Potential summer trip with kids

dolbsss wrote:

4runnerguy wrote:
Several here have suggested staying in resort style campgrounds so the kids can be entertained. Let me put forward an opposing view.

Most kids get plenty of "artificial" stimulation in their lives already. Taking a camping trip is a good way to let them connect with nature on their terms. Look around at NFS or NPS type CG's and see what the young kids are doing. Often, they on the ground examining an ant hill, poking at a centipede, or building minature cities with the sticks and pine cones laying around.

Kids are focussed much more on things up close. It seems like for most kids, they are 6 or 7 before they really spend any time looking at scenery moving by their window outside the car. So when you plan your days, make sure you spend a fair amount of time at your campsite. Sure, you should take a hike or drive and see some of the scenery that you want to see. But at RMNP, make sure you stop where there is some snow to play in. There are also places with lots of squirrels and chipmonks, but just make sure to keep them at a distance from the kids.

As for your trip, I'd skip hitting Utah altogether, as it will be hot and a lot more time in the car. As Busskipper noted, you might plan a stop in the upper Arkansas River Valley around Leadville/Buena Vista/Salida. Lots of great NFS CG's around there. Spend an afternoon throwing rocks in a lake (under close supervision, of course). Head up to the ghost town of St. Elmo and walk on the wooden sidewalkds. Check the schedule and see if there's a concert in the park downtown Salida.

Finding the right mix of activities for you and your kids is key to a successful trip. And allowing them to play and interact with nature at their level will (hopefully) instill in them a life long love of the outdoors.

getting away from artificial stimulation is the exact reason we bought the trailer in the first place. Parking for a week at a time at a "kids" campground is probably never going to happen. My wife and I are avid hikers. We also run Tough Mudders so we will be going to those with the kids sometimes also. We have a couple of Osprey kid carriers so we carry the kids(when the 5 year old is tired I carry her, when she walks I carry the 1 year old. Only my wife gets the break :-) ) My daughter is currently infatuated with bugs and worms and carrying them around and showing people. She is great when I get her detached from her tablet so limiting the WiFi on a trip is needed....and as a business owner, I need a break from reality also. The whole idea of this is supposed to be family+nature=memories. I'm glad to have read your post, I thought I was the only one that valued kids getting dirty, lol.

Trust me you are not alone - Son only will tent camp with the Girls - They all hike in and out and enjoy the nature that's there. Son will be on the slopes this morning, then will do conference calls as he drive back to the Office - Isn't it Mid May - and A-basin is still over 50 percent skiable. (Don't think Ken got the snow in Glenwood/Aspen or he would be out)

Those who worry that we are getting soft just aren't in touch with the youth today, while some may just play on the IPads there are many who still do the Jungle Gym.

If you are looking for good Advice - just do a search on the area with Ken's name (4runnerguy) you will find a ton of good info.

You are a good parent to allow your kids to not only see these beautiful places but to Touch - and Experience them also.

Why are all the State Parks full on the weekends?, "Because you are not alone" Colorado, gets into those Mountains!

Enjoy the trip,