The sun is shining and summer is in full swing – now is the time to get out and enjoy the day. Grab the sunscreen and your water bottles and venture outside for all of the great summertime activities Colorado has to offer. Try these five great places to start your summertime fun.

Photo Credit: milehighfleamarket.com/Facebook

Mile High Flea Market
7007 E. 88th Ave.
Henderson, CO 80640
(303) 289-4656
www.milehighfleamarket.com

Price: $2 per person Friday/$3 per person Saturday and Sunday/free children younger than 12

The Mile High Flea Market is the largest open-air, year-round entertainment and shopping destination in the whole Rocky Mountain region. This 80-acre shopping haven features everything from a huge flea market to a farmers’ market, food and rides, and everything you and your entire family could want. Snap up great deals, or just wander the aisles and enjoy the rides. Plus, it is just a short 10-minute drive from downtown Denver.

Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain National Park/Facebook

Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-1206
www.nps.gov

Price: $20 per automobile

About two hours outside of Denver sits one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 415 square miles of amazing protected mountain environments. With more than 300 miles of hiking trails, great drives like Trail Ridge Road, science and nature centers, junior ranger programs, fishing and wildlife, there is so much to do that you’ll need to come back again and again. Camp for the weekend, or just head up for the day; Rocky Mountain National Park is a great spot to enjoy a summer day with the whole family.

Related: Top Family Friendly Entertainers in the Denver Area

Photo Credit: waterworldcolorado.com

Water World
1800 W. 89th Ave.
Federal Heights, CO 80260
(303) 427-7873
www.waterworldcolorado.com

Price: $34.99 for children for a full day of tickets/$39.99 for adults

The temperature is climbing, it’s hot, and you need a great way to cool off. Well, look no further, because Water World is the perfect place to cool off during the hot summer months. It is one of America’s largest water parks with 64 full acres of water-time fun. Celebrating more than 30 years, Water World is a hugely popular summertime destination in Colorado. With more than 49 different attractions, and for water-lovers of all ages, Water World will keep you and your whole family cool this summer.

Photo Credit: Elitchgardens.com/Facebook

Elitch Gardens
2000 Elitch Circle
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 595-4FUN
www.elitchgardens.com

Price: $29.99 for children shorter than 48 inches/$43.99 for adults taller than 48 inches

Summer wouldn’t be summer without a trip to an amusement park. Elitch Gardens is that and so much more. With two full parks, a theme park and a water park, plus entertainment, concerts, dining, shopping and special events, Elitch Gardens is a great spot for days of summertime entertainment. Cool off in the water park enjoying the new Tube Top Slides, or head over to the theme park and ride the roller coasters and other thrill rides. No matter how you like to play, Elitch Gardens has been a staple of the Denver community year after year, and should definitely be on your list of summer stops.

Related: Top Summertime Theater Activities for Kids in Denver

Photo Credit: redrocksonline.com

Film on the Rocks
At Red Rocks Amphitheater
18300 W. Alameda Pkwy.
Morrison, CO 80465
(720) 865-2494
www.redrocksonline.com

Price: $12

The Denver Film Society hosts Film on the Rocks every summer, playing hit movies outdoors in the scenic beauty of Red Rocks Park. Every Monday night, the rocks come to life with films including Anchorman, Bridesmaids, Office Space and Wayne’s World. All movies start at dusk, and be sure to check the website to see what is playing. Feel free to bring your own food to enjoy during the movie, just be sure the cooler is small enough to fit under your seat.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.