Boulder · Boulder County, CO
Family things to do in Boulder
Scout analyzed 99 Boulder places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
99
Matches
26
Typical spend
$15
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Complete outings
Family Afternoon at CU Natural History Museum
Dive into the wonders of the natural world at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History, a perfect engaging activity for curious kids. Afterward, grab a delicious and family-friendly meal at a Boulder institution, and let the kids burn off some energy at a nearby park.
Family Afternoon at The Museum of Boulder
Kick off your family afternoon by diving into Boulder's rich history and culture at The Museum of Boulder. Afterwards, grab a casual and kid-friendly meal. End the day with some outdoor fun at a nearby park, perfect for letting the kids burn off some energy.
Best neighborhoods for family
Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.
Scout-verified spots
Goss - Grove
Rincon Argentino
Rincon Argentino is a good spot for a quick, casual meal of empanadas or sandwiches. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour and around $10-$25 per person for food.
University Hill
The Sink
The Sink is a classic Boulder spot for a casual, affordable meal like burgers or pizza, easily paired with exploring the nearby campus or Pearl Street. Expect a lively atmosphere, and plan for about an hour for your visit.
Chatfield Bluffs
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
Plan for a half-day outing at Chatfield Farms to explore gardens and trails, especially good for families or a relaxed solo walk. Expect to spend about $10-15 per person for admission.
Baseline Sub
Scott Carpenter Park
This park is suitable for a family outing, a casual solo visit, or to combine with other outdoor activities. Plan for 1-2 hours of free play, with potential costs for pool entry.
Table Mesa
Southern Sun Pub & Brewery
Southern Sun is a casual brewpub for an easy meal and drinks, suitable for groups or a relaxed date. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-40 per person.
Glenwood Grove - North Iris
Rayback Collective
The Rayback Collective is a casual spot for an afternoon or evening with food trucks, a beer garden, and live music, often paired with views. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for food and drinks over 1-3 hours.
Outdoors
The Peoples’ Crossing
The Peoples' Crossing serves as a starting point for scenic trails, making it ideal for a 1-2 hour outdoor adventure. It costs nothing to enter and pairs well with a picnic or post-hike meal nearby.
Downtown
OZO Coffee | West Pearl
OZO Coffee is suitable for a quick solo coffee or a casual meet-up with light bites. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for about 30 minutes.
Downtown
Sundown Saloon
This basement bar is good for a casual, late-night outing with friends, featuring pool tables and budget-friendly drinks. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a 1-2 hour visit, often as a lively stop on a Pearl Street bar crawl.
Wonderland Hills
Wonderland Lake Park
Wonderland Lake Park is good for a low-cost outdoor activity, like a morning walk or afternoon with kids. It can be paired with a picnic lunch or a coffee from a nearby cafe. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here.
Arts & Culture
University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
This museum is good for a free 1-2 hour educational outing, particularly for families with kids interested in natural history. It's best combined with a walk around the CU Boulder campus or a meal nearby.
Chautauqua
Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion with family or for solo hiking, offering scenic trails and historical elements. Expect to spend $0-$30 for activities like hiking and a potential meal, and plan for parking challenges.
Flagstaff
Panorama Point
Panorama Point is a free scenic overlook perfect for a quick stop to enjoy Boulder's views. It's great for family photos or a moment of reflection, often paired with a drive up Flagstaff Road or a nearby hike.
Outdoors
Bobolink Trailhead
Bobolink Trailhead is ideal for a 1-2 hour easy to moderate hike along the creek, perfect for connecting with nature or a family stroll. It costs nothing for entry and can be paired with a picnic or a visit to Boulder.
Lower Arapahoe
Eben G. Fine Park
Eben G. Fine Park is a good spot for a relaxed family outing, featuring a playground and picnic areas near trail access. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, and it's a free activity that pairs well with other outdoor Boulder adventures.
Downtown
Pearl Street Mall
Pearl Street Mall is suitable for a leisurely afternoon or evening stroll, offering window shopping, dining, and people-watching. It can be a free activity or cost up to $75 per person if dining and shopping.
North Westminster
Activate Westminster
Activate Westminster is an adventure sports center suitable for a few hours of active fun. It's a good standalone activity for families or groups, potentially followed by a casual meal nearby. Expect to spend $30-$60 per person.
Downtown
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery
Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery is a casual spot for pub food and house brews, good for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-40 per person for food and a drink.
Downtown
Trident Booksellers and Cafe
This bookstore-cafe is a good stop for a relaxed coffee and to browse books. It could be a casual meetup spot or a quiet break, and occasionally offers live events. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $5-15 per person.
Old North Boulder
North Boulder Recreation Center
This recreation center is suitable for a 2-hour active outing, often costing $5-10 per person for daily access. It pairs well with a casual meal or errands in North Boulder.
University Hill
The Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is a good spot for an evening or late-night outing to catch a show, often paired with dinner nearby. Expect to spend $35-100 per person on tickets and drinks for a 2-3 hour experience.
Outdoors
NCAR Trail Head
This trailhead offers varied hiking options for a few hours, perfect for a free solo or family outdoor adventure. It can be paired with a picnic or a meal in Boulder after your hike.
Downtown
Brasserie Ten Ten
This French brasserie is suitable for a dinner date or brunch with friends, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a patio option. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $35-75 per person for a meal and drinks.
Chautauqua
Chautauqua Auditorium
Visit Chautauqua Auditorium for a concert, lecture, or performance, often pairing well with a walk on the nearby trails. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $20-75 per person depending on the event and seat.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 99 analyzed Boulder places fit family.
- 53% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 40% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Adventurous, Playful, Quiet.
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