Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Longmont is a vibrant small city in Colorado that offers plenty of family-friendly activities all year round. From scenic nature spots and parks to hands-on museums, cultural attractions, and entertainment options, there are many ways to have fun with kids of all ages in Longmont.
This article features 12 top things to do with family when visiting Longmont. It includes both indoor and outdoor activities suitable for toddlers, young children as well as pre-teens and teenagers. There are ideas for rainy days as well as things to do on sunny days. The attractions and activities highlighted here promise to delight, educate and entertain – making for a memorable family trip.
Explore Nature at Union Reservoir
Spread over 900 acres, Union Reservoir is a recreational hot spot located just 10 minutes from downtown Longmont. Families can enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits here. Go fishing – catch rainbow trout, walleye, smallmouth bass and more. The reservoir has a swim beach that is open in summer. Paddleboarding, kayaking and boating opportunities also abound.
Marvel at beautiful mountain vistas and rolling grasslands as you hike or bike the 6.8 miles Union Reservoir Trail that loops around the reservoir. Have a picnic amidst peaceful natural surroundings. Kids will love spotting birds and wildlife. With ample space and fresh air, Union Reservoir guarantees family fun.
Address: 44 County Road 26, Longmont, CO 80504
Admire Exotic Animals at Raven’s Nest Nature Center
At the Raven’s Nest Nature Center, kids get to observe and learn about a range of exotic rescue animals including hawks, owls, vultures, falcons, parrots, reptiles and more. Learn cool facts at regularly held presentations and animal meet-and-greet sessions. Well-designed enclosures let visitors get a close look at the beautiful birds in a natural setting.
Budding artists will love the nature art classes. Kids can look for feathers, seeds, berries and insects on guided nature walks through the center’s 10 acres of native short-grass prairie habitat and wetlands. With interactive exhibits and family programs, Raven’s Nest makes for an enlightening family outing.
Address: 2290 N 65th St, Boulder, CO 80303
Play Mini-Golf at Cracklingwoods Mini Golf
When kids need a break from sightseeing, head to Cracklingwoods Mini Golf for rounds of putt-putt fun the whole family will enjoy. This creatively designed 18-hole miniature golf course features waterfalls, caves, as well as an active volcano. Kids will get to traverse rocky cliffs, balance over water and make their way through the grotto as they aim for hole-in-ones.
The tropical paradise themed course is both entertaining and challenging. Other facilities include batting cages where you can indulge in friendly games of baseball as well as arcade games when you are done putting. With family discounts and an on-site Ice Cream shop, this mini-golf destination promises a delightful time.
Address: 1468 Hover St, Longmont, CO 80501
Explore Hands-On Exhibits at The Wild Kingdom Education Center
Ideal for inquisitive young minds, The Wild Kingdom Education Center offers an opportunity for kids to learn through interactive experiences. Budding zoologists and animal lovers will be thrilled to observe exotic wildlife from up close in natural habitats. See colorful macaws, playful marmosets, curious coatimundis and more. Touch exotic furs, bones and fossils.
Kids can pretend to be vets and zookeepers at imaginative play stations. Develop new skills at one of the several hands-on workshops held through the year on topics like astronomy, archeology paleontology and more. From animal encounters to arts and crafts there is much for kids to see, create and discover at this engaging education center.
Address: 2285 Mallory Cave Dr, Longmont, CO 80504
Take an Art Class at Firehouse Art Center
Let kids flex their creative muscles and dabble in visual arts at Firehouse Art Center – a popular art hub in Longmont. Aspiring artists, both young and old can pick from a vast range of art classes held in well-equipped studios by experienced instructors.
Kids can learn fundamental techniques in drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture and more. Family art classes allow parents and children to bond over messy art projects. Kids love the upbeat, welcoming environment at the Firehouse. Periodic cultural events and gallery exhibitions also make this a great place to introduce children to the vibrant arts scene in Longmont.
Address: 667 4th Ave, Longmont, CO 80501
Ride Go-Karts at Grand-Prix Race-O-Rama
Offering fun for thrill-seekers of all ages Grand-Prix Race-O-Rama is a top entertainment attraction in Longmont featuring go-karts and amusement rides. Experience the thrill of racing other drivers on the professionally designed outdoor track with twists and turns. The venue has go-karts to suit both children above 7 years as well as adult racers.
Play classic carnival games at the colorful midway or hop on rides like the tilt-a-whirl and the scramble for stomach-dropping excitement. The huge two-story laser-tag arena promises intense family fun. With birthday packages and family deals, Race-O-Rama makes for an adventurous day packed with activities kids adore.
Address: Family Fun Center, 955 Hover Street, Longmont, CO 80501
Hike the Scenic St. Vrain Greenway Trail
Stretching 9 miles from Roger’s Grove Park to Golden Ponds, the St. Vrain Greenway Trail offers a delightfully scenic hike the whole family will love. Flanked by the St Vrain creek, the mostly paved trail winds through woodlands, wetlands, meadows and recreation areas. Kids will enjoy spotting little critters like squirrels and rabbits as you amble along.
Well-marked interpretive signs describe interesting details about plants, wildlife and the river habitat. Spots like Golden Ponds with fishing docks, Roger’s Grove with playground as well as picnic shelters along the way make great stops. Since the trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly with few road crossings, it offers a safe and relaxed outing for families.
Meet Farm Animals at Berry Patch Farms
A trip to the charming Berry Patch Farms located on the outskirts of Longmont gives both kids and parents a taste of authentic farm life. Family-owned and operated for over 3 decades, the farm welcomes visitors to come up close and personal with friendly farm animals throughout spring and summer.
Kids can feed and pet gentle livestock like pigs, miniature goats, chickens and ducks in the petting zoo enclosures. Take a pony ride or hop on a tractor-pulled wagon for a farm tour. Plump juicy berries available for pick-your-own is a delicious highlight. Top off the agri-tourism fun by playing farm-themed games or splashing about at the sprinkler park.
Address: 13785 Potomac St, Brighton, CO 80603
Learn at the Longmont Museum
Dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of Longmont and the St. Vrain Valley, Longmont Museum is a treasure trove of local artifacts, stories and trivia. Get oriented with the multimedia theater presentation about the region’s indigenous history, founding and development.
Check out over 10,000 historic objects on display ranging from vintage gowns, instruments to model trains. Kids especially love the interactive children’s corner where they can try hands-on activities and puzzles related to Longmont’s early years. Scavenger hunts, periodic kids’ events and crafts make the museum a fun place for family edutainment. Don’t miss the replica 1860s pioneer home.
Address: 400 Quail Rd, Longmont, CO 80501
Watch a Show at Longmont Theatre Company
Introduce kids to live performing arts at the intimate Longmont Theatre Company. This beloved community theater company stages an annual lineup of over 10 high-quality musicals, comedies and dramatic plays. Well-known titles like Annie, Alice in Wonderland, Matilda as well as Shakespeare productions are guaranteed to spark young imaginations.
Moreover, summer theater camps allow aspiring thespians to develop onstage skills under mentorship from senior company members. With easy parking, small theater size for good visibility as well as student discounts, Longmont Theater Company delivers affordable onstage entertainment options suitable for the whole family.
Address: 513 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501
Play Laser Tag at Lazer Runner Laser Tag
For offbeat family fun that’s exciting yet clean, safe and weather-proof, a session of intense laser tag action at Lazer Runner Laser Tag hits the mark. Get your adrenaline pumping as your family bonds over this team-based shooting game sprawled over a sprawling multi-level arena glowing in neon hues. Dodge, duck and take cover as you track opponents, score points shooting laser beams.
With specialized equipment, upbeat music and theatrical effects, Lazer Runner offers an immersive battle-gaming experience. Birthday party packages with food, cake and drinks add to the celebrations. Located in nearby Frederick, Lazer Runner promises thrill and amusement for family members of all ages.
Address: 9025 Towner Ave, Frederick, CO 80530
Catch a Show at Boedecker Theater
For an unparalleled movie-going experience, check out films, documentaries and event screenings at the cozy non-profit Boedecker Art House Theater. With plush seats, state-of-the-art visual and audio technology, affordable tickets, and a charming Art Deco appeal, the theater offers a comfortable, welcoming space for families to bond over cinema.
You can introduce children and teens to independent as well as world cinema along with Hollywood hits and classics. With occasional special events like Meet the Filmmaker sessions, retro movie marathons, talks and film festivals, there are diverse ways to engage cinephiles of all ages here. And each visit helps sustain their community education initiatives.
Address: 2200 Canyon Blvd suite 13, Boulder, CO 80302
Conclusion
With picturesque natural scenery as a backdrop, Longmont offers families versatile options to bond and have memorable experiences during their visit. The mix of outdoor adventures, hands-on museums, performing arts and independent theater makes it easy to delight both young kids as well as teens.
Active recreational pursuits like mini-golf, farm visits and hiking offer fun ways to experience the destination’s unique landscape and heritage. Indoor entertainment facilities mean weather or seasons are never an obstacle to enjoying family time.
From exciting diversions to opportunities to learn and create, Longmont delivers activities that appeal across age groups and interests. The destination offers wholesome entertainment promising smiles, new discoveries and special memories for all.