Colorado may be known for its powdery snow and stellar ski slopes, but I think summer is the best time to visit my home state. The climate is divine: plenty of bright blue skies, dry air and moderate temperatures. It’s the perfect weather to enjoy the outdoors in the famous Rocky Mountains.

Most out-of-state visitors begin their Colorado visit in Denver, as the state capital is also home to our international airport. I’d plan to spend at least two days here during any Colorado family vacation, since there is so much to enjoy here in the warm-weather months.

Photo by clush via Flickr Creative Commons

You might join the locals outside: biking, strolling or in-line skating in any of Denver’s 200-plus parks and parkways. Denver has more than 4,000 acres of green space within city limits. The Denver Zoo is a popular place to spend the day in the summertime, and if you get too hot, cool off one of the city’s outdoor water parks: downtown’s Elitch Gardens or Water World, in the northern part of town.

Two other cities close to Denver also offer plenty of attractions for visiting families. Head south of the Mile High City to Colorado Springs, home to the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cheyenne Zoo and Garden of the Gods rock formations. Nifty indoor must-sees here include the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, the U.S. Olympic Headquarters and Training Center, and the U.S. Figure Skating World Hall of Fame and Museum.

North of Denver, Boulder beckons with the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall, with plenty of street entertainers and outdoor cafes (not to mention ice cream shops and loads of cute clothing stores). For outdoor fun, check out the Flatirons hiking trails, the open space at Chataqua or the bike path along Boulder Creek.

To round out your Colorado family vacation, I recommend spending some time in the heart of the mountains – in ski resort communities like Aspen, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Vail, Telluride or Crested Butte. In the summer months, these mountain towns are alive with outdoor activity. Ride the summer chair lifts or gondolas to the top of the ski slopes and mountain bike or hike down. The ski areas are transformed into fun parks, with bungee trampolines, Frisbee golf, mini-golf and alpine slides. River rafting, fly fishing, kayaking and horseback riding are still more ways to have fun in the glorious Colorado mountains this summer.