<p>So, my soon to be junior at CU is staying in Boulder over the summer. We will be visiting him for a few days in July and wanted to know some ideas of what we can do while there. We have been to Boulder before, have done the Celestial Tea Factory tour, the Atmospheric Research Center, etc. I would like some ideas of maybe fun things to do in Denver with a 20 year old male college student. The Coors brewery is out as he cannot drink legally yet. But we thought maybe going into Denver might be fun for him as he really has not been there much at all. So where should we go while there? Any ideas? Or anything new and different in Boulder to see as well?
I wanted to go see the Mint in Denver but all of the tours are already sold out. Does anyone know if you can show up and maybe get in on standby?</p>
<p>Rousse,
I live in Boulder and my daughter just finished her freshman year at CU. </p>
<p>I don’t spend much time in Denver, but I have been to the 16th Street Mall a few times and there’s quite a bit to do there. I attended a show at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret with my daughter ([Lannies</a> Clocktower Cabaret Calendar](<a href=“http://lannies.com/?page_id=6735]Lannies”>http://lannies.com/?page_id=6735)). Most of their shows are all-ages or suggested 18+ and it’s quite a unique location. I’m sure there are lots of clubs, restaurants, shops, etc. that might appeal to you.</p>
<p>You could also consider visiting some of the quirky little mountain towns around Boulder. They include Nederland, Jamestown, Ward, and Gold Hill. They are not exactly bustling, but each has its own distinct personality and is worth a look.</p>
<p>If you want to stay in Boulder, there are some nice summer events. The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is in full swing in July (<a href=“http://www.coloradoshakes.org/images/stories/2012_web_cal_4.12.12.pdf[/url]”>http://www.coloradoshakes.org/images/stories/2012_web_cal_4.12.12.pdf</a>) with shows right on campus. The Pearl Street Mall and 29th Street both have bands and special events, mostly on the weekends. The Outdoor Cinema is fun for all ages ([Lineup](<a href=“http://boulderoutdoorcinema.com/index.php/schedule/lineup]Lineup[/url]”>http://boulderoutdoorcinema.com/index.php/schedule/lineup)</a>).</p>
<p>About an hour drive, but worth it for ren faire geeks is the Colorado Renaissance Festival ([Colorado</a> Renaissance Festival](<a href=“http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/]Colorado”>http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/)) in Larkspur on weekends.</p>
<p>I will ask my daughter if she has any different suggestions that might appeal to a 20-year-old male and parents!</p>
<p>snoozn: Thanks so much! All of the ideas sound good. We are happy to do things in Boulder as well, but just were thinking of maybe also going to Denver to do things as my son hasn’t really gotten into Denver much and we thought it would be fun for him. I have heard those mountain towns are worth visiting. How about any places to hike in the mountains nearby? He has done that a bit. Or Estes Park maybe? Any ideas for a 20 year old college male would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>When I was at CU, I did not make it to Denver much either. However, one of my best memories was going to a Colorado Rockies game and getting pizza afterwards. Keep in mind, I was NOT into sports at all. I was the stereotypical math/physics major and actually looked down on athletics at the time. But it was amazingly fun. </p>
<p>Things to do before he leaves.
Check out a restaurant called sherpas. It can be difficult to find. And it always surprises me the amount of people who miss out on this place. It is the most quintessential Boulder restaurant.
[Untitled</a> Document](<a href=“http://www.sherpaascent.com/restaurant.htm]Untitled”>SherpaAscent.com)</p>
<p>Go to Boulder Creek. (I did not do this enough)</p>
<p>And just go on a scenic drive through the mountains. I did not have a car. So, sometimes going into the mountains is tough. A lot of kids have made it to Eldora and periodically made it to Aspen and such. But Telluride is rarer. The drive into Telluride is AMAZING. This can be potentially be time, cost, and equipment prohibitive though. Although if at all possible get the kid out to see Colorado. Denver is a regular city. Colorado as a state is unparalleled.
[Drive</a> through Downtown Telluride, Colorado - YouTube](<a href=“Drive through Downtown Telluride, Colorado - YouTube”>Drive through Downtown Telluride, Colorado - YouTube)</p>
<p>One day could be Denver 16th street and the Rockies</p>
<p>Another could be Boulder Creek and sherpa’s.</p>
<p>Yet another (probably at least two) could be Telluride.</p>
<p>Oh, and if you wanted a little bit of info about me in terms of demographics. I am a recent grad. I am a 25 year old male. I am currently in grad school. So, all the stuff that was cool when I was there hopefully will still be cool and amazing. I was a nerdy kid though. One of my favorite things to do was go to pearl street and people watch. You can compare that to what your son’s interests are.</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is what I’d recommend. “The Y of the Rockies” has some great deals on cabins and has tons of activities available - and it’s not too far from Boulder. Denver Mint can be toured stand-by, but I wouldn’t recommend it in the summer. Tours are booked solid for a reason and you’re likely to wait a VERY long time for what ends up being a pretty short tour. Denver Zoo is great - as are the Museum of Nature & Science and the Downtown Aquarium. There’s also Elitch Gardens if you’re into theme parks.</p>
<p>Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are actually quite close to Boulder. You would take Colorado Rt 7 through the small town of Lyons and up the St Vrain River canyon. Good views of Longs Peak, St Malo’s Retreat and Lily Lake on the way. We like to fill up water bottles at the public Crystal Springs in Allenspark. Summer/Holiday weekends are incredibly crowded in both the Park and town. If a sat or sun is your only option, arrive as early in the morning as possible. Daybreak is good! Main Street Estes is touristy, but the Egg and I is a good breakfast spot. Skip downtown by taking Wonderview Ave past the historic Stanley Hotel to US 34. The Fall River (north) entrance to the Park is less congested. The drive to the top of Trail Ridge Road is spectacular.</p>
<p>My favorite hiking spot for low altitude visitors is actually accessed from outside the Park, which means there is no entrance fee. It’s the Cow Creek Trail to Bridal Veil Falls. In Boulder, Chautauqua Park and Eldorado Canyon State Park offer miles of scenic trails. You can find directions to these or other local hikes by searching at [LocalHikes</a> - Hikes and trails near U.S. Metropolitan Areas](<a href=“http://www.localhikes.com%5DLocalHikes”>http://www.localhikes.com)</p>
<p>There are lots of attractions close to Downtown Denver eg The 16th St Pedestrian Mall, Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center, Denver Aquarium, Larimer Square. In City Park , east of downtown, are the Museum of Nature and Science (with planetarium and IMAX shows) and a world class zoo. However, the new elephant exhibit requires advance reservations - free online. Elitch Gardens is an attractive amusement and water park. Close by along the Platte River is the giant Denver SkatePark, also Riverfront and Confluence Parks. Great network of bike trails there, and near the giant REI store there is a Denver Bcycle rental station.</p>
<p>If you have never been a hot mineral springs - try this - very cool. (Actually very hot 
) I’ve been to them in Colorado - but not Denver area - maybe someone can suggest one near the Denver area.</p>
<p>I’ve heard the zoo is very good.</p>
<p>I would also suggest a Rockies game and or an Avalanche game, Broncos, Nuggets - all fun - you don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy the spectacle. </p>
<p>Taking hikes anywhere is fun - just find some short couple mile, easy hikes- beautiful and great way to enjoy the state.</p>
<p>Wow! These are all great suggestions! I will start investigating some of them. My son has done some hiking around Boulder, but nothing far away. Of course he has snowboarded in Breckenridge, Arapahoe and Keystone. But not Tellluride. That might definitely be worth looking into! Thanks for all of your help! Keep all of these wonderful ideas coming! He is an engineering major but not nerdy. Likes sports, snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, etc. I will definitely look into Sherpas…never heard of that. Sounds like a cool place to check out.</p>
<p>Our favorite all-season mountain town is Steamboat Springs. It has city-run hot springs in town and for a more scenic experience there is Strawberry Park hot springs a few miles into the hills.</p>