Category: Bring Nature Home

Thorne Nature Summer Camp’s Favorite Natural Areas in Boulder County

Posted on by Thorne

One thing that we hear often from summer camp families is, “My child told me about this awesome place that you went to at camp, and they really want to go back there!” Thorne Summer Camp visits a handful of fantastic open spaces and natural areas in Boulder County. Here is a list of some of our favorite spots that you can explore with your family.

Boulder:

  1. Betasso Preserve- Betasso Rd, Boulder, CO 80302

    Highlights and favorite spots: Fantastic foothill location with mountain views in a ponderosa pine forest that overlooks Boulder. We like the Canyon Loop and the wooded areas that you can explore as you hike. Please note that this is a popular area for mountain biking, so it is best to visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays when the trail is closed to bikes.

    CLICK HERE for more info.

  2. Chautauqua- 900 Baseline Rd &, 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302

    Highlights and favorite spots: A Boulder classic! We love many places at Chautauqua but some of our favorites are Gregory Canyon, McClintock Trail, and the first grove of deciduous trees as you hike up the main Chautauqua trail. If you’re looking for less of a hike, the bush tunnels surrounding the Chautauqua Green are also a lot of fun.

    CLICK HERE for more info.

  3. Mt. Sanitas- 501 Sunshine Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO 80302

    Highlights and favorite trails: Great spot for playing around on rocks and checking out the incredible city view. We enjoy the stone hut on the Dakota Ridge Trail and love seeing Western Fence Lizards on the Red Rocks Trail.

    CLICK HERE for more info.

  4. Sawhill Ponds/Walden Ponds- 3400 75th St, Boulder, CO 80301

    Highlights and favorite spots: One of the best places to find creatures in Boulder! From birds to reptiles, there’s so much to explore and see at Sawhill and Walden. Walden Ponds has a boardwalk for bird viewing and the ponds will delight kids for hours. Rumor has it that you can even see fireflies at Sawhill Ponds.

    CLICK HERE for more info on Sawhill Ponds and HERE for more info on Walden Ponds.

Lafayette:

  1. Coal Creek Trail- There are various access points. We like to access from the trailhead near Ryan Elementary (1405 Centaur Village Dr, Lafayette, CO 80026), S. Public Road Trailhead (110 Old Laramie Trail, Lafayette, CO 80026), or from our new headquarters, the Lafayette Nature Center at 300 Old Laramie Trail E, Lafayette, 80026.

    Highlights and favorite spots: The Coal Creek corridor is one of our favorite natural spaces with year-round water access, abundant flora and fauna, and beautiful shady trees.

    CLICK HERE for more info.

Longmont:

We get the most questions about Longmont’s natural areas. Kids love them and want to go back again and again!

  1. Golden Ponds- 2651 3rd Ave, Longmont, CO 80503

    Highlights and favorite spots: Hidden gem in Longmont with shade trees, ponds, the St. Vrain River, and so much more. Anywhere that you go at Golden Ponds is fun!

    CLICK HERE for more info.

  2. Roger’s Grove– 220 Hover St, Longmont, CO 80501

    Highlights and favorite spots: Over 50 acres of trails adjacent to the St. Vrain greenway. Also has an arboretum, outdoor learning center, and an apple grove where you can harvest fruit for free.

    CLICK HERE for more info.

We hope to see you on the trail at these fantastic locations this summer!

Discover Summer Fun for Families in Boulder County

Posted on by Thorne

Looking for the best ways to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends this summer? Whether you’re planning weekend adventures or searching for unforgettable summer camps in Boulder County, you’re in the right place. Here are a few of our favorite ways to get outside, connect with nature, and make the most of the summer season:

🌳 Picnics at the Lafayette Nature Center

The water features are flowing, and the Lafayette Nature Center is open to the public during daylight hours all summer long. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon or evening with your loved ones. Bring a picnic, fire up the grill, and enjoy the beauty of nature right here in Boulder County. CLICK HERE to learn more about visiting the LNC.

🌞 Thorne Nature Experience Summer Camps in Boulder County

Summer camps in Boulder County are one of the best ways for kids to unplug, explore, and grow — and Thorne’s nature-based camps do just that! Our award-winning programs ignite curiosity, foster independence, build social skills, and deepen kids’ connection to the natural world.

Campers can expect hands-on adventures like:

  • Pond mucking and creek exploration

  • Fort building in the forest

  • Wildlife discovery activities

  • Nature games, stories, and more!

These camps aren’t just fun — they’re an opportunity to develop confidence, resilience, and a love for the environment that lasts a lifetime.

Spots are still available for our popular Boulder County summer camps, but they’re filling quickly!

CLICK HERE to learn more about Thorne’s summer camp.

🥾 Cool Hikes for Hot Days

When the temperatures rise, we head for shady trails and splash-worthy creeks. Check out our roundup of the best family-friendly hikes in Boulder County that keep you cool and connected to nature, even on the hottest summer days. CLICK HERE to explore the list.