Colorado's summer days Published June 30, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Hines 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- It's summer, finally. The long winter months have been laid to rest and a rebirth to summertime leisure and travel has begun. If you're like me, this means Saturdays spent by the pool, more opportunities to wear flip-flops, and day trips to local venues and parks. If you're looking for ways to spend your well-deserved warm summer months in Colorado, then you're in luck. Colorado plays host to several summer activities sure to bring family and friends together. To start, the Outdoor Adventure Program here on Peterson AFB has a wide variety of activities lined up for Team Pete, including white water rafting and sky diving, said Kevin Michaelsen, Outdoor Adventure Program manager. White water rafting trips will be available Thursday through Sunday this summer including chances to experience class five rapids. Guided trips to some of Colorado's 14,000 foot peaks will be a part of outdoor rec's summer plans. In August, a chance to take part in a scuba diving trip and certification class will be available to Team Pete families and Airmen as well. For those who enjoy a trip to the museum, the launch of Blue Star Museums across America offers free admission to military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2010. A complete list of museums is available at www.arts.gov. Other Colorado activities that will be making an appearance this summer include the King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs Exhibition in Denver, Colo. starting July 1 and running till the end of the year. The Colorado Renaissance Festival is sure to be a fun time for families and started June 12, running every Saturday and Sunday until Aug. 1. In addition, the Colorado State Fair will also be open Aug. 27 to Sept. 6 in Pueblo, Colo. Some popular Colorado destinations in Denver include Elitch Gardens amusement park, Water World, and the Downtown Aquarium. Colorado also hosts a variety of dinosaur museums and excavation sites throughout the state. Discount tickets for some of these attractions are available at ITT; go to www.21fss.com for information. Don't forget about some great activities right here in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is taking part in the Blue Star Program, which makes it free for military families to visit the museum. The popular Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo will be hosting annual events starting July in the Springs as well. If you haven't already made it, a visit to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is worth the trip and offers a discount to military personnel. Whether your summer plans include staying in the area or traveling to visit family and friends, be sure to take advantage of the host of summer activities this year. Remember, be safe, and don't forget the sunscreen.