Old Town
- Historic district with preserved 1800s architecture
- Inspiration for Disneyland's Main Street USA
- Family favorites: Ben & Jerry's, Kilwins Chocolate
- Weekly story time at Old Firehouse Books
- Street performers and seasonal festivals
Fort Collins Living
Your Local Guide to Family Life in Northern Colorado
Life in Fort Collins
Named one of the best places to live in America, Fort Collins combines small-town charm with world-class amenities. As a mom raising four kids here, I've discovered why this vibrant college town attracts families seeking an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
Must-Visit Districts
Midtown
- Foothills Mall outdoor shopping center
- Popular restaurants like Modern Market and Snooze
- Twin Silo Park with unique playground
- Cinemark Movie Theater
- Year-round farmers market at Jessup Farm
Campus West
- City Park with playground and train
- Spring Canyon Park mountain views
- CSU Environmental Learning Center
- Family-friendly breweries with play areas
- Connected to Poudre Trail system
Year-Round Family Fun
Summer
- Thursday Night Live concerts in Old Town
- Fossil Creek Pool & Splash Park
- Food Truck Rally at City Park
- Gardens on Spring Creek butterfly house
- Horsetooth Reservoir beach days
Fall
- Tour de Corgi parade
- CSU Homecoming & Halloween events
- Something From the Farm pumpkin patch
- FoCo Food Truck Rally
- Nature walks at Riverbend Ponds
Winter
- Old Town Holiday Lights
- Ice skating at Edora Pool
- Sledding at Hughes Stadium
- Winter Farmers Market
- Hot chocolate tour of local cafes
Spring
- Colorado Marathon festivities
- Spring Creek Trail blooms
- Earth Day celebrations
- Downtown Art Walk begins
- Butterfly Pavilion opening
Mom's Guide to FoCo
Best Family Restaurants
- Coopersmith's Pub - Kids eat free Tuesdays
- Music City Hot Chicken - Family platters
- Tortilla Marissa's - Kid-friendly patio
- Walrus Ice Cream - Local favorite since 1987
Rainy Day Activities
- Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
- Pinot's Palette Kids Classes
- Mulberry Pool indoor water fun
- Council Tree Library activities
Hidden Gems
- Lee Martinez Farm petting zoo
- Environmental Learning Center trails
- Jazz Alley concerts
- Food Bank garden tours
