Broomfield, Colorado, is a vibrant suburb located halfway between Denver and Boulder along the scenic Front Range region. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, outdoor recreation opportunities, and diverse dining scene, Broomfield offers visitors plenty to see and do every season.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Broomfield has seasonal events and spring, summer, fall, and winter activities, from festivals to hiking trails.
- Scenic drives nearby, like Mount Evans and Peak to Peak Highway, showcase breathtaking Colorado views.
- Top family attractions include the Butterfly Pavilion and Eldorado Canyon State Park.
- Accommodations range from national hotel chains to cozy mountain lodges.
- Unique regional adventures include mountain sports, water recreation, and wildlife sightings.
- Plan your Broomfield trip around the seasons and create an itinerary mixing natural, cultural, and recreational activities.
Seasonal Attractions and Events
The changing seasons shape the tourist experience in Broomfield. Spring brings opportunities for hiking and biking on Broomfield’s extensive trail system as temperatures warm and wildflowers bloom. Popular routes include the Colorado Front Range Trail, Rock Creek Trail, and US 36 Bikeway.
Summer events like the Broomfield Days Festival, concerts at the Amphitheater, and farmers markets showcase the energetic culture. Families flock to the Paul Derda Recreation Center to cool off at the aquatic park. The fall months are perfect for tackling scenic drives to see the vibrant display of aspens set against blue skies and breathtaking views. Don’t miss the annual Oktoberfest, full of German music, food, and fun.
Once winter arrives, the nearby Eldora Mountain Resort offers downhill skiing and snowboarding on over 650 acres of trails. Back in town, the Broomfield Ice Rink provides ice skating and hockey opportunities. The Holiday Tree Lighting kicks off Christmas with carolers, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa.
Outdoor Adventures
Broomfield is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails and open space. Hikers can explore over 50 miles of trails, including segments of the Colorado Trail, to spot wildlife and enjoy nature. Mountain bikers ride the scenic loop at the Anthem Highlands Open Space or test their skills at the McKay Landing Mountain Bike Park.
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway stretches 55 miles from Central City to Estes Park, showcasing mountains, forests, and rock formations. Travelers pass through Nederland and Ward on the route, which peaks at over 9,300 feet elevation. Another popular drive is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, a two-lane road winding to the 14,264-foot summit, one of Colorado’s highest paved roads.
Family Fun
From exciting attractions to summer camps, Broomfield offers many kid-friendly activities for the whole family. The Butterfly Pavilion provides an unforgettable encounter with over 1,600 tropical butterflies flying freely in an indoor rainforest habitat – complete with waterfalls and streams. At the Eldorado Canyon State Park, kids will enjoy hiking to the remains of the historic Crags Hotel site or exploring the interpretive nature trails.
The Broomfield Community Center hosts year-round youth programming, including summer camps focusing on sports, STEM, arts, and more. Overnight camp options allow kids to disconnect from devices and connect with nature. Families enjoy the wide-open spaces and recreational facilities at parks such as Broomfield County Commons Park and Lac Amora Park.
Dining Scene
Visitors to Broomfield, Colorado, can sample true Colorado cuisine from the town’s diverse dining scene, which reflects the town’s rich cultural tapestry and commitment to sustainability. The locally owned Industrial Revolution American Bistro, a gem in Broomfield County, serves farm-to-table dishes like bison short ribs and grilled elk chops in a converted 1920s warehouse, showcasing the best places for dining in the Rocky Mountain region.
For authentic Mexican food and margaritas, head to Fuego Tacos and Tequila. Every meal supports sustainable family farms, echoing Broomfield City Council’s commitment to community support. The quaint Brookes Bistro offers an intimate setting to enjoy French cuisine made from scratch, a testament to the varied international influences that Broomfield residents enjoy.
On the quick-casual side, Colorado Cherry Company in the heart of Broomfield, near the bustling Interlocken Business Park, sells homemade pies, jam, salsa, and other cherry products from their orchard’s harvest, highlighting the local agricultural bounty. And you can’t miss out on the craft breweries along the Boulder County Brewery Trail just minutes away in Lafayette and Louisville, which offer a wide range of beers that have placed Broomfield on the map for craft brewery enthusiasts.
Adventures in Nature
The unique Colorado landscape surrounding Broomfield, nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, allows endless opportunities for adventure and recreation. In the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness, experienced hikers and backpackers from the Boulder Valley School District and beyond traverse rugged, high-altitude terrain with rewarding views of glacial lakes and peaks.
Rock climbers scale the sheer granite walls at the Flatirons near Boulder, a short drive from the Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel, which offers guests easy access to outdoor activities. The Class V rapids of Clear Creek provide heart-pounding whitewater rafting through steep canyons, a popular activity for Broomfield residents and visitors from cities like Commerce City and Federal Heights.
Wildlife abounds, from bighorn sheep grazing along mountain ridges to black bears roaming pine forests. Anglers reel in rainbow trout on the North Fork of the South Platte River. Paddlers can spend days exploring reservoirs like Gross Reservoir near Nederland. No matter the season, Broomfield is a gateway to memorable adventures in the Centennial State.
Planning Your Broomfield Visit
When planning your trip to Broomfield, the best times to visit are late spring through early fall when temperatures are mild and snow-free. Getting to town is easy, with Denver International Airport an hour away. Rental cars or ride shares provide convenient ground transportation, although the RTD buses connect Broomfield along the FF, LD, and BOLT lines.
Once in town, pick up maps and brochures at the Broomfield Visitors Center in the Paul Derda Recreation Center. Create an itinerary mixing outdoor excursions to scenic spots like Eldorado Canyon State Park with cultural activities like the Butterfly Pavilion and dining at award-winning restaurants like Industrial Revolution. With so much experience in the area, Broomfield offers an authentic taste of Colorado that is suited for all interests.
FAQ
What is there to do in Broomfield with kids?
Top family-friendly activities include exploring the Butterfly Pavilion’s indoor rainforest habitat, hiking nature trails at Eldorado Canyon State Park, playing at the Broomfield County Commons Park, and participating in summer camps focused on sports, STEM, and arts.
Where are the best hiking trails near Broomfield?
Popular hiking trails near town include the Colorado Trail, Rock Creek Trail, US 36 Bikeway, and Anthem Highlands Open Space. Outside Broomfield, hikers enjoy Eldorado Canyon State Park, Walker Ranch Loop, and trails in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness.
What is the best scenic drive leaving from Broomfield?
Two of the most scenic drives accessible from Broomfield are the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (55 miles to Estes Park) and the Mount Evans Scenic Byway (14,264-foot summit). Both offer stunning vistas of mountains, forests, rock formations, and wildlife.
What is there to do in Broomfield in the winter?
Top winter activities include downhill skiing and snowboarding at Eldora Mountain Resort, ice skating and hockey at the Broomfield Ice Rink, and getting into the holiday spirit at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event, which features carolers and hot chocolate.
Where are the best places to eat in Broomfield?
Can’t miss dining options in Broomfield include the farm-to-table cuisine at Industrial Revolution American Bistro, authentic Mexican dishes and margaritas at Fuego Tacos and Tequila, French cuisine at Brookes Bistro, and homemade cherry products from Colorado Cherry Company.
