6 Colorado summer locations to continue the adventure

Be active beyond camp! Your kids had an awesome time at summer camp, right?  You know what they did each day, but I bet you’re wondering where they went for their outdoor adventures – you know, so you can share in the fun!  Well, we want you and your campers to continue the adventure long after camp ends!  It’s time to enjoy biking, hiking and paddling at some of the locations your campers explored!

A huge part of Avid4 Adventure’s mission is continuing the adventure of being active in the outdoors beyond camp.  You know, we want kids (and, of course, their families!) to be active and outdoors for life!  With that goal in mind, we’ve listed some of the places our campers went during their time at camp – local resources that they can explore with you!  And, be sure to ask your camper what they learned at each location!

Biking

• The Flying J Ranch in Jefferson County is an easy singletrack trail and terrific for beginners (and families) who want to increase their skills and confidence.  Climb, turn and practice skills on this approximate 3-mile loop.
• Twenty six miles of bicycle trails are waiting for your and your family at beautiful Chatfield State Park in Douglas County.  Pedal through a cottonwood forest, along ponds and the reservoir and grasslands.

For some fantastic suggestions about biking with kids, take a look at our Tips & tricks:  biking with kids post.

Hiking

• With more than 10 miles of trails and one of the largest urban refuges in the country, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Adams County is home to more than 330 species of wildlife.  Be sure to stop at the visitor’s center to borrow binoculars and have a fun game of “I Spy” on your hike!
• Enjoy 5 miles of trails at Mount Galbraith Park in Jefferson County.    You’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Continental Divide at the summit!  Escape the craziness of everyday life, and enjoy the fresh air of the foothills!

Want to learn more about hiking with kids?  Check out our Tips & tricks:  hiking with kids post.

Paddle activities

• The Boulder Reservoir in scenic Boulder County has kayak, canoe, SUP and personal floatation device rentals.  Feel free to bring your own equipment, too, for some family-friendly water fun!
• When you’re ready to make a splash, head over to Cherry Creek State Park right outside of Denver.  Rent kayaks or canoes, and beat the summer heat with your family!

Our Tips & tricks:  stand up paddleboarding with kids post gives you suggestions to get started in this super fun and growing water sport!

We know you want to stay active, be engaged and continue the adventure throughout the year – and we want that, too!  Your kids will love sharing their Avid4 Adventure activities and locations with you and the entire family.  So, what are you waiting for?  Get out there and discover!

Take a look at our Continue the Adventure page to keep the momentum going!

About the Author: Lynne Marsala Basche spent most of her career on the island of Manhattan at two New York publishing companies.  A multi-year Avid4 Adventure mom and a new contributor to the Avid4 Adventure website, Lynne’s writing adventures also take her to championing volunteerism and regional recreation stories as a staff writer for the Castle Pines Connection newspaper, as well as supporting separate large corporate communications programs.  By trying to keep pace with her mountain biking, rock climbing, snowboarding, lacrosse playing, unicycling, tae kwon do-loving 11-year old son, she, like most Avid4 parents, loves sharing the value of outdoor recreation and its positive influence on children’s health and confidence development.  Lynne lives in Castle Pines, Colorado and regularly immerses herself in outdoor activities with her family where she also runs her freelance writing company, Blue Spruce Creative

Tagged: Colorado Family Adventures, getting kids outside, kids outdoor activities, summer activities