Glenwood Springs or Grand Junction better for kids? (Fort Collins, Boulder: school, outlet malls)

[famlife]

Do either one have good afterschool type programs (martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing, etc) my kids are into circus arts specifically.. i know it's a long shot but does anyone know of any programs or clubs in the area along these lines?

Also, things for teens to do? (arcades, roller rinks, skate parks, local music venues, malls, etc) i know we're not talking about the front range area in terms of offerings, but i was wondering if this area was in more of a po-dunk or more small city type situation.

Thanks

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by famlife

Do either one have good afterschool type programs (martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing, etc) my kids are into circus arts specifically.. i know it's a long shot but does anyone know of any programs or clubs in the area along these lines?

Also, things for teens to do? (arcades, roller rinks, skate parks, local music venues, malls, etc) i know we're not talking about the front range area in terms of offerings, but i was wondering if this area was in more of a po-dunk or more small city type situation.

Thanks

Grand Junction is a Po-dunk town, and proud of it. Glenwood Springs is so small, it's not really much of a town, more of a tourist/highway stop. For a "small city" feel like what you're looking for, look at Fort Collins and Boulder.

[SheridanL]

If you could go a little further east, I would suggest Dillon!
Many activities you are looking for plus, there are the Outlet Malls there!
Vail has much of what you are looking for...no malls though.
Is there a reason you chose GJ and GS? Do you need to be that far west for a job?

[delta07]

Grand Junction really doesn't have much to offer kids outside of league sports. I heard an ice skating rink opened after I moved, but then I also heard it shut its doors after only a year or two. If your kids are into outdoor recreation, mountain biking, hiking, etc. it could be a good fit, but otherwise I don't think it's the best place for teenagers. Many kids seem to get into trouble in GJ, and I'm guessing Glenwood Springs could be the same (although I would pick it over GJ personally).

I agree with others that you will find more of what you are looking for in Fort Collins, Boulder or some of the other Front Range suburbs.