From paddleboarding on Horsetooth Reservoir to sipping a local beer on a brewery patio, Fort Collins summers are made for soaking up every sunny minute. Here’s your go-to list of the best things to do around town before the season slips away.

The Global Village Museum of Arts and Culture located near the heart of Old Town is the perfect way to spend an afternoon on your own, or with a big group. Experience an exhibit highlighting different cultures full of awareness and peace. Enjoy the miniature collection, and support artists around the world through your gift shop purchases; perfect for the special people in your life!

Horsetooth is the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a beautiful Fort Collins day. At the reservoir you can swim, paddle board, kayak, and more. If you don’t have your own boat, don’t worry. The marina rents them out! Pack a lunch and spend the day swimming and picnicking while enjoying the natural beauty.

Whether you are looking for a fun easy hike, something more challenging, or for some mountain biking, Lory State Park is the place for you. Enjoy beautiful views as you explore the park. Go on an all day hike, or just a quick scenic walk with your friends to catch up and enjoy nature. If you’re up to the challenge, hike Horsetooth, which is very well known throughout Colorado.

The Lagoon Concert Series is every Wednesday from 6:30 – 8:30 pm during the summer months. Come sit on the lawn, listen to some live music and either pack a picnic, or get some food from one of the many food trucks at the event. Whether you love live music, love to dance, or just want some quality time outdoors the Lagoon Concert Series is the perfect place to be.

Old Town has a wide variety of stores, ranging from clothing to book stores, coffee shops to restaurants. It’s the perfect place to meet a friend, for an hour, or the whole day! Walk around and experience the heart of Fort Collins.

During the Summer months, the Lyric plays a variety of movies on their outdoor screen. Bring a chair and a blanket, snuggle up with some friends and enjoy some of your favorite classic movies on the big screen just after sunset.

Fort Collins is known for having wonderful breweries. They are the perfect place to spend the afternoon and experience Fort Collins culture. If you have extra time, take a tour of New Belgium and learn all there is to know about the brewing process, and if you are over 21 you can sample beers throughout the tour. 

Fort Collins has wonderful bike paths around the town. Rent some bikes, or bring your own, and bike around the town to explore wonderful views, and back parts of the town that you otherwise might not see.

If you love museums, this is another great one to visit. This museum is in Colorado State University located near the Trial Gardens so you can check them out too! The Gregory Allicar Museum is open to everyone and is a great way to foster a love of art.

The Spring Creek Gardens are beautifully curated botanical gardens with a butterfly building, engaging community events, and weekly classes. This garden is very family friendly and a great place for a lovely walk. Get lost in the garden for a couple hours, and immerse yourself in all things botanical.