POPULATION

The population of Boulder, Colorado was 105,003 in 2020. It is the 12th largest city in Colorado and the 298th largest city in the US. In 2010 the population of Boulder was 97,385 an increase of 7.82 percent since then. However, the population of Boulder is currently declining by 0.32 percent per year. It’s highest population was 107,128 in 2016.

Boulder is currently the 12th largest city in Colorado and the 298th largest city in the US. There are 93,118 adults who live in Boulder including 11,926 who are seniors. The average household size is 2.27. Seventy percent of those who live in Boulder own a bicycle. Obviously Boulder is a great place to own a bicycle shop!

DEMOGRAPHICS

RACE

According to the most recent survey 87.37 percent of Boulder, Colorado residents are White, with 5.8 percent Asian, 3.82 percent are comprised of two or more races, 1.51 percent Other Race, 1.2 percent Black or African American, 0.21 percent Native American and 0.10 percent Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

GENDER

48.15 percent of Boulderites are female while 51.8 percent of the Boulder Population are male.

EDUCATION

76.05 percent of the Boulder population has at least a Bachelor’s Degree and only 1.46 percent have less than a 9th grade education.

EMPLOYMENT

The employment rate in Boulder is 63.1 percent and the unemployment rate is 4.6 percent.

WEATHER

The weather in Boulder can vary dramatically from day to day. A typical year in Boulder has 245 days of sunshine making it a pleasant place to live. The US averages only 205 days of sun.

Boulder only receives an average of 18.1 inches of rain compared to an average of 38.1 inches in the US. This corresponds to only 88 days of precipitation versus the 106.2 average days in the US. But, Boulder’s 71.1 inches of snow is 43.3 more inches of snow than the US average snowfall.

The average temperature in Boulder is 51.0 degrees F with July being the warmest at 72.0 degrees F and January the coldest with an average temperature of 33.0 degrees F. This moderate climate gives Boulder all four seasons with none of them being extremely harsh.

 

ALTITUDE

Boulder’s altitude of 5,328 feet makes it a little over a mile high. People unaccustomed to being this high above sea level can experience altitude sickness. Altitude sickness includes nausea, headaches, dizziness, trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. It occurs at high altitudes when you can’t get enough oxygen from the air to breathe. Staying hydrated is of vast importance when you are at a high altitude.

As you go up in altitude your body can’t get as much oxygen as it needs. As a result you have to breathe faster, causing headaches and other symptoms of altitude sickness. As you become acclimated to the altitude the symptoms subside.

Your lungs and brain can be affected by altitude sickness. This can result in being confused, not being able to walk on a straight line, having blue lips or fingernails or feeling faint.

 

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

Aerospace

Ball Aerospace& Technologies Corp. manufactures spacecraft, instruments, and components for civil space and commercial space and national defense applications. In January 2021 it announced a major expansion of their Boulder, Colorado facility.

Bioscience

Array BioPharma is a subsidiary of Pfizer headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. It a pharmaceutical company founded in 1998 that focuses on oncology medication. The focus of Array BioPharma in on the discovery, development and commercialization of well-tolerated targeted small molecule drugs to treat cancer.


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Careers at NEON – Battellewww.battelle.org› careers › careers-at-neon
NEON also hires full-time positions periodically at our field offices and at NEON project headquarters in BoulderColorado. Current NEON Jobs …

 

From Aerospace to the Outdoors

 

Boulder features a diverse mix of industries driving local, national and global economies. There is a high concentration of employment in several key industry clusters including:

  • NDP/Braxton
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Special Aerospace Services
  • Blue Canyon Technologies

 

  • Array BioPharma
  • AstraZeneca
  • Clovis Oncology
  • Covidien/Medtronic
  • Corden Pharma Colorado
  • Hospira Boulder Inc.
  • KBI Biopharma
  • N30 Pharmaceuticals
  • MBio Diagnostics
  • InDevR
  • OPX Biotechnologies
  • Pisces Molecular
  • Somalogic
  • Endoshape

  • Cool Energy
  • Genesis Biofuel Inc.
  • Gravity Renewables
  • juwi Solar
  • juwi Wind
  • Namasté Solar
  • OPX Biotechnologies
  • Siemens Power Generation
  • Tendril Networks
  • Navigant Consulting
  • Agilent Technologies
  • Amadeus Consulting
  • Backflip Studios
  • Cisco
  • Google Boulder
  • Gorilla Logic
  • IBM
  • Lexmark
  • Lijit Networks
  • LogRhythm
  • Markit
  • Nest
  • Oracle
  • Qualcomm
  • QuickLeft
  • Rally
  • Research Electro-Optics, Inc.
  • Ricoh
  • SendGrid
  • SolidFire
  • Spectra Logic
  • Sphero
  • Symplified
  • TeamSnap
  • TechStars
  • Twitter
  • Zayo Group
  • Ancient Harvest
  • Aurora Organic Dairy
  • Bhakti Chai
  • Bobo’s Oat Bars
  • Boulder Brands (Earth Balance, Udi’s, EVOL Foods, Glutino)
  • Boulder Organic Foods
  • Boulder Ice Cream
  • Door to Door Organics
  • Hain Celestial (Celestial Seasonings, Rudi’s Organic Bakery)
  • Justin’s
  • New Hope Natural Media
  • Next Foods
  • Pangea Organics
  • Quinn Popcorn
  • American Recreation Products (Kelty, Sierra Designs, Slumberjack)
  • Backcountry Access
  • Backpacker’s Pantry
  • Brunton Outdoor Group
  • 37.5/Cocona
  • Crescent Moon Snow Shoes
  • Eco Vessel
  • HEAD Winter Sports
  • La Sportiva
  • Newton Running
  • Polar Bottle
  • Salewa & Dynafit
  • Scarpa
  • Sea to Summit
  • Sherpani
  • Skirt Sports
  • Spyder Active Sports
  • Wallaroo Hat
  • Zeal Optics

HEALTH

COVID-19 info: bch.orgGet online care: bch.orgAddress: 4747 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80303Hours: Open 24 hoursPhone(303) 415-7000


Boulder Community Health is a non-profit hospital located in Boulder, Colorado. On October 9, 2014, BCH relocated all of its emergency and trauma services to Foothills Hospital in East Boulder. BCH consolidated the majority of inpatient acute care services at Foothills Hospital.

JOBS

AVERAGE HOME PRICE

Currently the average price for a single family home in Boulder is $1,500,000.

BEST RESTAURANTS


The Ultimate Guide to Dining in Boulder – Eater Denverhttps://denver.eater.com › boulder-best-restaurants-bars

Boulder is at once rugged and cosmopolitan, home to a seasoned and internationally savvy restaurant scene which remains nonetheless rooted in local produce and conscious of the local community and environment. From restaurants perched on mountain vistas to home-style creole cooking and pubs hosting the best of Colorado’s microbrewery scene, Boulder is no stranger to the good life. Here are the city’s top 10 restaurants.

Lucille’s

Occupying one of Boulder’s quaint Victorian houses, Lucile’s Creole-style café is an unmissable feature of the town’s breakfast scene, both for the kitchen’s home-style cooking and the house’s iconic pale yellow paint job. Like the café’s exterior, Lucile’s breakfast specialties include various Creole takes on eggs Benedict from the eggs Sardou with creamed spinach and Gulf shrimp to the eggs New Orleans with fried eggplant slices and Creole sauce. Other southern specialties are the pain perdu-style French toast and, of course, shrimp and grits. For those craving a more Boulder-like morning meal, the ‘totally organic breakfast’ features spinach, tofu, eggs and ginger, while the eggs Pontchartrain revolves around fresh pan-fried mountain trout.

Lucile’s, 2124 14th St, Boulder, CO, USA, +1 303-442-4743

 

Located a five minute drive outside of Boulder, Flagstaff provides a breathtaking vista from its mountainside perch as well as an equally exquisite menu drawing on American and French inspirations. Originally built as a cabin but since furnished with numerous expansions, the restaurant’s location and panorama evoke Colorado’s ski establishments while maintaining the convivial atmosphere of a family-owned restaurant. The multi-course menu spans French specialties like the duck pâté tart topped with cherry and pistachio to American classics like the braised Colorado lamb shank and the New York strip. The real attraction, however, is Flagstaff House’s many times over award-winning wine list drawing from their wine cellar of 15,000 bottles. Flagstaff House also organises wine tasting dinners from time to time featuring some of Napa Valley’s best wine cellars.More infoOpen In Google Maps1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, USA+13034424640

Envisioned as a casual atmosphere akin to one’s kitchen at home, The Kitchen combines the charm and warmth of home cooking with the altruism and goodwill of a caring household. Styled as a ‘community bistro,’ The Kitchen has led a concentrated effort to integrate with the community on various levels, from sponsoring school- and community-based gardens through their non-profit arm Learning Gardens, as well as practising environmental sustainability through composting, eco-friendly packaging and wind power. As if The Kitchen’s long menu of community engagements was not enough to merit, the menu of delicious and locally sourced international dishes ensures that indulgence does not go unrewarded.More infoOpen In Google Maps1039 Pearl Street, Downtown, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, USA+13035445973Visit Website

Specialising in all things French, Brasserie Ten Ten is always a ready choice for refined yet relaxed dining from morning till night. Menu items run the gamut from an assortment of baked goods for brunch, from beignets and biscuits to the house-made croissant, while crêpes, soups and salads are served all day. Dinner begins with decadent starters like heated brie, the lobster roll, roasted bone marrow or escargots, continuing with entrées like steak frites and bouillabaisse, while offering delectable sides ranging from fruits de mer and onion soup to cheese and charcuterie boards. Brasserie Ten Ten always offers an occasion to drink, from the dizzyingly long list of brunch cocktails from the conventional mimosa to the kir royale and the original matin fraise of Riesling and muddled strawberries, while the brasserie’s happy hour menu is sumptuous in both drinks and nibbles.More infoOpen In Google Maps1011 Walnut Street, Downtown, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, USA+13039981010Visit Website

SALT the Bistro is inspired by fresh ingredients and characterised by a simple approach to food that highlights its intrinsic qualities. Boasting strong relationships with Boulder Country farms, beef raised on pastures, fish gathered from wild, non-endangered population and a prime spot on Boulder’s Pearl Street pedestrian street, SALT combines the many meanings of ‘local’ into a centrally located Boulder establishment that takes pride in the quality of its food. With a long menu of delicious fare for brunch, lunch, dinner and desert, diners can be sure of the freshness of ingredients itemised alongside their local farm of origin. SALT also pays homage to Colorado’s vibrant microbrewery landscape with a vast assortment of local bottles and a mix-and-match cocktail menu equally numerous in possibilities.More infoOpen In Google Maps1047 Pearl Street, Downtown, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, USA+13034447258Visit WebsiteGive us feedback

Oak At Fourteenth

Bar, Restaurant, American, $$$ShareAdd to PlanNamed after the oak-fired oven and grill that produces a number of the restaurant’s signature dishes, Oak is a sleek and professional addition to Boulder’s vibrant restaurant scene. Like many a Boulder restaurant, Oak focuses on local and seasonal ingredients within their predominantly new American cuisine. What sets Oak apart is its refined interior and its bar-like services between meals, offering drink specials between lunch and dinner and from dinner until close alongside small sharing dishes. Co-owned by mixologist Bryan Dayton, Oak’s overflowing drinks menu features original cocktails drawing on a range of herbs, fresh ingredients and unusual combinations of rare ingredients.More infoOpen In Google Maps1400 Pearl Street, Downtown, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, USA+13034443622Visit Website

Down to earth and frank about its passion for brews, the Mountain Sun Pub spices up pub fare and European-inspired brews alike with a distinctively Colorado twist. Beer comes first at the Mountain Sun, with a long and seasonally evolving menu of ales categorised as house, seasonal, Belgian-inspired, wheat, or the ‘dark side of the sun’ brews, each with a vivid description, making the list into more of an encyclopedia. Pub fare is hearty yet hardly plain, with Tex-Mex-inspired burritos and quesadillas, as well as a solid range of choices in sandwiches and burgers. The black bean burger and ‘boom boom sandwich’ stacked with portobello mushroom, grilled vegetables and mozzarella are sure to offer even vegetarians a hearty meal to wash down with craft beer.More infoOpen In Google Maps1535 Pearl Street, Downtown, Boulder, Colorado, 80302, USA+13035460886Visit WebsiteGive us feedback

Chosen as one of the ‘places to eat a burger worthy of paradise by USA TodayWorld Famous Dark Horse Bar and Grill merits its name. Carrying a more frank, uncomplicated attitude towards delicious food, the Dark Horse is an iconoclast among the religiously health and ingredient obsessed restaurants of Boulder. Equipped with quesadillas, onion rings, red chili poppers, buffalo wings and Rocky Mountain oysters (a word of warning, these oysters are not seafood) alongside its renowned burgers, the Dark Horse excels in straightforward yet indulgent grub.More infoOpen In Google Maps2922 Baseline Road, Boulder, Colorado, 80303, USA+13034428162Visit Website

Colterra

Colterra derives its name from Latin, meaning ‘to cultivate the earth.’ The folks at Colterra take local cultivation one step further with their own garden from which they extract the freshest ingredients, alongside a number of other high plains farms within the vicinity of Boulder. Serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Colterra offers competitive value without compromising on the quality of ingredients.

Colterra, 210 Franklin St, Niwot, CO, USA +1 303-652-0777

 

COMMUTE TIMES

The average one-way commute in Boulder takes 19.1 minutes. That’s shorter than the US average of 26.4 minutes.

How people in Boulder get to work:

Commute Time 19.1 26.4

 

Commuting into Boulder from Denver has worse traffic than commuting into Denver from the suburbs. It can be a nightmare trying to get out of Boulder in the evenings (our normal 20-minute drive can be an hour or more). That has eased a bit with the opening of the new toll lane, but it’s still not great.Jan 26, 2017

Where should I live to commute to Boulder?Boulder is surrounded by a number of beautiful and exciting towns, for every budget and desired lifestyle.

  • Longmont. 25 to 30 minute commute. …
  • Louisville. 15 to 25 minute commute. …
  • Erie. 20 to 30 minute commute. …
  • Lafayette. 20 to 30 minute commute. …
  • Broomfield. 20 to 30 minute commute. …
  • Denver. 40 to 60 minute commute.

NIGHTLIFE

Nightclubs in Boulder take many different forms. There is the town’s classic, rowdy sports bars ideal for gathering with friends to catch a game and celebrate (or commiserate) afterward.

There are ample craft breweries, boasting casual yet exciting atmospheres from which to enjoy the city’s renowned small batch beers. And there are lively late night restaurants and swanky hideaways where the eats are delicious and the creative, classy cocktails are flowing.

The constant amongst all of the nightclubs in Boulder and late night hot spots is a shared revelry in music, dancing, and the kind of fun that only Boulder’s work hard, play harder identity can dictate.f

Here are just a few of our favorite nightclubs and hangouts in Boulder that are ideal for your next night out on the town.

The Bar Scene

Games, grub, and diverse drink menus characterize Boulder’s lively bar scene, which is made up of venues ranging from traditional sports bars to hole-in-the-wall dives and classic neighborhood watering holes.

The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill

Located on Pearl Street Mall, The Lazy Dog is known for its classic, lively bar atmosphere that makes you feel at once like you’re both in the comfort of your own home and enjoying a night out on the town. With late night live music and a wide selection of brews and drinks, it’s the perfect spot for a night out of watching the big game or putting on your dancing shoes.

West End Tavern

A rooftop deck and historic location combine to make West End Tavern an exciting and quintessentially Boulder environment for enjoying a night out. Often playing host to live music and other special events, it’s a great spot for delicious eats, brews, drinks, and fun.

The Attic Bar & Bistro

Karaoke, pool, foosball, live music, gourmet pub fare, ample space for groups, events, and mixers…The Attic Bar & Bistro on Walnut Street is a local favorite for evenings out ranging from casual gatherings of friends to dancing the night away.

The Dark Horse Bar & Grill

A Boulder landmark since 1975, this bar is known for its movie and pop culture-themed décor, delicious burgers and wings, and diverse menu of beer, wine, and spirits. It’s an ideal location for watching the big game, challenging your friends to a game of pool or air hockey, and hanging out in a classic, unique Boulder bar environment.

Pearl Street Pub & Cellar

Pearl Street Mall’s resident “dive bar,” this pub plays host to the classic bar games, music, and eats ideal for a casual night out on the town.

Press Play Bar

This Downtown watering hole provides the opportunity to satisfy your competitive streak with classic, old-school arcade games while enjoying DJs, drinks, and eats in an exciting, casual environment.

Sundown Saloon

A favorite amongst the CU Boulder community, the Sundown Saloon provides a dive bar feel with a pool hall, drink specials, and a jukebox just waiting to play your favorite jams.

The Hill

Also known as University Hill, this Boulder neighborhood is adjacent to the CU Boulder campus and is home to numerous historic mainstays of Boulder’s late night scene.

The Sink

The Sink is a true Boulder landmark, boasting food, drinks, and a host of famous former employees and guests that have made it a local mainstay. A funky, quirky vibe characteristic of classic Boulder, The Sink is a must-visit of Boulder’s late night scene.

No Name Bar

A slightly hidden, unassuming Boulder bar connected to The Hill’s popular Cosmo’s Pizza, the No Name Bar boasts an impressive, diverse live music line-up and an exciting, lively atmosphere.

Fox Theatre

Boulder’s premiere club and venue for live music events, The Hill’s Fox Theatre combines a storied background with a raucous, yet intimate atmosphere ideal for nights out full of fun and exciting tunes.

Rocking Breweries

It could be argued that the craft brewery is Boulder’s version of the nightclub. These favorite local hangouts may be casual in look and feel but, with numerous taprooms hosting frequent live music events, they are often ideal locations for an exciting night out.

Oskar Blues

This classic Boulder brewery has locations all over the county, including on Pearl Street as well as in Lyons and Longmont. With exciting live music and open mic events at their taprooms on any given night, an evening at Oskar Blues is a brewery experience that defines Boulder night life.

Mountain Sun Pubs & Breweries

From its Pearl Street location to Southern Sun, Under the Sun, and Longs Peak Pub & Taphouse, Boulder County’s multiple Mountain Sun locations often feature a variety of live music performers, including bluegrass, rock, and soul artists. Any of these taprooms are ideal spots from which to enjoy late night brews, eats, and tunes.

Boulder Beer Company

Live music is a staple of the historic Boulder Beer Company, Colorado’s first craft brewery. Its Wilderness Place taproom is a classic Boulder hangout for late night bites, beats, and bold craft brews.

Rayback Collective

Boulder’s self-proclaimed community backyard, Rayback Collective features an expansive beer list of inventive local brews, food trucks, games, ample TV screens, and an atmosphere ideal for exciting nights out with friends and family.

Eats & Beats

Boulder’s booming food scene includes numerous restaurants that feature late night eats and atmospheres to rival any traditional nightclub.

Tahona Tequila Bistro

Tacos, margaritas, tequila flights and tastings…Tahona Tequila Bistro on Pearl Street’s West End has all the fixings for a great night out on the town. Aside from their delicious food menu and lively atmosphere, Tahona likewise hosts DJ Dance Nights on Fridays and Saturdays that are a perfect way to work out your dancing feet.

Bohemian Biergarten

Unique Czech-inspired brews, late night eats, karaoke, live music, dancing, and food and drink specials characterize this lively Downtown Boulder hangout.

Rio Grande

This recently renovated Walnut Street mainstay boasts multiple event spaces and an enviable rooftop deck perfect for enjoying a sunset, or late night, margarita.

Backcountry Pizza & Tap House

Boasting some of Boulder’s best pizza and a vast craft beer menu, Back country is a favorite local haunt for a night of delicious slices, brews, specials, games, and frequent trivia and other unique events.

Speakeasy Sipping

For when you’re looking to keep it classy with a carefully crafted cocktail in a luxurious atmosphere, Boulder is home to multiple venues that combine elegance and ambiance with Boulder’s quintessential down-to-earth attitude.

License No. 1

Located within the historic Hotel Boulderado, License No. 1 features classy cocktails and brews with a vintage, classy vibe and also hosts live music and DJ events Thursdays through Saturdays.

Bitter Bar

With weekly live music events and a creative menu of cocktail concoctions, Bitter Bar uniquely combines both a speakeasy and neighborhood bar feel ideal for casual nights of libation sipping.

T-Zero

Whether you prefer wine, cocktails, or a great martini, T-Zero, located in the lobby of the swanky St. Julien Hotel & Spa, is an intimate gathering place with frequent live music and entertainment events.

What’s your favorite late nightclub in Boulder? Let us know in the comments!ShareTweetShare

Filed Under: LifestyleRestaurants

 

FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

AGES 0–4

Things to Do:   

  • Pop-Jet Fountain: This water feature is right downtown on Pearl Street and is a blast in summer, when little ones run in and out of upward-spraying fountains — never knowing when the next one is going to pulse. You’ll want to bring your child’s swim suit and a towel.
  • Animal Sculptures: It’s the simple things that sometimes please kids the most. These larger-than-life bronze and stone animals are a hit with little climbers. These are also right on Pearl Street.
  • Into the Wind: This colorful shop dazzles with kites hanging from the ceiling and walls. There are tons of toys in here, from wind-up bobble-heads to educational brain teasers. It’s adjacent to the animal sculptures mentioned above.
  • Valmont Bike Park: This 42-acre bike park is for everyone, including little ones on their striders. A toddler course gives them just enough thrill, with small bumps and jumps. Plus, there are options for the whole family, including hardcore cyclo-cross trails and plenty of work arounds for the less adventurous.
  • Farm Fun: Pick raspberries, pet goats, climb trees, go on a hay ride. Boulder County is surrounded by farms, many of which welcome children. Find farm ideas for kids.
  • Boulder Book Store: A stellar selection of children’s literature is surrounded by rocking chairs and stuffed animal and toy displays. Parents will love browsing the adult shelves — this is one of those timeless bookstores with creaky wood stairs, towering wooden bookcases and great staff recommendations.
  • Eldora Mountain Resort: This family-friendly ski area is great for all ages. The ski school and a magic carpet lift are especially great for very small children who are learning to ski for the first time.

Events:

  • Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival: Little ones come dressed as fairies and elves to meet “real” fairies who will sprinkle pixie dust in their hands and lead them on a parade to awaken the spring tulips in April.
  • Meadow Music: Throughout the summer, musical duo Jeff and Paige transfix little ones with their costumes, singing, dancing and wonderful silliness. It all starts with a short nature hike, followed by a concert at the foot of the Flatirons.

Eat:

  • Alfalfa’s Market: There are plenty of choices in this natural market — a Boulder original — for everyone, plus a big cafeteria with a roaring fireplace at its center.
  • Mustard’s Last Stand: Simply put: Good old hot dogs, served any way you like them.

AGES 5–9

Things to Do:

  • Gateway Park Fun Center: Mini golf, an arcade, go karts, batting cages — it’s good old-fashioned family fun on tap at this North Boulder favorite.
  • Celestial Seasonings: A free, 45-minute tour at one of North America’s largest tea factories lets you onto the production floor, where you’ll see how tea is packaged. The tour also includes entrance into the refreshing peppermint room and free samples of any tea you like. Children must be 5 or older.
  • CU Museum of Natural History: A modest, downstairs children’s area is great if you need some down time to read and quietly explore. There are metal boxes stocked with touchable artifacts and books on local animal species, a hands-on animal footprint exhibit, a roomful of beetle displays, and free tea and coffee for mom and dad.
  • Boulder Public Library: There are a variety of story times to choose from at the main BPL campus, Monday–Saturday. But the children’s library is great anytime for finding a comfy nook and getting hands on with classic stories and new favorites.
  • Nature Hikes with OSMP: The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department has an outstanding guided hike program, even in winter. They include regular Nature for Kids & Parents series and engaging topics like Pokemon expeditions, Touch a Flatiron hikes, bear-spotting outings and much more.

Events:

  • Fourth of July at the Reservoir: Come hang out on the banks of the beautiful Boulder Reservoir, with mountain views, swimming, picnicking and access to boat rentals. Later on that day, you can catch a spectacular fireworks display back in town at CU’s Folsom Field.

Eat:

  • Mountain Sun: A super-chill, super-Boulder eatery with classic burgers, a killer grilled cheese, salads and great beer for the grownups.
  • Pasta Jay’s: You’ll smell yummy roasted garlic wafting out of Pasta Jay’s before you even reach the door. Red-and-white checked tablecloths and saucy Italian fare make this a longtime Boulder family favorite.

AGES 10–13

Things to Do:

  • Hiking: Keep it nice and easy with the Bobolink Trail, where there are opportunities to toss pebbles or dip your toes in Boulder Creek. Or head to May’s Point, which is reachable from Boy Scout trail from the Flagstaff Summit. It’s a marvelous natural kid gymnasium of rocks for scrambling and climbing and hiding behind.
  • Tubing Boulder Creek: Get your tube and head to Eben G. Fine Park to put in, then be swept down the creek that was named one of the 10 best lazy rivers for tubing in the U.S. by Men’s Journal. Note: Please exercise safety and caution, and heed any high-water warning and closures, sometimes issued during the spring snow runoff.
  • Bowling at CU: The Connection at University of Colorado has a bowling alley, with 10 state-of-the-art lanes open to the public. A well-stocked snack bar serves munchies and drinks.
  • Fiske Planetarium: One of the most advanced planetarium systems in the U.S. projects dazzling, educational shows on topics like “Supervolcanoes,” “Bella Gaia – Beautiful Earth,” “Moons & Lasers” and “Celebration of Flight.”
  • Indoor Rock Climbing: Exert some energy at ABC Kids Climbing Gym and pretend you’re in a Dr. Seuss story as you scramble over the colorful rock walls. Or head to The Spot, with two freestanding boulders and four additional bouldering walls.

Events:

  • BolderBoulder: Run, walk or watch. This much-loved annual Memoria Day weekend event attracts more than 50,000 people, with runners in wacky costumes, bands playing along the route and a SportsExpo the days prior to the race.
  • Pearl Street Arts Fest: In mid-July, talented sculptors, photographers, painters and craftspeople display their creations on Pearl Street. Kids will like the Mobile Art Lab, offering on-site instruction to students of all ages, and features like bounce houses and a climbing wall. 

Eat:

  • Sushi Zanmai: Sushi for kids? Well, yes. It’s a crazy-fun atmosphere, where sushi chefs welcome you at the door with a shout, waiters break out in birthday song and you can sit on floor cushions, if you’re lucky to score the right table. Kids may like the tempura vegetables, yaki udon noodles or grilled teriyaki chicken.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Flatirons Take the free shuttle to Chautauqua Park then hike, picnic or climb the exquisite open space and park area.