Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved: Boulder’s Best Family Fun 🛝🌈

From toddlers to tweens, we’ve got your guide to Boulder’s best parks, eats, and weekend happenings.

Author

What's Happenin' Team
March 28, 2025

The Ultimate Family Guide to Boulder: Where to Play, Eat & Explore Together

Hey Boulder! 🌞

Whether you’ve got a stroller in tow or a tween who’s way too cool for your Spotify playlist, Boulder has something to keep everyone smiling. This weekend, we’re highlighting kid-approved spots for every age group—from splash pads and mini golf to planetarium shows and empanadas.

And if you’re planning ahead for even more family-friendly getaways, check out Things to Do in Colorado for Families or browse Boulder Day Trips for a little fresh inspiration. 🧃🚲🐾

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉

Family Fun in Boulder: Things To Do with Kids by Age

Whether you’ve got a stroller in tow or a tween who thinks they know everything, Boulder has something to keep the whole family entertained. Here’s your go-to guide for kid-friendly activities, eats, and energy-burning fun in Boulder, grouped by age range!

Ages 0–4: Tiny Explorers

Pop-Jet Fountain & Pearl Street Animals
Head to Pearl Street for some splashy fun at the pop-jet fountain (swimsuit recommended!) and let your toddler climb on the animal sculptures nearby.

Into the Wind
This toy-and-kite shop next to the fountain is magical for little ones. Think wind-up critters, puppets, and plenty of colorful chaos.

Valmont Bike Park
Even toddlers can hit the dirt here with their balance bikes on a special mini course. Older siblings can take on bigger jumps nearby.

Dushanbe Teahouse
Beautiful, peaceful, and surprisingly kid-friendly. Enjoy a chai while your little one stares in awe at the vibrant patterns.

Farm Time
Try Sunflower Farm or a visit to Cottonwood Farms (in season) for animals, hayrides, and barnyard joy.

Story Time & Book Browsing
Boulder Book Store’s children’s section is dreamy. Or drop into a Boulder Public Library story hour.

Bonus Eats:

  • Rayback Collective – Outdoor seating and space to roam.

  • Mustard’s Last Stand – Classic hot dogs, low fuss, big win.

Ages 5–9: Curious Creators

Gateway Park Fun Center
Mini golf, go-karts, and batting cages? Yes, please. A great energy outlet for grade schoolers.

Museum of Boulder + Google Garage
Let your kid’s imagination run wild with hands-on exhibits and STEM-inspired maker activities.

CU Museum of Natural History
A hidden gem! Kids love the interactive exhibits and fossil displays.

Nature Hikes & Programs
Check out kid-friendly guided hikes with Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. They even do themed hikes like "Pokemon in the Wild."

Boulder Library’s Children’s Area
Comfy reading nooks and plenty of hands-on learning stations.

Bonus Eats:

  • Mountain Sun – Laid-back burgers and crayons on the table.

  • Pasta Jay’s – Spaghetti and meatballs never fail.

Ages 10–13: Bold Adventurers

Indoor Rock Climbing
Hit ABC Kids Climbing or The Spot for epic climbs and bouldering challenges.

The Boulder Reservoir
Sandy shores and chill vibes. Bring snacks and a frisbee.

Fiske Planetarium
High-tech shows that are both wow-worthy and educational. Lasers and stars? Yes, please.

Bowling at CU
Low-key and fun, with snacks and tunes. Bonus: it’s inside The Connection on campus.

Hiking & Exploring
Try Bobolink Trail for easy creekside strolls or tackle May’s Point for some scrambling and summit views.

Bonus Eats:

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🎶 What’s Happenin’ Boulder Buzz 🎭

Looking for something fun to do? Whether it’s live music, trivia, or a laid-back DJ set, here’s what’s happening in Boulder this weekend!

📅Friday, March 28

🎟️ Ticketed Events

🎶 Deadphish Orchestra – Catch this Phish-meets-Dead tribute band live. @ Velvet Elk Lounge, 8–11 PM ($21)

🎸 Gill Landry – Grammy-winning Americana artist performs live. @ Roots Music Project, 8–10:30 PM ($25 presale / $30 door)

💃 Zikr Dance Ensemble presents “Mysteries” – Experience mystical contemporary dance. @ Dairy Arts Center (Time & Price TBA)

📅Saturday, March 29

🆓 FREE

Genealogy Help Session – Want to learn more about your ancestors? Get one-on-one research help from members of the Longmont Genealogical Society. Bring what you know—names, dates, places, documents—and start discovering your family history. @ Longmont Library, 2nd Floor, 10 AM–12 PM 

🎟️ Ticketed Events

🎻 Boulder Symphony Performs Beethoven’s 6th “Pastoral” – Classical lovers, don’t miss this one. @ Dairy Arts Center, 7:30 PM (Price TBA)

🕯️ Candlelight: Tribute to Queen – Iconic music meets glowing candlelight. @ eTown Hall, 8:15–9:30 PM ($9)

🎻 Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More – A beautiful classical candlelight concert. @ eTown Hall, 6:15–7:30 PM ($9)

🎷 Chris Daniels and the Kings with The Disruptors – Blues, funk, and soul all night. @ Roots Music Project, 7:30–10:30 PM ($25 presale / $35 door)

🎤 Paizley Park – Prince tribute band brings the funk. @ Velvet Elk Lounge, 8–11 PM ($20)

🎶 Steely Dead – Steely Dan + Grateful Dead = Pure groove. @ Fox Theatre, 8 PM ($20)

📅Sunday, March 30

💵 Ticketed Events

🎙️ An Evening with David Wilcox – Soulful acoustic performance. @ eTown Hall, 7–9:30 PM ($38+ / $53 for front rows)

💃 Boulder Q+ Tea Dance Party – LGBTQ+ friendly daytime dance party. @ Velvet Elk Lounge, 4–7 PM ($10)

🎵 Oliver Hazard – Indie folk trio closes out the weekend. @ Fox Theatre, 8 PM–Late (Price TBA)

🎹 Rachmaninoff & Stravinsky w/ Boulder Phil & Alessio Bax – Classical music fans, this one’s for you. @ CU Macky Auditorium, 4–5:30 PM ($10–$95)

🌤️ Boulder Weather Outlook

Friday, March 28 - Mostly Cloudy 🌡️ High: 76°F | Low: 44°F 💧 5% chance of rain | 💨 WSW 8 mph

Saturday, March 29 - Scattered Thunderstorms 🌡️ High: 54°F | Low: 37°F 💧 66% chance of rain | 💨 E 7 mph

Sunday, March 30 - Partly Cloudy🌡️ High: 49°F | Low: 35°F 💧 24% chance of rain | 💨 E 10 mph

Monday, March 31 - Partly Cloudy🌡️ High: 60°F | Low: 42°F 💧 10% chance of rain | 💨 SSW 10 mph

Boulder’s Just Built Different

Boulder isn’t just for adventure seekers—it’s also a goldmine for curious kids, tired parents, and anyone who appreciates a good empanada after a hike. Whether you’re chasing toddlers or chasing live music, this weekend has something for you.

Want even more ideas? Browse our full guide to Things to Do in Boulder or start dreaming about summer with these Summer Things to Do in Boulder.

Catch ya next week with more local goodness! 🐞🌈

— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 🏔️🐝

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