Denver Summer Activities: Healthy Fun for Moms and Kids
Summer in the Denver metro area is bursting with opportunities for moms and kids to stay active, connect with nature, and enjoy nutritious eats. With its sunny skies, nearby trails, and vibrant urban scene, Denver offers family-friendly activities that promote physical and mental wellness, aligned with functional medicine’s focus on holistic health. This short blog highlights Denver summer activities for moms and kids – places to visit, things to do, and healthy dining spots in the Denver metro area to keep moms and kids thriving all season long.
Denver Summer Activities for Moms and Kids
1. Strolling the Highline Canal Trail
This 71-mile trail runs from Waterton Canyon, through the heart of Denver, to Green Valley Ranch, perfect for a family walk or bike ride.
– Why do it?: Encourages low-impact exercise, reduces stress through nature exposure, a chance to see wildlife and fosters family bonding.
– Tip: Bring a picnic with gut-friendly snacks like berries or hummus and veggies to enjoy at one of the many parks along the trails.
2. Exploring Washington Park
“Wash Park” is a local gem with amazing playgrounds, open fields, and two lakes. Kids can run or play on swings, and tag along with mom for walk around the park or yoga on the grass. The 2.3-mile loop is great for family bike rides.
– Why do it?: Exercise boosts cardiovascular health, supports mental clarity, and provides a calming green space for all ages.
– Tip: Visit on weekends for the park’s vibrant community vibe, and pack a frisbee for extra fun or opt for a quieter times for a more relaxed picnic and park date!
3. Paddleboarding at Aurora Reservoir
Rent paddleboards or kayaks at Aurora Reservoir. It’s a bit of a hike from Denver proper but this reservoir is the cleanest in the metro and does not allowed motorized water crafts. This allows for a safer and more enjoyable paddle experience compared to Cherry Creek Reservoir or Chatfield. Aurora Res also offers a swimming beach that is roped off and great for smaller kids!
– Why do it?: Paddleboarding builds core strength, improves balance, and offers a low-stress water activity for mom and the kids! Have then sit in front of you on the board and they can take in the sights and enjoy a swim!
– Tip: Bring hydration-focused snacks like watermelon slices to support gut health and energy.
4. Dinosaur Ridge (Morrison):
Just 20 minutes from downtown Denver, this free outdoor site features a 2-mile trail with real dinosaur tracks and fossils. It’s an educational adventure for kids and a light hike for moms and kids. It is paved so strollers are easy to push if little ones need a break!
– Why do it? It’s an easy hike and you get to see real dinosaur fossils! On the west side you also get clear views of Red Rocks. There is also a museum to learn more about the areas natural history and a giant sandbox where kids can dig for replica fossils to take home!
– Tip: Get out early or on an overcast day! There is little shade and it can get hot on the pavement! It is also open year round so a warm, sunny winter day is a great way to get out of the house too!
My Favorite Family Friendly and Healthy Places to Eat
– Flower Child (Cherry Creek): This health-focused restaurant serves organic, kid-friendly bowls with veggies, lean proteins, and gluten-free options. Try the Mother Earth Bowl for moms and chicken plates for kids, packed with gut-friendly ingredients.
– True Food Kitchen (Cherry Creek): Offering seasonal, anti-inflammatory dishes, this spot has a kids’ menu with healthy options like almond butter toast. Moms can enjoy salads or quinoa bowls to support digestion and energy.
– Just Be Kitchen: This totally gluten free restaurant offers healthy breakfast favorite as well as lunch options and a variety of gluten free treats! Their thoughtful menu changes seasonally and everything they have is made from scratch (including their to-die-for tortillas) and super delicious!
The Denver metro area is a summer haven for moms and kids, with trails, parks, and attractions that promote movement, nature connection, and family fun. Pair these Denver summer activities for moms and kids with healthy eats at local spots like Flower Child or True Food Kitchen to keep everyone energized and balanced. Embrace Denver’s summer vibe while nurturing your family’s wellness—here’s to a season of healthy adventures!
Alison at Wild Rice Wellness is a Denver metro local and mom of two young kids. She is always on the lookout for ways to keep active and healthy with her kids. Read more about Alison HERE!