I just ran into a friend at the pool, and we were agreeing on this: You want your kids to have a carefree, unstructured, unscheduled summer. Lazy days at the pool, bike rides to the park, picnics and playmates.


The reality is this: Kids get bored. My boys are constantly fighting. My house is a disaster zone.


For better or worse, we live in a world where kids are used to being scheduled and structured. And this record breaking heat doesn't help... I've actually heard my kids say, "It's too hot to go to the pool!" (And I agreed!)


Here's some mid-summer suggestions to keep 'em busy - and keep mom's sanity!

1. Summer camps or open gym at Shredder Boulder


How cool is this? An indoor skiing and boarding gym! With open gym, classes and summer camps! You can BOGO on Summer Camps & $25 off Birthday parties 


Here's what they say: "Our camps are a one of a kind experience that your kids will love! We incorporate imagination, fun, and staying physical by learning skills, team building, and playing games! Our camps are 3 hours and long with a snack break (due to allergies food please send snacks with your kids) followed by a fun craft. The kids may dress up for the different themes or bring something to share. We have 1 all day camp per week. See our awesome themes on our website."




2. Bouncy houses at Jumpin' Jordy's


Nothing gets out some energy like a bouncy house! Giant inflatable slides, obstacle courses, special toddler sized play equipment... and it's Stapleton owned! Open gym every day of the week - and Wednesdays are family night with $1 pizza slices.




3. Tour the Hammond's Candies Factory


Not just for Christmas - Hammond's Candies is busy year-round! Tours are free for this peek into a Willy Wonka-esque world. Free candy canes at the end! Every day of the week, every half hour, last tour at 3:00.


Here's what happens when you take a 3 year old.






4. Bike to Bluff Lake


It's free. It's quiet - and shady. Last time we were there, we saw a family of mule deer. There are 140 kinds of birds who have been spotted there. There's a dock, and a fort (okay, it's a bird-watching house; my boys think it's a fort.)


5. Mom Time: Yoga on the Green


Yoga under a blue sky, on the grass, under the sun... ahhhh. Lora loves yoga, and she's teaching classes Mondays and Wednesdays on the Founder's Green at 9:30 am and 6:00 pm. It's flow style, but she'll customize it for her students. (Thanks for taking it slow with me!)