’s biggest event of the year.
7. Fabulous 4th July 4th. Includes live music complete with cannons and a spectacular fireworks display.
8. Colorado Balloon Classic September. The event is held in Memorial Park off Pikes Peak Avenue between Hancock Avenue and Union Boulevard near the shores of Prospect Lake. Mass ascensions with more than 100 balloons are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with a Balloon Glo® scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Each year a variety of concessions are available and entertainment is provided during each event.
9. Patsy’s Candies Factory Tour Tours run Monday - Friday from June 1 to Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Free Days at National Parks...
National parks are already a great deal for families traveling on a budget. For four days in 2010, they'll be an even better deal when the parks waive admission and other fees. ...
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