Indoor Activities for Kids Around NoCo When It’s a Rainy Day!

Let’s face it— it’s been raining like crazy! Great for the lawn, but all parents can agree, keeping the kiddos entertained can feel like a full-time job on those days. Whether it’s a surprise summer storm or a smoky day, we need reliable indoor options that are fun, affordable, and kid or toddler-approved so keep the sanity.

Luckily, NoCo is packed with creative places where kids can climb, bounce, explore, and create—without anyone needing a raincoat (unless you want that!). We’ve rounded up our favorite local spots to help you turn any dreary day into an adventure. From energetic play spaces to cozy story times, here’s your go-to list for surviving (and thriving) indoors when the rain’s got us down!

1. Urban Air Adventure Park OR Fly High– Fort Collins

Best for: Ages 3+ to Elementary Aged who need to jump, bounce, and climbWhy we love it: This massive indoor park has trampolines, climbing walls, ninja courses, and a special soft play area for toddlers. There are seating areas at both with Wifi, and there’s even lunch at Urban Air for purchase, but plan to bring your own lunch to Fly High. If you’ve been there before, don’t forget your kid’s socks, or you’ll need to pay for new ones! Entry Fees: Approx $16 a Kid

Website: Urban Air – Harmony Road in Council Tree https://www.urbanair.com/?news=urban-air-adventure-park-secures-fort-collins-co-location Website: Fly High – Smokey Street in Fort Collins https://foco.flyhighfun.com

2. Little Monsters Playground in Windsor or Wellington

Best for: Kids 6 and Under Why we love it: Lil Monsters Playground is an indoor play space designed for your younger kids. It features a giant ball pit, colorful slides, imaginative climbing structures, and cozy nooks for parents or caregivers to relax. The layout isn’t too huge, making it easy to keep an eye on little ones. They too have a place for parents to hang and grab some coffee and snacks while the kids play! On Wednesdays, they have an Toddler Only Time - 9am-12pm. Website: https://www.lilmonstersplayground.com  

3. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – Fort Collins

Best for: Hands-on learning for Kids! Why we love it: Kids can experiment with sound, build inventions, explore wildlife exhibits (with live animals), and even try their hand at being a weather forecaster. Check out the Otterbox Dome as well! Great for all ages, especially 4–10. IF it stops raining, there is pretty easy access to the Poudre Trail and Poudre River. Entry Fees: $12.75 for Kids, Adults $15.50, Kids 2 and Under are free. Website: fcmod.org

4. Loveland Public Library – Loveland

Best for: Low-key fun and little learnersWhy we love it: The children’s area here is a hidden gem. There’s a puppet theater, LEGO station, interactive games, and frequent storytime events. As you can sense, most of these indoor activities are about $15/ a kid, but this library is free.  Definitely take advantage! Website: Loveland Library

5. Walk the Foothills Mall Best for: Running the kids in wide open hallways! Plus a little shopping (Bonus) Why we love it: Relive your mall glory days of Auntie Ann’s Pretzels and Sbarro’s Pizza to share with your kids. There’s also X Golf, an indoor golf simulator, which is available for all ages. If you want to keep it pretty cheap, I suggest window shopping or making a scavenger hunt.   Website:  https://www.shopfoothills.com

 

6. Chill Out with Indoor Swimming – Windsor Rec Center or Eaton Rec Center Swimming is always a win in our book. And, these rec centers are pretty affordable- usually about $20 total for a family to go swimming at these spots. Both pools offer great slides and low stress water spots if you have little, non swimming kids. Bring your food and enjoy a pool filled day! Guaranteed to wear out the kids (and you!) Windsor: https://www.recreationliveshere.com

Eaton: https://www.eaprd.com

7. OR: Take a Walk in the Rain

Best for: Stretching you and your kid’s creativity muscles!  Why we love it:  Throw on some rain boots, grab that umbrella, and do some exploration with your kids. Make it a fun game: Who can spot the most Earth Worms? Have a Small Pond? Count the Fish, find any frogs, etc. What animals come out when it rains? Make it a game — look for “shiny things,” “wriggly things,” or “things making noise.” Definitely wear the Rain Boots for extra Stomping Fun – Or wear a bathing suit and get extra wet!

Website:  No Internet Required!

Hopefully our super rainy days are behind us and Sunshine is abounding this Summer, but keep these ideas in your back pocket. These ideas also work well for those smoky days, which I pray we won’t have too many of this summer.

Got a favorite indoor spot we missed? Let us know—we love discovering new local gems from other families!

 

Ashleigh