Fort Collins in the summer is a magical place, and there are so many reasons to fall in love with it — from hiking trails to food trucks. On top of that, school is out for the season, which means that there isn’t any pesky homework to distract our children from Colorado adventuring. So, take advantage of the gorgeous weather and the free time, and explore all of the fun summer activities Fort Collins has to offer. Summer will be over before you know it!
Be it jumping on across endless trampolines, hopping on a bumper boat, or making a scientific discovery at a local museum, there are plenty of things to keep your kid entertained during the upcoming months. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites below. Enjoy!
Fly High at the Fly High Trampoline Park
What better way to expel all of that extra summer energy than with giant, wall-to-wall trampolines? The Fly High Trampoline Park is every kid’s dream, offering them the chance to flip, bounce and bound their way to a great time. Bonus: Bring a group of kids and let them engage in a rousing game of bounce dodgeball!
Discover Something New at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
There’s always something new to discover at this award-winning Fort Collins gem. The museum boasts over 16,000 square feet chock full of exhibits that feature a unique mix of science and history. Interact with the hands-on exhibits and explore everything from bicycles to dinosaur bones! During the summer, the museum also hosts an entertaining array of events — see the full schedule here.
Escape from Somewhere Secret
Photo courtesy of Cori Storb via Somewhere Secret
If you haven’t tried an escape room yet, you’re missing out. These interactive, life-sized puzzles are as fun as they are challenging, and much more fun than a family board game. FoCo’s Somewhere Secret asks you to collaborate with the other escapees to get through whatever scenario the owners have planned, but work quickly — you’ll only have a limited amount of time. Can you get out?
Spend a Day at Fort Fun
It’s tough to do everything in a day at Fort Fun, but luckily, you have all summer! The whole family will enjoy exploring the grounds, and engaging in exciting activities like bumper boats, mini golf, go-karting, laser tag, batting cages, arcade games and more. After you’re done adventuring, fuel up on some pizza from Auntie Stone’s Kitchen.
Hit Up a Summer Camp
Photo courtesy of BASE Camp
The lack of homework and school projects allows for kids to dive into a new adventure over the summer. Enrolling your little monster into summer camp opens up doors to explore a new skill or dig deep into something they’re already passionate about. From cooking and theater to science and sports, there’s sure to be a camp in Fort Collins this summer that pique’s your child’s interest.
See a Show
School’s out, and so are all the best movies! While you can always tuck into a dark indoor theater to see the season’s latest flick, we believe films are better enjoyed in the great outdoors (we’re from Colorado, what did you expect?). Take this show outside and hit up the Holiday Twin Drive-In, which offers an old-timey theater experience and a chance to see the latest hits under the stars using your car radio.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Photo courtesy of Louie Traub via Outdoor Project
We wouldn’t be true Coloradans if we didn’t recommend getting outside at least once in this guide. Whether it’s just enjoying a meal on an outdoor patio, taking a weekend camping trip, or hitting the trails for a hike to one of your favorite destinations, make sure to soak up some good ol’ Vitamin D this summer.
Go for a Swim
When the weather heats up mid-summer, Coloradans flock to our water sources to take a dip and get a brief respite from the heat. While our city is home to plenty of community pools (such as Mulberry Pool and Fort Collins City Park Pool), why not take this adventure outside of the city? Take advantage of the amazing lakes near Fort Collins that provide opportunities to swim, boat, fish, dive and water ski to your heart’s content.
Learn to Cook
Photo courtesy of Sari Kimbell via the Cooking Studio
After a day filled with summer activities, you’re going to need a filling dinner for the family! FoCo’s Cooking Studio offers a variety of classes and camps for your budding chef, and after they’ve learned the ropes in the kitchen, we’re sure you’ll be happy to turn the measuring cups and bowls over to them to let them cook you a hearty meal.
Explore Your Artsy Side
Let your child’s imagination soar this summer by bringing out the art supplies. They’ll practice their brush strokes, and you’ll get a new, custom work of art to hang on the walls! Crafting at home is an incredible way to spend summer afternoons, but if your little one is hankering to get out of the house, maybe opt for a local art class. They can learn to mold pottery at Smokestack, create a mural at AEI Studio, or paint at the VanCo School of Art. Also, make sure to take advantage of the Art-edu-osity Creative Space at the Fort Collins Museum of art, where you can gain inspiration from the pieces in the museum and then create your own as a family. Pick up your clay and your brushes — your inner artist is calling!
Climb at a Rock Climbing Gym
Photo courtesy of Justin Vanalstyn via Ascent Studio
Rock climbing is a beloved sport in Colorado, allowing athletes to work their mind as well as their body. While our state is full of outdoor spots to conquer, an indoor gym is the best place to start — and offers a welcome break from the summer sun. Kids will love monkeying around on the colorful walls at Ascent Studio, and might even pick up a new hobby while they’re at it! Tip: Fill out the first-time waiver online ahead of time to save precious climbing minutes at the gym.
Grab a Sweet Treat
Phew! All of that adventuring probably has you and your little ones screaming for some ice cream. Luckily, our down is full of delicious spots to satiate that sweet tooth! Indulge in a cone, cookie, or cupcake (or have it all!) at one of these fantastic dessert places around Fort Collins.
Have A Great Summer!
We can’t wait to hear about all of your family adventures. Let us know how you’ll be celebrating the season in the comments!
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