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Top Summer Vacation Activities In Denver

Cherry Creek State Park(credit: parksimages.state.co.us)

Summertime is here, and it's time to venture back outdoors to enjoy the amazing Colorado weather. From water parks to state parks to museums and more, there is a lot to do outdoors, and a lot of different ways to have fun as a family. And since the kids are out of school, it is just as important to keep them occupied with fun things to do all summer long. Take a look at these great summertime activities.

Pirates Cove Water Park
1225 W. Belleview Ave.
Englewood, CO 80120
(303) 762-2683
www.piratescovecolorado.com

There are only a couple of water parks in the Denver area, and most of them are always so busy that you just don't have much fun. You spend most of the day waiting in lines in a wet swimsuit, waiting for your two minutes on the water slide. Well, Pirates Cove is a bit different. It's a smaller park with a traditional leisure pool with a big play area, a tall 35-foot tower with three slides, a lazy river and a couple of other exciting pools. There are still concessions and other things that you would expect, but since it's a smaller park, you don't have the craziness of the big guys plus it is a fraction of the cost. So you get to spend more time enjoying the water, and isn't that why you went to a water park in the first place?
Related: Top Summertime Art Activities for Kids in Denver

Cherry Creek State Park
4201 S. Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 690-1166
www.parks.state.co.us

One of the largest parks in the area, Cherry Creek State Park has so many great summertime activities that you won't know where to start first. The Cherry Creek State Park is anchored by the huge 880-acre reservoir with lots of boating, jet skiing, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. There are also lots of great trails for hiking, camping and biking. Or head over to the stables and rent a horse for a day of horseback riding or go on a hay ride. There is something for just about everyone at Cherry Creek State Park. It's the perfect answer to your summertime activities.

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

Every year, the Denver Film Society and Denver Arts and Venues team up for the Film on the Rocks series at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. It is always a hugely popular event with tons of great films, live music and lots of family fun. There is really nothing like enjoying a great movie outdoors at the amazing scenic beauty that is Red Rocks Amphitheater. There is a wide variety of films, and you'll want to check the listings ahead of time to make sure the film is family friendly (if you plan on bringing along your kids, of course.) This summer, the titles include "The Hunger Games," "Princess Bride," "The Blues Brothers," "Point Break" and lots more. Film on the Rocks is an annual summertime tradition and one that is always a lot of fun.
Related: Top Summer Camps or Workshops for Teens in Denver

Pick Fruit at Berry Patch Farms
13785 Potomac St.
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 659-5050
www.berrypatchfarms.com

The days of the old fashioned farm are not behind us. In fact, there are many lively and prospering farms located throughout the state. Take a trip up to Brighton for one of the most fun farms you'll ever visit. Berry Patch Farms will take you through the fields, letting you pick your own fruit. You simply pay per pound or per container of the fruit you pick. It may sound like a lot of work, it's actually a surprising amount of fun wandering all 40 acres finding and picking all the ripe fruit you can carry. In addition, there is always a lot of fun activities for kids including learning how to cook all that fruit you just picked.


Visit Buffalo Bill's Museum and Grave

987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Road
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 526-0744
www.buffalobill.org

Take your family on a trip through time and learn all about the history of Colorado, the Old West and the famous Buffalo Bill. The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is a great spot to visit for an afternoon with the family. The museum highlights the life and legend of William F. Cody AKA Buffalo Bill. You'll get up close to firearms, Indian artifacts, Sitting Bull's bow and arrow, Buffalo Bill's show outfits and a lot more. A short walk from the museum is Buffalo Bill's gravesite so you have a chance to enjoy the amazing Colorado mountains.

 

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

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