“Hey! It’s summer! Be free and happy and danceful and uninhibited and now‑y!” ~Terri Guillemets
It’s almost officially summer! Now is the time to go, go, go. With so many fun and adventurous things to do in Denver and Boulder during the sunny months of summer, there is no excuse to sit inside all day. Break out that sunscreen and explore!
- FREE bowling all summer long? Yes, please! Check out the website to find your closest participating location.
Fat Cats Fun Center
- The only location I am aware of is in Westminster, but they offer $1 bowling ($1 shoes) all summer long. They also offer discounts for their glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf.
- Arcade games and pool tables are available for a fee. You can also purchase food at the café/bar.
Summer Program at the Library
- Most libraries host a FREE reading program during the summer, giving away rewards and prizes. There are also several libraries that put on family events all summer long. Visit your local library or their website for details on what they offer.
Community Pool, Splash Pad, or Waterpark
- Recreation Center or local parks — pool or splash pad
- Elitch Gardens Water Park
- Water World
- The Bay Aquatic Park — I LOVE this place! There are several sections to the park, making it great for all ages, including toddlers.
Amusement Parks
Rockies Game
- When taking your nanny-kids, the rock pile seats are a great option for something cheap and memorable to do together
Day Camps
Chances are, most day camps are full at this point, but it’s always worth looking into. Check out this list of summer camps through out the Denver Metro area and Boulder on the Denver Metro Moms Blog.
Don’t forget to look into Vacation Bible Schools near you! They’re FREE!
Farmers Markets
- Visit Denver’s list of farmers markets
- You can visit the Boulder Farmers Market at 13th Street (ranging from Arapahoe Avenue to Canyon Blvd.)
- May through October on Wednesdays from 4pm–8pm and Saturdays from 8am-2pm
- April and November (only) on Saturdays 8am–2pm
Anything Outdoors
- The Denver Zoo
- The Botanic Gardens — York Street and Chatfield
- Mini Golf
- Meadow Music — Hike, sing, and learn about nature and science firsthand
- Parks and Lakes (FREE) — Have a picnic, Go on a walk, Play at a playground, Collect wildflowers, Play I-Spy
- Hiking and Biking Trails (FREE) — This is a good place to start if you don’t know where to go hiking with kiddos around Denver; and this is a list of kid-friendly bike trails around Denver
Looking for more fun activities to do with your nanny-kids? Along with several ideas found on my blog, Boulder also offers a great resource for activities of all kinds year round.
