Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Loveland is a charming city in Northern Colorado filled with opportunities for family fun. Known for its public art galleries, annual sculpture festival, and easy access to stunning natural landscapes, Loveland has something to offer visitors of all ages.
From hands-on museums and adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures to quaint downtown shopping and dining, families traveling together will never run out of things to see and do in Loveland. Read on for 12 of the best activities for families visiting this scenic Colorado destination.
Explore the Sculpture Capital of Colorado
At over 300 pieces, Loveland boasts the largest collection of public sculpture in America. The city’s galleries and green spaces display life-size bronze creations of both real and imagined subjects.
Walk or drive the self-guided sculpture route to admire a 14-foot-tall grizzly bear, a pod of swooping pelicans, and other figurative works from renowned artists. Every August, Loveland also hosts a dynamic Sculpture in the Park show where over 150 sculptors exhibit among downtown’s beautiful Benson Park.
The city’s public art is fun, thought-provoking, and 100% family-friendly – plan plenty of time to take it all in!
Get Hands-On at the Museum of Discovery
With 6 themed zones spanning science, health, art, history, and literacy, this highly interactive children’s museum will engage inquisitive young minds through hands-on exploration.
Blast a rocket, animate a cartoon, examine dinosaur fossils, experiment in a science lab, and engage in dozens more activities covering STEAM principles. Parents can guide learning through memorable discoveries in the Museum of Discovery’s vibrant exhibit halls.
Hike Beautiful River’s Edge Natural Area
Stretch your legs surrounded by nature along the 1.6 mile roundtrip River’s Edge Trail. Sightings of white-tailed deer, red foxes, coyotes, and over 50 species of birds are common in this peaceful waterside habitat neighboring the Big Thompson River.
Interpretive signs detail the wildlife, plant life, and geological formations you’ll encounter on your hike. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the turnaround viewpoint overlooking Glade Reservoir at the trail’s north end. With minimal elevation change, River’s Edge Trail is an easy, revitalizing hike perfect for familyfitness.
Camp & Fish at North Lake Park
Enjoy Loveland’s gorgeous outdoors by pitching a tent or parking your camper at North Lake Park Campground. Situated on the shores of North Lake, the campground offers incredible Rocky Mountain views and opportunities for lake fishing.
Cast your rod from shore or rent a pedal boat and cruise out onto the water to try your luck. Nightly campfires create the perfect setting for roasting marshmallows beneath a sky full of stars. With 73 campsites, there’s always space for spontaneous family camping fun at North Lake Park.
Tube the Big Thompson River
For cool water fun on a hot day, few activities can compete with lazily floating down the Big Thompson River in an inner tube. Rent tubes from one of Loveland’s outfitters and set off an for an adventure drifting with the current for 1 to 3 hours.
As the river meanders towards Lake Loveland, you’ll soak up brilliant mountain scenery and snap pics of the area’s plentiful wildlife. With numerous launch sites providing easy put-ins and take-outs, tubing the Big T is fun for the whole family.
Take a Open-Air Tram Ride
Enjoy panoramic mountain views from a unique open-air riding experience on the Horseshoe Tramway at Lagoon Amusement Park. This Loveland landmark has provided old-timey tram rides up a steep hillside overlooking the Big Thompson River since the 1950s.
The tram cars head skyward at a 70 degree incline, making for beautiful vistas, refreshing breezes, and a fun twist on family transportation. After your ride, explore the rest of Lagoon Park’s classic carnival attractions like bumper cars, a log flume, and an historic carousel.
Browse Downtown Loveland Galleries
Loveland’s charming downtown district overflows with acclaimed art galleries, studios, and public sculptures. Support local creatives by browsing eye-catching paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and more at one-of-a-kind boutiques.
Stop for lunch or a hand-crafted dessert on lively 4th Street, the walkable epicenter of Loveland’s dining and shopping. With over 30 art galleries packed into just a few blocks, you’re sure to discover amazing fine arts while strolling downtown with the fam.
Splash at Winona Pool
On sweltering Northern Colorado days, nothing beats a refreshing swim at Winona Pool. Dive into the Olympic-sized pool, zip down the curly water slide, or just relax poolside under shade shelters. This clean, sparkling venue offers swimming lessons plus open swim sessions ideal for family aquatic playtime.
General admission fees are affordable, but Loveland locals can purchase discount season passes. With lifeguards monitoring all areas and a grassy park nearby, Winona Pool is safe spot for kids to make waves while parents unwind.
Ride the Loveland Express
All aboard for scenic journeys along the eastern slope of the Rockies! The Loveland Express Dinner Train offers fine dining and sightseeing from vintage rail cars headed towards the Continental Divide. Gaze at mountains, lakes, canyons, and wildlife from cushy seats or open-air viewing platforms as you dine.
Murder mysteries, cocktail rides, and themed events aimed at children make scenic rides on these historic rail cars even more engaging for families
Tour the House of Benson Sculpture Garden
Wander a whimsical garden where over 35 bronze sculptures peek out from flowering bushes, reflecting pools, and secret groves formed of evergreens. These imaginative artworks crafted by acclaimed Loveland sculptor George Lundeen celebrate childhood fantasies of fairies, wizards, and magical beasts.
Continually growing, the verdant grounds offer new delights around every turn. Afterwards, head inside the House of Benson to glimpse the studio where George sculpts and learn about his artistic process via displays.
Mountain Bike at Devil’s Backbone Open Space
Just west of Loveland, the Devil’s Backbone Open Space offers over 30 miles of scenic singletrack bike trails weaving through pine forest and rocky terrain. Rent a bike and safety gear from a local outfitter and hit the trails for an adventurous mountain biking session with your crew.
Along the way, stop at viewpoints overlooking the dramatic erosion feature known as the Devil’s Backbone and enjoy a trailside snack. With rolling contours and stunning scenery, these well-marked backcountry mountain bike trails offer terrain ideal for family cyclists both new and experienced.
Explore the Foote Lagoon Wetland
At this environmentally rich nature area bordering Loveland High School, families can embark on leisurely strolls along a peaceful wetland habitat. Paved walking paths loop around Foote Lagoon, making it fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Informative signs detail the native plants and wildlife sustained by the wetland environment. Birders will delight spotting over 100 confirmed species in and around the lagoon’s diverse ecosystems. Bring some binoculars and your nature journal to document the living things you discover!
Conclusion
From thrilling mountain adventures to hands-on museums bursting with interactive exhibits, Loveland truly offers nonstop family fun. The city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown district delivers world class art, dining, and boutique shopping options as well.
With such a dynamic range of attractions and activities, Loveland promises memorable travels for vacationing families of all ages and interests. So gather up your crew and come fill your itinerary with these 12 excellent things to do in Loveland, Colorado!