Loveland and the surrounding area is packed with fun for kids of all ages.
Entertainment from swimming to horseback riding. Inside and outside play from events at the Libraries and games at Loveland Laser tag to Parks and hiking. The lists below are full of wonderful fun things to create a summer of memories.
1: Everyone loves a Farm – Lucky Three Ranch offers a tour for anyone interested in animals. Meet saddle mules, Belgian draft mule, and mini’s. Kiddo’s can see Jasper’s Bunkhouse and everyone can learn of all the champions from Lucky Three. Want to hike with a Llama? Make arrangements with Buckhorn Llama Co. Inc. Buckhorn Llama Co offers leasing of their Llamas for day hikes and Drop camps. Long Shadow Farm in Berthoud offers tours and more. They raise lambs, chicken and fruits & veggies. Come and set up a playdate at Zippity Zoo where you can play in their play area, tour of the animals and enjoy seasonal offerings from the farm. During the summer, hold a playdate or take a tour. The Farm at Lee Martinez in Fort Collins is perfect for little kiddo’s. Feed the animals, ride the horses and just enjoy a picnic.
2: Read a good book – Loveland Library has tons of activities from storytimes to classes all year round. Berthoud Community library offers a unique small intimate atmosphere and some wonderful activities all year long as well. Winsor Severance Clearview Library has some of the most creative events for kids year-round. Events, Storytimes and more can be found at Glenn A Jones Highplains Library in Johnstown. They are located right next to a beautiful park too. Storytimes and other events can be found at Barnes & Noble at Centerra. If you are like me I get a good book and find a wonderful park to enjoy it in.
3: Get out and enjoy a park – Loveland has so many great parks! Mehaffey park is the most exciting to our daughter, it has a a climbing wall, waterfall, Treehouse, Conestoga wagon play area and sand box, swings 3 multi-purpose fields , basketball, tennis, &pickleball courts, skate park, dog park, (deep breath) Recreational trail and picnic area! Plus it’s handicap accessible. North Lake Park is next on our list. This park has a play area, picnic area and what makes it special is the Burlington North mini train replica that you can ride for only .75 cents! Love sculptures? Benson Park is your spot. A beautiful walk and it’s right next to North Lake Park. Like to fish? South Shore Parkway is just for you. Walk the path and fish. Like to play soccer, baseball? Then Silver Glen Park is great! It’s got an area for soccer practice goals, soft ball field with back stop only. Bring a picnic and enjoy. Silver Lake park has baseball courts, horseshoe courts, playground, and of course picnic area. Love nature? River’s Edge is the place for you. Fishing, trails, picnic areas, amphitheater and more. Osborn Park has Winona pool, athletic fields tennis courts, playground, picnic and concessions also handicap accessible. Fairgrounds Park is a blast for kids! A splash park, playground and sand area. There is a river edge area. Farmer’s markets come every Sunday throughout summer. Veteran’s Park is pretty cool too! Baseball & tennis courts, playground, sculptures, drinking fountain and park to play (and of course picnic area). Looking for a simple park adventure for the day? Civic Center Park is perfect. With a playground and acces to Foote Lagoon you can enjoy this park nestles between the Library and Chilson. Literally grab a book watch your kids play and enjoy the day! Oh yes, our secret park (SHhhh! Don’t tell). Namaqua. It offers a play area and is tucked away in a forest like area here on the west side of town. Bring a picnic lunch and a book, play on the playground and just enjoy the day.
4: Downtown Loveland – Everything you may be looking for to enjoy an afternoon or evening. Dinner and a show right? Either just as a couple or a family start at Starlight Dessert Bar. Starlight offers lunch, dinner, drinks and delectable desserts! Little Stars have a great menu too.TheRialto always has wonderful shows. From date night movies, Tuesday Movies for kids to comedians, magicians and musical performances. The Lincoln Gallery offers local artist works for the artist in the family to enjoy. If that isn’t enough you can visit the Loveland Museum/Gallery showcasing the history of Loveland and artists both local and international. Want to cool off or are you looking for a workout? Chilson is the place for you. There is a great gym, racquet ball, basketball, indoor track, lap pool, lazy river, water slide, hot tub and kiddie pool. If you are looking for something a bit more quiet, drop by the Loveland Public Library. Everyday is poppin with something. Storytimes, Local Authors, computer lab, and a great Children’s room for kids to gather and play while they learn. Just outside of Chilson and the Library is Foote Lagoon and Civic Center Park. The kids can play at the park and the family can picnic at the lagoon while listening to the weekly concerts throughout the summer. For a bit more casual and adventurous? Lunch or Dinner at the Mo’Betta Gumbo. They have a family friendly menu featuring the flavors of the south but not forgetting that some haven’t developed a palate for southern flavors they include Chicken tenders as well as Chicken Po’Boy for the kids. The Flipside arcade fun! Pinball, air hockey, bar and snacks while you play. For kids of all ages. The Sports Station truly is The Best Colorado Sports Bar! They offer custom burger, sandwich, salad and Mexican plus special kids menu too. Enjoy your favorite sport on the screen while you cheer on your team with your family and friends. Here is the adventure! The Live Escape Experience. Escape room extraordinaire! Your choice of a kids escape room (9-14), Area Q or Path of the Gods. See if you can smash the record time! Finish off the trip with B.Sweet Cupcakes. So many flavor combinations. From Chocolate to fruit, Funfetti to Fuzzy Navel.Gluten free, Vegan, Sugar free options available in a wide variety of flavors too. From frosted and filled to frosted only.
5: Take a Hike – A must in Loveland is Devil’s Backbone and the Keyhole. This 4.3 mile easy trail is fun for everyone including Fido. River’s Edge offers ADA access, a recreational trail, parking and a ton more. Round Mountain holds many trails with educational markers. A great way to learn about our wildlife and prairie. Horsetooth falls is 2.9 mile moderate hike to a magnificent waterfall. Dogs are allowed on leash. I have to say these are our go to hikes but there are so many all over in town and surrounding town. Trail chart. Want a trail companion and don’t have a dog? Try a Llama! Lama rental through Llama Packis easy and fun. Contact them for all the information and details. It’s more intensive than bringing your dog but it’s very rewarding.
6: Museums – Loveland Museum Gallery is fantastic. They showcase a different subject of artist every few months that is sure to delight. This is also the place to learn all there is to know about Loveland history. The Milner/Schwartz Farmhouse is a farmhouse stuck in time. See how pioneers lived and learn the history of this family and the Loveland/Longmont area. The Mariano Median Family Cemetery offers another slice out of time that will transport you back to a time when life was much more rough and uncertain. Follow the Medina family life and death and the legacy they left behind.
7: Sculptures here Sculptures there Sculptures Everywhere –Well there are so many different places to enjoy sculptures here in the Art Capitol of Colorado. From Chapungu park to Benson park as well as visiting some local foundries. Art Castings and Bronze Services are great places to start. Art is everywhere. You can take a tour of the City with HeART Program sculptures around town you can pick up a map at the Visitor’s Center.
8: Queue the Lights – Rialto offers a wide variety of entertainment from movies to shows. Comedy to tragedy and pageantry. Candlelight Dinner Theaterhas high level dinner theater to satisfy your tummy and your interest in the arts. Windsor Playhouse offers fantastic shows including Cowboy and Cowgirl singing.
9: Take a dip – Pools, splash pads, lakes etc. From Chilson to Lake Loveland Beach, Windsor Recreation Center, Windsor Lake and splash pads at Loveland Fairgrounds Park. If you want more, check out my guide “Splash! Beat The Heat Find Your Favorite Splash Pad, Beach and Pool”.
10: Amusement and inside play – Run and chase your friends at Loveland Laser tag, or bowling with friends at Sweetheart lanes will burn off tons of energy. Swim, run, play racquet ball or basketball at Chilson Rec Center. If you aren’t near Loveland visit Windsor Rec Center for some great indoor activities to help keep cool and active. Don’t forget Greeley Family Funplex where they have a great swimming pool and kids area, golf and so much more!
Well there are so many great ways to enjoy summer and Northern Colorado year-round. These are some of the best around that engage, educate, invigorate and exhaust kids of all ages.
