Things To Do With Kids This Summer

Trying to figure out what to do with your kids this summer?

Don’t worry, there are plenty of activities to enjoy Fort Collins all summer long! To be honest, our family doesn’t travel outside of Colorado much this season because we love to be in our state during the summer!

1. Great Spots to go Swimming!

There are lots of different spots to go swimming in the summer here. To name a few, the City Park Pool is a great spot for kids, young and old(er) alike. Find out more information here as it opens next weekend! If you get there early enough, you can snag a table and stay for a picnic lunch!

Horsetooth Reservoir in the later parts of the summer is also a great spot to go once the water has gone down and swim Beach is available. I also prefer to wait until late June to take my kids there because the water is still pretty cold from the snow runoff. Find out more info on the swim beaches and others spots here.

Then, if you have the youngest of kids, who aren’t quite swimming, yet, check out all the local splash pads that are available in Fort Collins here . Also – be sure to invite me because I love taking my kids to the splash pad in the summer!

2. Hiking!

Yes, you can still hike with your kids and I’d recommend a few shorter ones (and ones close to town) so that it’s not a huge mistake! #IYKYK !

Fort Collins has over 50 natural areas and counting and many of them are fully paved and super fun to take the kid, plus they are very close to the main town. I personally like Maxwell Natural Area and I love to do the "A" Hike. If you’re hitting a trail, make sure to go in the morning when it’s nice and cool and to beat the afternoon thunderstorms!

3. The Drive In!

Fort Collins also has a local drive-in called the holiday twin drive-in. This one is super fun: bring your blankets and pillows and set up a nice comfy spot in the back

of your car. Be sure to get there early since most of the showings are on the weekend. Please plan accordingly for a later night - showings don't start until dusk!

4. Visit the Old Town Exchange:

Our family personally loves to go to the exchange on the north side of old town on hot Summer nights. You can go for dinner, dessert, or a drink. Either way, there’s a great spot for the kids to play and mingle with other kiddos. We usually like to go because our kids have pent-up energy and they can meet some new friends! We also like to go and enjoy a margarita or a drink at Vatos Tacos or Coppermuse. See their events here .

5. Check out the Food Truck Rally on Tuesday nights:

We love going to the food truck rally in the summer and it runs on Tuesday evenings in the summer from 530 to Dusk starting May 16 and ending September 19th. If you live remotely close, it's a blast to bike in instead of trying to find a place to park. They even have a section on their website, showing what is gluten-free and dairy free for those of us who have allergies. Check out their vendors here.

6. Take a visit to Jessup Farm.

If your kids are younger, like mine, take them over to Jessup Farm. You can take them to the Farmhouse at Jessup Farm for a meal, or, my personal favorite, we like to head to Bindle Coffee and grab a magic muffin or a Iced Honey Lavender Latte and then head over to visit the chicken coop there (behind the Farmhouse!) Sometimes if you’re lucky, you’ll see the train go by! Visit their website here.