Family Weekend in Boulder, Colorado

Just 5,430 feet above sea level and 30 minutes north of bustling Denver, Boulder, Colorado, remains an ideal, budget-friendly weekend getaway for families. This growing metropolis offers a blossoming foodie scene and laidback city vibe, surrounded by Rocky Mountain beauty.

Begin the day at the Boulder Tea House for brunch, boasting a variety of American and traditional Persian cuisine. Enjoy an American breakfast at $9.50 per person, including a homemade pop tart the kids will love, or the Honduran beleada for $10.50. Parents and adult children, add a mimosa or Bloody Mary for an additional $6.

Treat the kids to teatime during a free, 45-minute tour of Boulder’s own Celestial Seasonings Company. Visits include a walk through the tea production factory, Art Gallery, Tea Sampling Bar and Mint Room before concluding in the Celestial Gift Shop.

Photo:  Kwiktor | Dreamstime

Completely surrounded by landscape and natural wonders, a trip to Boulder wouldn’t be complete without a biking or hiking expedition. Explore the great outdoors for little to no cost, from the Flat Irons and natural sandstone formations through more than 330 miles of trails.

Get from place to place along the five-mile stretch of Boulder Creek Path, or rent a car and head to Eldorado Canyon in Eldorado State Park for some hiking, rock climbing, biking, boating and fishing. Daily park passes range from $7–9 per car, making any of Boulder’s many parks a budget-friendly option.

Photo: Ron Rapp | Dreamstime

Pearl Street is at the heart of Boulder and offers unique shops, restaurants and breweries with a historic, rustic feel. While downtown, explore the cultural scene with a tour through Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art for $1. Don’t forget to check out University of Colorado Boulder’s Museum of Natural History for interactive exhibits, dinosaurs and the kid-centric Discovery Corner.

Teens and older kids enjoy The Hill, the bustling neighborhood by the university offering fun restaurants, bars and cafes featuring live music and nightly events.

With lush green parks prime for outdoor adventures scattered through Boulder and fun local shops and restaurants to explore downtown, there is a buzz about the city perfect for active families. Get outdoors and have fun bonding over shared experiences while still taking time to lay low and enjoy the city. Residents of Boulder cultivate a colorful, healthy, active and fun environment for visitors to enjoy, even on a budget.