Summer 2020 — Social Distance Activities For Everyone

Cities across the US, including Denver, are navigating a different, creative type of summer this year. As pools and summer camps make decisions on an individual basis, there are still plenty of ways to have fun and modify some of our favorite summer pastimes.

Summer 2020 may return to simpler times of front yard sprinkler fun and outdoor dinner gatherings, but we think there is joy in the simplicity. We’ve brainstormed 10 social distance activities tailored to sunny Colorado from supporting Denver restaurants and breweries to time in the great outdoors.

10 Summer Social Distance Activities

The Classic Picnic

• Did you know that Denver has over 200 parks covering over 5,000 acres? Pack up the snacks and try going to a park you’ve never been to. Or, pick your own space at more popular City Park or Cheesman Park, break out your best charcuterie and blanket, and enjoy summer evenings in Colorado.
• Hidden Gem: Lowry’s Great Lawn Park is inviting, spacious, and perfect for a picnic.

Biking & Golfing

• The possibilities are endless when it comes to trails, and biking is a very safe distance activity for a group of people. Ride up to Golden and grab a brew at New Terrain Brewing, or weave your way through Cherry Creek trail throughout the city and end with a to go cocktail.

• Golf courses across the city and state have re-opened for guests. If you like to golf, we recommend near Denver, Fossil Trace Golf Club, Applewood Golf Course, Indian Tree Golf Club, and Fox Hollow Golf Course. A little further out of the city, look into Riverdale Dunes Golf Course, Golf Club At Bear Dance, or Plum Creek Golf Club.

Cookout With Fire Pit S'mores

• With a smaller group of people, an outdoor cookout is still a great way to get together this summer. Spark up your fire-pit, make homemade s'mores and burgers because aren’t marshmallows and grilling really what summer is all about?
• No fire pit? No problem, check out these reviews of portable and backyard firepit options, or this adorable compact at-home s'mores maker.

Support Local Breweries

• Over 400 breweries call Colorado home; that’s a lot of opportunities for local beer. When measuring breweries per capita, a study last year found that 5 out of 20 of the nation’s top brewing cities were in Colorado! We can’t think of a better to do list than visiting a slew of breweries all while supporting the local economy.
• In RiNo, First Draft Taproom & Kitchen has a wide selection of beer, wine, cocktails, kombucha, and ciders to try. If you like Belgium beer, this list is for you. If you just want to know what’s open, this resource covers a lot.

Camping

• Coloradans breathed a sigh of relief when campgrounds opened to the public once again. While additional restrictions and closures are still happening, there’s nothing like escaping the city for a weekend and camping with family or as a retreat for your team, bring your own tent/beer.
• Can’t find an opening? Research dispersed camping if you’re looking to get even more distance between you and everyone else. You’ll need the Motor Use Vehicle Maps for Colorado to determine where it’s legal to set up camp off National Forest Lands.

Virtually Denver

• As much as we’re all excited to get outside and reconnect with friends, it’s important to still practice caution and opt for weekends at home. Virtually Denver is a compilation of local events and activities happening virtually all summer long. You can find everything from Denver Zoo tours, live performing arts, wine tastings, weekly music festivals, and cheese making classes. Whatever suits your fancy.

Drive In Movies

• We’re thrilled to see this trend come back to life, have you ever been to a drive-in movie? Once you’ve purchased your tickets ahead of time, don’t forget the snacks! Check out these dine-in/drive-in movie options:

Avanti Summer Movie Series:  Every Thursday at 9PM

88 Drive In Theater: Only $9 per vehicle

Denver Mart Drive In: Movies every night, from the comfort of your car

Road Tripping

• With 45% of Americans are planning to road trip over air travel this summer, it’s time to start planning your next adventure. If you’re staying in Colorado, we recommend less frequented Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park or Colorado National Monument near Fruita, Colorado. Get more information on planning a coronavirus safe road trip here.

Grow Baby, Grow

• It’s not too late to grab some plants and enjoy their benefits for air purification qualities, cooking, and sheer beauty. Try these local flower shops for budding tomatoes, fresh herbs, and gorgeous flowers: City Floral Garden Center, Etcher’s in Arvada, or  Jensen’s Flower and Garden in Lakewood.

Think Outside The Box

• We live in an incredible world where you can do, learn, and make just about anything from a YouTube video or blog. Whether it's forwarding your career with virtual learning resources, or just getting crafty, there is so much to discover. Make a photo album of your memories for safe keeping, trying making a homemade movie projector, host a board game or karaoke party with a few friends, virtually or in person, and more. If you still haven’t figured out bread, it’s never too late!

Redefining Summer Fun

Coloradans are known for our optimism, and zest for life. 303 Magazine created this extensive list of virtual events, as the safety of our families and communities is also a top priority this summer. While we all might have to adjust our plans, we have so many opportunities to enjoy spending time together in our beautiful state. Here's to a fun and healthy summer!

Here at BWBacon Group, we know and live what you are experiencing as an employer or job seeker in Denver, Boulder, Dallas, San Francisco, New York City or any of the other cities we work in. We believe great recruiting starts and ends with understanding people.

If you have any questions about living, working or playing any of the areas we serve, please contact us. We are happy to help. Seize the day, every day, that’s what we say!