STEM Activities for Meetings & Groups

Science-Inspired Group Activities

Get Hands-On With Climate Science at NCAR

Visiting the The U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR) Mesa Lab is an iconic Boulder experience that gives groups a chance to explore interactive exhibits on climate, weather and atmospheric science, enjoy guided tours led by experts and take in panoramic views from scenic hiking trails around the NFS NCAR Mesa Lab on the Walter Orr Roberts Weather Trail. 

Learn the Science of the Stars with Elevated Astronomy

Boulder has produced 20 astronauts, including one of the first, Scott Carpenter. It's no wonder Boulder has one of the country's best astronomy tours. Go along with Elevated Astronomy to gather at a scenic trailhead just outside town for a two-hour stargazing session using high-powered telescopes and guidance from an engaging professional astronomer. Amid crisp mountain air, participants learn to identify constellations with laser pointers, observe planets, nebulae and galaxies, and enjoy hands-on interaction with telescopes — no hiking required. 

Learn How Weather Is Forecasted at NOAA

A group visit to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Boulder offers a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge research in weather forecasting, climate monitoring and environmental science, with opportunities to tour labs, meet scientists and learn how data from satellites and models inform everything from daily forecasts to global policy. It’s an engaging, educational experience at the forefront of Earth science innovation.

See the Atomic Clock at NIST

Did you know Boulder is the official timekeeper for the nation? See the atomic clock that sets the standard time for the U.S. on a visit to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Plus get glimpses into the science of precision by touring labs and learning how researchers develop the standards that underpin technology, timekeeping and advanced manufacturing. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the science that quietly powers modern life.

Bring a Planetarium to You

Fiske Planetarium at the University of Colorado Boulder welcomes groups for star shows and meetings under their dome, or they can bring their portable mini dome to your location to present immersive, interactive astronomy experiences — like a guided tour of the night sky or hands-on moon phases and solar system activities. They also provide engaging demonstrations such as meteorite identification, stomp rocket launches, kinesthetic astronomy, solar observing, star parties, and Q&A sessions with graduate student astronomers, adaptable to your group's size and schedule.

Get New Perspectives on a Hike with a Naturalist

The City of Boulder OSMP’s team of naturalists offers fascinating guided walks through the area's iconic open space, highlighting local ecology, wildlife, geology and cultural history. These expert-led outings can be tailored to different interests — from butterflies to ancient geology — making them a memorable way to connect with nature while learning about Boulder’s unique landscape.

Predict Weather Events and More at the Museum of Boulder

Science research is simply part of Boulder’s DNA, a fact you can explore at the Museum of Boulder. Groups can explore hands-on tech exhibits — like projecting the Sun’s surface, predicting space weather events, or exploring atomic clock precision and NASA’s Kepler mission in the immersive Boulder Experience. They’ll also uncover interactive connections between Boulder’s innovation heritage and natural systems, engaging with multimedia storytelling, maker space style challenges, and real-world science woven into local history.

Tour a Puzzle Factory

Got a group with an engineering bent? They’ll be intrigued by a visit to the Liberty Puzzles factory in Boulder for a peek into the precise craftsmanship and engineering behind the company’s beloved wooden jigsaw puzzles. Watch high-powered laser cutters carve intricate designs from maple plywood and witness quality control checks on hundreds of unique whimsy-shaped pieces.

Gaze Into Galaxies at Sommers-Bausch Observatory

At CU’s Sommers-Bausch Observatory, enjoy a 45-60 minute guided tour led by University of Colorado astrophysics grad students, who demonstrate the 24‑inch Boller & Chivens and two 20‑inch Planewave telescopes. Evening observing experiences let science groups peer through powerful scopes to view planets, stars and nebulae, offering a hands‑on astronomy adventure that merges instrumentation with celestial exploration.

Infusing Science Into Your Meeting

Bring in a Science Speaker

Since Boulder is rife with scientists, educators and researchers, you can leverage this local intelligence by bringing in speakers and panelists to meet with your group. We can help connect you with CU Boulder faculty in aerospace, environmental science or tech innovation; leaders from local tech companies like Google and IBM, scientists from federal labs and other experts in topics ranging from AI and quantum computing to climate science.

Go for Gift Bags That Do Good

Boulder has the highest per-capita concentration of B Corps in the nation — companies where environmental conservation and social responsibility are equally as important as revenues. Take the opportunity to fill your team’s swag bags with goodies like Purely Elizabeth granola, Conscious Coffees or Bhakti Chai. You’ll feel good knowing that each purchase contributes to the environment or worthy causes. 

Go Green

Environmentalism is a key component of Boulder's DNA, and the resulting Universal Zero Waste Ordinance requires properties in Boulder to recycle and compost. Offer your own trio of bins (waste, recycle and compost) at every point where trash is collected at your conference or event. Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) will accept food waste and recycling is widely available in Boulder. Want to get greener? Read our green meeting guide to Boulder.

Science-Related Venues

Selecting a science-themed venue offers a unique and inspiring backdrop. Given the city's strong ties to scientific research and innovation, such a setting can significantly enhance the atmosphere and engagement of your gathering.