Daytripping: Kid Friendly Destinations in Boulder, Colorado

The beautiful town of Boulder.

In Breezy Mama’s ongoing quest to explore different kid-friendly destinations, this week we’re taken to Boulder, Colorado–one of those cities that when people visit, they can’t stop talking about it on their return. For good reason–there is a slew of things to do, all in the quaintness of a small town setting. It’s a mecca for the outdoorsy type, offering everything from hiking to skiing, a role model for the hippy in each of us–mandatory composting is one example of how green Boulder is–and has a ton of gourmet restaurants for the foodie in us. I’ve “lost” several friends to Boulder, one of which is Danica, who relocated from California about eight years ago and is now raising her family there. Breezy Mama asked Danica for her ideas on how she keeps entertained with the wee ones plus she gave us some great tips for families that plan to visit Boulder. But remember, even if a Boulder trip is not in your future, these ideas may get you inspired to find new kid friendly adventures in your own home town.

10. Farmer’s Market – A perfect Saturday–we ride our bikes to the Boulder Farmer’s Market and shop for locally grown food, flowers and things totally Boulder; like Microbe Brew Compost Tea, local pestos, the juiciest peaches you’ll ever taste and every kind of mushroom you could imagine. After you are done shopping the stalls grab some chicken and basil potstickers and a tasty lemonade and sprawl out under the sun on the big lawn next to Boulder Creek. More often than not there will be a fair or festival in the park nearby. On a really hot day, dip your toes in the creek or get adventurous and rent an inner tube.   http://www.boulderfarmers.org/boulder/boulder.html

Inside the Dushanbe Tea House.

9. Dushanbe Teahouse – For a truly unique and totally Boulder experience, grab brunch at the Dushanbe Teahouse. The food is exotic and yummy and the teahouse itself was sent over from Boulder’s sister city in Tajikistan, Japan and reassembled next to Boulder Creek. The hand painted columns, panels and woodcarvings are beautiful. If you’re lucky you can score a corner table and sit atop a throne of cushions.  http://www.boulderteahouse.com/

The Chautauqua Park Dining Hall.

8. Chautauqua Park – If a great day’s worth of adventuring is what you’re looking for, head to Chautauqua Park. Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at the Dining Hall, head out on a hike to explore the Flatirons, and relax in the shade of the large lawn with an afternoon picnic.  This is Classic Boulder and a must see. If you are lucky, there will be a summer concert in the barn–skip the tickets and sprawl on a blanket outside the open doors for a free concert. There are historic cottages sprinkled through the park for rent–perfect for gathering with friends or family.  http://www.chautauqua.com/

7. Sunflower Farm – For a good-old fashioned day on the farm, head to Sunflower Farms just outside of Boulder. Hay and carriage rides, petting zoo, ponies and tons of kid activities will make you wish you lived back in the olden days.  http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com/about_us.htm

Pearl Street Mall.

6. Pearl Street Mall – You can’t visit Boulder without strolling Pearl Street.  It’s great at anytime and in anyway you choose. Pearl Street Mall is made up of a pedestrian promenade through downtown Boulder and it’s stocked with beautiful flowers, great kid spaces, fabulous restaurants and local shops. Definitely stop and make time for the street performers–they have one of a kind shows.  http://www.boulderdowntown.com/visit/history-of-pearl-street

5. Celestial Seasonings – We love to take out of town visitors to the Celestial Seasonings tea factory. It never gets boring to tour the factory (free!) and then clear out your sinuses in the mint room. Lots of samples of tea before and after will warm you up on a chilly day.  http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/

The Banjo Billy Bus.

4. Banjo Billy Bus – Totally random and totally fun. Take a tour of Boulder’s historic and haunted sites in Banjo Billy’s salvaged school bus that’s a traveling hillbilly shack. It’s definitely another crowd pleasing activity for friends and family. We have done it hundreds of times and each tour is different. Fill your kids’ sippies with milk and yours with wine and head out for a rambunctious and hilarious tour of Boulder.  http://www.banjobilly.com/

3. Rooftop Decks – Summer’s are long and warm and we love riding our bikes downtown for a drink or dinner on one of the many rooftop decks along Pearl Street. Try one of The Rio’s famous margaritas, an appetizer at The Foundry, a fantastic burger and mac ‘n’ cheese at The West End, or a rack of ribs at The Lazy Dog. Great for date night or a family outing.

2. Boulder’s Multi Use Paths – One of our favorite family activities is to head out on the bike paths that run all through Boulder. The best is the Boulder Creek Path that follows the creek through town. Whether you are on foot, bike, rollerblading, or walking with a stroller, the trails are wide and popular and there are lots of great spots along the way to explore.

1. Ice Skating Rink – Besides the other obvious winter activities in Boulder (skiing, sledding, snow-shoeing) we love a lazy afternoon ice-skating at the downtown rink. My favorite part is grabbing a hot chocolate and laughing at my husband as he skids around on the ice. The rink is a great place to teach your kiddos to skate and brush up on your ice skills at the same time.  http://www.bouldericerink.com/

About Danica: Danica lives in Boulder with her husband Dave, their 19 month old son, Westy, and the family dog, Emma. She loves to travel and entertain and has a passion for all things outdoors.

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