4 Entertaining Activities for Kids in Fort Collins, CO

Last updated in September 2024
An image of a activity for kids.

Fort Collins is such a gem when it comes to family-friendly adventures. If you're looking to keep the kiddos entertained, there’s no shortage of options! From the thrilling challenges of ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms, where families can unleash their inner detectives, to the fun-filled vibe of Old Town Putt with its quirky indoor mini-golf and arcade, there’s something to spark joy in every little one. And let’s not forget the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater, where kids can marvel at the stars and laser light shows. It’s like stepping into a universe of wonder! Speaking of adventures, Spring Canyon Park is a must-visit for those warm sunny days. With sprawling playgrounds, splash pads, and picturesque walking trails, it’s perfect for family picnics and outdoor fun. The Fort Collins Trolley offers a charming little jaunt through history, making it a delightful ride for young explorers. If you’re in Fort Collins looking for engaging activities to keep your kids entertained, you're truly in for a treat!

1

ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms

3720 S College Ave Ste B

Fort Collins, CO 80525

(970) 226-3843

Pros and Cons

  • High-tech, immersive escape rooms

  • Engaging puzzles that require teamwork and problem-solving

  • Friendly and attentive staff ensure a seamless experience

  • Great for family outings and team-building activities

  • Occasional technical glitches can disrupt gameplay

  • Some rooms might feel cramped for larger groups

  • Vague or complicated clues can lead to confusion

What Is It?

ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms in Fort Collins redefines the escape room experience with high-tech features and engaging puzzles that appeal to both kids and adults. Visitors tackle challenges woven with automation and creativity in beautifully designed spaces, making it a top pick for family fun and team-building activities.

The Experience

Stepping into ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms feels exhilarating as you and your friends prepare to tackle a world of puzzles and mysteries. The moment you arrive, the friendly staff greets you and sets the anticipation bubbling with streamlined check-in and a quick briefing on the rules. After choosing the room—let’s say the Tigers Eye—you can’t help but feel the excitement electric in the air. You're immediately immersed in an intricately designed set that feels like a scene straight out of a heist movie, complete with high-tech gadgets and clues hidden in clever places.

As you and your friends dive into solving puzzles, the creativity and engineering behind each challenge soon become apparent. Guests rave about the blend of logic and teamwork required; you can’t just power through by brute force—communication and collaboration are key. With each clue you piece together and each lock you crack, you feel a rush of accomplishment that keeps you driven. The clever integrations of technology, especially in the way you interact with the room, leave many guests exhilarated. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a surprise twist throws you for a loop, leaving you laughing and cheering with your friends.

With the clock counting down, you ask the staff for hints just at the right moment, and they provide just the right number of nudges to keep you on the right track. Their attentive assistance adds to the overall energy, ensuring everyone in your group stays engaged. You escape the Tigers Eye room with minutes to spare, and the thrill is enough to solidify plans for your next visit to tackle another challenging room. Plus, a memorable group photo captures the delight of a successful adventure, rounding off your time at ConTRAPtions in the best way possible.

When to Go

To steer clear of the crowds, visiting ConTRAPtions Escape Rooms earlier in the day, particularly right when they open, tends to be the best option. This way, you can enjoy the experience with fewer distractions and a calmer environment, ensuring your crew gets the most out of the challenge.

2

Fort Collins Trolley

330 N Howes St

Fort Collins, CO 80521

Pros and Cons

  • Affordable ticket prices at $2 for adults and $1 for children/seniors.

  • Friendly conductors sharing engaging stories throughout the ride.

  • Beautiful scenic route along Mountain Avenue.

  • A nostalgic experience in meticulously restored trolleys.

  • Great activity for families and visitors of all ages.

  • The ride is relatively short, only about 30 minutes.

  • Seating can feel a bit snug, especially during busier times.

  • Guests desire more historical context from the narration.

What Is It?

The Fort Collins Trolley is a charming attraction that allows visitors to experience the nostalgia of riding meticulously restored streetcars from the early 20th century. Operating from May through September, this delightful ride takes you along the scenic Mountain Avenue, making it a perfect outing for families and history enthusiasts alike. With affordable ticket prices and enchanting scenic routes, it's easy to see why it's a beloved activity for both locals and tourists in Fort Collins.

The Experience

You find yourself at City Park, just a stone's throw from the tennis courts at Oak and Roosevelt. The warm Colorado sun bathes the area, making it the perfect day for an adventure. As you hop on the Fort Collins Trolley, you're greeted by the friendly conductor, whose stories bring the trolleys to life and make you feel like you're stepping back in time. The antique charm of the Birney Safety Street Cars, especially Car #21 which has roots reaching back to 1919, adds a sprinkle of magic to the experience.

As the trolley begins its gentle roll down Mountain Avenue, the soft clatter of wheels against tracks sets the stage for what will be a delightful ride. The conductor shares interesting tidbits about the history of the trolley and the surrounding area, creating an engaging atmosphere. The journey, though a brief 30 minutes, is filled with smiles and laughter from you and the other passengers, making it a fun outing regardless of age.

Along the way, the views are serene, with the lush landscapes of Fort Collins whizzing by. Kids giggle in excitement, parents snap pictures, and you can’t help but enjoy the lightheartedness surrounding you. With tickets priced at just $2 for adults, it's not just a ride; it’s a genuine slice of history that travelers adore.

Before you know it, the trolley swings back toward the City Park depot, and you’re left with that feeling of nostalgia that often makes you smile long after the ride ends. It's an easygoing adventure that draws you back, reminding you of simpler times when transportation was as much about the journey as the destination.

3

OtterBox Digital Dome Theater

408 Mason Ct

Fort Collins, CO 80524

(970) 221-6738

Pros and Cons

  • Engaging and educational shows, perfect for younger audiences.

  • 360-degree theater offers an immersive experience.

  • Friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the visit.

  • Lively laser light shows set to great music.

  • Clean and well-maintained facility.

  • Full bar available for adults.

  • Programming primarily targets younger children.

  • Limited variety for older kids and adults.

  • Rarely reaches full capacity, resulting in less buzz.

  • Some families might feel they've outgrown the content.

What Is It?

The OtterBox Digital Dome Theater, part of the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, engages families with a dazzling array of educational and entertaining shows. With its state-of-the-art 360-degree immersive experience, this planetarium is an ideal spot for kids and parents looking to explore and learn about the universe together. From captivating tales of the cosmos to fantastical laser light shows, the Dome invites you to uncover all sorts of cosmic wonders!

The Experience

Walking into the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater, you immediately feel a wave of excitement wash over you as you step into the world of stars and planets. The facility is clean and well-kept, giving off a fresh vibe that’s both welcoming and pleasant. The friendly staff greets you with smiles, ready to guide your journey through the wonders of space. As you settle into the slightly reclined chairs, anticipation builds ahead of the show—it feels like you’re about to embark on a fantastic adventure!

Once the show starts, you’re transported into a mesmerizing 360-degree visual spectacle. The combination of stunning visuals and engaging storytelling captures the attention of youngsters and adults alike. If you're there for a laser light show, get ready for an exhilarating experience. The beautifully choreographed music, coupled with vibrant light displays dancing on the dome above, creates an electrifying atmosphere that’s sure to leave everyone buzzing with happiness after the show.

One of the best aspects of the theater is how it manages to attract the little ones. The shows are tailored for a younger audience but are engaging enough to spark the curiosity of any visitor. On special occasions, like Geek Week, the theater turns into a stage that hosts unique events, such as magic acts. Talk about a cosmic two-for-one!

Whether you decide to enjoy a family outing or a night out with friends, the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater delivers a memorable experience. And if you're looking for that extra spark, the full bar adds a fun twist, allowing the adults to kick back while the kids soak in the wonders of the universe. With laughter and gasps of awe following you out of the theater, it’s clear that a visit here is time well spent!

4

Spring Canyon Park

3156 S Overland Trail

Fort Collins, CO 80526

(970) 221-6660

Pros and Cons

  • Vast open spaces and multiple playgrounds suitable for different age groups.

  • Well-maintained and clean facilities, including restrooms and picnic areas.

  • Dog-friendly with a designated dog park and numerous trails.

  • Interactive features like a splash pad that kids love, especially in the summer.

  • Great community atmosphere with plenty of activities for families.

  • Restrooms can be poorly stocked or need maintenance.

  • Can get overcrowded during weekends and peak times.

  • Some cleanliness issues, particularly in picnic areas and with litter.

  • Parking can be limited during busy hours.

What Is It?

Spring Canyon Park is a vibrant outdoor hub located at 2626 W. Horsetooth Road in Fort Collins, CO. Offering a plethora of amenities including spacious playgrounds, a splash pad, basketball and tennis courts, and extensive walking and biking trails, it serves as the perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With beautiful views of the foothills, this park provides a delightful escape into nature right in the heart of the city.

The Experience

As you step into Spring Canyon Park, the first thing that strikes you is the towering playground, a haven for kids of all ages. Laughter and shouts of joy fill the air as little ones discover the massive slides, climbing structures, and the splash pad cools them off on a hot day. Families are sprawled out on picnic blankets, enjoying the warm sunshine while a delicious aroma wafts from nearby grills in the designated picnic areas. You might pass a dog owner happily strolling their pup down one of many scenic paths, while friends challenge each other to a game of basketball on the courts nearby.

Wandering deeper into the park, you're greeted by the smiling faces of kids climbing on rocks and running through expansive grassy fields. There’s an unmistakable sense of community as parents chat and keep a watchful eye on their kids, knowing they are safe in such a friendly environment. As you explore more, you come across the well-maintained trails perfect for biking or leisurely walks, and there’s even a skate park attracting some older kids showing off their skills—a true hub for activity!

When you reach the charming lookout area north of the playground, breathtaking views of the foothills await you. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing or watching your kids play. With covered picnic areas close to the playground, you can easily settle in for a family meal while keeping an eye on the little ones splashing around. Indeed, many have often expressed how this park has something to offer everyone, from sports to scenic areas, making it a beloved local treasure.

As the sun begins to set, you find yourself feeling fulfilled, ready to head home after a day packed with fun and adventure. You leave knowing you'll be back; the excitement of planning another trip to this expansive park brimming with energy and life never really fades!

When to Go

For a more relaxed experience at Spring Canyon Park, try visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons when it's less busy. Many guests have noted that the park tends to fill up after 10 or 11 AM, especially on weekends, so if you can plan your visit before that, you're likely to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and shorter waits for amenities.

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