LET YOUR

journey begin

An adventure-focused site inspiring and equipping young families to travel.

exploring colorado and beyond

Latest Articles

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...
Read More
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...
Read More
View from the backseat of a jeep driving on a rugged mountain trail, surrounded by steep rocky hills and clear skies. 2 days in Ouray with kids.
2 Perfect Days in Ouray with Kids: Colorado’s Switzerland of America
This past summer, our family embarked on a six-night road trip through Southern Colorado, starting with 2 days in Ouray with kids. Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray...
Read More
Silhouetted group of people standing by a large aquarium window, observing an underwater scene with rocks and aquatic life. Omaha Zoo with kids.
Omaha Zoo with Kids: Epic Adventures at America’s #1 Zoo
Our summer road trip was nothing short of epic, taking us from South Dakota’s rugged beauty to Wisconsin’s charming attractions and finally to Nebraska’s bustling city of Omaha. Before...
Read More
Nighttime cityscape with buildings lit up, reflecting on a calm river in the foreground, surrounded by greenery. Omaha with kids
Omaha with Kids: A Night of Play, Views, and Great Eats
As part of our summer road trip, Omaha, Nebraska, was a planned stop on our journey back from Wisconsin to Colorado. With Omaha conveniently located about halfway between the two, we...
Read More
Silhouettes of two people face a wall of stalactites and stalagmites inside a cave, illuminated by soft, warm lighting. Cave of the Mounds with kids.
Cave of the Mounds with Kids – Geodes, Gardens, and More!
Our summer road trip this year was a blend of adventure and family time, weaving through South Dakota and Wisconsin. Wisconsin holds a special place in our hearts as my wife Jamie’s...
Read More
View All Articles

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!

Let's Meet

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

We’re eager to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts! Whether you have questions, comments, or valuable suggestions, your input means the world to us.

GET IN TOUCH
A man embracing his child on a family vacation by the ocean.

Follow us on Social Media

Five Bags Packed

Five Bags Packed
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!
Join us as we spend 2 perfect days in Ouray, Colorado, the "Switzerland of America"! This charming mountain town, nestled just 5.5 hours from Denver, was the first stop on our end-of-summer road trip through Southern Colorado. We kicked off our adventure with a visit to the dramatic Box Cañon Falls on our first evening, marveling at the roaring water and stunning canyon walls. The next morning, we hiked to the picturesque Cascade Falls and splashed around the family-friendly Baby Bathtubs Trail, which was a big hit with the kids. In the afternoon, we embarked on an unforgettable Switzerland of America Jeep tour to Yankee Boy Basin, surrounded by towering peaks and vibrant wildflowers that felt like stepping into a dream. We wrapped up our visit with a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway, ending at Molas Pass just past Silverton, where breathtaking views stole the show. This was our first time visiting Ouray, and it felt like discovering a treasure right in our backyard. Up next on our road trip: Mesa Verde, Durango, Pagosa Springs, and the Great Sand Dunes. Stay tuned for more Colorado adventures! 🎥 Featured Stops: Box Cañon Falls Cascade Falls Baby Bathtubs Trail Switzerland of America Jeep Tour to Yankee Boy Basin Million Dollar Highway & Molas Pass 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to follow our Southern Colorado road trip adventures! #OurayColorado #SwitzerlandOfAmerica #FamilyRoadTrip 00:00 Introduction 00:16 Box Canon 01:04 Cascade Falls 01:29 Baby Bathtubs 02:01 Switzerland of America Jeep Tour 02:12 Yankee Boy Basin 02:44 Million Dollar Highway 02:58 Molas Pass Silverton
2 Perfect Days in Ouray
🐾 Discover why the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is consistently ranked the #1 zoo in the nation! 🦁🐧 With incredible exhibits like the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, and Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, this world-class destination offers endless fun and learning for the whole family. Our kids (ages 8, 6, and 4) loved seeing the animals up close, exploring interactive exhibits, and marveling at the zoo's immersive environments. Whether it's walking through the rainforest, getting face-to-face with sea creatures, or watching majestic elephants, there's something to amaze every visitor. Perfect for young families, the Omaha Zoo is more than just a visit – it's an unforgettable adventure. From awe-inspiring wildlife to hands-on activities, this is one family-friendly destination you can't miss. 📍 Plan your trip to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo today – it’s worth the journey! 🎥 Watch our reel for highlights of our visit, and don't forget to like, comment, and share with other families looking for amazing travel ideas! ✨ #OmahaZoo #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #BestZooInTheNation #HenryDoorlyZoo #ZooDay #FamilyAdventures #RoadTripWithKids
Inside the Nation’s Best Zoo: Omaha’s Amazing Animal Adventure!
Experience one of the coolest public playgrounds we've ever visited—The Arches Playground and Downtown Slides at Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha, Nebraska! Located at the newly revitalized RiverFront, this urban oasis combines history, adventure, and fun for kids of all ages. The playground features climbing structures, imaginative play zones, and stunning views of downtown Omaha. Watch as our kids explore, climb, and slide their way through this incredible spot! Perfect for families visiting Omaha.
Downtown Omaha’s Ultimate Family Playground
Join us as we explore the incredible Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin! Known as the "jewel box" of caves, this stunning underground wonder is filled with breathtaking limestone formations and fascinating history. Our family loved every minute of our visit, especially our 8-year-old, who’s passionate about geology. Walking through the cool, illuminated caverns was like stepping into another world! After the guided tour, our kids had a blast cracking open their own geodes (for a small fee) and keeping them as special souvenirs. The fun didn’t stop there—the grounds feature a beautiful garden and scenic hiking trails, perfect for enjoying some sunshine and fresh air. Cave of the Mounds is an unforgettable experience for families, offering adventure, learning, and outdoor fun. 📍 Located just 30 minutes west of Madison, Wisconsin, this destination is a must-see for kids and adults alike! Don't miss this adventure—subscribe for more family-friendly travel content! 🎥 Highlights: Guided tour through stunning cave formations Hands-on geode cracking activity for kids Outdoor gardens and hiking trails #CaveOfTheMounds #FamilyTravel #GeologyWithKids
Exploring Cave of the Mounds with Kids | Geology, Geodes, and Fun!
Join us on an exciting family adventure at Discovery World in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! From interactive exhibits to thrilling simulators, this museum is full of fun for all ages. Our kids had an absolute blast in the simulators and exploring the weather area, where they learned all about the Great Lakes. Don’t miss the hands-on science exhibits, live aquarium, and the beautiful views of Lake Michigan! Discovery World is the perfect destination if you’re ever in Milwaukee with your family – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Family Fun at Discovery World in Milwaukee | Simulators, Science & Great Lakes Adventure!
Load More... Subscribe on YouTube