Fort Collins is the ultimate summer destination spot in Northern Colorado. About an hour and a half north of Denver, Fort Collins is the perfect mix of mountains and city, and full of fun activities to do with your family over the summer months while your kids are on break from school. With fun interactive museums, local water parks, bowling alleys, and plenty of outdoor playgrounds and biking trails- there is a summer activity for every family. Below is a list of just a few of the fun family friendly options that kids of all ages will surely love! 

1) Old Town Square Splash Pad

Perfect for hot summer days when your kids are itching to get outside and cool off! Located in the historic Old Town Square in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, these pop water jets are on from 8am to midnight every day. It is open to children of all ages and dogs too, and there is plenty of seating around the splash pad for parents to sit back, relax and watch their kids play. Plus, Edison’s is just around the corner for when you need an ice cream pick me up!  

2) City Park Pool

City Park Pool and waterpark is located in City Park and according to the City of Fort Collins website is “…the best place to be during those hot summer days in Fort Collins”. It has a 30ft waterslide, a lazy river, shallow splash pools, and plenty of seating for families to sit back and relax. You can even rent the pools for parties or other private events, during normal hours or there is even an after hours option as well. And when you are done at the waterpark, you can head over to the grass areas in the City Park for a picnic and park games. 

3) Bike Along The Spring Creek Trail 

The Spring Creek Trail is a paved path that starts at Spring Creek Park, winds its way down through Rolland Moore Park, continues south a few blocks from Colorado State University, and eventually connects with the Poudre Trail to the east, or the Fossil Creek Trail to the west. This is a relatively easy bike ride for kids of all ages. Plus it passes through several parks and play grounds, so there are plenty of spots to stop and rest, or even shorten the bike ride a bit. 

4) Chippers 

Chippers is the ultimate summer activity spot featuring activities such as bowling, axe throwing, sand volleyball, arcade games, full restaurant and bar, and laser tag. No matter what activity you go there for, you are sure to have a good time with the whole family! They have two locations in Fort Collins, one on Horsetooth Ave. and the other in northern Fort Collins on College Ave. They are open 7 days a week and open for events such as birthday parties, retreats, and company outings. 

5) Fort Collins Museum of Discovery 

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a science, history, and culture museum for families of all ages. You can purchase your tickets in advance, or buy them at the door when you arrive (but in advance is preferred). They have plenty of hands-on exhibits on everything from music to fossils to bicycles and so much more. As of July 2026 ticket prices ranged from $12.75-$15.00, and children under 2 and museum members get in for free. This is a member run museum, so you can go in knowing that they have rotating exhibits that people truly want to see and experience. 

6) Howling Cow Cafe 

Howling Cow Cafe in Bellevue is a coffee shop that sells fun cafe drinks and locally made pastries. They also have a grocery section with curated foods from regional producers. But the highlight is the Morning Fresh Dairy Farm that produces the Noosa dairy products. You can even book a tour to meet the cows and see the facilities. Tours are only operating Thursday through Sunday, and you must book the tour in advance. When you go be sure to try a milk flight with some of their unique milk flavors! The craziest flavors I have seen there are Rootbeer and Apple Pie! Howling Cow is perfect for older kids who want a super unique and fun summer afternoon. Plus you can bike here from Fort Collins, just park at Lee Martinez Park and take the Poudre Trail. It’s about an 18 mile bike ride round trip. 

7) Sugar Beet Park 

Sugar Beet Park is one of Fort Collins newest play grounds and was named after the beet inspired shaped play structure that the park is built around. There are lots of covered picnic tables, lots of open grass space, new pickleball courts, and a pollinator garden with plants native to Northern Colorado. This is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic with the whole family. 

8) Fort Fun 

Fort Fun is a lakeside amusement park on the north side of Fort Collins right off Mulberry Street that has everything from mini golf, escape rooms, a giant slide, go karts, laser tag, and more. There is something for the whole family here, and it is available for birthday parties and other similar events! With both indoor and outdoor options, no matter what the weather is (Colorado afternoon thunderstorms amiright) you are sure to have a fun time! 

And as a bonus 9th option, book a family photo session with Kira Annette Photography! This is the perfect way to commemorate the summer, after all you only get 18 of those with your kids. Capture the sweet summer memories in a way that is fun, beautiful, and true to your family story. If you have more questions about what it looks like to do a family session and you can read my “Family Session FAQs” blog post by clicking HERE. Or to reach out for your session click HERE and I will send you an email within 48 hours with all the information you could need to know to book your dream family photo session.