Looking for free family fun this summer around Colorado? The state is packed with adventures for families, nature lovers, music fans, and anyone wanting to explore. From mountain gondola rides and wildlife refuges to summer concerts, festivals, museums, and indoor play spots, there’s so many things happening this summer!
FREE Summer Fun in Colorado
Free Outdoor Adventures and Nature Spots
Garden of the Gods
One of Colorado’s most iconic destinations, Garden of the Gods offers scenic drives, hiking trails, unique rock formations, and endless photo opportunities — all completely free. Pack a lunch or snacks and take in some of Colorados beauty!
Lair o’ the Bear Park
One of our favorite hikes with creek play, Lair o’ Bear has shaded picnic areas and a castle! Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes and lunch!
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge is a perfect outing for a slow afternoon. Drive or walk through the refuge! You can see bison, deer, coyotes, bald eagles, and more.
Fountain Valley Loop
We love walking this loop and playing eye spy! There are great rock formations to look at while you’re walking the loop.
Evergreen Nature Center
The Evergreen Nature Center peaceful stop for learning about local ecosystems and wildlife near Evergreen Lake. Pro tip: Bring comfy shoes to walk Evergreen Lake after!
Telluride Gondola
Ride one of the few free gondolas in the country while soaking in breathtaking mountain views between Telluride and Mountain Village.
Morrison Nature Center
This nature center has interactive exhibits including ambassador animals, walking trails, and birdwatching!
Majestic View Nature Center
Hands-on exhibits, gardens, and nature programs are featured in the Majestic View Nature Center. A great place for kids to explore, while getting out of the house!
Bear Creek Nature Center
Bear Creek Nature Center of our favorite all-year adventures! They offer hands-on exhibits, nature trails, and family events.
Hudson Gardens
Walk through Hudson Gardens through gardens, ponds, and trails. Perfect for a more relaxed outing!
Free Farms and Animal Experiences
The Bee Hugger Farm
Families can visit farm animals, stroll the property, and play with their onsite toys! There are pony rides, local honey and lettuce to feed the farm animals for small fee.
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch
The free play area is perfect for kids to climb, run around and burn energy. You can also browse their locally sourced market. Don’t miss their special pop-up events:
- June 21, 2026
- July 12, 2026
- August 9, 2026
- September 13, 2026
- November 8, 2026
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park
This farm is a favorite family stop for our family to see farm animals, learn a bit about the history and play at the nearby playground!
Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center
Located along the river, the raptor center offers free bird of prey shows every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 AM.
Durango Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum
Learn about Colorado wildlife and fish conservation. This is a great option before or after a family hike!
Live Goat Encounter in Northglenn
Mix it up with a goat visit along with other animals! Watch and learn why goats are such big helpers.
Free Museums and Educational Activities
Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Dive into Colorado history through hands-on exhibits and artifacts at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Take advantage of a FREE admission day in 2026:
- Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth)
- Monday, August 24
- Tuesday evening, September 1 (4–9 p.m.)
CU Museum of Natural History
A fun and educational stop featuring fossils, wildlife exhibits, and Colorado history.
CSU Spur
Hands-on learning experiences focused on veterinary science, agriculture, water, and sustainability. My toddler has asked to come back here almost daily! It was a lot of fun.
Four Mile Historic Park
Free admission days are scheduled for:
- June 26
- July 24
Reservations are required in advance.
Free Libraries and Indoor Play Spaces
LINC Library Innovation Center
We drive 50 minutes for this library! It’s a modern library with a children’s museum inside. Perfect for a hot day and wanting to explore somewhere new!
Douglas County Libraries
Check out six different play scapes are offered throughout the libraries. Unique, hands-on play stations to let the kids’ imaginations run wild.
Boulder Public Library – Main
The main library in Boulder great kids area including a fun outdoor area and slide!
Northglenn Recreation Center
Free indoor playground to let the kids burn off some energy and escape the heat.
Free Summer Concerts and Entertainment
Bands on the Bricks
Wednesdays from June 10 – July 29, 2026, Pearl Street comes alive with free outdoor concerts and dancing.
HRCA Summer Concert Series
Bring a blanket and snacks while enjoying free live music at the HRCA Summer Concert Series.
Palisade Park Concert Series
A fun community concert series in Broomfield. Pro tip: Bring bug spray, chairs, and a snack!
Kids Sing-A-Long
Every Wednesday morning at The Table Public House. Let the kids sing and dance. After they can play in the play area and make new friends!
Estes Park Cowboy Sing-A-Long
Classic western fun and music in the mountains in Estes Park.
Westminster Summer Movie in the Park
Family friendly outdoor movie nights during the summer.
Park After Dark
Enjoy evening entertainment, activities, and community fun under the stars at Park After Dark in Commerce City.
Free Festivals and Community Events
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
The Colorado Dragon Boat festival, Aug. 29-30, features performances, food, and dragon boat races. It gets busy, so get there early!
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
An incredible celebration of art, music, and creativity, July 3-5.
Denver Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate Japanese culture, performances, and community at Sakura Square at the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, June 27-28.
Juneteenth Music Festival
A vibrant celebration of culture, music, food, and history on June 20.
Denver Chalk Art Festival
Watch artists transform sidewalks into colorful masterpieces at the Denver Chalk Art Festival, June 6-7.
Brighton Summerfest
A family friendly festival on June 6 packed with activities and entertainment for everyone!
Cross Currents Riverside Festival
A riverside celebration on July 11 featuring art, music, and memories. A festival for keeping the Platte River clean!
TroutFest Colorado
TroutFest is a must-visit event at Coors Field for those who love the outdoors and fishing!
Global Fest
Experience food, music, dance, and traditions from cultures around the world at Global Fest, June 14 in Aurora.=
First Friday Art Walks
Explore galleries, street performers, and local art on the first Friday of every month.
First Fridays at Festival Park in Castle Rock
Enjoy live music, local vendors, and family friendly entertainment at First Fridays. Explore more of Castle Rock while you are there!
Dam Ducky Derby
A quirky and fun tradition in Evergreen. Watch the rubber ducks race to finish line on August 1.
Free Activities for Kids
Tebo Train
A cute pit stop along Boulder’s Pearl St. Running Monday–Friday from 9:30–11 a.m. through September 4th. Donations are suggested but not required!
Arvada Marketplace Kids Club
Free events with hands on science, art and physical education.
Bubble Palooza at the Arvada Marketplace
Expect giant bubbles, foam fun, and outdoor excitement for kids at Bubble Palooza, Aug. 9.
Promenade Kids Day
Arts and crafts, face painting, DJ, games, giveaways and so much more at Promenade Kids Day on June 17.
Adventure and play based learning don’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re hiking, dancing at summer concerts, visiting farms, or exploring museums, there are so many free ways to make memories across the state this summer.
Save this list, share it with friends, and start planning your next free Colorado adventure!
