Mystic San Luis Valley Region
Sand sledding and boarding: The young and young at heart love to slide down the soft sands at Grand Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve near Alamosa. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito: Hop aboard this 1880s scenic wonder to see the area by rail. Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca: See and even handle some of the more than 300 alligators and other scaly critters. Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in Monte Vista: Discover avocets, killdeer, white-faced ibis, herons and other wildlife. Wild Waters in Walsenburg: Float in the lazy river or shoot down the water slides.
Childrens Play Area At The Foothills Fashion Mall
215 East Foothills Parkway
Fort Collins doesnt have much of a mall , but if you have children 5 and younger, youll enjoy spending a rainy day at the 2200-square foot play area at the Foothills Fashion Mall. Children love climbing on the kid-safe, oversized sports equipment like the soccer ball, hockey puck, and sneaker-shaped slide. The walls are painted with giant murals of animals clad in sports clothing. 970-226-2441.
Silver Grill Fort Collins Co
Located in Old Town, Silver Grill has been a beloved Fort Collins institution since 1933. The restaurant has undergone several renovations and expansions, and today, the establishment is cozy and welcoming with wooden floors, enormous windows overlooking the street, brick walls, and comfortable seating arrangements in the form of tables and booths. The breakfast and lunch menus feature old-fashioned and delectable comfort food you wont know what to choose.
You can have eggs any which way you can imagine, sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Everything is simply delicious, and the portions are generous. However, what draws most people to the Silver Grill are their giant cinnamon rolls. They have been making them since 1986, and over the year, they have developed the perfect recipe. If you dont have room for a giant cinnamon roll, dont worry they make smaller versions as well.
218 Walnut Street, Fort Collins, Colorado, Phone: 970-484-4656
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Hiking Trails And Open Spaces
If youre used to hiking in Boulder or Summit County, it might feel like youve left the state while gazing over the Eastern plains in Coyote Ridge Natural Area. This welcoming preserve with 2.2 miles of well-marked trail accessed via a parking lot on the west side of Taft Hill Road is just 10 miles south of Old Town.
During an easy mile-long ascent along Coyote Ridge Trail, youre liable to spy burrowing owls, and plenty of prairie dogs, before reaching the Hidden Clues Trail, a short, interpretive loop encouraging children to become nature detectives by observing their surroundings.
West of Old Town, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is another great option, with 29 miles of hiking and biking trails connecting to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park. The 2,711-acre plot is named for its distinctive Horsetooth Rock formation. For families with children, though, nothing beats a 2.4-mile out-and-back trek to Horsetooth Falls, which is still a worthwhile target, even if the fall is more of a trickle by late summer.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires a $9 entry fee, payable to a ranger by credit card or cash. The lot fills up fast on weekends, and rangers limit the number of cars waiting in line to enter. Your best bet is to arrive by 8 a.m. on weekends and holidays, or visit on a weekday.
Things To Do With Kids In Fort Collins Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
We chose to spend two weeks in Fort Collins, Colorado, a college town about one hour north of Denver. This was used as a base for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, and just for exploring a new city. Fort Collins, to me, is like a massive sprawling suburb, with a lot of open, green space. The Rocky Mountains are within view in the distance to the west, but to the east, it is the beginning of the great, flat plains. If I were to settle down in Colorado, I think this city would be one of my top picks.
We spent one evening strolling around Old Town Fort Collins, which was touted as the inspiration for Disney Worlds Main Street. It was a quaint little area, with tons of restaurants and shops. We liked the Pianos About Town. These were beautifully painted pianos set up all around the area for the general public to play. Fort Collins is also home to Colorado State University, and it definitely has that college town feel.
Fossil Lake & Spring Canyon Parks
One thing that the boys and I love to do in a new city is find and visit playgrounds during the day. We found two gems in Fort Collins Fossil Lake Park and Spring Canyon Community Park. Fossil Lake was mammoth themed. This park included a rock climbing wall of mammoth bones, incredible views, walking paths, tennis, baseball, skate park, and a lake path.
Spring Canyon had a huge play area and a slide coming down a mountain side, complete with climbable rocks which my kids so enjoy.
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Things To Do This Weekend In Fort Collins: June 17
June 14, 2021 by Anne Carlson
From an Alice in Wonderland live maze to a nerf war with your dad and catching some sun while doing yoga in the park or on your paddle boardthis weekend has it all! Happy Summer Solstice and Fathers Day!
Thursday, June 17
Outdoor StorytimeJoin them outdoors for stories, music, fingerplays and fun! 10-11am. Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams, Loveland, CO
Outdoor Movie: Three AmigosThree actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to perform their onscreen bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing. Starts at 9pm. The Lyric, 1209 N College Ave, Fort Collins, CO
Summer Concert SeriesMark your calendars, Thursday night summer concerts are back! Pre-registration may be required. Please check recreationliveshere.com for details and current COVID-19 restrictions. 6:30-8:30pm. Boardwalk Park, 100 N 5th St, Windsor, CO
Magical and Mythical Animals in Human ImaginationKrakens and Griffins and Hydras, OH MY! Fantastical creatures through the eyes of children around the world come to life with Magical and Mythical Animals in Human Imagination, opening April 2 at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures. The exhibit showcases extraordinary drawings by youth ages 5-16 from 13 different countries. Daily through July 24. Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 West Mountain Ave., Unit C, Fort Collins, CO
Friday, June 18
Saturday, June 19
Sunday, June 20
Explore Colorado State Universitys Campus
CSU has a rich history to match the history of Fort Collins. Established in 1870 as an agricultural college , Colorado State University has many engineering and architectural examples of the late 19th century.
This includes the picturesque Oval Drive, which was designed by civil engineering students and faculty as a model to demonstrate how roads could be built from native materials. And speaking of which, thats the first place we recommend visiting on campus!
Stroll through The Oval
The Oval at Colorado State University is a hidden gem in Fort Collins. Its a beautiful and serene place filled with grass and 100-year-old Elm trees. Its a lovely place to have a picnic or take an autumn stroll in the cold crisp air surrounded by colorful fall foliage!
The Oval is located on the CSU campus but is super easy to get to and is in an area that isnt usually very populated. I recommend going on the weekend or after 4 PM, when parking on campus is free! If you go earlier, you can park on a public street nearby and walk over if you want to avoid paying for parking.
- Local Tip: If you walk over to the oval, stop by Mugs Coffee Shop and grab a mug of fair-trade coffee to sip as you stroll.
Watch a Football Game at CSUs New Stadium
If youre visiting during football season, one of the best things to do in Fort Collins is to go to a game and cheer on the CSU rams!
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Play Arcade Games At Pinball Jones
Step back in time with a visit to Pinball Jones a fun, nostalgic destination for all ages. Since 2011, this Fort Collins institution has offered rows and rows of classic pinball and arcade games at two locations, plus air hockey, bowlers, snacks and more. Kids will love the pinball machines, ranging from electromechanical masterpieces of the 1960s to the hottest new games on the market today. Pinball Jones also has an impressive selection of arcade games, including a 4-player PacMan table, racing units, and air hockey. Be sure to bring plenty of quarters!
Why You Should Go
Start your Fort Collins vacation by visiting this terrific brewery, featuring an impressive menu of exquisite alcoholic beverages.
It also offers you non-alcoholic and gluten-free options if you are following a special diet.
Many food trucks park by this brewery, offering you many delicious food choices while enjoying a pint of beer.
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Explore Pawnee National Grasslands
Located 25 miles northeast of Greeley about an hour east of Fort Collins, Pawnee National Grassland is a 193,060-acre grassland ideal for outdoor recreation. Internationally known as a popular birding area, you can also hike, bike, camp, picnic, horseback ride, stargaze and watch wildlife. Throughout its fascinating history, the land has seen the promise of the frontier, the tragedy of the Dust Bowl and the regrowth of the west.
Operating year-round, The Farm at Lee Martinez Park provides hands-on animal interactions and farm education. Attractions include farm animals, a museum and farm store, hayrides, and pony rides. For more farm fun and to view upcoming programs, .
Locally and family-owned, Rollerland offers roller skating on a 12,000 square-foot rink, fun throughout the three-level, indoor playground, an exciting laser maze and an arcade complete with skeeball, air hockey, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Pac-Man and more!
Breakfast At Silver Grill Cafe
The Silver Grill is the oldest restaurant in Northern Colorado, serving legendary breakfast and lunch dishes daily. Wooden floors, huge windows looking out into Old Town, and famous cinnamon rolls give this charming restaurant a special place in the heart of Fort Collins. A perfect pick to be on the Fort Collins Foodie Itinerary.
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park introduces kids to agricultural heritage by letting them meet farm animals up close ponies are available for rides in the summer.
600 N Sherwood
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About The Youth Clinic
The Youth Clinic providers are Northern Colorados specialists in the treatment of infants, children, and young adults for 50 years and counting. Whether your child is a newborn infant or a college-bound adult, our clinical providers are specifically trained to treat and care for your children from infancy to adolescence. In addition to our primary care providers, including 11 Pediatricians and 8 Physician Assistants, The Youth Clinic also has a Pediatric Psychologist, a Speech Therapist, a Registered Dietitian, a Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician, Lactation Specialists, and an Occupational Therapistall available on site. In addition, the Youth Clinic provides access to an on-call physician and phone nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekdemonstrating our commitment to access, quality, and education in your childs healthcare.
Fun Things To Do In Fort Collins With Kids Family Friendly Activities
- Christina Rado
What did Disneyland and Fort Collins have in common?
The formers Main Street USA was based out of the latters old town.
In addition to this claim to fame, Fort Collins has an underwater town, an old-school drive-in movie theater and the oldest city streetcar still running its old route as you read this post.
These things help bring in millions of visitors to the city each year.
But of course, there are a lot of cooler reasons why you should consider visiting Fort Collins on your next family getaway.
Allow me to introduce you to some of the most unique places and top fun things to do in Fort Collins with kids hand-picked just for you.
Read on and let the fun begin!
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Global Village Museum Of Arts And Cultures
Located on West Mountain Avenue, the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures displays exhibits of international folk art. The Main Gallery contains a collection of objects from Southeast Asia while the Hall Gallery features the “Global Lens of Fine Photography” exhibit by Joe Coca .
Another popular attraction is the Mundoville Gallery, which showcases a collection of miniature houses, dolls, and other objects, while the Village Arts Gallery exhibits folk art from various places around the world including Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The museum offers several programs such as Story Time at the Museum and the Fort Collins Gallery Walk. Group tours are available by appointment.
200 West Mountain Avenue # C, Fort Collins, Colorado, Phone: 970-221-4600
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Go Ice Skating At Epic Or The Old Town Skate Rink
What is more quintessential than ice skating in the winter? Fort Collins has plenty of opportunities for ice skating, including right in the heart of town at the Old Town Skate Rink, which is operating all the way through Saturday, February 5, 2022. All weekend long, you can skate under twinkling lights and enjoy the holiday lights adorning the rest of Old Town through Valentines Day. The best part? Admission and skate rentals are completely free and no reservations are needed!
And later in the season, you can go ice skating at the Edora Pool Ice Center , Northern Colorados premier ice and aquatics facility with an indoor pool, two indoor ice rinks, concessions and more. for more information about skating at EPIC, including the schedule for public skate times.
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Wander Old Town Fort Collins
See the inspiration for Disneylands Main Street, USA
| Website | Browse Tours on Viator
Old Town Fort Collins is a beautiful, historic place to spend an afternoon browsing the shops, stopping for coffee or ice cream, and people-watching. The man responsible for Disneylands Main Street USA grew up here and used the buildings of downtown Fort Collins as part of his inspiration for the Disneyland design. Downtown Fort Collins is easily walkable, but there are also historic streetcars and modern-day buses that can get you around as well.
Need a Hotel? The Armstrong Hotel is in Old Town Fort Collins and opened in the 1920s. Its within walking distance of breweries and restaurants and keeps with the old town feel of the area. Its definitely one of the best places to stay in Fort Collins.
Things To Do This Winter With Kids In Fort Collins
Come winter, it can be a bit more difficult to keep our little ones busy, as options like parks and swimming holes are less of an option. Yet, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Fort Collins during the winter, from indoor activities like bowling and crafting to outdoor adventures like ice skating and going to the winter farmers market.
Counter the inevitable Im bored with this list of winter activities in Fort Collins. See how many things you can check off your to-do list before spring!
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Museum Of Art Fort Collins
Take in art from local and farther-flung artists
| Phone: 482-2787 | Website | Hours: 10 am 5 pm Wed Fri, 12 pm 5 pm Sat & Sun, closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $5, adults, $1 under 18, under 7 free
See sculptures, paintings, and art in a variety of other mediums at the Museum of Art Fort Collins. The museum has a variety of exhibitions so each time you go, you may find something new. The building itself is even a work of art the Old Post Office building is a Fort Collins local landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bike Ride On The Poudre River Trail
The Poudre River Trail is one of Fort Collins many paved bike/pedestrian trails that link nature and commuting. This trail meanders along the Poudre River for 10.10 miles from the Western foothills to the Eastern Plains of Fort Collins. Learn how to use Fort Collinsbike share program Pace to rent a bike.
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Best Restaurant In Fort Collins
Looking for an interesting and unique dining spot for your next night out, or planning ahead for Christmas? These cool restaurants in Fort Collins offer something different and make for some of the best dinner spots in the city.
The places on the Time Out list of Fort Collinss best restaurants have been handpicked by our local Food editor. They all have great food, but also offer a fantastic experience: great staff, a cool space, maybe a leafy terrace. And all at the right price. This doesnt necessarily mean cheap , but definitely does mean value for money.
And here is the coolest dinner spots in the city to book now
