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Activities / Children / Colorado Family Travel / Colorado Livin' / Teens/Tweens

Your Denver Summer Bucket List: 30 ideas to make summer magical

Denver summer bucket list for kids

Summers go by incredibly sloooooow…and also fast if we spend our days creating, resting and dreaming. Creating a summer bucket list for kids can be a fantastic way to keep them entertained, active, and learning during the break.

Here are 30 fun and engaging ideas:

  1. Go on a Nature Hike: Explore local trails and parks. Check out Best Hikes for Kids in the Denver area and 10 of Colorado’s most scenic waterfall hikes.
  2. Visit the Zoo or Aquarium: Learn about animals and marine life. Fun fact: did you know the Denver Zoo will have a new 570-acre preserve and conservation center?
  3. Build a Sandcastle: Head to the beach and get creative. Cool off this summer at Colorado’s best beaches
  4. Have a Movie Marathon: Pick a theme and watch related movies. Our friends at Xfinity shared 4 ways families can find affordable Internet in Denver to stream your favorite movies. 
  5. Camp in the Backyard: Set up a tent and have a mini camping adventure. Or go on a real camping trip in Colorado’s iconic mountain towns. 
  6. Have a Water Balloon Fight: Cool down with some water fun. These self-sealing instant water balloons are the best invention ever. 
  7. Make Homemade Ice Cream or Shaved Ice: Experiment with different flavors. Our favorite is Tiger’s Blood, a blend of strawberry, watermelon and coconut. 
  8. Go Berry Picking: Visit a local farm and pick fresh berries. Check out our guide to Colorado’s best farm tours and U-pick farms.
  9. Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack a lunch and enjoy it outdoors. Explore somewhere new like Denver Mountain Parks. 
  10. Visit a Museum: Explore interactive exhibits and learn something new. Don’t miss our Denver free days, as well as Denver’s best museums for kids.
  11. Fly a Kite: Find a windy day and watch it soar. We love exploring Into the Wind kite store in Boulder, or check out this very cool 3D lotus flower kite for kids and adults. 
  12. Attend a Summer Festival: Enjoy music, games, and food at a local fair.
  13. Stargaze: Spend a night identifying constellations. Don’t miss the Top 15 places for Denver families to stargaze in Colorado.
  14. Create a DIY Bird Feeder: Attract birds to your backyard.
  15. Go Fishing: Teach kids the basics of fishing. Don’t miss Great Fishing Ponds in Denver and Beyond
  16. Plant a Garden: Grow flowers, vegetables, or herbs. Don’t know where to get started? Gardening Lab of Kids: 52 experiments to learn, grow, harvest, make, play and enjoy your garden
  17. Make Tie-Dye Shirts: Get colorful and creative with clothing. Check out this best-selling Tie-Dye party kit with 18 pre-filled bottles. 
  18. Go on a Bike Ride: Explore the neighborhood or nearby trails. Don’t miss Denver’s best biking trails for kids and Colorado’s Best Bike Paths and Trails.
  19. Visit a Splash Pad, water park or sprinklers: Cool off at a local splash pad or water park or experience the glories of your sprinklers in your backyard. Guide to Denver’s Splash Parks and Spray Fountains.
  20. Do a Science Experiment: Simple and fun experiments at home. We’re big fans of all things Steve Spangler, a Colorado legend! 
  21. Play Mini Golf: Enjoy a round of mini golf with friends or family. 
  22. Read a Book Series: Start a new book series and read together. Younger kids are pretty easy to please; if you’re struggling with your older, check out top 20 books for middle schoolers (from an English teacher). 
  23. Host a Talent Show: Showcase talents with family and friends. Create your own stage and fort to make it extra impressive! 
  24. Go Roller Skating or Skateboarding: Practice tricks and have fun. Skate City Colorado has 6 skating locations to family fun. 
  25. Make a Scrapbook: Document summer memories with photos and crafts. Just because we live in a digital age doesn’t mean everything needs to be online! 
  26. Create Sidewalk Chalk Art: Decorate the driveway with colorful designs. Got a sparkly kid? Get them Crayola’s glitter chalk set. 
  27. Visit a Farmers Market: Explore and taste fresh local produce. Most have awesome kid’s areas as well.
  28. Bake Cookies and Share with Neighbors: Spread joy with homemade treats. Save some for us! 
  29. Have a Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find around the house or yard.
  30. Build a Fort: Use blankets, pillows, and furniture to make an indoor or outdoor fort. It’s old-fashioned but that makes for the best kinds of fun.

What’s on your summer bucket list? Just remember it’s all about enjoying the moments as much as you can with outdoor adventures, creative projects, and educational experiences…and some much-needed mom time as well. 

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Mile High Mamas
Author: Mile High Mamas

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