There are plenty of places to beat the heat during the summertime.
Whether you like to keep things close to home with a dip in a local pool or prefer to go off the beaten path with a trip to the lake, there are tons of swimming spots around to meet your needs. Check out the list, then grab some friends and head out! Just don't forget the sunscreen.
image via Chatfield State PArk
11497 Roxborough Park Rd. - Littleton
This beautiful park is ideal for families, groups and individuals. It features a full-service marina, an off-leash dog walking area and beach, a swim beach and a concession stand. For just $10 a day per car, you can enjoy all Chatfield has to offer!
image via Boulder Colorado
Boulder Creek101 Arapahoe Ave. - Boulder
We wouldn’t call it a lazy river but you should definitely still bring your tube. Follow the trail along the creek to pick a spot, set up a hammock and have yourself a day. Legend has it there's a secret rope swing somewhere along the creek, too!
Image Via facebook/water world
8801 N Pecos St. - Federal Heights
Occupying about 70 acres of land, Water World boasts the title of one of the largest water theme parks in the U.S.! Head up north to Federal Heights to check out the park's 52 attractions, including water slides, lazy rivers, and much more! Rent a cabana or bungalow to upgrade your experience, or just show up and have a great time. Don’t forget to stop by their famous Screamin’ Mimi ride!
Image Via Unsplash/Acton Crawford
2000 Elitch Cir. - Denver
From thrill rides to water slides, Elitch Gardens provides entertainment for the entire family. Take the day to enjoy some of its exciting rollercoasters, then cool down at the water park. There is always something to do at Elitch, and make sure you check out the 75-foot tall Splashdown ride!
Cherry Creek State Park4201 S. Parker Rd. - Aurora
With a sandy beach and a roped-off swimming area, this park is a great place to cool off during the summer heat. Bring your dog too, there's an off-leash beach! You won't want to miss out on the views for only $11 a day per car.
image via Visit Grand County
Grand LakeGrand County - Colorado
Located just two hours outside of Denver, Grand Lake is the biggest and deepest natural lake in Colorado. Being a mile long and wide, it has plenty of room for boats and a public dock.
image via unsplash/thom milkovic
Denver Pools
Looking to stay in the city? Denver Parks & Recreation offers a variety of aquatic activities for all ages and abilities. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a novice, they have the equipment and expertise to help you reach your goals. For just $4 a day, you can visit any of Denver’s 16 outdoor pools, opening for the season on June 9th. Check the list of pools and find hours here!
image via facebook/mca
MCA PoolsCentral Park Neighborhood
The MCA is a set of seven outdoor swimming pools in the Central Park Neighborhood. These public pools are $10 a day for non-members on weekdays and $10 a day for non-members on the weekend. Here you can find bathrooms, showers and changing facilities, as well as barbecue and picnic areas. Find the one nearest to you here!
image via flickr/aj schroetlin
4200 W. County Rd 38 E. - Fort Collins
Six and a half miles of water and 1,900 acres of public lands await you at Horsetooth Reservoir. There's no limit to what you can get into at the reservoir: fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming and water skiing are just a few of your options. It'll only cost $10 per car to spend the day at Horsetooth.
Image Via USDA Forest Service
2840 Kachina Dr. - Pueblo
At Cottonwood Lake, you'll find a spot that is surrounded by rolling hills and stunningly tall aspen trees. It's a great place to not only hike and swim, but if you plan ahead, you can get a camping site so that you can make a weekend of it! For only $20 a night, you can bring two cars or an RV to set up and enjoy all the beauty this lake has to offer.
Image Via Facebook/ Elk Creek and Lake Fork Marinas
Gunnison - Colorado
Take your lake day to the next level at Colorado's largest body of water. Blue Mesa Reservoir has over 96 miles of shoreline and allows for all sorts of activities. Whether you love to swim, boat or stand up paddleboard, Blue Mesa Reservoir has it all.
Image Via Pexels
Denver Splash Pads
Splash pads are family-friendly, budget-friendly and just a plain fun way to cool off during the summer. There are plenty of them to check out all around Denver, but here are a few of our favorites:
Now that you know where to take a dip, head to our Discover Denver page for more of the best Denver has to offer!
