☀️ Just Play Summer Fun Guide: Local Adventures, Sensory Play & Family Connection.
Happy Summer Everyone!
Summer doesn't have to be filled with expensive camps or elaborate plans. Some of the best opportunities for connection happen during simple adventures, messy play, and time spent outdoors. Here are a few of my favorite local activities to help your family slow down, play together, and make memories this summer.
Just Play Summer Fun Guide ☀️
I've put together some simple ways to connect, play, and make memories this summer! Here are a few of my favorite local adventures and activities…
🌲 Anne U. White Trail Adventure
Looking for a hike that feels like an adventure without being too challenging? The Anne U. White Trail is a local favorite tucked into Fourmile Canyon just west of Boulder.
📍 Trail Information:https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/anne-u-white-trail/
Why families love it:
Approximately 3.4 miles round trip
Follows a beautiful creek through a shady canyon
Multiple creek crossings using stepping stones
Gentle ups and downs with a few rocky sections
Lots of trees and cooler temperatures on warm summer days
Great for children who enjoy exploring nature and getting their feet a little wet
The trail winds alongside Fourmile Creek and crosses back and forth over the water several times, making the journey feel like a treasure hunt. Wear sturdy shoes that can handle a splash and bring plenty of water. The shade and flowing creek make this one of the most pleasant summer hikes in Boulder County.
Play Therapy Tip: Slow down and let your child set the pace. Notice shapes in rocks, listen for birds, or challenge each other to spot different colors in nature. Connection often happens in the moments between destinations. Turn around and head back to the trailhead at any point! Bonus points if you do the whole thing.
Pro tip- I like to pack some snacks or a picnic lunch and eat it at the turn around point!
🧪 Fluffy Summer Slime
A favorite sensory activity for rainy afternoons or backyard play!
Ingredients
1 cup white school glue
Food coloring
2–3 cups shaving cream
Slime activator (contact solution + baking soda or premade activator)
Optional Add-Ins
Glitter
Confetti
Foam beads
Small plastic animals or figures
Sequins
Tiny pom-poms
Glow-in-the-dark powder
Directions
Pour glue into a large bowl.
Add a few drops of food coloring and stir.
Mix in shaving cream until fluffy.
Slowly add activator while stirring.
Knead with your hands until stretchy and no longer sticky.
Add glitter, small figures, or other treasures to personalize your slime.
Play Therapy Tip: Invite your child to name their slime, create a story about what's hiding inside, or bury tiny treasures for a sensory treasure hunt. Set limits around where slime can be played with in advance! In our household, slime could be used in the kitchen or outside to avoid getting it on furniture or in the carpet.
***If this one sounds a little too overwhelming, I've also included a link to my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe below. It's a bit more contained and still offers plenty of opportunities for connection! 🍪
🌊 River Tubing in Lyons
Head to LaVern M. Johnson Park in Lyons and spend the day floating the St. Vrain Creek!
The tubing area is family-friendly and features gentle river sections, small waves, swim holes, grassy picnic areas, and beautiful red rock canyon views. It's a great way to cool off on a hot summer day while enjoying the outdoors.
Tube Rentals
Families can rent tubes right inside the park through Ray's River Rentals.
They offer:
Single and double river tubes
Life jackets included with rentals
Water shoes and other river gear
Tubing routes ranging from short loops to longer floats downstream
📍 Tube Rental Information:https://www.raysriverrentals.com/
Good to Know
River conditions and age recommendations change depending on water levels.
Wear secure water shoes (not flip-flops).
Bring sunscreen, towels, water, and a change of clothes.
Reservations are recommended during busy summer weekends.
Play Therapy Tip: Outdoor adventures naturally create opportunities for confidence-building, problem-solving, and connection. Whether your child is cautiously dipping their toes in the water or enthusiastically riding every wave, follow their lead and celebrate their courage.
For even more summer fun, consider making a day of it by exploring downtown Lyons, grabbing ice cream, or enjoying a picnic by the river.
🎨 Get Messy at Mess Fest!
This is a day of sensory fun at The Children's Museum of Denver. The first-ever Mess Fest is from July 10–12, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. each day. Kids can jump into giant mud pits, dance in foam, and explore different messy experiences throughout the weekend. Each day features a special theme:
Friday: Glorious Goo
Saturday: Party with Paint
Sunday: Squishy Shaving Cream
Don't worry—they'll have a Kid Wash station available before you head home! Be sure to pack a change of clothes and a towel. Activities are included with museum admission.
Admission:
Under age 1: Free
Age 1: $17.75
Ages 2–59: $19.75
Age 60+: $17.75
Members: Free
More Information:https://www.mychildsmuseum.org/events/EventDetail/mess-fest-friday
🛶 McIntosh Lake (Longmont)
McIntosh Lake is one of Longmont's best spots for an easy outdoor adventure.
What You'll Find
Approximately 3-mile loop around the lake
Beautiful mountain views
Multiple playgrounds nearby
Great place for walking, biking, fishing, bird watching, and picnics
Paddleboarding is allowed
A quick note for paddlers: you'll need to bring your own paddleboard, kayak, or watercraft. Rentals are not available at McIntosh Lake.
If you'd like to rent paddleboards, check out Union Reservoir. Rentals are available there, although availability may be limited this summer due to drought-related water conditions.
