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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Boulder

Fun activities with outdoor space

Finding room to move and breathe while you stay active, rather than being confined to a standard facility.

Based on 764 Opinions
+761
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Updated May 2026
01
Ember & Ice image 1
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Outdoor sauna sits beside a river with stunning views and nature immersion. Atmosphere feels peaceful and primal, blending heat with cold plunges in a creek. Visitors enjoy a thoughtfully curated space with a welcoming community vibe.

Sauna and cold plunge sessions create a calming and fun atmosphere. The spot offers a community vibe that makes connecting with new people enjoyable.

Wood-fired sauna sits next to a cold plunge tub and an outdoor shower for quick rinses. Outdoor exercise equipment adds a chance to work out while enjoying fresh air.

People are saying

"The sauna and creek cold plunge here is next-level."

"The sauna and cold plunge are such fun activities for a refreshing vibe."

"I loved the wood-fired sauna and cold plunge in this outdoor space."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to participate in activities at Ember & Ice.

2

The creek cold plunge has easy access with stone steps.

3

Ember & Ice is located near Boulder Creek for easy cold plunges.

02
Chautauqua Park image 1

Park offers breathtaking mountain views and a large playground for children. Rustic cabins with wifi sit near a venue hosting live performances. Visitors enjoy lush picnic areas and well-maintained trails.

Open fields and a playground offer plenty of space for kids to play. Trails provide fun hiking, and a nature center adds to the activities. Some of the best climbers come here to free solo the Flatirons for fun.

Scenic trails and later hours make this spot great for outdoor enthusiasts. Rustic cabins with wifi sit near an outdoor concert venue where live music plays in summer.

People are saying

"The views here are absolutely breathtaking and worth the hike."

"The trails here are beautiful and get your heart moving."

"The outdoor space offers breathtaking views of the Flatirons."

Good to know

1

Parking is free from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

2

Visiting early in the morning is recommended for better parking and fewer crowds.

3

Dogs must be leashed and visitors must stay on the paths.

03
The Flats Beer Garden image 1

Outdoor space offers unbeatable mountain views with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Fenced garden accommodates dogs and children safely, featuring heated seating and wood sculptures. Windy conditions require preparation when sitting outside.

Outdoor area offers incredible views and a super fun atmosphere. Cornhole stands out as a popular game to play here.

Huge outdoor patio offers unbeatable mountain views and plenty of seating. The space is dog friendly and perfect for enjoying fresh air after outdoor activities.

People are saying

"The view from the outdoor seating is unbeatable."

"The outdoor space here has insane mountain views."

"The outdoor area has seating and yard games for fun activities."

Good to know

1

The kitchen is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

The beer garden is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere; no formal dress code is enforced.

04
Flatirons Terrace Senior Living image 1

Scenic terraces with unbeatable views and well-maintained gardens create a peaceful setting. Warm, family-like atmosphere fills cozy common areas, encouraging social interaction through varied activities and outings. Spacious, bright homes support a balance of independence and community engagement.

A wide variety of arts and crafts, games, and music keep things lively. Trips and speakers add extra fun and engagement.

Outdoor spaces offer a stunning view of the flatirons and a beautiful garden. Common areas feel cozy and inviting, blending indoor and outdoor comfort.

People are saying

"It felt so welcoming and comfortable, like home."

"The scenic views of the Flatirons were unbeatable."

"The outdoor space offers stunning views and a beautiful garden."

Good to know

1

The community has a good-sized storage area for residents, helpful for downsizing.

2

The location offers convenient parking and easy access to central Boulder.

3

Residents enjoy a variety of activities that promote social interaction and community engagement.

05
St Julien Hotel & Spa image 1

Hotel offers stunning mountain views and luxurious spa facilities including a saltwater pool, sauna, and steam room. Atmosphere blends upscale elegance with a warm, welcoming vibe created by friendly staff. Live music on weekends and cozy, well-lit rooms add to a relaxing, refined experience.

Energetic FACs create a first class experience with live music nightly adding to the holiday vibes. The spa offers a fun, clean, and friendly atmosphere that keeps the energy high.

Patio features live music every night, adding a lively vibe. Outdoor areas complement the restaurant, spa, and gift shop for a full experience.

People are saying

"The hotel staff are so friendly and helpful."

"It's a dream outdoor setting for a ceremony."

"I had such a fun experience here."

Good to know

1

Reservations for events are recommended at least a week in advance.

2

The hotel offers a dedicated space for groups of 12-15 people.

3

Live music is featured from Wednesday to Saturday nights.

06
Junkyard Social Club image 1

Enormously creative junkyard space filled with whimsical decor, art installations, and interactive playground structures made from repurposed materials. Atmosphere feels relaxed and kid-friendly, inviting both children and adults to explore, play, and mingle. Live local music and a cozy cafe add to the vibrant community hub vibe.

A wacky and creative space encourages kids to explore, imagine, and play hands-on. It offers endless fun both indoors and outdoors, making it great for celebrations or casual days out.

Outdoor space features a treehouse, fort structure, and tables for sitting. Kids can climb, explore, and play in this creatively designed area.

People are saying

"It's a super fun and creative Kid Friendly spot for kids and adults."

"It's a fun place with creative junkyard parts for kids to explore."

"The outdoor space is creatively designed for kids to explore and play."

Good to know

1

You must sign a waiver before entering the play areas.

2

Sunscreen, water, and clean restrooms are available on-site.

3

The venue hosts unique events like drag shows and comedy nights.

07
Cassiopeia: Cafe image 1

Cafe combines cycling amenities like indoor bike parking, bike wash, and recovery tools with a women-focused bike shop designed for all. Spacious, light-filled interior offers comfortable seating and a cozy, welcoming vibe with friendly faces. Atmosphere supports community and conversation, making it a unique spot for coffee and connection.

Group rides offer a fun and inclusive experience with well-led organization. The bike shop attached is a bikers' dream, and the lounge area provides fun books for quiet moments or conversations.

Outdoor seating includes a counter for grabbing coffee and tables where dogs can join. Both outdoor and indoor seating options exist, with a relaxed vibe for sitting outside with pets.

People are saying

"This cafe has the best vibes and a welcoming atmosphere."

"The staff here is so friendly and welcoming."

"I loved sitting outside with my dog in the outdoor space."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes at 3 PM, while the store remains open until 5 PM.

2

Waffle Wednesdays offer a two-dollar discount on waffles.

3

The cafe is dog-friendly and has a bike rack for multiple bikes.

08
Basecamp Boulder image 1

Hotel offers unique camping-themed rooms with eclectic decor and a cozy, sporty vibe. Communal spaces include a climbing wall rec room, hot tub, sauna, and a bar serving local beers and coffee. Atmosphere feels laid-back and friendly, attracting families and adventure seekers alike.

A fun game room with a rock wall offers unique activities. The hotel combines amazing amenities with adventure for a comfortable, entertaining stay.

Outdoor areas feature fire pits and porch seating that create a cozy vibe. A hot tub and bouldering wall add variety to the outdoor amenities.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful."

"It's so easy to walk to the creek and downtown from here."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with everything."

Good to know

1

Happy hour drinks are available, making it a great spot for socializing.

2

The hotel is dog-friendly, allowing guests to bring their pets.

3

Parking can be tight, so arrive early to secure a spot.

09
Moxy Boulder University image 1

Hotel combines modern, stylish design with spacious, inviting common areas that include a rooftop hot tub offering stunning mountain views. Atmosphere feels friendly and energetic, with zones for socializing, working, and relaxing. Lounge and bar areas provide a fun, welcoming vibe distinct from typical hotel scenes.

Lobby DJ adds energy with loud music. The design creates a fun atmosphere for spontaneous trips and game days.

Outdoor seating includes a spacious patio with fire pits. The area is comfortable and beautifully designed, matching the stylish bar nearby.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff are so friendly and helpful."

"The patio is incredible, perfect for relaxing."

"This place is super fun, with a lively and energetic vibe."

Good to know

1

Valet service costs $40 a night, with no other parking options available.

2

Rooms are on the smaller side, with limited amenities like no refrigerator.

3

The hotel is new and in excellent condition, offering a clean environment.

10
Velvet Elk Lounge image 1
Live music venue

Long, narrow bar with booths opposite creates an intimate setting for live music. Sound system delivers great sound quality at comfortable volume, allowing conversation without shouting. Venue combines hipster style with high-quality cocktails and a warm, festive atmosphere.

Live music creates a fun atmosphere with a hipster style vibe. Shows offer a lot of entertainment and keep the energy lively.

Small tables on the patio offer spots for people watching. Outside walls feature benches and high top tables with stools, with more outdoor seating added recently.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are great guys and keep things running smoothly."

"It's a really fun place for all sorts of live music."

"The staff here are great guys and super friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with half-price drinks and appetizers.

2

Entry fee for shows is $12, with a two-drink minimum per person.

3

Live music events are free on most nights, featuring local solo or duo acts.

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Boulder, Colorado

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