Free and Low-Cost Summer Activities & Day Trips in Colorado
April 7, 2026
Whether it’s a stroll on an accessible trail, a visit to a playground designed for all abilities, or a spontaneous day trip to see wildlife up close, these activities offer a mix of adventure and discovery.
Looking for flexible, affordable ways to keep kids and teens engaged this summer? This section of our 2026 Summer Resource Guide features parks, trails, playgrounds, museums, events, and other family-friendly activities across Colorado, perfect for day trips, weekend plans, or spontaneous outings.
For even more ideas and resources, view and download Rocky Mountain Human Services’ comprehensive Summer Resource Guide in English or Spanish.
Accessible Trails in Colorado
Front Range
Moose-Goose Natural Trail
A short, scenic loop with opportunities to view wildlife like birds and moose, featuring ADA-accessible boardwalks.
Location: Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge
Accessibility: Paved trail, stroller and handicap/ wheelchair accessible
Fountain Trail at Roxborough State Park
A scenic, handicap-accessible trail perfect for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Location: Roxborough State Park, Denver
Accessibility: Stroller and handicap/wheelchair accessible
Arkansas River Trail
The Arkansas River Trail begins in the heart of Pueblo and heads west along the river to Lake Pueblo State Park, offering beautiful river views and scenic, tree-filled hillsides.
Location: Pueblo
Accessibility: Paved trail, stroller and handicap/ wheelchair accessible
West of the Front Range
Coyote Valley Trail
A gentle, scenic 1-mile trail that winds through the Kawuneeche Valley along the Colorado River and offers frequent wildlife sightings, including elk and moose.
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Accessibility: Hard-packed gravel/ level grade, stroller and handicap/ wheelchair accessible
Rocky Mountain National Park
The new all-terrain wheelchairs at Rocky Mountain National Park make it easier to navigate snow-covered paths or dirt roads while exploring the park. These wheelchairs can be reserved ahead of time at no cost and are available to wheelchair users looking for a more versatile option.
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
Accessibility Feature: All-Terrain Wheelchairs
Reservation Details: Call the Estes Park Mountain Shop at (970) 586-6548. Visit nps.gov for more details.
Dillon Reservoir Recpath
The paved Dillon Reservoir Recpath stretches more than 18 miles along the shore of Summit County’s scenic Dillon Reservoir.
Location: Dillon Reservoir in Summit County
Accessibility: Paved trail, stroller and handicap/ wheelchair accessible
Colorado Parks, Playgrounds & Outdoor Spaces
Accessible Playgrounds and Parks in Colorado
Carmody Park
Carmody Park in Lakewood features a hill-integrated slide that is easily accessible for wheelchair users and ADA-accessible picnic shelters.
Location: Lakewood
City Park’s Nature Play Playground
Just outside the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in City Park, Nature Play Playground is designed for people of all abilities, with full ADA accessibility and offers an immersive outdoor experience.
Location: Denver
Possibilities Playground at Butterfield Crossing Park
Possibilities Playground is a lively, fully accessible space featuring a tactile sensory wall, adaptive swings and spinners, and a 50-foot accessible zip line, providing fun and excitement for visitors of all abilities.
Location: Castle Rock
General Parks and Playgrounds in Colorado
Johnson-Habitat Park
Previously a landfill site, this park has been transformed into an innovative recreation space featuring a signature concrete platform, a stone amphitheater, an outdoor classroom, climbing platforms, and a fire pit along the river’s edge.
Location: Denver
Swansea Park
Designed with input from local elementary students, Swansea Park has a playground made for children to truly enjoy with features like a playhouse, slides, and even a zip line.
Location: Denver
Ralston-Central Park & Splash Pad
Ralston-Central Park features scenic walking paths and two playgrounds for different age groups with climbing structures, slides, swings, and a popular zip line, all set on rubber safety surfacing. In the summer, the splash pad and spray park open daily.
Location: Arvada
Quail Crossing Park
For any future astronauts, a visit to Quail Crossing Park is a must! This small neighborhood playground is packed with fun features, including a three-story space-themed slide and a mission control play pad that sparks imaginative play.
Location: Westminster
John Venezia Community Park
This park is ranch-themed. It features a spinning evergreen tree with rope climbing elements, tennis courts, and a large turf soccer field with multiple playing areas.
Location: Colorado Springs
Palmer Park
With a variety of play opportunities along with a playground, hiking trails, and a scenic drive overlooking the city of Colorado Springs, this is a fun destination for both outdoor adventure and active play
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Free & Low-Cost Attractions and Day Trips in Colorado
Statewide
Library Programming
Libraries offer free, year-round programming for all ages—from story times and maker spaces to teen events and educational kits available for checkout. Many libraries also offer educational kits that your family can check out. Visit your local library to learn more.
Location: Your local library. Use this library finder to find yours.
When: Daily throughout the year
Denver Metro
Denver Botanic Gardens
Features three locations with gardens, walking paths, and family-friendly programming, including free admission days throughout the summer. The site in Aurora, called Plains Conservation Center, offers information on the prairie ecosystem in addition to the cultural history of Colorado.
Location: Denver and Aurora
When: Daily
Website: botanicgardens.org
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
A popular destination to learn about animals from around the world, with extended summer hours, interactive experiences, and sensory-friendly events.
Location: Denver
When: Daily throughout the summer
Website: denverzoo.org
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Provides rescued large mammals like lions, tigers, and bears with open space to roam, with elevated walkways for safe and unique viewing.
Location: Keenesburg
When: Daily
Website: wildanimalsanctuary.org
Movies on the Green
Free outdoor movie nights with family-friendly films perfect for a relaxed summer evening on a blanket or lawn chair.
Location: Central Park, Denver
When: Occasional Friday evenings; films begin at dusk
Website: mca.com
Movie Nights at Infinity Park
Enjoy free, family-friendly outdoor movies with space for blankets and chairs, plus food available for purchase from on-site vendors.
Location: Infinity Park in Glendale
When: Occasional Monday evenings; gates open at 6 p.m., movies begin at 7 p.m.
Website: infinityparkglendale.com
Film on the Rocks
Watch movies at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, with a few family-friendly screenings offered each summer. The movie schedule will be available on May 4, so check back!
Location: Morrison at Red Rocks Amphitheater
When: Weekly throughout the summer; doors open at 6:30 p.m., films begin at dusk
Website: redrocksonline.com
Visit the Denver U.S. Mint
Free guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how money is made at one of the country’s only operating mints. Free tours, which must be reserved online in advance, last 1 hour and 15 minutes and are available for children ages 7 and older.
Location: Downtown Denver
When: Mondays-Thursdays (excluding federal holidays)
Website: usmint.gov
Visit the Colorado State Capitol
Explore Colorado’s Capitol building through free weekday tours, including access to the gold dome observation area. This is a great way to explore government and civics with your child.
Location: Downtown Denver
When: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; tours available on the hour from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Website: Colorado.gov
First Friday Art Walks
A lively monthly event with art galleries, street vendors, and food trucks in one of Denver’s most vibrant districts. On August’s first Friday, the street is closed to cars, allowing for even more space to wander.
Location: Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District
When: The first Friday of each month from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Website: santafeartsdistrict.org
Colorado Springs
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Explore preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and learn about early Indigenous history through a self-guided walking experience.
Location: Manitou Springs
When: Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Website: cliffdwellingsmuseum.com
The Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center
A hands-on museum featuring real fossils, interactive exhibits, and life-sized dinosaur models that bring prehistoric history to life.
Location: Woodland Park
When: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Website: rmdrc.com
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Offers interactive animal experiences, including feeding giraffes, along with camps and programs for children of all abilities. For children age 7-11 with autism, sensory processing disorders, or other developmental disabilities/delays, there are one-day camps throughout the summer.
Location: Colorado Springs
When: Daily
Website: cmzoo.org
Boulder County
Ride the Free Tebo Train
A fun, free train ride for young children along Boulder’s popular pedestrian mall. This new all-electric train invites all children under the age of 10 and their accompanying adult to climb aboard!
Location: Pearl Street in Boulder
When: Monday-Friday mornings May 26- September 4, 2026
Website: boulderdowntown.com
Take a Tea Tour at Celestial Seasonings
Tour a working tea factory and see how blends are created, with optional free tea sampling before or after your visit. 45-minute tours are available Tuesday through Saturday for participants ages 5 and older and must be reserved online in advance. Tickets are $6 per person.
Location: Boulder
When: Tuesday- Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Website: celestialseasonings.com
Inclusive & Sensory-Friendly Community Events in Colorado
Events across the state
Guiding Bright Minds Neurodiversity Resource Fair
A free, family-friendly event to explore local resources, connect with providers, and celebrate neurodiversity through activities and community engagement.
Location: Denver Academy, 4400 East Iliff Avenue, Denver
When: June13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Website: guidingbrightminds.com
Sensory-Friendly Mornings at the Denver Art Museum
These Sensory-Friendly Mornings are designed for children with neurodiversity or sensory-processing disorders and their families to enjoy the museum in a welcoming and comfortable environment. Check their website for additional future dates.
Location: Denver Art Museum
When: July 12, 9:00 a.m.- noon
Website: denverartmuseum.org
The Butterfly Pavilion’s Sensory-Friendly Afternoons
Sensory-Friendly Afternoons at the Butterfly Pavilion provide a quieter way for families to experience the exhibits with natural lighting, calm environments, and limited admission. Guests can also access a quiet room (sensory-friendly room)and guided exhibit activities.
Location: The Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster
When: May 27, June 24, July 15 from 3- 5 p.m.
Website: butterflies.org
