50 Fun Summer Things to Do in Colorado with Kids

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Are you taking a trip or thinking of summer vacation plans? Colorado might be known for its world-class skiing, but there is also plenty of great things to do with kids in Colorado in the summer.

Keeping the kids entertained during summer break can sometimes seem like a never-ending task. Whether you want to take a trip to the mountains or stay closer to Denver, you won’t have any problems finding family-friendly activities that everyone will enjoy.

Things to do in Colorado with Kids in the summer

So get out of the house (or hotel) and have some summer Rocky Mountain fun!

Animal Attractions

Fun Summer Things to Do in Colorado with the Kids

Denver Zoo (Denver)

The Denver Zoo, set on 84 acres in the heart of Denver, is home to more than 3,000 animals representing hundreds of different species from around the world.

The zoo has a number of interactive exhibits, like the Pinnacol African Penguin Point, Elephant Passage, and Predator Ridge to name a few. These exciting exhibits allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s most popular inhabitants.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs)

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a one-of-a-kind zoo set on the side of gorgeous Cheyenne Mountain located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is home to many animals including over 30 endangered species.

The zoo has such exhibits as Water’s Edge: Africa, Asian Highlands, and My Big Backyard where you will see popular animals such as hippos, giraffes, sloths, a variety of birds and reptiles, and much more.

Pueblo Zoo (Pueblo)

The Pueblo Zoo is a small, 25-acre zoo located in Pueblo City Park in Pueblo, Colorado. The park-like setting makes this zoo a relaxing retreat as well as a fun zoo experience that the whole family will enjoy.

It is home to more than 400 animals representing more than 125 species. The zoo has numerous species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, and insects.

Wild Animal Sanctuary (Keenesburg)

The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado is a 720-acre refuge for rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other animals.

It is important that visitors remember that the Sanctuary is not a Zoo and provides a far different experience than what most people are used to. The animals have been rescued from various situations and live in large open habitats where they can roam as opposed to an exhibit designed specifically for viewing. However, there is an elevated 1.5-mile long walkway that spans across the habitats to provide ample opportunity for viewing the animals in the sanctuary.

Colorado Gators Reptile Park (Mosca)

The Colorado Gators Reptile Park is a small, family-owned reptile park located in Mosca, Colorado. The park is home to more than 2,000 reptiles representing more than 150 species.

The reptile park is more than just gators. Over the years they have received dozens of unwanted, illegal, and abused reptiles from all over the world. Now the refuge holds not only alligators, but snakes, tortoises, iguanas, and snapping turtles.

They have been able to expand their sanctuary through fundraising to also acquire various bird species and a tropical biodome.

Downtown Aquarium (Denver)

The Downtown Aquarium is a large aquarium located in Denver, Colorado. The aquarium has Downtown Aquarium is home to over 500 species of animals, including the Stingray Reef touch tank, restaurant, Dive Lounge, and fun for the entire family.

In addition to many species of fish, they also have otters and even a tiger that calls the Downtown Aquarium home. Be sure you don’t miss the mermaids and flash flood demonstration while visiting the aquarium.

Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison)

Dinosaur Ridge is a paleontological site located in Morrison, Colorado. Catch the guided tour to ride up the ridge and see the dinosaur tracks that have been left behind by some of the most magnificent creatures to ever walk the earth.

The visitor center is also home to several exhibits, including a dig pit where visitors can excavate replicas of dinosaur bones, a triceratops skull, t-rex teeth, and more fossils and bones.

Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster)

The Butterfly Pavilion is a beautiful butterfly zoo located in Westminster, Colorado. The pavilion has many different species of butterflies from all over the world.

In addition to many species of butterflies, they also have a number of frogs, birds, insects, and reptiles on display. Walk through the various butterfly habitats to see many species of butterflies that you won’t see anywhere else.