Brandon Lied

Hey there, I'm Brandon Lied, a travel enthusiast, professional video creator at Steel Rock Films, and the founder of Five Bags Packed. My wife, Jamie, runs Jamie Beth Photography, and together, we're a family of five with Grayson, Hayden, and Brynn. We're here to inspire your family's travel adventures. Thanks for joining us!

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 stop before heading home to Denver was Great Sand Dunes National Park, a place unlike any other we had experienced. The Great Sand Dunes with kids […]

Great Sand Dunes with Kids: An Unforgettable Family Adventure Read More »

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 Ouray, Silverton, Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers, and Mesa Verde National Park, we were ready for an unforgettable train adventure. We chose the Cascade Canyon Express option,

All Aboard! Durango Train with Kids – Fun Scenic Journey Read More »

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 Silverton, and an incredible evening at Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers in Durango, we arrived in Mancos to settle into our Airbnb—a stunning property

Daring Explorations at Mesa Verde with Kids: A Cliffside Adventure Read More »

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 Highway. Our evening at Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers with kids in Durango, Colorado, was one of the absolute highlights of the trip. This family-friendly Western-themed dinner and

Unique Cowboy Fun At Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers With Kids 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 is affectionately known as the “Switzerland of America” for its stunning alpine scenery. Just 5.5 hours from Denver, it was the perfect kickoff

2 Perfect Days in Ouray with Kids: Colorado’s Switzerland of America 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 heading home to Colorado, we made one last unforgettable stop: the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, famously ranked as the #1 zoo in the nation. Exploring

Omaha Zoo with Kids: Epic Adventures at America’s #1 Zoo Read More »