Top Attractions for Families Around Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado, is home to scenic hikes, iconic venues and rustic, natural beauty. In Boulder, there is something for everyone. Find an activity right for your family.

 The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

This famous teahouse is one of a kind. Its prime location right near Boulder’s Central Park makes it a popular attraction for locals and tourists hunting for premium tea or looking to explore food from cultures around the world. The teahouse is the only Tajik teahouse in the Western Hemisphere, and it not only offers delectable Persian cuisine such as khorest bademjan or kotlet sandwiches, it offers Korean, Peruvian, Cuban, Mexican, Greek, Thai, Argentinian, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Mediterranean, Syrian, Indonesian and Indian food. It is safe to say the Dushanbe Teahouse has the most eclectic menu in the area.

In addition to its culturally rich food and tea, the architecture and design of the building has its own unique story. The teahouse was built in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and gifted to its sister city of Boulder. The teahouse served as a symbol of international friendship and cultural advancement.

Persian Teahouse in Boulder, Colorado. Photo: Shannon Drawe | Dreamstime

Alberta Falls

Alberta Falls is an easy hike and is one of the most popular in Rocky Mountain Park, usually crowded with families of all ages. The trail begins in Glacier Gorge and leads you to the gorgeous Alberta Waterfall. There are several spots to picnic along the way. Be sure to pack lunch!

Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek is a popular destination for families looking for a scenic hike, a swimming hole, tubing or a fun seasonal festival. There are several crazy events such as Tube to Work Day, where locals float down the creek in luxury business attire or the annual festival that takes place on Memorial Day Weekend to kick off summer.

To end the summer, Boulder locals host another festival with dancing, singing, a running race, food competitions and a zucchini contest. Children of all ages design and decorate a giant zucchini, adorn them with wheels and “drive” them down a ramp.

Red Rocks. Photo: Ben O’neal | Dreamstime

Red Rocks Amphitheater

The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre is located just outside of Denver in Morrison, Colo. Famous musicians from around the world have performed at the open-air theater. The layout and unique design of the theater produces a great backdrop for exquisite acoustics and can hold close to 10,000 people. Some artists even opt to live-record albums in the amphitheater, such as The Dave Matthews Band, Incubus, Stevie Nicks, U2 and Jack Johnson.

Nymph Lake à Dream Lake à Emerald Lake Hike

Begin by hiking to Nymph Lake, take a break by Dream Lake and then follow through to Emerald Lake for a gorgeous hike four miles round-trip. Areas of the hike are accessible for fishing, and you can also view the Tyndall Glacier when you reach Emerald Lake.

Pearl Street

No matter who you are, where you are from or what you are interested in, Pearl Street is a must see while you are exploring Boulder. There are shops and trinkets that will appeal to everyone, more than 100 restaurants to choose from, live music and beautiful architecture. This area not only attracts families, but many artists and historians visit to view the famous tulip bloom, sell art or analyze the Victorian homes lining the streets.

Photo: Kwiktor | Dreamstime

Beaver Brook on the River

There are many great condos and hotels while you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. However, located on the Thompson River are the Beaver Brook Vacation Rentals, part of Trout Haven Resorts. Beaver Brook consists of 17 rentals from studio to three bedroom. They are fit with bathrooms, washers and dryers, fireplaces and patios. These rentals are a great option for families up to eight traveling without pets.

Rayback Collective

The Rayback Collective is a local hot spot in Boulder with a plethora of mobile food vendors, a beer garden, live music and stunning views of the mountains. The food and beverages are on a rotating schedule so you can try something new every day. Rayback Collective says, “Come on over. Whether you’re looking for a fun place to hang with your friends or your kids, a place to unwind after a day in the office, a place to cap off your most recent mountain rendezvous, a place to plan your next epic adventure, a place to congregate — the Rayback is here for you.”

Fern Lake and Fern Falls

The hike to Fern Falls begins in the Moraine Park area and leads you through areas of forest and open land. About 2.5 miles into the trail, hikers will reach the 60-foot waterfall and may continue on to the lake area. This hike is a bit more difficult than some of the other famous Rocky Mountain hikes and is about a six-mile round-trip. Therefore, you may want to venture to the falls without younger children.