Water Activities

Cool off in Fort Collins during the summer with the abundant amount of water sports and activities available. Nearby rivers, lakes, and reservoirs like the Cache la Poudre River, Horsetooth Reservoir and Riverbend Ponds provide plenty of opportunities to swim, kayak, raft, stand-up paddle board, boat and more. Plus, don't forget about all the splash parks and pools around town. 

One of the best places to spend a beautiful summer day is Horsetooth Reservoir, located on the west side of the city along the foothills of our local mountains. This popular summer spot offers 6.5 miles of water activities like swimming, boating and stand up paddle boarding.

The Poudre River offers water activities in a stunning mountain setting. The river is also Colorado’s only National Wild and Scenic River and offers excellent views of the Poudre Canyon to pair with great recreation. The whitewater rafting is top notch when the water is running high, early in the season, and when the water runs low, in the late summer season, Fly Fishing is at its best. Have a blast with these two water activities and stay cool all summer long at the river.

One of Fort Collins’ oldest parks, City Park, is an iconic area of Fort Collins. It is one of the best places to enjoy a summer day with recreational activities, playgrounds galore, ball parks, a lake and a huge city pool! After a long day playing out in the sun make sure to cool off in the lake or pool! The pool has great water park features for the kids to enjoy as well. If you are looking for a more interactive experience, we suggest checking out the Pottery Studio which is located in the northwest corner of City Park.

Oak Street Plaza is located in the epicenter of Downtown Fort Collins and is one of many places where art meets functionality around town. You can cool off during the summer in the plaza fountains. Feel free to let the kids loose and watch as they run through the shooting water cannons and play on the incredible interactive art sculptures that spit streams of water. For those not playing in the water, enjoy the art in public places exhibited all around the plaza and maybe even a picnic in one of the shaded areas.  

The beautiful Old Town Square is a picturesque place to bring the kids to cool off. The square showcases a jumping fountain feature that kids love to run through to cool down. Kids aren't the only ones having fun, though, the adults and dogs also love to jump around in the fountains as gleefully as the little ones. 

Spring Canyon Park is home to inspiration playground, an adaptive playground that has proven to be one of the most popular spots in Fort Collins. The water feature is located next to the playground and can be activated by three black touch sensors that are on the floor of the splash pad. These sensors cause water to jump from spot to spot and shoot into the air; much to the fascination of all the kids at play.

Fossil Creek Park is one of the largest community parks in Fort Collins. The park has a ton of different amenities, and the most popular is the water feature. It has a waterfall for everyone to splash through, and numerous dancing water spouts. It is located right by the lake at the water's edge, with large boulders and natural features, making it feel like it's a part of the lake.