COME TO LIFE Fairy Tales Seeking a sprinkle of magic for your wee explorer? Encourage their imagination and carefree spirit at these unique spots that feel right out of a storybook. Built by one man over several decades, Bishop Castle in Rye is an impressive sight to behold. Perpetually open, it’s free to visit the sprawling stone-and-iron structure and admire it from the outside. From the ground there’s plenty to take in, from the towers and bridges to the Grand Ballroom accented with stained-glass windows and the fire-breathing metal dragon perched off the front. Though it’s been a fixture of Nederland since 2010, the Carousel of Happiness dates back a century to its creation in 1910. A town resident brought the original frame to Colorado, restored it and hand-carved a whimsical menagerie of 50-plus animals for the ride. Point out the hidden fairies perched in the nooks and crannies of the Carousel House, and listen to the Wurlitzer organ tune as your little ones gleefully whirl around. Have a playful frolic at the Denver Botanic Gardens , an ethereal oasis away from the urban surroundings of the city. The Mordecai Children’s Garden is a 3-acre area where kids can explore and learn about flora and fauna through interactive features, such as an alpine meadow, swinging bridges and splash streams. The facility also offers year-round children and family programs, including building a personal fairy garden to take home. ©SCOTT DRESSEL-MART; MATTHEW LANCASTER Denver Botanic Gardens Bishop Castle in Rye 102 1-800-COLORADO
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 102
