Ages 0–4
Things to Do:
- Pop-Jet Fountain: This water feature is right downtown on Pearl Street and is a blast in summer, when little ones run in and out of upward-spraying fountains — never knowing when the next one is going to pulse. You’ll want to bring your child’s swim suit and a towel.
- Animal Sculptures: It’s the simple things that sometimes please kids the most. These larger-than-life bronze and stone animals are a hit with little climbers. These are also right on Pearl Street.
- Into the Wind: This colorful shop dazzles with kites hanging from the ceiling and walls. There are tons of toys in here, from wind-up bobble-heads to educational brain teasers. It’s adjacent to the animal sculptures mentioned above.
- Valmont Bike Park: This 42-acre bike park is for everyone, including little ones on their striders. A toddler course gives them just enough thrill, with small bumps and jumps. Plus, there are options for the whole family, including hardcore cyclo-cross trails and plenty of work arounds for the less adventurous.
- Farm Fun: Pick raspberries, pet goats, climb trees, go on a hay ride. Boulder County is surrounded by farms, many of which welcome children. Find farm ideas for kids.
- Boulder Book Store: A stellar selection of children’s literature is surrounded by rocking chairs and stuffed animal and toy displays. Parents will love browsing the adult shelves — this is one of those timeless bookstores with creaky wood stairs, towering wooden bookcases and great staff recommendations.
- Eldora: This family-friendly ski area is great for all ages. The ski school and a magic carpet lift are especially great for very small children who are learning to ski for the first time.
Events:
- Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival: Little ones come dressed as fairies and elves to meet “real” fairies who will sprinkle pixie dust in their hands and lead them on a parade to awaken the spring tulips in April.
- Meadow Music: Throughout the summer, musical duo Jeff and Paige transfix little ones with their costumes, singing, dancing and wonderful silliness. It all starts with a short nature hike, followed by a concert at the foot of the Flatirons.
Eat:
- Rayback Collective: Boulder's indoor/outdoor gourmet food truck park, adorned with twinkle lights, fire pits and wooden recliners, plus space for the kids to play and stretch their legs.
- Mustard’s Last Stand: Simply put: Good old hot dogs, served any way you like them.
Ages 5–9
Things to Do:
- Gateway Park Fun Center: Mini golf, an arcade, go karts, batting cages — it’s good old-fashioned family fun on tap at this North Boulder favorite.
- Museum of Boulder: The Museum of Boulder always has something going on for families, with exhibits on themes ranging from dinos to wolves, special events and a maker studio called the Google Garage. The little ones will surely be entertained while also learning a thing or two in an engaging atmosphere.
- CU Museum of Natural History: A modest, downstairs children’s area is great if you need some down time to read and quietly explore. There are metal boxes stocked with touchable artifacts and books on local animal species, a hands-on animal footprint exhibit, a roomful of beetle displays, and free tea and coffee for mom and dad.
- Boulder Public Library: There are a variety of story times to choose from at the main BPL campus, Monday–Saturday. But the children’s library is great anytime for finding a comfy nook and getting hands on with classic stories and new favorites.
- Nature Hikes with OSMP: The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department has an outstanding guided hike program, even in winter. They include regular Nature for Kids & Parents series and engaging topics like Pokemon expeditions, Touch a Flatiron hikes, bear-spotting outings and much more.
Events:
- Snow Much Fun Light Displays: Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights illuminate Boulder's Civic Area and downtown Boulder late November to early January each year. Take a stroll through a winter wonderland of creative, themed displays, from Candy Cane Forests to Gum Drop Lanes.
- Fourth of July at the Reservoir: Come hang out on the banks of the beautiful Boulder Reservoir, with mountain views, swimming, picnicking and access to boat rentals. Later on that day, you can catch a spectacular lights show back in town at CU’s Folsom Field or partake in other Independence Day festivities.
Eat:
- Mountain Sun: A super-chill, super-Boulder eatery with classic burgers, a killer grilled cheese, salads and great beer for the grownups.
- Pasta Jay’s: You’ll smell yummy roasted garlic wafting out of Pasta Jay’s before you even reach the door. Red-and-white checked tablecloths and saucy Italian fare make this a longtime Boulder family favorite.
Ages 10–13
Things to Do:
- Hiking: Keep it nice and easy with the Bobolink Trail, where there are opportunities to toss pebbles or dip your toes in Boulder Creek. Or head to May’s Point, which is reachable from Boy Scout trail from the Flagstaff Summit. It’s a marvelous natural kid gymnasium of rocks for scrambling and climbing and hiding behind.
- The Boulder Reservoir: Head to “the Rez” for beach time and water recreation galore to please your little ones while you admire the views of the Flatirons.
- Bowling at CU: The Connection at University of Colorado has a bowling alley, with 10 state-of-the-art lanes open to the public. A well-stocked snack bar serves munchies and drinks.
- Fiske Planetarium: One of the most advanced planetarium systems in the U.S. projects dazzling, educational shows on topics like “Supervolcanoes,” “Bella Gaia – Beautiful Earth,” “Moons & Lasers” and “Celebration of Flight.”
- Indoor Rock Climbing: Exert some energy at ABC Kids Climbing Gym and pretend you’re in a Dr. Seuss story as you scramble over the colorful rock walls. Or head to The Spot, with two freestanding boulders and four additional bouldering walls.
Events:
- BolderBoulder: Run, walk or watch. This much-loved annual Memorial Day weekend event attracts more than 50,000 people, with runners in wacky costumes, bands playing along the route and a SportsExpo the days prior to the race.
- Pearl Street Arts Fest: In mid-July, talented sculptors, photographers, painters and craftspeople display their creations on Pearl Street. Kids will like the Mobile Art Lab, offering on-site instruction to students of all ages, and features like bounce houses and a climbing wall.
Eat:
- Rincon Argentino: Order up a batch of hot-out-of-the-oven empanadas, filled with meats and cheeses. This easy, to-go joint has a couple of patio tables or is great to take to a picnic at nearby Scott Carpenter Park.
- Sushi Zanmai: Sushi for kids? Well, yes. It’s a crazy-fun atmosphere, where sushi chefs welcome you at the door with a shout, waiters break out in birthday song and you can sit on floor cushions, if you’re lucky to score the right table. Kids may like the tempura vegetables, yaki udon noodles or grilled teriyaki chicken.