Not sure what to do over the summer? Here are some activities that can boost your mental and physical well-being.听
1. Transfer your health care听
Okay, this one isn't necessarily 鈥渇un,鈥� but it鈥檚 still important to do if you鈥檙e heading home or leaving Boulder for the summer. Look into ways you can find local options for primary care, therapy and prescriptions.听听
If you have the CU Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan, you can find in-network providers through the national . All students can also use tools like AcademicLiveCare to access free virtual health and counseling services or to explore therapy options nearby.听听
2. Join a summer sports league听
Get active and let your competitive side out by joining a summer sports league. The Rec Center is offering a variety of summer intramural sports leagues, including basketball, tennis, pickleball, racquetball, jumbo volleyball and badminton. Summer Sports Passes are available for $10 and give you access to all summer leagues (summer Rec membership required).听听
If you鈥檙e looking to get out into the community, you can also join local sports leagues like basketball, dodgeball, volleyball, kickball, softball and more. Here are some areas around Colorado that offer recreational adult leagues.听
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If you鈥檙e not in Colorado, you can also search your local area for recreational sports league options.听
3. Catch up on your 鈥榯o be read鈥� list听
Put those textbooks down and pick up a novel instead. Summer is a great time to unwind with a good book, catch up on your 鈥榯o be read鈥� pile or experience the joy of reading for fun. You can find the perfect summer book by exploring the list or review-based platforms like .听听
If you鈥檙e looking for personalized recommendations or free books, check out your local library or head over to Norlin. All CU students can check out books for free with your Buff OneCard. If you're a Colorado resident, you are also eligible for a free library card at any Colorado library. Books are available as hard copies or e-books through apps like .
4. Volunteer听
Volunteering in your community can give you a sense of connection, belonging and accomplishment (it can also help boost your resume). The best part is that most volunteer opportunities are flexible and cover a variety of areas, so you can find something that fits your schedule and your interests. If you鈥檙e looking to get involved, the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) is a great place to get started! They provide a one-stop shop for opportunities that are open to students in the community and nearby.
5. Enjoy Free Days or a Culture Pass听
Did you know you can visit local cultural attractions for free? That鈥檚 right. Denver hosts a variety of throughout the summer that allow you to enjoy the zoo, museums, botanic gardens and more at no cost.听听
If there鈥檚 an attraction you鈥檇 like to visit, but you missed the Free Day, that鈥檚 okay. Most Colorado libraries offer Cultural or Adventure Passes for free to cardholders! Passes typically need to be booked in advance, so plan your trip early!听听
If you鈥檙e out of state over the summer, check with your local libraries to see if they offer similar deals. Many areas have similar perks and experiences available.听
6. Sign up for a race听
Get active and work towards one of your fitness goals by training for an upcoming race or competition. If you鈥檙e not feeling athletic, don鈥檛 worry. Many events aren鈥檛 competitive or don鈥檛 have time limits, so you can go at your own pace and still have fun.听听
Here are some opportunities you can look forward to around Colorado.听
听| Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)听
This quintessential race takes participants on a scenic 10K route around Boulder that is open to all fitness levels.听
听| Sunday, June 9听
Head down to Colorado Springs for a 10K or 10-mile run. The park closes for the race so runners (and walkers) can enjoy the scenery and quiet roads. This event also features music, food and vendors.听听
听| Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3听
This challenging but scenic run weaves through Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Courses include a 5K and half marathon.听
听| Saturday, Aug. 3听
Join community running clubs for a multi-lap race around Pearl Street. Heats are based on running time, so you can join groups that are at a similar pace.听
Buffalo Bicycle Classic听| Sunday, Sept. 8听
Looking to go biking? The largest scholarship fundraising ride is coming to CU Boulder. This event offers a variety of distances ranging from 14 to 100 miles.听听
7. Enjoy local traditions听
Colorado summers are full of fun traditions big and small. Grab a friend and head outside to celebrate the summer season with festivals, markets, events and more! Here are a few things to check out around Colorado.
Markets
- 听(Boulder and Longmont)听
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- 听(Lakewood, Highlands Ranch and Littleton)听
- 听(Denver)听
- 听(Aurora)听
- 听(Fort Collins)听
- t (Estes Park)听
Events
- 听(Red Rocks, Morrison)听
- 听(Denver)听
- 听(Red Rocks, Morrison)听
- 听(Denver)听
- 听(Boulder)听
- 听(Estes Park)听
- 听(Boulder)听
- 听(Boulder)
Festivals
- 听(Boulder)听
- 听(Boulder)听
- 听(Greeley)听
- 听(Crested Butte)听
- 听(Steamboat Springs)听
- 听(Denver)听
- 听(Loveland)听
- 听(Larkspur)听
8. Plan a camping trip听
Colorado is great for camping, no matter where you live. This summer, try to plan a trip to get into the great outdoors with friends or family. You can explore nearby campgrounds and make听. Just be sure to book ahead to secure your spot or plan to get up early for first-come, first-served campsites.听听
If you don鈥檛 have gear or are missing some essentials, Outdoor Pursuits at the Rec Center has听outdoor equipment rentals听available (no membership required). Rental items include tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, bear cannisters, cook sets, camping chairs, coolers and more. They also have rentals available for water sports and rock climbing for additional adventures.
Resources听
If you鈥檙e planning to join in on outdoor activities, be sure to bring water and sun protection. You can also connect with a wide variety of听health and wellness resources听over the summer.听