Outings inside the city

You don’t have to go far to find some open space. There’s plenty of it right here in town. A great tool is the Natural Areas Finder at www.fcgov. com/naturalareas/finder.

Try out these excursions.

Kayak in Old Town—Catch an eddy in the River District at the Poudre River Whitewater Park.

Walk or pedal a paved trail—Explore the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area, Spring Creek Trail or the Poudre River Trail.

Throw a disc—Choose from two 18-hole courses: Edora or Aggie Greens Disc Golf Course.

Splish, splash—Jump into the City Park Outdoor Pool and float the lazy river or get doused by dancing water spouts at Spring Canyon, Oak Street Plaza, Old Town Square and Fossil Creek parks.

Visit a garden—Stroll through hundreds of different blooms at the CSU Flower Trial Gardens and expanded Gardens on Spring Creek.

Play

Colorado State University Flower Trial Gardens— pack a lunch and discover exotic and native plants, flowers, and shrubbery growing side-by-side in this botanical wonderland, free of charge.

SO DOG-FRIENDLY

Everyone Gets To Play

One of the most popular playgrounds in town is at Spring Canyon Park on the west end of Horsetooth Road. Inspiration Playground is made to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and support braces encouraging kids of all abilities to play and interact.

Fort Collins is a dog town. If you brought yours, here are a few things you should know.

First, the leash law is in effect and enforced.

Second, you’ll see bags available for waste pick up. And finally, let Rover rove at one of the four dog parks in town: Fossil Creek (south end), Twin Silo Park (south end), Spring Canyon (midtown), and Soft Gold (north end). And check the signs. Some trails prohibit dogs all together, some require Rover to be on a leash, and others are fine places to let her run wild and free.