Here is Day 1 and Day 3 itinerary.Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs is nice day trip from Denver with many varied places to cover and lot of family fun.
Here are more Day Trip ideas from Denver.
First spot on the route is US Air force Academy. You may check out some amazing air force planes, their teaching academy and chapel.
Next stop is Garden Of Gods. There are amazing formations of Red Rocks. There is theater on site showing history of formation of these rocks. (http://www.gardenofthegods.com/) You can drive through the park as well as hike.
Less than 10 miles away from Garden of Gods is ruins of American Indian Settlements. This place is also know as "Cliff Dwellings Museum". It tells you story about life style of American Indians. During summer months native dance programmes are also held at this location. (http://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/)
About 4 miles west of Colorado Springs and 65 miles south of Denver is a little town of Manitou Springs. It sits at the summit of Pikes Peak. This is the place where poem "America The Beautiful" was written. This place is called Beauty Spot of America. It is about hour and half drive from summit to the top and very interesting look outs on the way. You may also use Pikes Peak Cog Railway to get to the top. Check out the website for discount coupon. (http://www.cograilway.com/)
Also visit Ghost Town Museum in Manitou Springs. It has very realistic recreation of a wild west town of 1800s. (http://www.ghosttownmuseum.com/)
Still have more time, you can visit under ground rock formations at near by Cave of the Winds. (http://www.caveofthewinds.com/) or take tour of the historic Miramont castle. (http://www.miramontcastle.org/)
Just few minutes from Colorado Springs downtown is the area that is called "Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado". (http://www.sevenfalls.com/maps/)
These are some most interesting things to do on Denver Vacation.
