Pre-Trip Fun for Denver, Colorado

"John Denver & The Muppets: A Rocky Mountain Holiday" -- Filled with fun songs and adventures in the Colorado mountains, it's a classic worth sharing with the kids. (Toddlers and Up)

"Mork & Mindy" -- The real draw of this wacky '80s TV series set in Boulder is Robin Williams as an alien from Ork. (School Age and Up)

Blackened Fish -- Dare to break free of the fish-stick rut. This recipe calls for trout, a local Rocky Mountain fish.

Venison Burgers -- Though not technically beef, deer can make for a more flavorful version of burgers and steak.

"C Is for Centennial: A Colorado Alphabet" by Louise Doak Whitney and Helle Urban -- Rhyming picture book tours the state's history and dramatic beauty. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Good Night, Denver" by Susan Bouse -- Fill sleepy heads with dreams of the Rocky Mountains and other city highlights. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Kids Go! Denver: A Fun-Filled, Fact-Packed Travel & Activity Book" by Kelly Milner Halls -- Perfect for the car or plane, this guidebook details what's cool to do in Denver, getting kids actively involved in trip planning. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Tales, Trails, and Tommyknockers: Stories from Colorado's Past" by Myriam Friggens -- Colorful characters from ghosts to daredevils make local history an intriguing thrill. (Ages 9 to 12)

"The Heroine of the Titanic: The Real Unsinkable Molly Brown" by Elaine Landau -- Not your average biography, Landau's tale captivates with the story of the spitfire who survived history's most infamous shipwreck. Read before the Molly Brown House Museum. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Klondike and Snow: The Denver Zoo's Remarkable Story of Raising Two Polar Bear Cubs" by David E. Kenny -- Before they moved to Florida, this adorable pair captured the nation's heart as well as countless readers. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Mountain Cabin Mystery" by Max Elliot Anderson -- Nothing like a little spook factor to fuel campfire stories. (Ages 9 to 12)

"A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains" by Isabella L. Bird -- Particularly inspiring for girls, this story about an English woman details who she takes on Mother Nature and the Wild West all by herself.

Treasure Stones -- The Rockies are primo stone-gathering territory for young hikers. Try a pre-trip scavenger hunt right in your backyard.

Duct Tape Hiking Gear -- Do-it-yourself utility belt creates plenty of places to stow a water bottle, map, and any treasure kids find in their travels.