Now that school is out and you have a whole summer vacation ahead of you, it’s time to take advantage of these long, sunny days and create wonderful family memories that will last for years to come. 

To get the most out of your summer break, write down a list of activities and events you and your family members want to do in the next few months. That way, when boredom strikes, you can always refer to this “bucket list” to liven things up.

Here are some suggestions for your list:

 

Splash it Up at Chatfield Reservoir

Colorado may be landlocked, but you’ll still find plenty of places to engage in your favorite water sports. Activities at Chatfield Reservoir include boating, water skiing, sailing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The marina also offers a rental fleet of power and paddling equipment. Check the website for rates, hours, or other information.

 

Park It at a Drive-In Movie

Have you ever taken your kids to a drive-in movie theater? Do they even know what a drive-in movie theater is? With only 330 drive-in theaters left throughout the U.S., Colorado is home to seven of them. Since the evenings are warming up, now is a perfect time to pile into the family-mobile, pack some homemade movie snacks, and watch the sunset before the movie begins.

 

Rough It Outdoors with a Camping Trip

Have you noticed that the western side of Colorado is essentially one giant camping playground? Whether your camping style is primitive or glam, you’ll find a campground to suit your needs. If you’re new to camping, here are some tips to help keep you from getting chased by a bear.

 

Hit the Trails for a Spectacular Hike

Every summer, hikers everywhere want to summit a 14er. Even if you’ve already climbed a few yourself, skip the tourist routes this year and seek out these gorgeous Colorado gems. Before embarking, make sure you research the level of difficulty involved in each hike, the best time of day to start, and how much water you should bring.

 

This list should help you get started on your upcoming summer adventures. You live in an amazing state that is loaded with all kinds of outdoor activities to take advantage of — hopefully the next three months will be full of celebrating and enjoying your summer vacation!