Northern Colorado Parks & Playgrounds for Family Fun!

Northern Colorado Parks & Playgrounds

This is the place to get detailed information on Northern Colorado parks and playgrounds! After all, many of us moved to Northern Colorado because of the 300+ days of sunshine we get a year. We want to enjoy it, and a great way to get the kiddos out is to find the right outdoor space.

Please consider sharing your story about your favorite Northern Colorado Park or Playground, at the bottom of this page. There are so many amazing spaces in our community, let's share the spots that we love the most!

Fort Collins Natural Areas
For starters, Fort Collins has dozens of designated Natural Areas. You can take advantage of the many presentations the city offers, to learn more about the animals, plants and creepy-crawlies of these areas. These are GREAT opportunities for some family fun and learning! Here is the link to the city's Natural Area site , which includes maps, and even trail conditions. NOTE: Often during a meltdown (particularly just after spring snowstorms) the trails will be closed for a day or two, to reduce trail damage and erosion. Be sure to check out this map during those times, to avoid disappointing 'turn-arounds' at trail heads...yes, we've abandoned hiking plans after looking forward to it for days...sometimes we take it worse than the kids. :)

One of our highlighted local businesses is your friendly Fort Collins Computer Help Whiz, Matthew Johnson with Cheer Up PC. If you need a reliable, knowledgeable on-site computer guy, you need to call the clever, convenient and courteous solution... Cheer Up PC! He is an on-site Fort Collins computer tech, who really knows his stuff! Seriously, we've been relying on him for numerous computer issues that he's been able to resolve, and we know many people who use him and refer friends to him as well. One of them told me recently that she loves him because he doesn't make her feel stupid. She was right. You can reach him at 970.227.3760 or on the Cheer Up PC Facebook Page.

Inspiration Playground
A Landmark in the Northern Colorado Parks and Playgrounds landscape is Inspiration Playground in Fort Collins . One of only a few playgrounds in the country, which are accessible to ALL children. It is located at the far west end of Horsetooth, at Spring Canyon Park. For those of you who like to bike everywhere you can, it is accessible directly by the Spring Creek Bike Trail.

The first thing you may notice about Fort Collins Inspiration Playground is...well, it's HUGE! It has ramps, so the entire elevated walkway structure is wheelchair accessible. There is braille on the structure for children and parents who are unable to see. It is a wonderful, inspiring place. There is a splash park-water feature at the park, with plenty of fountains and space to cool off when the days are hot. On days children are off school, the park is PACKED with families. This video has footage of the first Inspiration Playground, and some interviews of Board Members, who were instrumental in bringing one to Northern Colorado.

Our Meetup Family Playdates are occasionally at this playground, because it's a fantastic place to play! Join the Meetup, by clicking through the link below, to get the updates on our family gatherings.

The Gardens at Spring Creek
We are going to categorize this wonderful place as a park, so we can share it with the Northern Colorado Parks and Playgrounds! It took us about a year and a half in town before we found out about this treasure.

It is a wonderful, hands-on garden center with little spots for the children to explore and hide among the plants, or walk on stepping stones across a little creek. OH, and the children will love peeking at the 'fishies' swimming around the stepping stones...always a fun find! During warmer weather, there's a giant water pump the children can pump to pour water into a water feature. They have a group room to host a gathering, or birthday celebrations can be held outside in the gazebo. The community and theme gardens are natural learning spots, and the programs they have for children are unique. You won't want to miss this Fort Collins Tot Spot. Here's the link to the Gardens at Spring Creek , so you can see what upcoming events you may want to attend.