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- Melting? Here’s How Boulder Stays Cool 😎
Melting? Here’s How Boulder Stays Cool 😎
Creek dips, sweet treats, and splash zones for the win
What's Happenin' Team
August 06, 2025
Boulder’s Coolest Summer Survival Guide
Hey Boulder! 🌞
When Boulder hits peak summer sizzle, it’s time to get creative with your cool-down strategy. From creekside lounging to over-the-top frozen treats, the city’s got plenty of ways to chill out in style. Whether you’re splash-hopping with the kids or chasing the perfect gelato swirl, here’s how to stay frosty out there.
Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas.
— The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉
🧠 Trivia Time
Boulder Creek runs right through downtown, but where does it start? |
👉 Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!
🧊 4 Best Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in Boulder
Boulder’s baking, folks. The sun’s out, the temps are up, and your non-air-conditioned house isn’t cutting it. But don’t sweat it—literally. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sugar highs, or splash zones, here are four easy ways to chill out without leaving town.
When it’s too hot to think, Boulder Creek is the city’s unofficial community pool. Dip your feet, bring the kids, or go all in—there’s nothing like icy mountain runoff to shock your core temperature back to sanity. Bonus: the scenery (and squirrel watching) is top-tier.
🌊 Pop Jet Fountain + Ice Cream Combo:
The 1300 block of Pearl Street Mall has a free splash zone just for kids—or the very brave. The Pop Jet Fountain shoots streams of water while little ones squeal with delight (or try to plug the jets with their toes). Cool off afterward with soft-serve from Ruthie’s Boardwalk Social right next door.
Sometimes you just need a massive snow cone. Sunshine Shaved Ice on Pearl is serving up childhood nostalgia by the scoop—classics like cherry and blue raspberry or mix-and-match madness. Just maybe don’t get the large unless you’re entering a brain freeze competition.
🍦 Boulder’s Best Frozen Treats:
Want to really cool down? Boulder’s got an ice cream scene worth screaming for.
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Basically, if it’s frozen and delicious, Boulder’s got it.
🎶 What’s Happenin’ around Boulder 🎭
Wednesday, August 6 🎶 Bluegrass Pick📍 Beyond the Mountain Brewing | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🧠 Brain Food Trivia📍 Twisted Pine Brewing Company | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Wednesday) 🎨 Strange Americans and Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | ⏰ 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed | Thursday, August 7 🧠 Geeks Who Drink Trivia📍 Wild Provisions Beer Project | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Thursday) 🌙 Luna Lounge @ Centro Mexican Kitchen📍 Centro Mexican Kitchen | ⏰ 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 🆓 Free (recurring weekly on Thursday) 📅 Rayland Baxter and Langhorne Slim📍 Fox Theatre | ⏰ 8:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed 📅 Chicken Wire Empire📍 Velvet Elk Lounge | ⏰ 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed |
Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar
🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs. | 🧠 Need a brain break?Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend. | 🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Boulder?We’re on a mission to crown Boulder’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️ |
☀️ Chill Vibes Only
Don’t let the heat win. Boulder’s got splash zones, icy sweets, and creekside chill spots to help you cool off—and they’re all walkable from downtown. Answer: B) Barker Reservoir - Boulder Creek begins high in the Rockies at Barker Reservoir in Nederland and flows all the way through the heart of Boulder. That’s one long, cold, magical water source. 👉 Forward this to someone who needs a reminder to hydrate. 💧 Got another local cool-down tip? Hit reply and share it! 👉 See you Friday for weekend picks 🌄 |
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