Summer in Colorado

School is out – almost! Summer is so close we can practically feel it, except for the snowflakes that keep falling occasionally.

Here are some ideas for your summer in the Denver Metro Area. Most of these ideas are great starting points for traveling throughout the United States too!

Nature: The summer is a great time to see the flowers blooming and explore a trail. We often find new places to explore right down the road from us. It doesn’t have to be a trip far away to be an adventure. Some ideas for nature include local parks, regional parks, state parks, and national parks. 

The featured nature adventure is at Staunton State Park with the Track-Chair Program, which increases accessibility for visitors with limited mobility. The program does require a reservation, and there are volunteer opportunities also.

Water: Ready to make a splash? Water is a great way to cool down and relax. There are town pools, city pools, streams, splashpads, hot springs, and water parks. As always, follow safety rules, hours of operations, and learn more about the area you are going to before hopping in.

Festivals and Fairs: There is the Big Colorado State Fair that has concerts, rides, and entertainment. There are many county fairs, town festivals, and everything in between. Art festivals are one of our favorites for looking at photography, woodwork, and paintings. 

Farmer’s Markets: Farmer’s markets are great for handcrafted items, fresh produce, baked goods, and meat. There are often food trucks, street performers, and seating areas. 

The Boulder County Farmer’s Market consistently came up with great reviews when doing research on Colorado. We haven’t been there ourselves yet. This is being added to our list! 

Concerts:  There are so many concerts over the summer at amazing venues. My favorite concert experience was at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. It was a night of great music, an enthusiastic crowd, and beautiful surroundings.

More than a concert. More than an amphitheater. Did you know? The Red Rocks Amphitheater is actually Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. There are also nature trails, a historic trading post, and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

Plan ahead for parking if going on a day of a special event.

Museums: Wow, that was quite the list. Are you ready for the joy of air conditioning? Museums are a great way to learn something new while cooling off. There are numerous galleries and museums spanning from art to science.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) has new exhibits on a regular basis, IMAX (additional fee), a food court, and a section dedicated to children. This is one of our favorite museums since it is right near City Park in Denver, Colorado, which allows you quick access to the park itself and the Denver Zoo.