Parks
58 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Twin Silo Park3.6 mi from downtown
- Soft Gold Park4.1 mi from downtown
- Leisure Park0.3 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Fort Collins
5 kinds of free outings in and around Fort Collins.
Good days out in Fort Collins don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Prpld - Harmony Library4616 South Shields Street
- Poudre River Public Library District - Central201 Peterson Street
- Prpld - Council Tree Library2733 Council Tree Ave
Historic places
24 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Fort Collins Municipal Railway Birney Safety Streetcar No. 21
- Old Town Fort Collins
- Armstrong Hotel
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG1 mi northwest
- Horsetooth Reservoir6 mi west
- Flatiron Reservoir15 mi southwest
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee NG1 mi northwest
- Horsetooth Reservoir6 mi west
- Flatiron Reservoir15 mi southwest
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Planning a trip to Fort Collins, CO? 🦋
A local activity Short shared by Happy Nomads.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Things We Love in Old Town Fort Collins
A local activity Short shared by Colorado State University.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Fort Collins?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Fort Collins this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.