Let’s be honest—between work, life, and managing all the school stuff, it’s a lot. As a full-time working mom (and local real estate agent!), I know how fast those “no school” days sneak up on us. This list isn’t just for other parents in our community—it’s for me, too. Because now that I’m fully beholden to the school calendar, I want one easy spot to find ideas when I need them most!
So here’s my go-to list of at-home activities, indoor spots, and outdoor adventures to help us all survive—and maybe even enjoy—those school breaks, snow days, and long weekends.
At-Home Fun (Minimal Cost + Minimal Prep)
Here are simple, fun activities that don’t require tons of effort or supplies. Bonus: I’ll link a few easy how-tos so you can save your brain power for your coffee order.
✔️ DIY Obstacle Course — Pillows, painter’s tape, couch cushions… instant fun. Click here for ideas for an outdoor course, and here for ideas for an indoor course.
✔️ Living Room Camping — Build a fort, grab flashlights, and tell stories or read books inside.
✔️ Easy Science Experiments —
- Turn milk into plastic
Check these out and more by clicking here.
✔️ Scavenger Hunt — Hide objects or create clues around the house. Here are a few templates you can use: option 1, option 2 (for the tech savvy), option 3 is super easy for all kids (and parents), and option 4 has something for everyone (even for birthday parties down the road).
✔️ Dance Party or Freeze Dance — Let the kids DJ and burn some energy!
✔️ Craft with Recyclables — Build cardboard castles, robots, or whatever their imagination dreams up. Click here for some awesome ideas!
✔️ Make Play-Doh or Salt Dough —
- Easy Homemade Salt Dough from Yummy Toddler Food (my go-to blog for feeding my picky eater)
✔️ Story Dice or Stones — Paint symbols on rocks or dice and build silly stories together. Click here for a template or find objects around the house to draw/paint on to create your stories. If you're new to story dice (like I was), here is a helpful site on all of the fun things you can do with them.
✔️ Chopped: Kid Edition — Let them create snack combos or mini “meals” from pantry finds.
✔️ Movie + Snack Bar Night — Make tickets, set up snacks, and create a cozy theater at home.
Indoor Places to Go (Paid + Free Options)
For when you need to get out of the house (but not into the weather):
Paid Indoor Fun:
✔️ Lava Island (Englewood) — Giant indoor play structure + arcade
✔️ Little Monkey Bizness (Parker) — Slides, climbing, and play structures
✔️ Sky Zone (Parker) — Trampolines + ninja courses
✔️ CU South Denver Museum — Hands-on exhibits
Free or Low-Cost Indoor Fun:
✔️ Douglas County Libraries — Storytimes, play areas, and special events
✔️ IKEA (Centennial) — The free Småland play area (short and sweet!)
✔️ Park Meadows Mall Play Areas — A quick, free way to let them run
Worth the Drive: Day Trip Adventures
When you’re ready to level up your day off, these paid outdoor outings offer adventure, fun, and a little break from the usual:
✔️ Wild Animal Sanctuary (Keenesburg) - Walk above lions, bears, and wolves on elevated boardwalks—equal parts thrilling and educational.
✔️ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs) - A mountain-side zoo with breathtaking views and the chance to feed giraffes.
✔️ Pikes Peak Cog Railway (Manitou Springs) - Ride a historic cog train to the summit of Pikes Peak. Bonus: summit donuts with a view!
✔️ Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (Canon City) - Hike or ride gondolas across the U.S.’s highest suspension bridge—splash pad and playground included.
✔️ Denver Zoo (Denver) - Classic animal adventure with train rides and a summer splash pad—always a hit.
✔️ Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster) - Step into a tropical indoor butterfly habitat and hold exotic critters (spiders included!).
✔️ North Pole – Santa’s Workshop (Cascade, CO) - A vintage Christmas-themed mountain amusement park open May–October (and holiday season later)! With 28 family rides, magic shows, glass blowing demos, and seasonal visits with Santa, it's a kitschy, nostalgic blast. Free park entry summer/fall; pay per ride or get a wristband (~$35). Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Outdoor Adventures (Weather Permitting)
If it’s nice out, these spots are kid (and parent) favorites:
✔️ Philip S. Miller Park (Castle Rock) — Playground, trails, Challenge Hill
✔️ Deputy Zack S. Parrish III Memorial Park — Great for younger kids
✔️ Festival Park Splash Pad — Summer fun in downtown Castle Rock
✔️ Ridgeline, Gateway Mesa, or Hidden Mesa — Easy, kid-friendly hiking
✔️ Disc Golf at East Plum Creek Trail — Bring frisbees and try it out!
Snow Day / Rainy Day Supplies to Keep Handy
If you keep these stocked, you’ll always have a backup plan:
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Painter’s tape (for obstacle courses, hopscotch)
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Cardboard boxes (for forts or crafts)
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Markers, paper, glue sticks, kid scissors
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Baking soda, vinegar, food coloring
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Play-Doh or modeling clay
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A deck of cards or story dice
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Flashlights + blankets (fort building kit!)
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Extra snacks for kitchen “challenges”
I hope this list helps make school breaks a little easier (and more fun!) for your family—because we’re all just trying to keep the chaos at bay, one day off at a time.