Summer in Colorado offers many opportunities to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and make new memories. From local Boulder events to Rockies games to outdoor activities, here’s our list of fun activities to do this summer.
Boulder activities
- Located near Pearl Street, the Boulder Farmers Market occurs every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning throughout the summer. Your student can shop from local vendors, enjoy delicious food and browse through regular artisan craft shows next to the Farmers Market.
- The Boulder Creek Festival and Bolder Boulder 10K are annual Memorial Day weekend celebrations. The Boulder Creek Festival includes three days of events, activities, carnival rides, food and entertainment. The Bolder Boulder 10K is known as "America's all-time best 10K". About 50,000 people will cross the finish line in CU Boulder’s Folsom Field on Memorial Day!
- The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company in association with CU Boulder. Since 1958, the festival has celebrated and explored Shakespeare and his continuing influence through productions of artistic quality, education and community engagement. Performances occur at CU Boulder throughout the summer, and students receive 25% off up to four tickets per performance with a valid Buff One Card.
- As long as outdoor temperatures are 75+ degrees, your student can take a plunge in the Buff Pool during open swim between 12 and 4 p.m.
- In July, your student can visit the Pearl Street Arts Fest. This outdoor gallery features whimsical and modern sculptures, traditional watercolors, oils and more.
Outdoor activities
- Boulder offers plenty of options for popular outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and camping. Your student can rent camping gear and other outdoor equipment through Rec Center Outdoor Programs.
- A summer activity unique to Boulder includes tubing down Boulder Creek. Share this article with your student for the need-to-know details before floating down the creek.
- Gross Reservoir, located just up Flagstaff Mountain in Nederland, is one of the Boulder area’s most beautiful attractions. Your student can hike around the reservoir, or relax and enjoy a picnic with the peaceful scenery.
- Additional summer activities including swimming, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, relaxing and more, are available at the Boulder Reservoir.
- Your student can also check out Boulder Falls, a hike that leads to Boulder’s beloved, gem-like waterfall! This hike is great for taking in the scent of the surrounding pine trees, feeling the cool mist rising off the falls and seeing wildlife!
- Fun fact: Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is the highest paved road in the U.S! Your student can explore this beautiful Colorado wonder, as well as other national parks in the area like Estes Park and Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Denver activities
- Your student can easily attend a Rockies baseball game at Coors Field near downtown Denver with their free bus pass. Be sure to check out their CU Boulder ticket package on August 16!
- For outdoor theme parks and water parks, your student can visit Elitch Gardens Theme Park or Water World.
- Located just outside of Denver, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre offers a unique live music experience with concerts all summer long.
- The Denver Arts Festival will be May 25-26. This festival is one of the top shows in the nation with over 50,000 people attending, and showcases both native and national artists.
- Whether your student enjoys window shopping or is looking for something new, they can find a variety of shops at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.
Additional activities and things to do can be found on these events calendars for Boulder and Denver.