When you’re traveling for Independence Day, you want a destination that’s fun, family-friendly, and hopefully representative of our great country. There’s nothing like the beauty and splendor of Colorado to achieve just that. Of course, big cities like Denver have a lot to offer, but you might be surprised at how some of these small towns make you feel right at home. Stay for the weekend in a Colorado vacation rental to really feel like a local! Whether you’re looking for fireworks, parades, or just some great outdoors, we’ve put together that top 10 best places in Colorado to celebrate 4th of July with your family.
1. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has some of the best fireworks in the country, and there are quite a few great options to celebrate 4th of July. The main event is the Fourth of July celebration at Memorial Park featuring the Colorado Springs Philharmonic orchestra performance. Cripple Creek is also noted for having one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in Colorado with live music, food vendors, and fireworks. For something a different than your run of the mill parade and fireworks, step back in time at the Rock Ledge Ranch living history farm. This ranch turned historic site has exhibits on 19th-century homesteading, events & reenactments year-round. On July 4th, they have a very special celebration, the Rock Ledge Ranch Family Fourth. Visitors have an opportunity to walk through the reenactment of revolutionary war camp, hear General William Jackson Palmer read the Declaration of Independence, listen to President Abraham Lincoln give the Gettysburg address, catch Patrick Henry’s daughter will recite her father’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, play carnival games and more.
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2. Denver
Denver doesn’t just celebrate Fourth of July on July 4th. They party all weekend long! Kick off your weekend with the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. This free, outdoor extravaganza celebrates visual, performing, and culinary arts with a meet and greets with international visual artists, interactive activities for kids, music, dance and theater presentations from around the world, and live cooking demonstrations. Then, double your fireworks intake with the Independence Eve Fireworks and the Fireworks at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park. The Independence Eve Fireworks take place on July 3rd and feature a free patriotic concert and innovative light show. Then, on July 4th, spend the day riding roller coasters and water slides at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park before watching the brilliant fireworks display when the sun goes down.
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3. Morrison
Every year, Bandimere Speedway in Morrison hosts the Jet Car Nationals and Family Festival, a fun-filled festival for the whole family to enjoy. This year’s Independence day celebration takes place on July 1st with 290 mph jet cars, drag racing, kids carnival, rides, live music, troops salute, fireworks show and more. Adult admission is $28, but you can save $3 if you buy in advance. Children 6-12 are $16 ($14 in advance) and children under 5 are free!
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4. Avon
At Avon’s 31st annual “Salute to the USA,” the kids will love the face painters, fire jugglers, stilt walkers, balloon sculptors, magicians, and so much more! Bring a picnic blanket and get your fill of tasty festival foods from fresh squeezed lemonade and funnel cakes to mini-donuts and roasted ears of corn. At 9:45, 10,000 fireworks shells in a pyrotechnic extravaganza of dazzling color and sound that will make you want to come back year after year.
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5. Adams County
Stars & Stripes, Adams County’s annual 4th of July Celebration at the Adams County Regional Park is all about family fun. The day includes live music, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display. Be sure to check out the Children’s Fun Zone with its climbing wall, human gyroscope and hamster balls, bounce houses, toddler zone, and rolling video games. While the kids are having their fun, you can spend some time at the beer garden!
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6. Aspen
Approximately 20,000 local residents and visitors come together in Aspen to celebrate Independence day in true American style. Festivities include a parade, concerts, a kids bicycle rodeo, and spectacular fireworks over Aspen Mountain. Events are planned for people of all ages to enjoy, so bring the whole family! Check www.aspen4th.com for a full calendar of events like kids bicycle decorating, an old-fashioned parade, picnic, and outdoor concert.
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7. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is known for being the perfect outdoor playground, and Fourth of July is no different. Every year, Breckenridge kicks off their Independence Day celebrations with a 10K trail run, followed by the Firecracker 50 mountain bike race and the Main Street parade. Family activities, live music, a performance by the National Repertory Orchestra and an extraordinary fireworks display close out the night. Don’t miss Breckenridge Creative ArtsÂ’ Street Arts Festival, which celebrates street, pavement and graffiti arts with outdoor murals, installations, workshops and pop-up art.
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8. Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek’s Stars, Stripes & Slides has fun activities for the whole family. There are two complimentary children’s activity areas with bouncy castles, obstacle courses, giant slides and much more. They have inflatables for toddlers too! The Plaza Kid’s Zone at the top of the village waterfall has carnival games, face painting, arts and crafts and more. If the kids want to start the day early, the Summer Adventure Center opens at 9:30 am and has fun activities including gem panning, a ropes course, bungee trampolines, a climbing wall, and mini golf.
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9. Arvada
Mix and mingle with neighbors and friends alike while you celebrate Independence day in Arvada. Fireworks cap off the evening at 10 pm, but don’t miss the incredible fun activities offered during the daylight hours. Enjoy the free face painters, bouncy houses, sensory games, human hamster balls, and local vendors selling food and gifts. The City of Arvada goes all out!
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10. Aurora
Bring blankets and lawn chairs, and prepare yourself for some great live music, delicious food, and one of the best fireworks displays in Colorado. The City of Aurora lights up the night sky starting at 10 pm. The best viewing areas in town are the Aurora Municipal Center, City Center Park, Aurora City Place Shopping Center, Town Center and CenterPoint Plaza. The Aurora Municipal Center is our first choice because you’ll be right next to the live music state and the food vendors meaning you won’t miss any fireworks during your drink refill!
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Ready to go to Colorado this 4th of July?