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Memorial Day Office Closure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices will be closed for the state holiday, Monday, May 25. To honor military members for their service CPW offers active duty military and veteran benefits to enjoy fishing, hunting and state parks.

Family Activity Backpack

Family activity backpacks may be checked-out at the park visitor centers and participating libraries for free.
Mom and two boys looking at map from inside the family activity backpack while sitting on a bench within Pearl Lake State Park.
A young child holding binoculars while standing outdoors among trees

A young child holding binoculars while standing outdoors among trees

Colorado State Parks

What's Inside?

Families can use the contents of the pack to let their imaginations soar or they can use some of the suggested activities for more structured exploration.

The interactive packs will include: 

  • Two large bug boxes
  • Magnifiers
  • Various guide books (covering birds, insects, wildflowers and pond or tree life depending on the park)
  • Binoculars
  • A nature journal

Find a Backpack

Family activity backpacks may be checked-out at the park visitor centers or offices, and participating libraries for day use and returned before heading home or back to the campsite. Patrons of participating public, military, and academic libraries can check out a backpack for a week at a time to visit state parks for free.

Activity Backpack

Library Backpack Program

The Library Backpack Program is a partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, State Library, local library systems, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife which provides Colorado libraries with two park passes and adventure backpacks filled with information and educational activities

307

Participating Libraries

5,881

backpack checkouts in 1 year

Testimonials

See what users had to say about the family activity backpack.

“This was my first visit to each of these parks after living here nearly 20 years. Thank you for the library pass access. I loved both of these parks and will visit again!”

“We were able to access the boat ramp to tube the Colorado River! We saw herons and enjoyed the water. We also walked our dogs around the lake. Amazing program! We would not have gone without this.”

“This pass allows my family access to the State Parks on our unusual school year! Thanks for an opportunity to hike in January--that was a first for us! We hope you'll continue this program.”

"Enables we seniors to walk/fish in the fresh air and avoid the COVID threat. We could not afford to do so otherwise."

A small purple wildflower blooming among green leaves on the forest floor

Park Finder

Explore Colorado State Parks

Colorado state parks offer a plethora of outdoor activities. Hike, bike, fish, boat, hunt, and more! Use our park finder to plan your trip.

Find a State Park