Summer in Colorado is about as good as it gets! And great Colorado nannies know how to make the most of every bluebird day without relying on iPads or YouTube.
From planning sun-specific activities to creating themed days such as “Move It Mondays” or “Water Wednesdays,” Colorado nannies know how to create enriching, screen-free schedules to get the kiddos outdoors and unplugged this summer.
Here’s how they do it:
☀️ 1. Nature Walks + Scavenger Hunts in City Parks
Denver’s Washs Park, Boulder’s Chautauqua Trailhead, or Fort Collins’ Spring Canyon Park are ideal for scavenger hunts, bug exploration, and nature bingo.
Professional Nanny Tip: Bring along magnifying glasses and jars to turn a simple outing into a sensory-rich adventure.
🎨 2. Museum Free Days = Summer Time Gold
Denver Art Museum, WOW! Children’s Museum, and Fort Collins Museum of Discovery offer free or discounted days, perfect for summertime field trips.
Professional Nanny Tip: Colorado nannies often pair visits to museums with a creative activity like journaling about what they learned or sketching something they loved seeing afterward.
🌽 3. Farmer’s Markets + Picnics
The Boulder Farmers Market, Cherry Creek Fresh Market, and Old Town Fort Collins Market are full of local flare: fresh foods, artisan goods, and welcoming people. Children of all ages will find something to enjoy and you will enjoy the outing, too!
Professional Nanny Tip: Give kids a small budget to pick out a snack for the day’s picnic, then build in learning moments about healthy eating and money math.
🥾 4. Kid-Friendly Colorado Hikes
Bear Creek Trail in Morrison and NCAR Trail in Boulder are two local favorites for nannies and their little ones: they’re short, scenic, and perfect for spotting birds, butterflies, or splashing near streams.
If you’re looking for more ideas on hiking with little ones, we’d encourage you to check out the great ideas and hiking tips from Colorado Hiking Moms and our friends at Raising Hikers.
Professional Nanny Tip: Colorado nannies know to prioritize shorter trails with limited inclines, lots of shade and plenty of opportunities for exploration.
📚 5. Explore the World at the Library
And when summer gets HOT, Colorado nannies know to beat the heat at the Denver Public Library, Pikes Peak Library District, or the Boulder Library. Many/most Colorado’s libraries offer free summer reading programs, STEAM kits, story times, and more. Check out what’s happening at your local library this summer…it’s probably more than you think!
Professional Nanny Tip: Create a “library passport” to collect stamps, stickers, or notes from each visit or create a summer reading program with incentives for books read.
Need a nanny who can make screen-free summers magical?
ABC Nannies works with experienced Colorado nannies who specialize in creative, educational care—rain or shine. Contact us today to start your search.