Boulder’s Coolest Summer Survival Guide | | | When Boulder hits peak summer sizzle, it’s time to get creative with your cool-down strategy. From creekside lounging to over-the-top frozen treats, the city’s got plenty of ways to chill out in style. Whether you’re splash-hopping with the kids or chasing the perfect gelato swirl, here’s how to stay frosty out there. | Want more local recs? Check out our Things to Do in Boulder, Best Restaurants, and Date-Worthy Spots for even more ideas. | — The What’s Happenin’ Boulder Team 😉 | | 🧠 Trivia Time | 👉 Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer! | | 🧊 4 Best Ways to Stay Cool This Summer in Boulder | Boulder’s baking, folks. The sun’s out, the temps are up, and your non-air-conditioned house isn’t cutting it. But don’t sweat it—literally. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sugar highs, or splash zones, here are four easy ways to chill out without leaving town. | 💦 Boulder Creek: | When it’s too hot to think, Boulder Creek is the city’s unofficial community pool. Dip your feet, bring the kids, or go all in—there’s nothing like icy mountain runoff to shock your core temperature back to sanity. Bonus: the scenery (and squirrel watching) is top-tier. | 🌊 Pop Jet Fountain + Ice Cream Combo: | The 1300 block of Pearl Street Mall has a free splash zone just for kids—or the very brave. The Pop Jet Fountain shoots streams of water while little ones squeal with delight (or try to plug the jets with their toes). Cool off afterward with soft-serve from Ruthie’s Boardwalk Social right next door. | 🍧 Sunshine Shaved Ice: | Sometimes you just need a massive snow cone. Sunshine Shaved Ice on Pearl is serving up childhood nostalgia by the scoop—classics like cherry and blue raspberry or mix-and-match madness. Just maybe don’t get the large unless you’re entering a brain freeze competition. | 🍦 Boulder’s Best Frozen Treats: | | Want to really cool down? Boulder’s got an ice cream scene worth screaming for. | Gourmet Goodness: Try Lucky’s Bakehouse for small-batch scoops made with local cream, Van Leeuwen for elegant combos like peanut butter brownie with honeycomb, or Gelato Boy for creamy Italian flavors like Straccia Newtella. Cool Classics: You can’t beat the iconic Glacier Ice Cream, with 1,000+ flavors under its psychedelic roof. Or grab a scoop of Cherry Garcia at Ben & Jerry’s and enjoy it on the Pearl Street Mall. Watch out for Friday’s issue for a comprehensive guide on Boulder’s sweet frozen treats!
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| Basically, if it’s frozen and delicious, Boulder’s got it. | | 🎶 What’s Happenin’ around Boulder 🎭 | | Want more? See the full calendar → Boulder Event Calendar | | 🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight? | Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs. |
| | 🌮 Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Boulder? | We’re on a mission to crown Boulder’s top taco spot—from OG taquerías to bold fusion joints. Vote for your favorite and help settle the salsa-fueled debate once and for all. 🌶️ | Cast your vote now → |
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| | ☀️ Chill Vibes Only | | Don’t let the heat win. Boulder’s got splash zones, icy sweets, and creekside chill spots to help you cool off—and they’re all walkable from downtown. | Answer: B) Barker Reservoir - Boulder Creek begins high in the Rockies at Barker Reservoir in Nederland and flows all the way through the heart of Boulder. That’s one long, cold, magical water source. | 👉 Forward this to someone who needs a reminder to hydrate. | 💧 Got another local cool-down tip? Hit reply and share it! | 👉 See you Friday for weekend picks 🌄 |
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