Fort Collins is a vibrant college town with a unique and laid-back vibe. While there are plenty of paid activities to check out in most cities, finding free or low-cost options for entertainment can be challenging. Thankfully, FOCO abounds in activities for the cheap, especially if you are an outdoor person. In fact, looking for experiences that don’t break the bank is one of the best ways to truly learn about a city, its locals, and what it offers its community.
This list is in no way definitive, and we always encourage improvements and recommendations!
Free Things To Do in Fort Collins
Check Out The Parks
We know this one sounds like a no-brainer, but Fort Collins has some really great family parks and outdoor spaces, so it definitely needs mentioning at least once. There are some cool and imaginative playgrounds all over the city, including those with unique themes, perfect for families with children. And most of the area’s parks feature endless forms of recreation, including basketball, baseball, frisbee, tennis, and so on.
Here are some of our favorite parks in Fort Collins:
- City Park – multi-age playgrounds, tennis courts, lots of green space, City Park Pool (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day), and a lake with a walking path and fishing spots.
- Spring Canyon – Huge outdoor space with playground, splash pad, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas, and plenty of walking/biking trails in the foothills.
- Fossil Creek – prehistoric-themed playground, splash pad, lake, gazebos for picnicking, basketball courts, and skate park.
- Twin Silo – silos turned into play equipment, dog park, ball fields, and plenty of open space.
- Lee Martinez – Playground with zip-line equipment, basketball courts, ball fields, trails, and a farm open for tours ($5 admission per person, $8 pony rides).
- Edora – playground, skate park, trails, disc golf course, horseshoe pits, and ball fields.
Rocky Mountain Raptor Program Free Open Houses and Events
Several times a year, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program hosts an open house at its facility in Fort Collins, where visitors can learn more about raptors and the program’s life-saving work. The facility is not open to the public on a regular basis, but they do offer tours for an admission fee. If you would like more information on their free events, check out this link to their events page.
First Friday Art Walk
This free self-guided tour is a favorite among locals and visitors alike! The first Friday of the month features an art-centered Old Town that is perfect for art lovers and local artists who want to showcase their work. Whether you enjoy funky or fine art, there is something for everyone to peruse between 6 to 9 pm. Plus, stop by all of the other little shops and cafes in Old Town! Use this map to find all of the venues offering art viewings, and if you’re an artist, fill out the form to have your artwork featured.
Free Play Monday at Pinball Jones
For $5, visitors to the Pinball Jones on Linden St. can play on Mondays all day during operating hours. If beer and retro pinball games, like Attack From Mars and Elvira, are your thing, then this favorite Foco hangout is a must-visit. They also have a line-up of new games, host local events, and partner with the area’s breweries to stock their bar. Check out their website for more information!
Aztlan Skatepark
If you are a skater or just enjoy watching talented individuals, you have to check out this skatepark on Foco’s northside. Aztlan Skatepark is behind the Aztlan Rec Center and has a more urban feel than other skateparks in the area. This retro park features outdoor artwork and some serious professionals showcasing their skills.
Poudre River Whitewater Park
This river park is on the north side, where visitors of all ages can drop tubes and kayaks in the water near Old Town. There is no admission to use the park, and there is an overlook bridge connecting to the Poudre Trail and an overlook plaza. While there is no rental stand for tubes, paddleboards, or kayaks, there are local shops that offer rentals.
Free New Belgium Brewery Tour
Located on Linden St. in Fort Collins’ Old Town, New Belgium Brewery offers a free 45-minute tour of its facility, information on its processes, a free sample, and a trip down their famous slide. If you want a full production tour and samplings, it’s $15 per person. They also have cool events with live music and food trucks. Check out their website for updated event and tour information.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Summers in Fort Collins can feel magical, especially when the weather’s warm enough to head up to Horsetooth Reservoir for abundant outdoor activities. The 6.5-mile-long reservoir is in the mountain’s foothills and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding nature. It’s a favorite among locals for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are also nearby hiking trails and campgrounds.
Larimer County Farmers’ Market
Running from mid-May to mid-October, the oldest farmers’ market in Northern Colorado offers an array of booths featuring everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. Every Saturday during the warmer months in Fort Collins, you can peruse and take in the sights of the downtown area and pick up some goodies. Hours are 9 AM to 1 PM, weather permitting. Follow their Instagram for updates.
Fort Collins Foodie Walk
Every third Friday of the month from 5 to 8 PM, foodies of Fort Collins can walk down Old Town and sample from some of the best shops in the city. This self-guided tour offers samplings that align with the seasons and gives people a reason to walk through the bustling downtown area and find even more goodies and favorite spots. View the map from the Old Town website to plan your route!
CSU Flower Trial Gardens
This beautiful garden, maintained by CSU, is free and open to the public every day during daylight hours. It’s truly a gem in Fort Collins and a must-see, especially during spring when everything is in full bloom! Visit the CSU website for upcoming events and to see what’s in bloom throughout various seasons.
Free Museum Visits
There are several ways to go about enjoying Foco’s museums for free. The Gregory Allicar Museum of Art is open to the public and free to all. This fine arts museum features work from the 1700s to the 1900s, and even some contemporary pieces. You can find this gem on the CSU campus.
The Museum of Art Fort Collins has a free art walk night from 6 to 9 PM on the first Friday of every month. This museum features contemporary art and hands-on kids’ activities.
The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is a children’s museum with plenty of rooms to explore and learn. Local students and families receiving government assistance can enter the museum for free.
Poudre Libraries also offers curiosity passes, where cardholders can reserve a pass for one day and visit many of Northern Colorado’s museums for free. Be sure to reserve your pass ahead of schedule (only one per card).
Ride the Fort Collins Trolley
While this isn’t a completely free activity, it is fairly cheap. Board the historic trolley near City Park and take in the sights as it makes its way through Fort Collins’ downtown. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and children (children under three ride for free). The trolleys in Fort Collins are typically active from the beginning of May until the end of September.
Birdwatching
Northern Colorado is a hotspot for all kinds of wildlife, especially birds. Casually strolling through our many parks and trails, you will find everything from hawks and eagles to songbirds and waterfowl. Some of the best places to catch some amazing shots or just take in the views include Cathy Fromme Nature Trail, Soapstone Prairie, Bobcat Ridge, Pawnee National Grassland, and Phantom Canyon. Check out the Northern Colorado Bird Alliance if you’re up for a free birding field trip, where you can talk and view birds with other nature enthusiasts.
Weekend Toons at The Lyric
Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to noon, The Lyric, a popular locally-owned theater and event space in Fort Collins, hosts Weekend Toons for free! While you watch hilarious cartoons, fill up at the cereal bar, sip on mimosas, and order from their special breakfast menu. Check out The Lyric’s calendar for more community events.