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Day Trips from Boulder

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Day Trips from Boulder: Family Activities & Kid-Friendly Fun

The best family-friendly activities and kid-approved destinations within driving distance of Boulder, CO. Zoos, amusement parks, interactive museums, and outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy. Drive times, ratings, and budget estimates included.

12 family activities near Boulder

Lil' Buckaroo's Petting Zoo, Erie, CO 80516

Lil' Buckaroo's Petting Zoo

Erie, CO 80516

Just 28 min from Boulder, rated 4.9 stars by 308 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

28 min4.9 (308)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Schlessman Family Foundation Tropical Discovery, Denver, CO 80205

Schlessman Family Foundation Tropical Discovery

Denver, CO 80205

Just 39 min from Boulder, rated 4.7 stars by 215 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

39 min4.7 (215)AdventureFamily$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Adventure Island, Greeley, CO 80634

Adventure Island

Greeley, CO 80634

Just 1 hr 5 min from Boulder, rated 4.7 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

1 hr 5 min4.7 (10)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Bounce Empire, Lafayette, CO 80026

Bounce Empire

Lafayette, CO 80026

Just 24 min from Boulder, rated 4.7 stars by 1,891 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

24 min4.7 (1,891)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Lost Realm Adventure Park, Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Lost Realm Adventure Park

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Just 1 hr 32 min from Boulder, rated 4.7 stars by 2,167 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 32 min4.7 (2,167)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Malibu Jack's Thornton, Thornton, CO 80229

Malibu Jack's Thornton

Thornton, CO 80229

Just 33 min from Boulder, rated 4.6 stars by 1,429 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

33 min4.6 (1,429)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

SweetPlay Greenwood Village, Greenwood Village, CO 80112

SweetPlay Greenwood Village

Greenwood Village, CO 80112

Just 48 min from Boulder, rated 4.6 stars by 889 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

48 min4.6 (889)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Just 2 hrs 58 min from Boulder, rated 4.6 stars by 4,811 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

2 hrs 58 min4.6 (4,811)FamilyAdventure$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Slick City Action Park, Lakewood, CO 80401

Slick City Action Park

Lakewood, CO 80401

Just 40 min from Boulder, rated 4.5 stars by 1,234 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

40 min4.5 (1,234)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Downtown Aquarium, Denver, CO 80211

Downtown Aquarium

Denver, CO 80211

Just 32 min from Boulder, rated 4.3 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

32 min4.3 (22,420)FamilyFood & Wine$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Boondocks Food and Fun - Northglenn, Northglenn, CO 80233

Boondocks Food and Fun - Northglenn

Northglenn, CO 80233

Just 32 min from Boulder, rated 4.1 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

32 min4.1 (4,684)FamilyFood & Wine$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Elitch Gardens, Denver, CO 80204

Elitch Gardens

Denver, CO 80204

Just 33 min from Boulder, rated 4.0 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.

33 min4.0 (14,658)Family$20 - $60

Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Activities Day Trips from Boulder

What are the best family activities near Boulder, CO?

The best family activities near Boulder include zoos, children's museums, amusement parks, state parks with easy trails, and interactive science centers. Check the cards above for top-rated spots with real drive times.

What are cheap things to do with kids near Boulder?

State parks, nature preserves, and many community attractions near Boulder are free or under $15 per person. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Check the budget estimates on each card above.

Are there indoor family activities near Boulder for rainy days?

Yes. Children's museums, aquariums, indoor water parks, and science centers near Boulder are all great rainy-day options. Look for "Family" tagged destinations above.

How far should I drive for a family day trip from Boulder?

For families with young kids, 1-2 hours is the sweet spot. Longer drives (2-3 hours) work well with older kids and are worth it for standout destinations like major zoos or amusement parks.

Don't know where to go?

Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.

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