Those long winter months can play havoc with our heads. Stuck inside, patience on its last nerve, sometimes all we need is an outlet. Here are a few suggestions to beat those winter blues.
Snowshoeing
Rocky Mountain National Park has various levels of trails that are available for snowshoeing. Also, they offer ranger-led snowshoe walks for beginners on weekends through March 31 on the east side and beginner and intermediate snowshoers through March 11 on the west side. Entrance fees to the park apply, however there is no additional fee for the walks. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/romo and search for snowshoe information.
Ice Skating
29612 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen
What better way to enjoy the winter air than ice skating! The Ice Trail at Discovery Park is a great option. For a fun mountain experience, try Evergreen Lake. Get more information at www. evergreenrecreation.com
Camping
2515 Tunnel Rd, Estes Park
For an entire weekend of winter family fun, a great place to visit is the YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch. You can make reservations to stay in a room, in a lodge, or reserve your own cabin. There are many winter activities to keep you busy during your stay. For more information or to make reservations, call 970-887-2152 or visit www.ymcarockies.org.
Tubing
455 County Rd 72, Fraser
A great place to enjoy some exciting, fast-paced tubing with the family is Fraser Tubing Hill, which is located two miles west of Winter Park. They don't require advanced reservations and have a lift/pulley system that pulls you up to the top. For more information, they can be reached at 970-726-5954.
Hot Springs
Colorado’s mountains have plenty of activities to get your heart racing, but they’re also perfect for kicking back. Dip into one of over 30 hot springs, where you can soothe sore muscles after a long day of hiking or skiing. Many also offer water slides and kid-friendly amenities.
Game Show Battle Rooms
8230 S Colorado Blvd B, Centennial
If you have ever watched Wheel of Fortune or Price is Right and thought you could do that, now is your chance. You're in the Game Show! Battle your friends, family, and co-workers playing your favorite game show games in their custom game show arenas. Visitors face off against each other in team- based game show competitions.
Vehicle Vault
18301 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy, Parker
Not your average car museum. Visit the Gallery at Vehicle Vault, a unique and beautiful museum and event venue housing a fabulous collection of rare and exotic automobiles from all over the world. Take a tour through the history of the automobile. The Gallery Collection features cars from every decade since the turn of the 20th century.
Your Own Neighborhood
Let’s not forget a great day spent sledding or tubing down the neighborhood hill! Also under this category we have building a snowman, erecting a snow fort, making snow art, etc. Snowball fights are a great way to burn some energy and have some healthy family competition. Divide into teams, build your forts and let the snowballs fly! This year the kids are able to climb their very own tall mountain of snow in the comfort of their own yard!