Colorado State Parks offers interpretive and environmental education opportunities for all ages. Nature programs, volunteer trainings, campfire talks and junior ranger programs are just a few of the ways visitors can learn more about the flora, fauna, geology and history of our state parks.
Former Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien asked Colorado kids to submit suggestions on what they think should be included in their Outdoor Bill of Rights, which was being created to encourage children to reconnect with the outdoors. The list includes many activities which can be found in Colorado State Parks.
Take a look at our Family and Kids page for nature-inspired family activities.
Colorado has 42 state parks which all offer an array of activities, some which include wildlife viewing, Nature Centers, group picnic areas, and many multiple-use trails. Many Colorado State Parks offer programs and activities for children of all ages, including Junior Ranger programs and special offerings for teens. The following is a sample listing of programs and events. For a complete listing of activities visit the State Parks calendar.
Arkansas Headwaters State Park: Junior Ranger Programs mid-June through mid-August. Programs include: Birds on the Brain; Spider Sniffing; Don't Take Rocks for Granite; Scats, Tracks and Fur; Wildflowers; Snakes; Don't Bug Me--I Ate A Bug Club; Lions, Sheep and Bears--Oh My; and Waters the Matter.
Barr Lake State Park: There is a great Nature Center that is chalk full of great activities. Some upcoming events are Guided Bird Walks, Gorgeous Gourds, and Birds and their Secrets.
Castlewood Canyon State Park: A variety of school programs are offered year round. Fun events taking place this spring and summer include: A Rose is a Rose, Hound Hike, and Fun & Games in the Canyon.
Cherry Creek State Park: A variety of school programs are offered year round. Some exciting summer events include Friday and Saturday night education programs at the campground amphitheater, a junior Ranger program, and Sundays at the Swim Beach.
Eleven Mile State Park: Children's programs are generally offered throughout the summer on Saturday mornings. Junior Ranger activities take place Saturday afternoons.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park: Kids Hour Programs with topics such as fire safety, arts and crafts, and puppet shows. Campfire programs offered for families include: Wildlife of Colorado, Skins and Skulls, Wildflowers, Bats, Fishing Programs, Park and Area History, and search and Rescue. A self-guided Junior Ranger Program is also offered.
Jackson Lake State Park: Junior Ranger Program and Saturday evening interpretive programs are offered throughout the summer. Educational programs are offered on Saturday evenings at the Cove Amphitheatre beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Mancos State Park: A Junior Ranger Program and youth focused programs are offered June through August. Summer programs range from environmental education programs, workshops, and art exhibits to simple sing-alongs around the campfire.
Roxborough State Park: The Visitor Center has a great, interactive geological exhibit with five educational stations for visitors of all ages. Learn how the rock formations came to be, which wild creatures live in the parks, and much more. Special events are offered year-round at the park. Upcoming events: Story time, Patio Geology, and Roxy Puppet Theatre.
State Forest State Park: Junior Ranger Program and Saturday evening interpretive programs are offered throughout the summer. Educational programs are offered on Saturday evenings at the Cove Amphitheatre beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Trinidad Lake State Park: Interpretive programs every Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day including Campfire S'mores, roasting hotdogs, cooking in the Horno, wildlife shows, and exploring our hiking trails.
