Snow Day! Minus the Snow: Kid Friendly Activities when it's cold and dry..

Winter in Northern Colorado doesn’t always mean sledding hills and snowball fights- to my dismay. Some years, the snow comes late, melts fast (darn that 300 days of sunshine!), or never quite piles up enough for a snow day. The good news? There’s actually plenty to do with kids in Noco without the snow!

If you’re looking for ideas to help cabin fever at bay, here are some favorite non-snow winter activities for kids right here in Northern Colorado:

1.     Send them outside- The weather has been stinkin’ amazing the last few weeks! We’ve been outside, at the park, playing with our animals every day. I’ve been sending the kids out immediately when they get home so that they can utilize every ounce of daylight before it’s gone by 5pm! A Few Ideas if your kids say “There’s Nothing to do outside!” a. Backyard Treasure Hunt- Have them make a list of the things they find- Pinecones, Animal Tracks, Long Icicles, Colorful Leaf, etc. b. Rock Painting or Collection – Find Rocks to Paint and put them around the outside of the house for decorationc. Create an obstacle course!  d. Scooter, Bike, Rollerblade – keep these handy and don’t put them up for Winter!

FORT COLLINS SPECIFIC -

2.     Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – This is a great indoor place that also has lots of hands on activities for learning! This made our rainy day list before and it’s still on here because it rocks! If you go on a Wednesday, hit Penrose for Lunch or Dinner afterwards (kids eat free Wednesdays.. remember?!) https://fcmod.org

3.     Take them Bowling: Head over to Chipper’s Lanes – a Fort Collins classic – and do some bowling! Invite a few families and make it a tournament – complete with Pizza and Beer (for the adults!) They also have an arcade, ax throwing, and laser tag. https://chipperslanes.com/locations/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22371871646&gbraid=0AAAAADZ3ayCl7zqcIEz1e6ijPssMIPUKU&gclid=CjwKCAiA95fLBhBPEiwATXUsxAMpZEVVgOuxP5UgacuoH0CPXeQxvv2DLQrxD-mmpHdAUzcRnXW2VxoC_FoQAvD_BwE

4.     Have Slightly Older Kids? Somewhere Secret Escape Room is a great choice! Located in downtown FoCo- this is a great family bonding night or a good time with friends- Anyone from 2-8 people can do it, and the cost goes down the more people join! https://somewheresecret.com

5.     Tea Time for your Princesses and Princes- Also in Old Town, you’ve got to try The Duchess Tea Room in Linden Street! A bit more pricey than other options, but a fun way to get out one afternoon for a Princess Tea, Afternoon Tea, or High Tea! Definitely make a reservation for this one. https://theduchesstearoom.com

 

LOVELAND / WINDSOR SPECIFIC -

 

 

1.     Windsor Rec Center – Great spot to Birthday Parties, meeting up with friends, or just a drop in at the indoor pool! I think this may be the cheapest place to take your kids swimming, too.

 https://www.recreationliveshere.com/167/Community-Recreation-Center

 

2.     Jumpin’ – This Loveland (Centerra Area) Spot is perfect for littles all the way up to 10! Pretty basic inside, but it’s pretty affordable. https://jumpinfun.com/entry-fees/

3.     Ultimate Ninja Academy in Loveland – High Energy Zone for your most energetic kids. They have it separated based on your kid’s age – so there is fun for each age group. They even have adult nights, summer camps, and more. https://ultimateninjas.com/academy/loveland-co/camps/

4.     Main Event in Windsor -  Main Event has everything for you and the family to do – Laser Tag, Arcade, Bowling, food. If you head over on Monday’s after 4pm, its $13 for all you can play games. Another option is to go on a Tuesday and hit up Fuzzy’s for Taco Tuesday afterwards!  https://www.mainevent.com

 

 

 

 

I hope this gives you some fresh ideas of what to do with your gremlins… any that you’d add? Let me know!

 

 

-Ashleigh