Fort Collins Kids Attractions
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Looking for activities for kids in Fort Collins, Colorado? Check out Fossil Creek Park, the Discovery Science Center, and other great family activities.
Fort Collins, Colorado is a great place for kids. Located about 55 miles north of Denver, this sunny town is booming with the children of locals and Colorado transplants alike. In 2006, Fort Collins was voted the number #1 place to live in the U.S. by Money Magazine, and it’s a fun outdoor environment is high on its list of attractions. Parents will appreciate the abundance of parks, clean air, and family-friendly restaurants.
If you’re coming to Fort Collins for a visit with your kids, here are some fun indoor and outdoor activities.
Fossil Creek Park
5821 South Lemay Avenue
Built in 2003, this 99-acre park will keep children entertained for hours. The huge playground is kid-safe and has a fossil theme, complete with a woolly mammoth structure that children can climb. Little ones will love getting dizzy on the spinning poles, and big kids can climb the rock wall. On hot days, children can play in the big wading pool area that has a waterfall. There’s also a skateboard park, a skating rink, and a dog park. 970-221-6660.
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park
600 North Sherwood Street
Located just north of the quaint Old Town district is Lee Martinez Park and its farm. Children can watch, pet, and feed farm animals that include cows, horses, sheep, turkey, chickens, and goats. There’s also a small museum about farm life. Admission is $2, with an extra fee for pony rides and hayrides. 970-221-6665.
Children’s Play Area at the Foothills Fashion Mall
215 East Foothills Parkway
Fort Collins doesn’t have much of a mall (there’s better shopping in Old Town and nearby Loveland), but if you have children 5 and younger, you’ll enjoy spending a rainy day at the 2200-square foot play area at the Foothills Fashion Mall. Children love climbing on the kid-safe, oversized sports equipment like the soccer ball, hockey puck, and sneaker-shaped slide. The walls are painted with giant murals of animals clad in sports clothing. 970-226-2441.
Discovery Science Center Fort Collins
703 East Prospect Road
This interactive science museum is great for kids from about 3 to 8 years old. Children will learn about the human body in Thoracic Park, hang out in the Dinosaur Nest, and pull themselves high up on the pulley chairs. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children 3 and older. 970-472-2990.
Swetsville Zoo
4801 East Harmony Road, Timnath
No, it’s not really a zoo. Just east of Fort Collins in Timnath is an unusual example of modern folk art– Bill Swets’ sculpture park of over 150 animals created from spare parts and scrap metal. Check out the huge dinosaurs, bugs, aliens, and all kinds of real and fictitious creatures. Admission is free– optional donations are appreciated. 970-484-9509.
Fort Fun
1513 East Mulberry
This 14-acre fun park has both indoor and outdoor activities that include go-carts, mini-golf courses, bumper cars, indoor bowling, arcades, laser tag, and paddle boats. The grounds are decorated with images of local buildings and landmarks, including a replica of nearby Horsetooth Rock (the real one towers above the town due west on the foothills). Activities are priced by tokens, and unlimited access passes range from $15.95 to $30.95. 970-472-8000.
See also: Activities for kids in Denver