With just over a month left of the 2022 summer season, there's still plenty of time to enjoy all that Colorado sunshine. Although hanging out with friends at BBQs or sipping a draft at your favorite brewery is fun and relaxing, sometimes getting a little wet and wild is just what the doctor ordered - plus, natural vitamin D is good for your health - just don't forget the sunscreen!
So, where does one go when they want to get out of the city and cool off in Northern Colorado? There are many public watering holes to choose from in each municipality, but also some ˜natural' locations as well. Here's a list of some of our favorite Northern Colorado spots to cool off.
Fort Collins
Pools, Splash Pads & Parks:
City Park Pool, 1599 City Park Dr.
The City Park Pool is located along Sheldon Lake within City Park, just west of downtown Fort Collins. The outdoor pool area comes equipped with a 30-foot drop slide, an open curly slide, a lazy river, geysers, a large play structure as well as a picnic area. Prices range based on the time of day you go, with single-use admission from $4-$7. For more more information on hours of operation and special events, head to: City Park Pool
Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC), 1801 Riverside Ave.
Edora Pool Ice Center, also known as EPIC, is the region's premier ice and aquatics facility. The facility has a large pool area, three diving boards, a warm water therapy and instructional pool as well as two indoor ice rinks. For hours, classes and pricing to go: EPIC
Mulberry Pool, 424 W Mulberry St.
Mulberry Pool, near downtown Fort Collins, is open year-round and includes a large œchild-friendly interactive play area with slides and other fun water features. Mulberry pool has an indoor pool, diving board, large shallow play area, spa, and spectator seating area. For more information: Mulberry Pool
Oak Street Plaza Park, 119 W Oak St.
Oak Street Plaza Park is a small square in downtown Fort Collins, featuring a public splash pad which is a great way for kiddos to cool off from the summer heat, enjoy the shade, and relax. Located along S. College Ave & Oak St. Open seven days a week from 9am-9pm. Old Street Plaza Park
Old Town Square, Walnut & Linden St.
In the middle of Old Town Square in downtown Fort Collins, is a water feature that will keep kids and adults entertained for hours. Open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm.
Spring Canyon Park, 2626 W Horsetooth Rd.
This 100-acre park is the first universal ADA accessible playground for children with disabilities in the City of Fort Collins. In addition to the playground, Spring Canyon Park includes athletic fields, touch sensor-activated splash pad, and loads of hiking trails. Open 7 days a week from 9am-7pm.
Fossil Creek Park, 5821 S Lemay Ave.
A hidden gem of Fort Collins, Fossil Creek Park comes with a prehistoric themed playground, skate park, dog park, trails and splash pad. Kids of all ages can enjoy a waterfall with dancing water spouts all next to the edge of Portner Reservoir. Open 7 days a week from 9am-7pm.
Natural Water Areas:
Poudre River Whitewater Park, 201 E Vine Dr.
Located just north of Old Town, Poudre River Whitewater Park is a river park intended for kayakers and tubers to enjoy and practice their whitewater skills. The park has an overlook area, and a pedestrian bridge connecting to the Poudre Trail. Water levels fluctuate and there is no lifeguard on duty, so use at your own risk. For more information head to: Poudre River Park
Horsetooth Reservoir, 4200 W County Rd. 38 E
Horsetooth Reservoir is a six plus mile elongated body of water nestled along the northern foothills,this park features over 3,900 acres of surface water surrounded by 1,900 acres of public land. There are designated swim beaches located along the reservoir for public swimming, along with outdoor activities such as scuba diving, fishing, boating, stand up paddle boarding, and water skiing. For more information head to: Horsetooth Reservoir
Greeley
Pools, Splash Pads & Parks:
Centennial Pool, 2315 Reservoir Rd.
As one of the largest and longest running outdoor pools in Greeley, this is definitely a longtime favorite for kids of all ages. Centennial Pool includes a large pool area with a diving board, splash pad with various spray features, as well as a 243-foot water slide. Pack a picnic and your sunscreen as you may spend countless hours soaking up the sun. For upcoming times and closures: Centennial Pool.
Discovery Bay Waterpark, 715 E. 24th St.
The Discovery Bay Outdoor Waterpark is located in East Greeley. This waterpark is great for all ages, and includes a splash pad, lazy river, 243-foot slide, and pool. Check out Discovery Bay for the most up-to-date information and events taking place at the waterpark.
Family FunPlex 1501 65th Ave.
Considered NoCo's best indoor water park, Family FunPlex is great for the whole family. Be sure to take a spin around the lazy river while younger children explore the zero depth pool. If you're at least 48-inches or over you can take a ride down one of the massive indoor waterslides! Come explore at Family FunPlex!
Island Grove Splash Park, 302 N. 14th St.
Open daily from 11am-7pm, with no fees or reservation required. Greely Rec
Sunrise Splash Park, 325 12th St.
Open daily from 11am-7pm, with no fees or reservation required. Greely Rec
Loveland
Pools, Splash Pads & Parks:
Chilson Pools, 700 E 4th St. #200
With two indoor pools to choose from - one leisure, one lap pool, plus a steam room, and indoor/outdoor hot tub, there are a variety of aquatics programs great for the whole family. This year-round facility is open seven days a week. For reservations, pricing and availability go to: Chilson Pools
Winona Outdoor Pool, 1615 Fourth St. SE
Winona Pool is heated for everyone's enjoyment. With various types of swimming options, you can participate in open swim, lap swim, family swim or aqua fitness classes. Be sure to check times and days as well as pricing or get a punch card for easy access: Winona Pool
Natural Water Areas:
Boyd Lake State Park, 3720 N County Rd. 11C
From camping and fishing to hiking and swimming, you'll end up spending the whole weekend here. Be sure to check out specific swim locations and be mindful of watercraft rules and regulations. The park is open year round, but be sure to check out the Colorado Parks website for hours and specific dates of availability: Boyd Lake State Park
Lake Loveland Swim Beach, 2650 N. Taft Ave.
Located within North Lake Park in Loveland, this outdoor area has all the park amenities one could ask for. For details head to: Swim Beach
Carter Lake, 4011 S County Rd. 31
Nestled about thirteen miles southwest of Loveland, this 1,100 acre reservoir has all the activities for the outdoor enthusiast, including fishing, sailing, water skiing, picnicking and yes, even swimming. For more information: Carter Lake
Windsor
Chimney Park Pool, 421 Chimney Park Dr.
From laps, swim lessons, open swim, and even twilight swim, there's a time slot for everyone's enjoyment! The facilities have a lap pool, kiddie pool, water slide, and other amenities to make your day at the pool fun for the whole family.
For exact times, schedule and pricing: Chimney Park Pool
Swim Beach at Windsor Lake, 100 N 5th St.
Windsor Lake offers many recreational activities including motorized and non-motorized boat rentals, a swim beach, designated fishing area, a dog park, and a 2.25 miles walking trail around the lake. Perfect for a full day of activities. Make sure to check their website for water algae status. Windsor Lake
Northern Colorado has so many options to cool off in the summer heat. Just be sure to plan ahead, bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks for a day of unlimited fun. Most pools close around Labor Day weeked. Visit their website to confirm hours of operation.
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