Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Longmont

"On your way in or out of Boulder, stop in at Chautauqua Park. Go for a hike, have a picnic, or toss a frisbee with the kids. The Boulder Flatirons are the backdrop for this beautiful park so be sure to soak in the scenery while you're there."

"This historic landmark park is the gateway to Boulder’s most magnificent slab of open space adjoining the iconic Flatirons; its wide, lush lawn attracts picnicking families, sunbathers, Frisbee folk and students..."

"Chautauqua Park is a sight for sore eyes and offers limitless recreational possibilities. It is one of the most popular attractions in Boulder, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests annually."

"Visible from pretty much anywhere in town, Boulder's most distinctive feature is its natural backdrop, the Flatirons, which are a line of five huge, slanted slices of sandstone. One of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the city, the Flatirons area is also home to dozens of hiking trails that take tourists into the surrounding foothills, and one, the Flatirons Vista Trail, that leads right into the rocks. The best place to begin admiring the Flatirons is the Open Space Mountain Parks area, a beautiful meadow space at the city's southwestern corner off Highway 93, where many of the hiking trails start."

"When you drive into Boulder on US-36 you can't help but be impressed by the Boulder Flatirons. The top is one of several perfect spots to see the whole city of Boulder as well as go for a nice, fairly easy hike. Of course, there are some challenging places to hike, but if you park at the NOAA building like we did, the hike into the Flatirons is pretty level."

"The Flatirons are an iconic landmark and one of the top places to visit in Boulder. They are striking sandstone formations on the foothills of the town."

"Map It: 5100 Valmont Road, Boulder, CO 80301 | Phone: (303) 413-7219 | Website | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset daily, check for weather closures | Entrance: Free. Valmont Bike Park is a natural terrain park that has different tracks and features for different kinds of mountain biking. There are calmer, flatter trails, but also trails with jumps and plenty of opportunities for daredevil moves."

"The Valmont Bike Park is open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk and available for use by cyclists of all ages. While no bikes or safety equipment is available for rent at the park, nearby bike shops do offer rentals to residents for a nominal fee. The 42-acre park offers natural surface cycling terrain for training and entertainment purposes."

"Harlow Platts Park sits in laid-back South Boulder away from the traffic and bustle of downtown. Several charcoal grills line a small lake around which picnic tables and open grassy areas can be found. A large gathering shelter is situated near the road-side of the lake and can be reserved or used on a first-come, first served basis."

"Deal with the line at lunch, or come for the daily happy hour (4pm to 7pm) that’s 'guaranteed to kick your butt' (the 32oz pitcher of Long Island Ice Tea suggests they’re serious). The endless sandwich board has..."

"11425 Community Center Drive, Northglenn | 18706 Cottonwood Drive, Parker. Photo courtesy of Boondocks Food & Fun. Boondocks Food & Fun is a family fun center that will allow you to challenge your kids to a multitude of games and activities!"

"Just like old times" or "Where the folks get their yolks" are the mottos of Dot's Diners located only less than 10 minutes away from the CU campus by car, serving classic breakfast foods along with Nepali and Indian specials. This brunch place in Boulder serves breakfast all day with foods like classic omelets and eggs in any style. Speaking of style, they also offer southern-style foods like ham, grits, homemade gravy, and buttermilk biscuits or Mexican-style breakfast foods like the classic huevos rancheros."

"Dots: Dot’s Diner at 2716 28th St. serves up traditional diner fare with Nepali options and has plenty of patio seating available. (Photo by Karen Antonacci). Where: 2716 28th Street"

"The Village is a collection of more than 40 locally owned shops centrally located between Arapahoe and Canyon and 28th and Folsom streets. This is an outdoor strip mall, but it’s nicely appointed and home to some of Boulder’s most beloved staples, such as McGuckins Hardware (seriously, it has everything), Grandrabbits Toy Shoppe, Colorado Multisport and Pedestrian Shops (which also has a Pearl Street presence). Also make sure you visit women’s clothng store JJ Wells and Epic Mountain Gear, to name a few of the highlights here."

"Known as the "less local" more mainstream mall of Boulder, the 29th Street Mall boasts big names such as Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, and Victoria's Secret. Dining can be found just around the corner at Colorado Pizza Kitchen, Noodles & Company, and Mad Greens. Catch a movie at Boulder Century Theater and then grab dessert at one of Boulder's best frozen yogurt spots, Spooners, where you're charged by the ounce and toppings abound."

"The Twenty Ninth Street Mall in central Boulder features more chains and big names than anywhere else in town. Here, you’ll find Victoria’s Secret, Nordstrom Rack, Lululemon, Macy’s, Anthropologie, Apple, Sephora, H&M and more. The mall actually has several different sections separated by roads, so make sure you visit them all."

"Their menu has yummy & nutritious options that won’t break the bank. All hot bowls and toasts are $10 and under, as well as a few smoothie bowls (Mango Pina Colada, I Like You Matcha, and the PB&J)."

"Open since 1978, this Boulder classic brings Chicago dogs to Colorado - along with a surprising variety of vegetarian options. Yep, a decent hot dog stand with vegetarian options - it’s Boulder. Mustard’s is perfect for a pre- or post-game snack, especially if you’re looking to fill up on something quickly before the bars or after a game."

"Most people know Mustard’s Last Stand for their hotdogs, but if you look at their menu, you would find out that they offer much more than hotdogs!. Their menu consists of burgers, sandwiches, Itailian entrees, and veggie entrees. The best part is that the majority of these options don’t exceed $10!"

"This all-raw, all-gluten-free, all-vegan, all-organic restaurant really walks the talk. Everything at Thrive, which is located a few blocks from downtown, is prepared to order using fresh ingredients that are chock full of unaltered enzymes and nutrients. The dishes are bursting with flavor, and there’s personality to spare here: live-edge wood countertops are embedded with crystals and decks of tarot cards invite you to explore your destiny while you wait."

"Thrive is here to serve you an affordable lunch that fits with your diet. Get a superfood smoothie or salad for $8.88 or less. This quality food with these low prices are pretty hard to beat!"