Its summertime in Colorado! The days are long, the mountains are calling, and the kids are up past their bedtime. While summer brings plenty of opportunities for family time and outdoor adventures, it can also put a strain on your budget—especially with concerts, festivals, and weekend trips tempting you around every corner.
But here in Colorado, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season without spending a fortune. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, social butterfly, or just looking for ways to enjoy the season, these six ideas will help you have a fun-filled Colorado summer without breaking the bank.
1. Turn Passions into Summer Projects
Summer offers the perfect chance to dive into personal interests and creative projects. Love nature? Start a backyard wildlife journal or try identifying native wildflowers on a hike. Handy with tools? DIY a kids PVC sprinkler run for backyard fun. Tap into free resources at your local library, like maker kits, workshops, and summer reading challenges for all age groups—not just kids!
2. Explore Colorado’s Local Parks and Open Spaces
From the Front Range to the Western Slope, Colorado’s parks are a playground for adventurers of all ages. Explore local gems like Chautauqua Park (Boulder), Red Rock Canyon Open Space (Colorado Springs), or Spring Canyon Park (Fort Collins). Many city parks host free concerts, movie nights, and community festivals. Check out local parks & rec websites to see what they offer.
3. Host Themed Potlucks or Backyard BBQs
Dining out can add up quickly, so turn your home into the hottest new restaurant in town. Invite friends and family over and host a backyard potluck with a theme: “Local Harvest” with seasonal produce, “Southwest Night” with green chile favorites, or even “Colorado Brews + Brats”. Rotate hosting duties with friends throughout the summer for a great way to catch up and save money.
4. Give Back with Colorado-Based Volunteer Programs
Summer is a great time to connect with your community and give back. Volunteer with animal shelters like the Foothills Animal Shelter (Golden) or local food banks like Food Bank of the Rockies (Denver). For outdoorsy types, groups like Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) run trail cleanups and restoration projects that are both active and fulfilling. Volunteering is a meaningful way to spend a summer day while on a budget.
5. Get Active the Colorado Way
Colorado’s natural beauty makes fitness feel more like fun. Whether you're a casual walker or a peak-bagging pro, there's something for you. Try beginner-friendly hikes like Trading Post Trail at Red Rocks Park, or Fountain Valley Trail at Roxborough State Park, or challenge yourself with a 14er like Longs Peak or Mount Elbert. Prefer wheels to boots? Explore Colorado’s vast bike path network, from Denver’s Cherry Creek Trail to the Rio Grande Trail near Aspen.
6. Enjoy Affordable Movies and Entertainment
When you need a break from the summer heat, Colorado has plenty of entertainment options that won’t break the bank. Catch a matinee movie at AMC theaters for 20% off the evening ticket prices, or enjoy free outdoor movies in cities like Denver, Loveland, and Fort Collins. Local attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Denver Art Museum offer free days throughout the year. Check out what days you can get in for free here.
Don’t Let Costs Cool Down Your Summer
From backyard adventures to mountain hikes, Colorado offers endless ways to enjoy the summer season without burning a hole in your pocket. With a little planning and creativity, you can keep yourself and your loved ones entertained all summer long.