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Three children stand on the Great Sand Dunes; the boy in the middle hoists a sandboard overhead. Clad in casual summer clothes, they pose under a clear blue sky, ready for an adventure.
Great Sand Dunes with Kids: An Unforgettable Family Adventure
Our Southern Colorado summer road trip took us through some of the most beautiful places in the state, including Ouray, Silverton, Mesa Verde, Durango, and Pagosa Springs. Our final...
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The waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff, surrounded by sparse greenery and a clear sky—a perfect scene for families exploring the natural beauty of Pagosa Springs with kids.
Pagosa Springs with Kids: What to See, Do, and Eat!
As part of our Southern Colorado summer road trip, we spent two nights and one full day exploring Pagosa Springs with kids. After visiting Durango, Mesa Verde, Silverton, and Ouray,...
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A woman beams while holding a smiling young girl in an orange outfit aboard the Durango train, enjoying the scenic view of a river and forest. Durango train with kids.
All Aboard! Durango Train with Kids - Fun Scenic Journey
As part of our epic Southern Colorado summer road trip, riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was a major highlight. After an exciting week that included exploring...
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Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde with kids, where steep rock faces host multiple rooms and windows, all meticulously crafted from light brown stones.
Daring Explorations at Mesa Verde with Kids: A Cliffside Adventure
Our Southern Colorado road trip in August brought us to one of the most fascinating stops on our journey: Mesa Verde National Park. After two amazing days in Ouray, an afternoon in...
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Four musicians in cowboy hats perform on stage with a fiddle, microphone, guitar, and double bass, set against a backdrop of mountains and trees. Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers with kids
Unique Cowboy Fun At Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers With Kids
After two amazing days in Ouray and an afternoon exploring Silverton, we continued our Southern Colorado summer road trip by arriving in Durango via the breathtaking Million Dollar...
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Two children sit under a large yellow snow vehicle parked on wooden planks, with mountains and houses in the background. Afternoon in Silverton with Kids.
How to Spend An Afternoon in Silverton With Kids
After two incredible days exploring Ouray, we hit the road toward Silverton to see what this historic mining town had to offer. With just an afternoon to spare, we discovered the perfect...
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We are Five Bags Packed

Welcome to Five Bags Packed, your passport to our family travel blog. Come along with us, the Lied family, as we set off on new adventures with our trio of little explorers.

We definitely don’t have it all figured out but whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting to pack those bags, our blog is here to inspire and guide you along the way.

So buckle up and step foot into the world of Five Bags Packed!

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Five Bags Packed

Five Bags Packed
Our visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park was an unforgettable experience! We rented a sand sled and sandboard from Great Sand Dunes Oasis, located just before the park entrance—highly recommend grabbing your gear here before heading in! 🔥 Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the heat! The sand gets incredibly hot in the summer, and hiking up the dunes is exhausting. This adventure is best suited for older kids who can handle the climb, but the thrill of sledding and boarding down is totally worth it! While we visited in August, the base of the dunes was dry, but if we return, we'd love to see the Medano Creek flowing in the spring—turning the dunes into a seasonal beach! 🌄 Great Sand Dunes was truly one of the best National Park experiences we've had! It’s challenging, breathtaking, and an absolute must for adventure-loving families. 👉 Have you been to Great Sand Dunes? Would you try sand sledding? Let us know in the comments! #GreatSandDunes #SandSledding #NationalParks #ColoradoAdventure #FamilyTravel #Sandboarding #EpicAdventures
Sledding & Sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park!
🏜️🛷 Sledding on Sand?! YES! 🤯✨ One of the most fun experiences we’ve ever had at a National Park—sledding down the dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park! 🤩 The kids had an absolute blast flying down these massive dunes, and let’s be real… so did we! 😂 💡 Pro Tip: You can rent sand sleds right outside the park at Great Sand Dunes Oasis—trust us, regular sleds won’t work on this sand! This was such a unique adventure and a must-do if you’re visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park with kids! Swipe for the best wipeouts and biggest smiles! 😆 👉 Would you try sand sledding?! Let us know in the comments! #GreatSandDunes #SandSledding #NationalParks #ColoradoAdventure #FamilyTravel #SleddingFun #TravelWithKids #epicadventures 🔥 Camp Snap Discount Code $5 OFF!🔥 5bags https://campsnapphoto.com/5bags
Sledding on Sand is WILD! Great Sand Dunes National Park
🌊 Treasure Falls: A Must-See in Pagosa Springs! 🌲 Join us as we explore Treasure Falls, one of the most beautiful and family-friendly hikes in Pagosa Springs! Just a short drive from town, this stunning 105-foot waterfall is perfect for families with young kids looking for a quick outdoor adventure. ✨ Why We Loved Treasure Falls: Kid-Friendly Hike: The trail is less than a mile round trip and manageable for little legs. Stunning Scenery: The path winds through lush forest, offering incredible views of the waterfall along the way. Close to Town: Conveniently located off Highway 160, it’s an easy addition to your Pagosa Springs itinerary. The cool mist at the base was a refreshing reward after the short hike. Treasure Falls was one of our favorite things to do in Pagosa Springs, and we can’t recommend it enough for families! 👉 Plan your visit: Bring sturdy shoes, water, and a sense of adventure for this quick hike is a gem you don’t want to miss! #TreasureFalls #PagosaSprings #FamilyTravel #ColoradoAdventures #KidFriendlyHikes #WaterfallViews
Kids Hike to Treasure Falls in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
All aboard! 🚂 Join us as we highlight our incredible ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during our Colorado summer road trip. We opted for the Cascade Canyon Express, a shorter, family-friendly version of the iconic train ride to Silverton. Perfect for young kids, this route offers all the breathtaking scenery and historic charm without the long ride to Silverton. The Cascade Canyon Express departs from Durango and takes passengers through stunning mountain landscapes and along the Animas River before stopping at the picturesque Cascade Canyon. At the halfway point, we enjoyed a relaxing break by the river, surrounded by towering canyon walls and the soothing sounds of nature. After soaking in the views and snapping photos, we boarded the train for the return trip to Durango. This abbreviated route is a great option for families, offering a half-day ride instead of the full-day journey. It’s also more affordable, and the shorter duration kept our kids engaged and excited the entire time. A little history: The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been operating since 1882, originally built to transport silver and gold ore from the mines. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark and a must-do for anyone visiting the Durango area. If you’re planning a Colorado adventure with young kids, the Cascade Canyon Express is the perfect way to experience the magic of this historic train ride without the long haul. 🎥 Follow along for more highlights from our Colorado family road trip! #DurangoTrain #CascadeCanyonExpress #FamilyTravel #ColoradoAdventures #DurangoAndSilverton #HistoricTrainRide #familyfriendlyactivities 🔥 Camp Snap Discount Code $5 OFF!🔥 5bags https://campsnapphoto.com/5bags
All Aboard! Exploring Cascade Canyon with Kids on the Durango Train
Step back in time with us as we explore the incredible Mesa Verde National Park, one of the most fascinating historical destinations in the United States. This day-long adventure was filled with breathtaking views, unforgettable tours, and a deep dive into ancient history. We took the Cliff Palace Tour, marveling at the largest cliff dwelling in North America, and the Balcony House Tour, an adrenaline-pumping experience where we braved tall ladders, tight tunnels, and steep heights. While our kids loved every second, Jamie declared, “Never again!” after conquering the Balcony House. It was a true adventure for the books! In addition to these highlights, we soaked in the incredible views of Square Tower House and explored various other archaeological sites and scenic lookouts. Mesa Verde is rich in history, showcasing the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited these cliff dwellings over 700 years ago. If you’re planning a visit to Mesa Verde, don’t miss these iconic tours and viewpoints. It’s a trip that’s educational, exciting, and perfect for families looking for an unforgettable experience. 👉 Follow along and subscribe to see more incredible destinations and family travel adventures! #MesaVerde #CliffPalaceTour #BalconyHouseTour #FamilyTravel #coloradoadventures Code: QCCNRDGGPLTVLBCY
Braving Heights at Mesa Verde: Balcony House, Cliff Palace, and more!
Join us on our summer Southern Colorado road trip as we experience an unforgettable evening at Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers in Durango, Colorado! This iconic Western dinner and entertainment venue has been a family favorite since 1969, offering a unique blend of history, hearty food, and old-fashioned fun. Nestled in a picturesque setting just outside of Durango, Bar D Chuckwagon transports you back to the Wild West with its authentic chuckwagon-style dinner, complete with brisket, chicken, baked beans, and homemade biscuits. After the meal, the talented Bar D Wranglers take the stage for a lively show filled with Western music, cowboy poetry, and hilarious comedy. The venue is perfect for families, with plenty of activities for kids before the show. Little ones can enjoy train rides, panning for gold, a playground, and exploring the charming Western town setup. It’s an evening of entertainment, good eats, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a local or passing through Durango, Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers is a must-visit for families looking for a taste of the Old West. 👉 Plan your visit: Check out their seasonal schedule and get there early to enjoy the pre-dinner attractions. 🎥 Follow our channel for more highlights from our Southern Colorado adventure! #BarDChuckwagon #DurangoCO #FamilyTravel #SouthernColorado #OldWestFun #FamilyAdventures
The World Famous Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers in Durango, CO!
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