An Adventurous Family Trip: Exploring Nature and Excitement from Capulin to Amarillo

One of the greatest joys of parenthood is sharing the wonders of nature and adventure with your children. This blog post will take you on a journey through stunning national parks, exciting outdoor activities, and charming cities that we recently enjoyed. Our adventure spans Capulin Monument, Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, Great Sand Dunes National Park, White Water Rafting in Taos, Bandelier National Monument, Santa Fe, and a quick overnight stay in Amarillo to break up the drive back to OKC.

PLANNING:

I can't take much credit on this one. Hubby and I tend to have evening "dream" sessions often on our back patio and will pick a location we'd like to explore. From there, he works his planning magic of neighboring areas with our goal of visiting a National Park, State Park, or historical attraction in most places we visit. My part of planning usually involves Google and Yelp reviews for family friendly eateries, parks, and attractions. Thankfully we are pretty low-key when it comes to accommodations and will typically use hotel points, check out AirBNB or VRBO's and find what is nearest to our attractions but fits the budget. Traveling with 3 growing kids often means we bring an air mattress and try to hit the free breakfast options as often as possible.

Here's an example of our brainstorming "spreadsheets" from our recent adventure

Lots of modifications over time and serves as framework, it is not something we follow precisely

Booking

Once we have our destinations in place, we like to book out in advance, however I do like to glance at sites like hopper, credit card rewards sites, etc. before landing on best price. More often than not, we have accommodations booked out much sooner than any attraction tickets and such. I think for this trip, we had everything booked in March for our Mid May Trip, however more popular destinations are often full 6 months to 1 year out so keep this in mind.

Preparation:

After years of packing for a family of 5, I've learned that packing early makes life much easier. I had almost all of the kids items packed up the week before we left so no last minute laundry or grabs were needed. Additionally I try to at least plan out what we will need equipment wise (air mattress, flash lights, hiking gear, medicines) a week or two in advance to allow for those last minute amazon orders/needs to come in.

Snacks are a must on any road trip so jerky, trail mix, gummies, crackers, and some bottled drinks are included in the week ahead prep. We usually fuel up and grab some gas station goodies to kids can be involved in this the day before we leave or the morning of.

So now our journey begins:

We left early Saturday AM goal to hit the road by 6:30AM, early enough kids are groggy for the first few hours, but late enough that the parents aren't sleep deprived. You may see that in our spreadsheet we list some "drive through" towns that may have good rest stops or unique eateries. For this one, we trucked through until we reached our first destination......

Discovering Capulin Monument

This extinct volcano offers a variety of family-friendly activities. The park's scenic drive takes you up to the rim of the volcano, where you can enjoy panoramic views that are sure to stun the whole family. The visitor center has a few souvenir items, historical information, and required $20 entry pass. (Also clean bathrooms).

Wide angle view of Capulin Volcano overlooking the landscape.

The Volcano Rim Trail, which is just over a mile long allows kids to explore the volcanic landscape and learn about geology. It was quite windy when we were there and we could already feel the altitude adjustment. Here, educational programs and ranger-led activities throughout the summer are often available, giving your family an opportunity to engage with the natural world thoughtfully.

Tip: Consider visiting during the early morning to avoid the heat.

Thrills in Colorado Springs

After we explored Capulin, we loaded back up to head to Colorado Springs. This beautiful city is packed with kid-friendly attractions that promise to keep the family entertained. We stayed at the DoubleTree near the Olympic training center and ate at Old Chicago Pizza and crashed/relaxed at the hotel after.

Pikes Peak: A Family Adventure

Pikes Peak is one of the most famous 14ers in Colorado. Families can either drive up the Pikes Peak Highway or take the cog railway to the summit. The views from the top are breathtaking, and kids will love the experience of being at over 14,000 feet! We booked a day pass for entry (pending the time of year you may be required to use shuttle service or timed entry). We got up early to have some awesome pancakes before the gates opened at 9 AM.

At the summit, enjoy the new visitor center with huge glass windows overlooking the mountain edge. There's a gift shop, cafe, and informational center. There are also several overlook areas great for photo opportunities.

Tip: Bundle up, it's usually 20 degrees colder at the summit than at the base. Dress in layers as temperatures can change quickly at higher altitudes. Allow extra time for adjustment to the elevation, especially for younger children.

Garden of the Gods: Nature’s Playground

Only a short drive from Pikes Peak is the Garden of the Gods Park. This stunning park features towering red rocks and beautiful hiking trails, which are perfect for families. The easy trails are great for kids and provide plenty of space for them to run around and explore. Honestly, this was my favorite destination on the trip and I could have spent another day just walking around.

Kissing Camels Rock @ Garden of the Gods.

The Outpost area has a gift shop with educational toys and souvenirs that your kids will love. Also there's a cafe, free fudge samples, and some relatively unique trinkets. The visitor center also has geological and historical exhibits but was under construction (only able to walk through a certain portion) when we were there.

Tip: Don't miss the chance to photograph the iconic Balanced Rock. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a good spot.

Cave of the Winds: An Exciting Underground Adventure

Next, make your way to the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park. This cavern offers guided tours that take families deep underground to explore impressive rock formations. The discovery tour is perfect for kids as it is both informative and engaging.

You might also want to check out the thrill rides available in the park, such as the Wind Walker Challenge Course. This course includes ropes, bridges, and ziplines, making it an exciting experience for older kids.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the cave tour, and be prepared for some cool temperatures underground.

Exploring Great Sand Dunes National Park

From Colorado Springs, head to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. We stayed in Alamosa and had dinner @ San Luis Valley Brewing the first evening which was delish (we also brough back some of their beer) and also loved The Purple Pig Pizzeria & Pub. The sand dunes boarding was definitely a hit but quite exhausting. There were some beautiful and diverse trails near the sand dunes as well.

Picture doesn't do the "climb" justice.

The Medano Creek runs through the park, and during summer, it becomes a perfect spot for kids to splash and play in the water. The dunes are a short, easy hike from the parking area, making it accessible for families.

Tip: Bring beach toys and sunscreen! Hours of fun can be had digging and playing in the sand.

Thrills of White Water Rafting in Taos, New Mexico

Continuing the adventure into Taos, New Mexico, families can enjoy white water rafting on the Rio Grande. This thrilling experience is suitable for older children and provides a chance to connect with nature in an exciting way. I'll admit I was nervous about this but it ended up being our favorite activity on this trip. We had an amazing guide.

Shout out to New Mexico River Adventures for a great experience. We will be back! https://www.newmexicoriveradventures.com

Families can choose from mild to wild rafting options, making this activity accessible for various skill levels. Regardless of the route, the stunning scenery along the river ensures a memorable experience.

Bandelier National Monument: Journey Through History

Just a short drive from Taos, Bandelier National Monument offers both history and scenic beauty. This area is rich in archaeological sites, featuring ancient cliff dwellings that can be hiked to and explored.

Kids will love climbing ladders to explore the dwellings and learning about the history of the Ancestral Puebloans. The park offers ranger-led programs that encourage kids to connect with nature and culture.

Climbing the ladders up to a cliff dwelling... get ready to conquer your fear of heights.

Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Traveling to Santa Fe provides an opportunity for families to experience unique Southwestern culture and art. Visit the Santa Fe Plaza, which is often bustling with family-friendly events, artists, and local vendors.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, especially their Dinosaur Hall, which will surely ignite your children's imagination. We opted to visit Meow Wolf which is not like anything we've ever seen before.

Meow Wolf is quite unique but may not be suitable for all ages due to some bizarre exhibits.

Adventure Awaits in Amarillo, Texas

Finally, complete your road trip in Amarillo, Texas. This city may be famous for its Route 66 heritage and the famous Cadillac Ranch, where families can express their creativity through spray painting the cars. Although we did not visit Cadillac Rach, it was a consideration and is literally just off of the highway. We stopped for BBQ for Dinner and then hit Bucee's on the way out the next AM to finish our drive back home to OKC.

Wide angle view of the famous Cadillac Ranch with vibrant graffiti by visitors.

Embrace the Journey

Traveling provides opportunities to bond as a family while creating lasting memories. Although we spent many hours in truck, we had many laughs, a few tears, and lots of opportunities for deep discussion, day dreaming, and all the in-betweens. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on a fantastic family adventure that you will cherish for a lifetime!