Graduation season is here and Boulder’s high school and college grads have had one tough year. Those who endured countless COVID restrictions, changing class schedules, and upended housing deserve praise. Celebrate the graduate in your life with any of these awesome activities in and around Boulder County.
Farm-to-Table Dinner
Boulder County boasts numerous local farms that grow seasonal, organic produce and host dreamy farm-to-table dinners. Book a private event at one of Boulder’s numerous farms or purchase tickets to a group dinner. Dinners are low key but discerning, and the menus are always exceptional..
Chautauqua Lawn Picnic
For the college grads who are packing up and leaving Boulder, there’s no better way to say farewell to our awesome city than with a picnic in front of its most iconic panorama. Grab an expertly-curated basket from Cured, pack a blanket, and choose a sunny day. This socially-distanced event is great for large groups and everyone can enjoy spending the afternoon on Chautauqua’s lush, green lawn.
Pearl Street Shopping Spree
Shopping along this historic pedestrian mall is unrivaled. Stop by favorites like MAX and Haven for exquisite statement pieces. For high school graduates, Mount Inspiration offers great items for any college wardrobe. Plan an entire day along the mall and grab lunch at top-rated Boulder restaurants you won’t find anywhere else. Cap off the evening with a celebratory dinner at Frasca Food and Wine or Corrida.
Tube Boulder Creek
There’s no summer tradition quite like floating down Boulder Creek. As the snow melts, the creek’s rapids begin to swell and give tubers a wild ride. The end of May is a great time to enjoy a lively float (with the proper PFD and helmet). Invite other graduates, plan a picnic creekside, and enjoy splashing about in this famous waterway.
Guided Climb on the Flatirons
For those who don’t climb often but are thrilled by the idea of scaling one of Boulder’s stunning Flatirons, book a guided climb. Colorado Mountain School offers a full day of education and adventure climbing up a Flatiron. Graduates just scaled a mountain of a school year, so what better way to celebrate than climbing a literal mountain? Plus, the photos from the top are so awesome.
Paddle Gross Reservoir
This lesser-visited reservoir nestled up behind Boulder’s foothills is a delight to paddle in the late spring and early summer. Temperatures remain cool and the water begins to shine bright blue. Rent a SUP or kayak from Rocky Mountain Paddle Board and explore the numerous alcoves and arms of this high elevation body of water. Want a quick day that a lot of people can attend? Schedule an afternoon celebration at Boulder Reservoir. This popular spot offers sailboat rentals and a place to launch a motorboat for a day of wakeboarding, tubing, and water skiing.
Enjoy the springtime weather while celebrating graduation around Boulder County. Treat your graduate to a shopping spree or plan a picnic with friends to soak up the last of Boulder before they take off for a new chapter of life.
Metadata: Boulder’s scenic outdoors and fantastic retail, restaurant, and entertainment sectors offer plenty of fun ideas for graduation.