Farm Fun and Trail Magic 

Outdoor daytrips for families with fur babies in Boulder County

WORDS Chloe-Anne Swink

Feeling the need to slow down, inhale fresh air, and touch grass? As a parent in 2026, you may find yourself asking ChatGPT questions like, “How much Ms. Rachel is too much?” as you emerge from the long winter months. 

Good news: Spring has sprung! And there’s no better place to get outside with the kids and furkids than Boulder County. 

Lichen Loop Trail, Heil Valley Ranch

Wildlife encounters and a firsthand ecological experience await at Heil Valley Ranch, nestled in the foothills north of Boulder. This, more than 6,200 acres of open space, is home to more than 70 percent of all mammal species found in Boulder County and nearly 100 different kinds of birds. 

Due to the abundance of wildlife, dogs are prohibited here. Still, if you have an aspiring biologist, veterinarian, or wildlife photographer on your hands, they can sight anything from wild turkey to golden eagles, elk, bobcats, and other exciting species. 

Lichen Loop Trail is a 1.3-mile easy loop that’s great for families with young children. Friendly reminder to pack lots of trail snacks! There’s a “big rock midway through that we always stop at and call it the snack rock,” says local mom, Erin Bedesem, “When going clockwise after the snack rock, it’s downhill with good views, too.”

Cyclists and horses are not allowed on Lichen Loop, giving kiddos more freedom to explore without fast-moving trail traffic. 

Bobolink Trailhead/South Boulder Creek

The Bobolink Trail is an accessible stroller- and dog-friendly portion of the South Boulder Creek Trail. Pups must be leashed or wearing a voice-and-sight tag. 

This portion of the trail runs from Bobolink Trailhead to near where the trail intersects with South Boulder Road—at which point you can make a U-turn. (The longer South Boulder Creek trail continues, but it becomes less accessible and less dog-friendly.) Expect approximately 2.5 miles out-and-back. 

This Bobolink portion runs along South Boulder Creek, which Mel Georgi, City of Boulder OSMP limited commission park ranger, explains is one of the only creeks where dogs are allowed because of the New Zealand mud snail. This invasive species can catch a ride in a dog’s wet fur and is present in many local waterways. It’s also a great spot for kids to cool off and play. 

East Boulder Dog Park and East Boulder Community Center make for fun detours along the route.

Tenderfoot Trail

Tenderfoot Trail is a short (about 2 miles), picturesque trail that’s manageable with little ones who can hike on their own or ride in a carrier, without sacrificing that true backcountry feel. 

This Scenic Trail off Flagstaff Road winds through ponderosa pine forest and meadows of wildflowers. “It’s relatively flat,” Mel says. “You can have some amazing views of the back of Indian Peaks Wilderness and the back of Rocky Mountain National Park.” 

Tenderfoot Trail connects to a small portion of Chapman Drive to make a loop. Leashed dogs are allowed on both sections of the trail. Dogs with voice-and-sight tags are welcome to explore Tenderfoot Trail off leash.

Sunflower Farm

Meet more than 100 farm animals, including peacocks, alpacas, and even giant tortoises during Sunflower Farm’s Farmfest public hours. Sunflower Farm has something for everyone, but kids especially have no shortage of activities to keep them entertained as you explore the farm at your own pace. 

With giant play structures, tree houses, slacklines, slides, hay bales, tepees, and even a mulch mountain to slide down, this 55-acre discovery farm is the perfect place for families to get their hands in the dirt, play, and reconnect to nature. 

Farmfest public hours are every weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the winter and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. all summer beginning in May. 

“Starting end of May, we open up our Farmfest Music Evenings,” says Liz Napp, Sunflower Farm’s executive director. Music evenings run from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The evenings are complete with a rotating lineup of food trucks; grab something tasty and bring a picnic blanket! “You can BYOB and your kids can play, and parents can listen to some cool local bands,” Liz adds.

Out of respect for the farm animals, Sunflower Farm asks that dogs stay home. Reservations are required at $18 per person for Farmfest and $27 per person for Farmfest Music Evenings. Little ones under 12 months are free. Pack a picnic lunch and book your visit in advance.