Just an hour north of Denver, Loveland is full of things to do on a budget–many activities are even free–whether that’s getting out on the water, enjoying the city’s myriad public art options, or exploring the city’s quaint historic downtown. There are many bike and hike trails surrounding the city to explore, too, and so many affordable attractions, it’s easy to make a fun-packed day without breaking the bank.
Loveland is easy to get to: it’s a sixty-minute drive straight north on Interstate 25. I recently spent a weekend there visiting my college bestie, who lives there and was able to show me her favorite local haunts.
This isn’t a comprehensive list by any means (I’m sure Loveland locals will want to chime in and add their favorite places in the comments), but here are a few of the things we enjoyed on our budget Loveland getaway.
Things to Do in Loveland
Devil’s Backbone
Sunrise at Devil’s Backbone Park. Image: Visit Loveland
Devil’s Backbone
1725 Hidden Valley Dr., Loveland 80538
This 2,200-acre open space area is home to unusual rock formations that (you guessed it) resemble a backbone.
There’s a on-leash dog friendly 4.3 mile easy hiking trail that’s also accessible for mountain bikers and horseback riders. A 12-mile trail also connects Rimrock and Horsetooth Mountain.
It’s common to see wildlife such as elk, deer, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, prairie dogs, a variety of birds (and even the occasional black bear or mountain lion) while hiking, and the eagle eyed visitor will notice fossils — mammoth tusks were once excavated by paleontologists there.
Boyd Lake State Park
Boyd Lake State Park. Image: Visit Loveland
Boyd Lake State Park
3720 North County Road 11-C, Loveland, 80538
Loveland’s largest lake is Boyd Lake and the area around it is a state park encompassing 1,700 acres.
The huge body of water welcomes all kinds of watercraft, including jet skis, fishing boats, waverunners, canoes, SUPs, sailboats, kayaks, and more. If you don’t have your own, you can rent one at the marina.
There’s also a swim beach, picnic areas, showers and restrooms, fishing piers, and hiking and biking trails that meander throughout the park.
If you’re not a state parks pass holder, the day pass costs $10.
Fairgrounds Park
Fairgrounds Park. Image: Visit Loveland
Fairgrounds Park
700 S. Railroad Ave., Loveland, 80537
The Big Thompson River runs through Loveland, fed by snowmelt from the mountains, and has several access points, one of which is at Fairgrounds Park.
While there is fishing access, it’s also ideal for wading and splashing on hot summer days. The park also boasts a splash pad for more water fun.
The park also has a dog park, two playgrounds, basketball courts, a fitness area, a skate park, batting cages and baseball fields, and restroom facilities.
Fairgrounds Park is also the site of the Loveland Farmers Market. A restored historic home, the Milner-Schwarz House, sits adjacent to the park and offers free tours.
Chapungu Sculpture Park
Chapungu Sculpture Park. Image: Visit Loveland
Chapungu Sculpture Park
5995 Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, 80538
While The Promenade Shops at Centerra are geared toward commerce, the area is a haven for art lovers, too.
Chapungu Sculpture Park features 82 huge stone sculptures from Zimbabwe scattered around 26 acres of landscaped and natural garden space.
The paths are stroller and wheelchair-friendly and meander along the Greeley and Loveland Irrigation Canal.
There’s lots of open space and in the area of the park called The Children, there’s a hill kids can climb.
Benson Sculpture Garden
Benson Sculpture Park. Image: Visit Loveland
Benson Sculpture Garden
1125 W. 29th St., Loveland, 80528
Right next to picturesque Lake Loveland, the Benson Sculpture Garden features 182 unique sculptures.
The park itself spans 10 acres–once part of the Benson homestead, it was gifted to the city in the 1960s and in the 1980s, a group of local artists rallied to turn a portion of the park (which includes a wetlands ecosystem and bird sanctuary) into a sculpture park.
The artistic styles range from representational to abstract, materials might be metal or stone, and some sculptures are serious while others are whimsical.
There’s a paved pathway through the park and sculpture garden, as well as a restroom facility, benches, and picnic areas. Benson Sculpture Garden is open year-round. Admission is free.
North Lake Park and the Buckhorn Northern Railroad
North Lake Park Train. Image: Visit Loveland
North Lake Park and the Buckhorn Northern Railroad
2750 N. Taft Ave. Loveland, 80528
Close to the Benson Sculpture Garden, North Lake Park has fishing access and a swim beach, sports courts and fields, picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a playground.
The play structure features slides, monkey bars, a tunnel, and climbing elements. There are fields for baseball/softball and soccer and courts for basketball and tennis, plus space for horseshoes/rings.
A highlight of the park is the Buckhorn Northern Railroad, a pint-sized replica of a real steam train that shuttles riders along a 1,588-foot route with a small train depot, and tunnel, and a water tower.
The train runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day (closed Mondays) and only costs $1 per passenger.
Another unique feature of North Lake Park is the Lone Tree School House, an historic one room school house where the Loveland Museum offers affordable summer day camps that teach kids about pioneer life.
Dairy Delite
A juicy burger at Dairy Delite. Image: Rebecca Treon
Dairy Delite
3080 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland 80537
A Loveland classic, Dairy Delite has been owned and operated by the Embke family since it opened in 1978, serving American classics, carhop style.
On the menu, you’ll find flame-grilled burgers ($4.89 and up), Chicago-style hot dogs ($4.29 and up), and ice cream treats.
A soft serve cone will set you back $2.45, a root beer float $3.45, and a snow devil (their version of a blizzard) only $4.45.
You’ll have to time your visit to Dairy Delite though–it’s only open eight or nine months out of the year and closes its doors during the chillier months.
NoCo Cat Cafe
NoCo Cat Cafe. Image: Rebecca Treon
NoCo Cat Cafe
121 E 5th St., Loveland, 80537
Spacious and open, NoCo Cat Cafe lets you sip locally roasted coffee while you pet, play with, and cuddle their current pride of adoptable kitties.
The main play area is dotted with cat hammocks, cozy chairs to curl up in, and a variety of cat castles for felines to run on and play in. There are also a number of cat toys available to help them get their zoomies out.
Partnered with the Colorado Kitty Coalition, NoCo Cat Cafe has facilitated the placement of hundreds of cats into their forever homes.
Admission is $12, plus the cost of drinks and snacks, but it’s right near several local, independent restaurants if you want something heartier. Reservations are recommended.
Flipside Arcade
Flipside Arcade. Image: Rebecca Treon
Flipside Arcade
104 E. 4th St. Loveland, 80537
At the Flipside Arcade, kids will have a blast playing classic arcade games–but so will their parents!
There are numerous vintage pinball machines, skee-ball, air hockey, Pac Man, Superbikes, Pong, and more.
The decor is reminiscent of a grown-up lounge, with velvet wallpaper, mood lighting, and plenty of seating, including at the spacious bar, which has a menu of classic cocktails and some NA options for the kids, too.
While it’s easy to run through a bucket of quarters playing games, on Monday nights, they offer a play all you want for just $15 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m..