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Five Family-Friendly Indoor Activity Ideas in Boulder, Colorado

October 29, 2024

Looking for a family-friendly, fun activity to burn off energy inside in Boulder, Colorado? Check out the list below for inspiration.

While I certainly get outside with my kids in all seasons, sometimes it’s nice not to bundle. As the weather turns colder, here are several spots for indoor activities when you need a break from the cold.

University of Colorado Boulder Museum of Natural History

Are you looking for a fun and free activity on CU Boulder’s campus? Consider checking out the Museum of Natural History. Open daily, the museum has several hands-on exhibits for kids to explore. Additionally, a small kid's playroom on the downstairs level is complete with a light table, treehouse, and other sensory items.

Children’s programming runs throughout the year. Currently, every other Wednesday into December, the museum is hosting Mornings at the Museums for preschoolers with their caregivers. During these sessions, children (and caregivers!) can learn something new and participate in fun activities.

Fiske Planetarium

Also on CU Boulder’s campus, Fiske Planetarium offers unique programming for kids, students, and adults throughout the year. It features fun exhibits and art installations, along with several movies and laser shows.

Watch a feature and learn about the moon, stars, black holes, or other planets. Kick back and relax to lasers and your favorite tunes. Or bring the kids for a kid-friendly film, such as the Hazelnuts film that’s currently streaming.

Note that this museum offers a membership you can purchase. A membership offers significant discounts on tickets. Additionally, the Fiske Planetarium is part of the ASTC Passport Program. So, if you are visiting from out of town and have a membership to another participating organization, you may be able to receive a discount on your tickets.

Tinker Art Studio

Tinker Art Studio is an art studio in Boulder that offers workshops, preschool classes, and caregiver and tot playtime. Additionally, they host birthday parties, homeschool classes, and other fun activities.

For kids ages 5-9, check out one of the several upcoming workshops. Themes include making snow globes, glazing menorahs, and making sock snow people. They also offer a preschool drop-off class for children ages 3-5 and a caregiver-and-me class for kids ages 18 months-5 years. 

Additionally, semester-long programs for all ages are available, and they include topics such as jewelry making, sewing, and more!

ABC Kids Climbing

ABC Kids Climbing offers several classes for kids and open gym times. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to drop in and burn off some energy, this is a great place! Reservations are not required. Check out the open gym climbing webpage for pricing, hours, and additional information. 

Shredder Ski Boulder

One of the best parts of living in Colorado is ski season! If you have a little one just learning, consider checking out Shredder Ski in Boulder.

They have structured classes and open gym times you can register for. Open gym times are limited to five kids per 40-minute session. Check their website for pricing and additional information to sign up for an open gym slot or class.

Other Ideas

A quick roundup of other places to check out for indoor fun include: