5 Best Things to Do in Fort Collins to Cool Off This Summer

Summer's here, and the heat is on, but that's never stopped Downtown Fort Collins from being one of the best places to spend a warm day. Whether you're a local looking for something new or a family visiting for the weekend, Old Town Fort Collins has everything you need to stay cool, stay fed, and make the most of the season. Here are five of our favorite ways to cool off this summer.

One Scoop at a Time: Best Ice Cream in Fort Collins

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream - and Old Town has no shortage of delicious ways to cool off. Beat the heat with a hand-scooped treat from Little Man Ice Cream, Ben & Jerry's, Walrus Ice Cream, Kilwins Chocolates, Ice Cream, Fudge, & Confections, Tandem Squared, or Edison's Ice Cream. Whether you go for a cake cone, a waffle cone, or a simple cup, there's no wrong way to enjoy a cold, sweet break on a hot summer day in Fort Collins.

Make a Splash: Free Things to Do in Fort Collins This Summer

Another popular way to beat the heat is with a visit to one (or both!) of the downtown splash pads. During the Downtown Development Authority’s renovation of Old Town Square in 2015, a pop-jet feature was added to the plaza making it a great central place to cool off.

When temperatures climb, head straight for the water, and the good news is some of the best options are completely free.

Right in the heart of Old Town Square, the pop-jet splash pad sends bursts of water from the plaza surface in lively, ever-changing patterns. Kids dart through the sprays while visitors pause to cool off between shops and restaurants, making it a natural gathering place all summer long. Originally added during the Downtown Development Authority's 2015 renovation of Old Town Square, the jets typically run daily from 8:00 am to 12:00 am (weather permitting) from Memorial Day through Labor Day. After sunset, the space takes on a different feel, with a nightly light show from 8 pm to 12:00 am adding to the atmosphere.

Just a few blocks away, Oak Street Plaza offers a different but equally playful experience. Renovated in 2021, it features dancing water jets that rise and fall in rhythmic bursts, inviting visitors to step right into the flow or relax along the shaded edges. Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, it's a laid-back spot where families linger, cool off, and enjoy the energy of downtown.

A short walk brings you to the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado's only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, flowing right through downtown. Here, the pace slows - perfect for dipping your toes in, stretching out along the banks, or simply enjoying the sound of the water.

Right alongside it, the Poudre River Whitewater Park adds a little more action. Designed for kayakers, it's a great place to watch paddlers take on the features or just sit back and enjoy the scene. Even if you stay dry, it's one of the most engaging free things to do in Fort Collins, especially with kids in tow.

Sip Something Cool: Best Drinks in Downtown Fort Collins

When the heat is on, a cold drink goes a long way, and Downtown Fort Collins has plenty of options to choose from.

Happy Lucky's Teahouse serves up handcrafted boba and iced teas, while Ku Cha House of Tea offers ready-to-go options perfect for taking along to the splash pads or a sunny afternoon at Horsetooth. And that's just the start - browse the full lineup of coffee, tea, and bakery spots in Downtown Fort Collins and find your new favorite.

Looking for something quick and refreshing? Grab a signature soda from Explorado Market, an iced coffee from Lima Coffee Roasters, or kombucha on tap at The Bean Cycle, then find a shady spot in Old Town Square and relax for a bit.

If you're craving something sweet, Big Al's Burgers & Dogs and Kilwins Chocolates, Ice Cream, Fudge, & Confections have classic malts and milkshakes, while STUFT a burger bar spins up fully customizable creations. And if frozen drinks are calling your name, Union Bar & Soda Fountain delivers with frosé, boozy shakes, and slushy cocktails.

You can also keep things extra chill with a stop at The OBC Wine Project or a frozen cocktail on the patio at Old Town Putt.

Or go straight to the source! Downtown's lineup of breweries and taprooms makes it easy to grab a cold pint whenever you need it:

• Salt Road Brewing
• Hello Brewing Co.
• Equinox Brewing
• CooperSmith’s Brewpub & Billiards
• CooperSmith’s Brewpub & Billiards - Billiards Room
• Gilded Goat Brewing Company
• Breckenridge Brewery
• Penrose Taphouse & Eatery
• New Belgium Brewing Company
• Odell Brewing Company
• OBC Wine Project

Prefer to relax at home? Swing by Mulberry MAX Wine & Spirits, Old Town Wine & Spirits, or Lucky’s Market to stock up on local favorites to-go.

Patio Season: The Best Outdoor Dining in Fort Collins

Skip the stove and let someone else handle dinner. With more than 90 outdoor and patio dining options, Downtown Fort Collins makes it easy to find a spot with shade, a breeze, and something great on the menu, making it one of the best places for outdoor dining in Fort Collins all summer long.

For a more tucked-away experience, look beyond the main streets and seek out hidden gems like alley seating at The Forge Publick House, relaxed brewery patios at Equinox Brewing Co., Gilded Goat Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Company, or the timeless charm of Silver Grill Cafe. You'll even find rooftop and second-story patios offering a laid-back view of the downtown action.

Bringing your dog along? Many patios throughout Old Town welcome well-behaved four-legged guests, so you can settle in and stay awhile without heading home early. Penrose Taphouse & Eatery, Ginger and Baker, Elliot's Martini Bar, Happy Lucky's Teahouse, Choice City, Tesoro by Sweet Heart Wine, Tap and Handle, The Exchange, and Pour Brothers Community Tavern all welcome dogs on their patios, along with plenty of other dog-friendly spots throughout downtown.

Cool Down, Culture Up: Indoor Things to Do in Fort Collins

Sometimes the best thing to do in Fort Collins on a hot summer day is step inside and stay awhile, and downtown has no shortage of cool, engaging options.

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is always a go-to, especially for the immersive OtterBox Digital Dome Theater, where surround sound and vivid visuals create a fully engaging experience for all ages.

For something a little more hands-on, Pinball Jones delivers a lively mix of classic pinball and arcade games that make it easy to cool off while staying in motion - perfect for groups looking for a little friendly competition on a hot afternoon.

If your group is up for a challenge, downtown's escape rooms offer a fully immersive way to spend an hour or two in the cool air. Local favorites Looking Glass Escape Lounge and Somewhere Secret Escape Room turn problem-solving into a shared adventure that's as engaging for families as it is for groups of friends.

For something quieter, the Old Town Library offers a comfortable place to recharge, whether you're flipping through a book, catching up on work with free WiFi, or just enjoying a calm, air-conditioned escape from the heat.

Downtown is also home to a range of arts and cultural spots worth exploring, including the Museum of Art | Fort Collins, Global Village Museum, and CSU's Gregory Allicar Museum of Art. From rotating exhibits to hands-on experiences, it's an easy way for families and visitors to spend a few cool, relaxed hours while taking in Fort Collins' creative side.