Get It While It’s Hot! End-of-Summer Activities for Preschoolers Bucket List

With school starting again in mid-August, it is time to start checking off those last summer activities for preschoolers’ bucket list items. Whether your family loves a day outside on the trails, an adventure out of town, or a cool afternoon inside at a museum, there is something for everyone in the last few weeks of the season. Denver Preschool Program (DPP) put together a few of our favorite options in this end-of-summer activities for preschooler bucket list guide to enjoy with your little one. 

Splish Splash–Refreshing Summer Water Activities Around Denver for Preschoolers

Denver is packed with free splash pads across the city. With these hot days, there’s no better place to stay cool and connected with your kiddos than a local pool. Pack a picnic and some sunscreen and visit one of the FREE options below. 

• Union Station Splash Pad, Downtown (1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202)
• DMNS H2Odyssey – City Park (Downtown/Central) (2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205) (Downtown/Central) 

Looking to venture a little out of town? Check out water fun in Thornton, Northglenn, and Westminster. 

For a full-day adventure with an entry fee, check out these two local favorites:

• The Splash at Fossil Trace in Golden: Offering a zero-depth leisure pool and small water slides for the littlest splashers, this 10-acre water park is perfect for a cool-down day. Entry is $8-10 for kids 0-5 based on town of residence, and $11-13 for adults. 
• The Great Outdoors Water Park in Lafayette, CO: This water park is made for the littles! Open 11am-6pm, this site is complete with water slides, a zero-entry area, and a lazy river. Tickets are $7.50 for youth ages 2-17 and $10 for adults. There is also a $5 Sunset Swim every Mon/Wed/Friday until August 1st. 

For Denver residents, make sure to check out the Denver Parks and Rec Activity Guide for late summer camp and activities. And don’t forget to grab your My Denver Card for kids 5-18 to access free pools, museums, rec centers and cultural facilities. Admission is typically free or $1 for kids 2-18 with a recreation pass. 

For an even more in-depth list of water fun, check out our Denver Splash Pad Fun and Wonderful Water Adventures for Preschoolers post. 

Beat the Heat with Inside and Evening Summer Activities for Preschoolers

Need a break from the blazing Colorado sun? Head to the Denver Art Museum Free Days. All kids under 18 are free at the museum all the time, but stop by one one of these late summer dates for free entry for the whole family. Free dates still to come include: 7/27, 8/12, 9/16, 9/9. Check out the amazing family exhibits happening now. Learn more about Denver Art Museum’s family-friendly programming.  

To help younger visitors avoid the mid-day heat, Denver Zoo is offering extended hours until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays from June 20-August 9th. Arrive after 3pm and get 50% off admission. Evening hours also include live music and special animal demonstrations from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Roar into bedtime with a cool evening visit to the zoo! 

Denver Public Library offers a range of storytimes for young readers of all ages. Check the Denver Public Library Storytime calendar for a location near you. With a variety of storytimes for all ages, arts and crafts, and a Summer of Adventure Series, there are options for everyone to enjoy. Read more about DPP’s longtime partnership with Denver Public Library, Little Universities, and other family-friendly programming offered all year long .

Hit the Road: Easy Day Trips under 2 Hours from Denver

Feeling a little late summer cabin fever? Thankfully, Denver is a great homebase for a wide range of fantastic family adventures. Below are a few of our late summer favorites. Also, be sure to check out our Family-Friendly Day Trips from Denver: Fun That’s Under An Hour Away or an Hour-Plus For a Full Day Adventure blog post for even more ideas. 

• Boulder, Buckingham Park: This slightly secret summer spot has cool river swimming holes, flat picnic spots, and ample parking. Get here early for the best spots and walk upstream for some zero-entry river splashing for the little ones! 
• Mud Lake, Nederland: Don’t let the name fool you, this easy lake loop is right off of downtown Nederland and perfect for little hikers. Take a shady stroll in the cooler temps up in Nederland and head downtown for pizza at Crosscut or a ride on the Carousel of Happiness. 
• Colorado Springs: From the Зоопарк Шайенн Маунтин to Bear Creek и Fountain Nature centers, Colorado Springs is the perfect day trip for kids of all ages. Check out  Colorado Springs Family Activities for a full lineup of opportunities. 
• Royal Gorge: For those looking for a view from on high, head to the Royal Gorge Bridge, complete with a zip-line, a kids playground, and theatre ($30/per child or $35/per adult).
• Are your little adventurers up for an outdoor overnight? Check out our Camping with Preschoolers blog post for tips, tricks, and top spots for a night under the stars. 

If summer activities for preschoolers close to home are the best fit for your crew, check out these great ideas for bringing the magic of nature into even the smallest outings. 

Keep Updated About Preschool Activities, Ideas, and Tuition Support All Year Long

Whatever you have planned for the last days of summer, don’t forget to stay hydrated and pack the sunscreen and snacks to keep everyone protected and minimize those meltdowns (adults, too). For more seasonal ideas and local happenings to enjoy with your preschooler, sign up for DPP’s Family Dispatch newsletter. And don’t forget to check out our family resources section of our newsroom for weekly ideas and tips to entertain your little learner and keep your preschool costs down.