You can travel to Fort Collins and uncover plenty of fun without the hefty price tag. We're sharing tips for frugal and fun Fort Collins adventures for you and the whole family! Watch an outdoor film with friends under the stars at The Lyric or at the Holiday Twin Drive-In; go biking or bison watching at a City Natural Area; soak in nature at Lory State Park or Horsetooth Mountain Open Space; explore the local art scene during a self-guided tour, or stop into one of the more than 20 local breweries to sip a seasonal brew. The list goes on. Make a weekend of it and book an affordable lodging option!
Free Fun in Fort Collins
1. See and celebrate the bison
As part of a nationwide recovery effort, the iconic American bison were reintroduced to Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space in 2015. This year, 2024, marks the ninth-year anniversary of the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation herd’s reintroduction. Visitors may see the bison in their pasture March through November. Learn more about visiting the bison here, and check out this blog post for more information on Soapstone! Insider tip: Soapstone is also a great place to mountain bike!
2. Spend Time In Nature
Take a self-guided mindful walk by the Poudre River at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) using this guide. Research shows that time in nature lowers blood pressure, increases self-esteem, and reduces anxiety. Yes, please!
3. Explore a Natural Area
Fort Collins is home to over 50 protected Natural Areas encompassing more than 36,000 acres and more than 100 miles of trail. Hike, bike, boat, and more, all for free. Volunteer master naturalists lead eagle watches, skygazing, and other events at the Natural Areas (registration required). For a less busy Natural Area in the network, head to Running Deer Natural Area where you can walk along a flat, easy trail to see the top of a historic fire tower. This interesting and nearly solitary destination features expansive views of the Front Range. Meanwhile, Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area offers outstanding birding in a peaceful setting, and Reservoir Ridge, pictured above, has a lengthy hike for those looking to find a good view!
4. Enjoy Live Music
Fort Collins is a city filled with live music and arts accessible to all. There are so many opportunities to enjoy free live music, like the weekly summertime FoCo Food Truck Rally. During the summer, you can sit down outdoors at one of these regular outdoor summer concert series; we've got (almost) every day covered:
- Tuesday - Live Music at the Food Truck Rally
- Wednesday - Live Music at the Lagoon Concert Series
- Thursday - Thursday Night Live presented by the Bohemian Foundation in Old Town Square
- Friday - Live Music at New Belgium Brewing & Music on the Lawn at Foothills Shopping Center
- Saturday - Swing Saturday at The Exchange
- Sunday - Sunday Summer Series at The Mishawaka
5. Get Outdoors and Go Fishing
Between the Cache la Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins offers paradise found for fishermen and women. The Poudre is perfect for flyfishing, though there are a few spots where you can bait fish. At Horsetooth, try your hand catching smallmouth bass or walleye from the shore or a boat. Fort Collins also has sixteen Natural Areas that allow fishing, including Riverbend Ponds, a popular fishing spot with easy access from the trailheads.
6. Fill your afternoon with art of all kinds
If art is your thing, plan to spend a whole afternoon around the University Center for the Arts, previously the old Fort Collins High School. The area in and around the University Center for the Arts (UCA) boasts three free art-centered activities. First, check out the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art. Pictured above, the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art is located on the first floor of the UCA. With rotating and permanent exhibits, you're sure to find something you like. Second, make your way outside to enjoy the CSU Annual Trial Gardens that feature annual flower varieties being researched for horticulture companies. Once you're ready to cool off again, head over to the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising. This museum focuses on textile art and has regular exhibits as well as vast archives of historic and global clothing and accessories.
7. Cool off
Escape the heat or just enjoy the sounds of nature by heading to the Poudre Whitewater Park located near downtown Fort Collins directly off the Poudre Trail. Wade in the river or stay dry by hanging out at one of the picnic areas. Don't forget that the Poudre River can be powerful and unpredictable, make sure to prepare yourself with accurate information prior to enjoying! If you've got extra time, head up the Poudre Canyon to a day use area for a relaxing time by the water.
LOW-COST FUN
8. Visit a Brewery
Stodgy Brewing Company boasts a big front patio and yard area, perfect while sipping a Table Saison, Stout, or even something from the guest tap. Plus, it’s dog friendly, there’s free WiFi, and you can enjoy tasty bites from rotating food trucks.
9. Outdoor films
The Lyric Cinema is showing outdoor movies that start at dusk. Bring camping chairs or blankets and pick up a snack (nachos!) or drink (including canned beers and wines) from the café. The Holiday Twin Drive In is also a great option for a frugal night out. At $9 per person for a double feature, it's definitely a bang for your buck, especially if you arrive early to hang out with friends, play a few games, or pick something up from their snack bar!
10. Butterflies abound
The Gardens on Spring Creek recently underwent an extensive renovation and remodel. Kids and adults alike love the new Conservatory Butterfly House, a 1,500-square-foot glass enclosure that's the first and only permanent facility of its kind in Northern Colorado. It features up to 400 free-flying North American butterflies. Admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children and students.
