Summer will be over before we know it. The kids will soon be back in school, which means it's prime season for getting in that last bit of quality time, playdates with friends, and exploring new places with family. If your summer adventures find you spending time in Casper, here are a few family-fun activities that your crew will love!
TAKE THEM OUT FOR A BIKE RIDE
Burn off some energy along the beautiful North Platte River with 11 miles of paved and maintained community trails. The Platte River Trails are the perfect place to spend an afternoon watching the wildlife and the boats floating by, fishing, running, walking, or cycling. Begin your journey at the Tate Pumphouse to pick up your Outdoor Explorer Kit with fun hands-on learning activities to complete as you enjoy the trails together. Walk, cycle, rollerblade, or run and don't forget your four-legged family members too. Dogs must be on leash on the trails except at Morad Park, and the two dog parks at the Tate Pumphouse and Lake McKenzie. Pack a picnic basket and hit the trails together this summer!
ENJOY A LAKE DAY
Summer means lake days that turn into lake nights. Just outside our town’s city limits are a plethora of options that are just begging to bear witness to the best days of your life. Alcova Reservoir, Pathfinder Reservoir, Black Beach, Sandy Beach, Fremont Canyon and more are all located just 20 miles out of town, which is about a 20 - 30 minute drive. Unparalleled scenery meets beckoning water access in each of these destinations. So put on your suit and dive right in, because Casper’s lakes are calling your name.
Photo: @gthax // Instagram
FLOAT THE RIVER
If you want to dip your toes into some water without leaving city limits, try floating the North Platte River. With various points of entry across Casper, your river float could last an hour or two, or it could last all day! For a longer float, enter at Bessemer Bend and exit at Robertson Road. If you’re looking for something a little quicker, enter at Morad Park and go through downtown Casper. Whether it’s for the day or for just a few hours, all you need for a perfect family day on the river is a few innertubes or a kayak, life jackets, a cooler, and maybe a fishing pole or two. Just don’t forget the sunscreen - we’re close to the sun at 5150’!
GET OUTSIDE ON CASPER MOUNTAIN
Casper is home to a gorgeous mountain range right in our backyard. Casper Mountain boasts dense forests, stunning vistas, abundant wildlife, spectacular trails and endless adventure. Have a picnic by Garden Creek Falls at Rotary Park and you will be enchanted by the mountain’s beautiful, cascading waterfall. Or if you want to stay active while being surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you can hike or bike one of its many trails.
Photo: @casadelivingston // Instagram
EXPLORE OUR MUSEUMS & DISCOVERY CENTERS
Summer vacation doesn’t mean that education has to take a vacation, too! Have some fun while learning something new about the West at one of Casper’s many museums and discovery centers.
Starting us off, The Tate Geological Museum houses a collection of over 3,000 fossil and mineral specimens sure to impress any dino-captivated kiddo. Their collection includes Dee the Mammoth, an 11,600 year old Columbian Mammoth who lived in the Ice Age, and a life-sized bronze of a juvenile T. Rex right outside the museum.
Adventuring on, The Nicolaysen Art Museum is another great option. From local, Wyoming artists to world famous icons like Salvador Dali, The NIC hosts a diverse modern collection in a captivating space. They even host Art Play on the first Saturday of every month: a drop-in class for kids ages 2-5 designed to promote visual-spatial skills and increase pattern, shape and color recognition.
Want more? We’ve got it! For all of Casper’s awe-inspiring museums and discovery centers click here.
VISIT DAVID STREET STATION
One of our most iconic places to check out this summer is David Street Station. Back this year with a variety of activities for the whole family, David Street Station is nestled in the heart of downtown Casper and is truly where Casper comes together! Whether you’re looking to make a splash at the Splash Pad with the kids or catch an upcoming event, David Street Station is the perfect hub for summer fun in Casper.
One of the coolest events for families is Cinema at the Station. This replicates the old drive-in set up, as families are encouraged to bring a blanket and some popcorn and watch a movie outside, on the big screen. The best part? This event is free!
David Street Station continually updates their event calendar. Check out their Facebook page because new things are added daily!
GET FESTIVE
Topping our list of end of summer family activities in Casper are our variety of can’t-miss festivals and events, offering ample chance to see, hear, and taste everything our great city has to offer! From the 5150' Festival to the Championship of Champions Indian Relay Races and more, our town has some of the best fests in the west to enjoy with your family. For more information on all of our festivals and events, read our recent blog post here.