As someone who was born and raised in this great state, I feel confident in saying that Colorado childhoods are pure magic. From glistening white snow to birthday parties at the “world’s most exciting restaurant,” nothing beats these 11 nostalgic things that define growing up in Colorado:
1. Snow days.
The frequency of snow days definitely depended on your location, but those of us on the Plains had them several times a year and boy were they EPIC!
2. Birthday parties at Casa Bonita.
If you were a Colorado kid during the 1970s on, there is a pretty good chance that you got to attend a birthday party at this one-of-a-kind restaurant, which is home to a man in a gorilla suit who wants to kill you, cliff divers, Black Bart's Cave, and — err — food?
3. Planning your Halloween costume around your winter coat.
Would you judge me if I said that I'm a little peeved that my two Colorado babies have never had to endure snow and cold on the greatest night of a child's year?
4. Skiing when you're 5.
I mean, ya gotta learn sometime, right?!
5. Driving to Wyoming for fireworks.
Let's be honest: Driving to the Colorado/Wyoming border with your crazy uncle wasn't just reserved for your childhood... you STILL do it!
6. Blinky the Clown.
If you didn't dream of not only being on Blinky's show, but having him sing "Happy Birfday" to you, you did NOT grow up in Colorado. (RIP Blinky!)
7. Going to the REAL North Pole!
While kids all over the world dream of one day visiting the North Pole, those of us from Colorado have (time and again, in fact), as it is located just outside of Colorado Springs.
8. You grew up thinking these three were hilarious.
Aside from Blinky, Dealin' Doug and Jake Jabs, these three were the closest things to local celebrities that we had! Speaking of Jake Jabs...
9. Having your picture taken with Jake Jabs' tigers.
This one is for you 80s and 90s Colorado kids: how many of you lucky ducks had parents willing to take you into select AFW locations to have your picture taken with Jake's tigers? If you did, you had the ultimate Colorado childhood and I cannot help but feel a little jealous!
10. Being outside 24/7.
Have you noticed that Coloradans basically live outside? Let's just say it is this way because we began doing it at a very young age.
11. Epic field trips.
The Denver Mint. Mesa Verde. The Great Sand Dunes. Dinosaur Ridge... need I say more?
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