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Fun for Your Extended Family in Boulder

Ideas for Every Generation

So, you’re bringing the kids, Nana, Pop-Pops, Auntie Sarah and Uncle Bob on your vacation to Boulder? Great choice! You’ll have no trouble finding activities for everyone to enjoy while you’re here. 

Best Bets for Everyone Together

After five false starts getting out of the hotel door, you'll be ready for fun! Head to one of these attractions or tours and rest easy that everyone will have a good time. 

Pearl Street

Boulder's historic downtown centers around Pearl Street, which is lined with shops and eateries. There are climbable sculptures, rock gardens to play in, street performers, a splash pad for summer, candy shops, coffee shops for hot chocolate in winter, and much more to explore.  

Kids sitting on bench drinking hot chocolate in downtown Boulder

Nature Hikes with OSMP

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) offers an ongoing series of educational nature programs on topics including ecology, wildlife, local history, night hikes and children’s programs. All are free and open to the public. Just check the schedule in advance.

Flatirons with Yellow Flowers

CU Museums

The CU Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of more than 4 million objects, from dino bones to Colorado's largest collection of bee specimens. Grandparents may enjoy the museum’s anthropology section, with its collections of Southwestern pottery and textiles and Navajo and Pueblo silverwork, while kids should head to the basement to play with a small collection of hands-on exhibits, puppets and learning kits. Your party can opt to split up, too, with older members heading to the worthwhile CU Art Museum, not too far across campus.

CU Art Museum

Photo: Patrick Campbell/University of Colorado

Fiske Planetarium

Also on the CU campus is Fiske Planetarium, whose 65-foot diameter dome is the largest between Chicago and Los Angeles. Check the schedule for family-friendly films like, “We Are Stars,” a visual exploration of cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins on Earth.

Fiske Planetarium

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Budget Tip

Stop in the Chautauqua Auditorium to watch free, open rehearsals with the Colorado Music Festival June-August.

For Grandparents

Grandparents and older members of your party might need a break from the kid-focused action. These choices combine mature interests with unique things to do.

History Tours

Eccentric characters and surprising events color Boulder's past, which you'll learn about as you see some of Boulder's best sights. Download our Historic Neighborhoods Walking Tour Map and saunter through the historic Hotel Boulderado, pioneer neighborhoods, Pearl Street Mall, the neighborhood of Mork & Mindy's famous TV house, public art, and eTown Hall

Chautauqua District

In 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua was built at the foot of the red rock formations known as the Flatirons. It was a family retreat created in the tradition of national Chautauquas of the time, focusing on culture, music, and nature. During summer, you can enjoy the Colorado Music Festival classic concerts at the Chautauqua Auditorium or catch the Silent Film Festival in the summertime — live accompaniment is played as the soundtrack for silent films. Dinner on the porch of the Chautauqua Dining Hall makes a great pre- or post-show experience.

Chautauqua Dining Hall

Dairy Arts Center

Every evening holds a different performance at the Dairy Arts Center — or just "The Dairy" to locals. Catch a theater or dance performance, see an art house flick at the Dairy’s Boedecker Cinema, or simply stop by to admire the exquisite local artwork on display in the galleries.

Dairy Arts Center

Ebikes

If not everyone is ready to power around town on a bike, consider renting electric-assist bikes for an extra boost. It’s a great way to get everyone out in the fresh air. View our guide to e-biking in Boulder for tours, more rental spots and routes.

Electric Cruiser Bike Tour Boulder

Bookstores and More

Boulder has a high number of bookstores per capita, and many of them are excellent for browsing and buying. Try the Boulder Book Store, Trident Booksellers or the more eccentric Beat Book Shop. You can also delve into Boulder’s literary scene.

Tulips in front of Boulder Bookstore

Date Night for Mom and Dad

The best perk of bringing the extended family on your trip is the free babysitting. If you can sneak out for an adults-only evening, here’s what to do.

The Bitter Bar

You’ll be in good hands with the seasoned mixologists at The Bitter Bar, one of Boulder’s original craft cocktail hot spots. Start here for drinks, preferably to catch their excellent happy hour.

Boulder Theater

The iconic, art deco-styled Boulder Theater is an acclaimed venue for live music performances by the likes of Shawn Colvin, the Pixies, Seether and Steve Earle. 

Boulder Theater Marquee

Flagstaff House

Hey, you don’t get out much! Really treat yourselves at this up-up-upscale restaurant perched above Boulder with views for days. The Flagstaff House is a popular place for special celebrations.

Bramble and Hare

With an interior that manages to be swanky yet laid-back at the same time — think faux-fur throws and low lighting — Bramble and Hare is a romantic setting for down-to-earth (yet sinfully delicious) cuisine, sourced from the chef’s own farm. This is also one of the few restaurants in Boulder that’s open into the wee hours.

Top photo: Pedro Szekely/Flickr Creative Commons