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.
