Top Five Ways to Cool Off This Summer in Downtown

June 5, 2025 / Tags: Dining • Shopping • Family Fun

Summer, summer, summertime - time to kick back and rewind. And there's no better place to do it than Downtown Fort Collins! From shady patios to cool treats and local brews, here are 5 easy ways to chill out and soak up the sun.

SCOOP UP SOME SUMMER JOY

I scream you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Beat the heat with a hand-scooped cool treat from Old Town Churn, Ben & Jerry’s, Walrus Ice Cream, Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream, or the recently opened Edison's Ice Cream. Whether you prefer it in a cake cone, waffle cone, or a cup, downtown scoop shops offer a multitude of flavors to help you cool down from the heat.

BEAT THE HEAT, MAKE A SPLASH

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.

Perfect for families with young children (and those young-at-heart), the Old Town Square Splash Pad is open daily* for splashing. When the sun sinks low, stick around and enjoy the evening light show from 8:00 pm – midnight

*Pop jets are on daily (weather dependent) from 8:00 am – midnight

In the summer of 2021, the City of Fort Collins renovated and made improvements to Oak Street Plaza, including the fountain feature. Typically open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the dancing water jets invite you to walk through for a refreshing cool down.

The Cache la Poudre River is Colorado’s only nationally designated “Wild & Scenic” River and it just so happens to flow right through downtown! In late 2019, the City of Fort Collins embraced this natural asset with the completion of the Poudre River Whitewater Park. Designed for kayakers to test their whitewater skills, it’s a great spot to get in on the action or simply watch from shore while dipping your toes in the water. The custom-designed Art in Public Places wave shelter located along the south bank, created by artist John Davis, draws inspiration from the motion and whitewater bubbles created by the river. So hang ten and chill!

WHEN THE HEAT IS ON, SIP SOMETHING COOL

At Happy Lucky’s Teahouse, the Leafsters are serving up handcrafted boba tea daily and iced tea to go. Or grab some loose leaf tea to brew your own at home. Looking to take it on the go? Ku Cha House of Tea makes it easy to crack open a can of perfectly-brewed, ready-to-drink iced tea. These no-fuss beverages are perfect for hitting the downtown splash pads, neighborhood pool, or Horsetooth Reservoir.

Grab a delicious signature soda from Explorado Market or kombucha on tap at The Bean Cycle and enjoy sitting in Old Town Square.

In the mood for a milkshake? Local favorite, Big Al’s Burgers & Dogs serves up malts and hand-scooped milkshakes. STUFT Burger Bar hand-spins every milkshake. Try adding mix-ins like Nutella and graham crackers for a customized treat. In addition to boozy milkshakes, Union Bar & Soda Fountain also serves frosé and slushy cocktails.

Looking to frosé all day? Be sure to stop by The OBC Wine Project, Northern Colorado’s Local Winery. Or, relax on the patio of Old Town Putt while sipping a frozen cocktail, which makes for a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

Or, why not enjoy a sip straight from the source? Downtown boasts a variety of breweries and taprooms where you can savor a cold pint on a hot day.

Prefer to relax from the comfort of your own backyard, grab beverages to go from Mulberry MAX Wine & Spirits or Lucky’s Market. You can’t beat the selection of locally crafted products!

SKIP THE STOVE, ENJOY THE SUMMER BREEZE

Escape the heat of your kitchen and let Downtown Fort Collins restaurants do the cooking. With over 90 outdoor and patio dining options, there's plenty of ways to cool off while enjoying a delicious meal and cold beverages. Local's tip: For a truly unique experience, discover some of Fort Collins' hidden patio gems. Nestled in quiet alleways or perched atop second-story rooftops, these secret spots offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Savor your meal while soaking in the charm of these off-the-beaten-path patios, like those at Equinox Brewing, Gilded Goat Brewing Co., The Forge Publick House, Mountain Cafe, Silver Grill, and more!

INDOOR ESCAPES FROM THE SUMMER HEAT

Ride out the heat wave in air-conditioned comfort with a visit to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. While you are there, be sure to check out the immersive OtterBox Digital Dome Theater featuring state-of-the-art digital projection systems and booming surround sound that brings shows to life.

A trip to the Old Town Library will expand your horizons, without even leaving the building. From children’s storytime and book clubs to free wifi and computer classes, the Library is a great place to discover, learn, and grow.

Downtown Fort Collins is the cultural hub of Northern Colorado and offers many great museums and art galleries, including Museum of Art | Fort Collins, Global Village Museum of Arts & Cultures, and Colorado State University’s Gregory Allicar Museum of Art. You’ll find it’s easy to unwind with local arts and culture.