Colorado

IN THE CITY – Not many city parks can boast a view of the Rocky Mountains. Denver can make that claim, as well as having the most public parks per square mile. Cheesman Park and Confluence Park are two of the best for walking, biking, or picnicking.

AFTER HOURS – Children will love to jam on outdoor instruments at Harmony Park in Montrose. Open after school, and all day on holidays and in the summer. Located at Cottonwood Elementary School, 3500 Woodgate Road, Montrose, CO 81401 (970-249-2539).

MYTHICAL EXPERIENCE – Since 1969, Jim Bishop has been building a castle of rock and iron, stained glass and wood in the forested Wet Mountains. The structure rises into the skies, with turrets more than 100 feet tall, iron walkways arching dramatically between the towers, parapets winding around the exterior, a flame-spewing dragon head, a bell tower, and spiral staircases of stone and iron. Located at 12705 Hwy 165, San Isabel, CO 81069 (719-485-3040), or visit www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/COBEUcastle.html.