11 Best Indoor Activities in Boulder to Try in 2024

Whether it’s a roaring thunderstorm or blazing summer heat, some days call for fun indoor activities in Boulder. This charming city in Colorado is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, from the Flatirons rock formations to Boulder Falls and the Royal Arch. There’s plenty to explore outdoors near Boulder, but don’t let that fool you; indoor activities in Boulder can be just as thrilling! 

Wondering what to do in Boulder when it rains? This town has something for everyone, whether you’re hoping to try some delicious new foods, get lost in a good story, or entertain the kiddos while they burn off some energy.

Check out our picks for the best indoor activities in Boulder that will help you appreciate all the city has to offer.

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• Best Indoor Activities in Boulder for Adults
• Fun Indoor Activities in Boulder for Families
• Free Indoor Activities in Boulder for Summer

Best Indoor Activities in Boulder for Adults

1. Take a Cooking Class

Trying to find indoor activities in Boulder for adults can be a challenge, but cooking classes in Boulder are a great way to explore and expand your mature culinary palette.

In a cooking class, you’ll learn about traditional culinary techniques, appreciate new flavors and build fun memories all from the comfort of the great indoors. Cooking classes make for smart indoor date ideas in Boulder, too! 

2. Tour a Brewery

When you’re looking for indoor activities in Boulder for adults, you can’t go wrong with a tour at one of Boulder’s awesome breweries.

During a brewery tour, you’ll get to learn all about how your favorite beverages are made, from selecting and mixing the grains to aging and bottling that sweet liquid gold — plus, you can pick up some cool Colorado gifts along the way.

Some popular breweries to check out include Boulder Beer Co., UpSlope Brewing Co., Avery Brewing Co. and BOCO Cider. 

3. Try Indoor Rock Climbing

If you’re dying to feel like a kid again, rock climbing can feel like an indoor playground in Boulder for adults! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total belay beginner, indoor rock climbing is one of the best indoor activities in Boulder for adults, and makes for one of the most creative indoor date ideas too.

Grab your date or your friends and head to Boulder Rock Club, Movement Boulder or The Spot Bouldering Gym.

4. Play Games at The Connection

When it comes to entertaining a group of young adults, is Boulder a fun town? Absolutely! In fact, The Connection is a public space at The University of Colorado in Boulder that offers some of the best group activities for adults, especially young adults.

Pop in with your friends to play a round of bowling, billiards, ping pong or classic video games, or check out one of their special weekly events and tournaments. 

Fun Indoor Activities in Boulder for Families

5. Visit the Fiske Planetarium

The University of Colorado provides a wealth of resources and indoor activities in Boulder, including the Fiske Planetarium, one of the largest planetariums in the United States.

Besides being one of the best indoor date ideas in Boulder and educational activities for families, research by the Office of Astronomy for Development has shown that studying Astronomy can improve mental health, well-being and pro-social behaviors.

Even if you’re stuck indoors, experiencing outer space is sure to put the whole family in a good mood. 

6. Visit ABC Kids Climbing Gym

Sometimes you need an indoor playground in Boulder to help the kids burn energy without getting pummeled by the weather; good thing ABC Kids Climbing Gym has you covered!

Colorful and kid-friendly, this 7,200 square-foot gym is built specifically with kids in mind, helping them learn motor skills and foster a love for climbing. Staff will give new families a tour to help them learn the ropes before signing up for classes or exploring during open gym hours. 

7. Ski and Snowboard Indoors

Skiing and snowboarding are normally treated as winter activities, but you can enjoy them any time of year as one of the best indoor activities in Boulder for families!

At Shredder: Indoor Ski & Snowboard School, kids can gain practical skills, build their confidence and practice snow sports in a safe environment before they hit the outdoor slopes with the rest of the family. 

8. Catch a Movie at Century Movie Center

Seeing a movie is one of the classic indoor activities in Boulder for families because it’s always fun and never ceases to entertain the kids.

Plus, Century Movie Center usually has more than one family-friendly flick available, so you can choose a movie that appeals to everyone, even the grown-ups. 

Free Indoor Activities in Boulder for Summer

9. Browse the Boulder Public Library

If you’re looking for free indoor activities in Boulder this weekend, a trip to the library may be all you need to set yourself up for a relaxing, low-key staycation.

Boulder Public Library has an impressively large collection of books, movies and other media, all housed in its beautiful building with plenty of cozy seating and window views. The library also hosts storytime hours and craft programs for kids, as well as book groups for adults. 

10. Wander the Museum of Natural History

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History features five main exhibits, plus a Discovery Corner perfect for engaging little minds.

Whether you’re interested in Earth’s natural history, human history, or nature-inspired artworks, this museum is sure to keep you on your toes.

Admission to the museum is free, but donations are highly appreciated, so pay what you can and enjoy the awe-inspiring exhibits!

11. Stroll Pearl Street Mall

Looking to kill time alone on the weekend or wondering where to eat with kids in Boulder? While it’s not entirely indoors, Pearl Street Mall is an especially attractive area of Boulder, with close-knit, walkable shops and restaurants that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors and make you feel like you’re living on a movie set.

Browsing the shops at Pearl Street Mall is one of the best fall activities, but even in the summer, you can appreciate the shops’ fresh air conditioning for free.

A rainy day in Boulder doesn’t have to spell an end to your adventures. There are plenty of things to do and explore in Boulder while staying indoors!

We hope this list of destinations and ideas has inspired you to try some indoor activities in Boulder this weekend or plan ahead for your next visit to this fun and bustling Colorado town. 

For even more fun things to do in Boulder, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!