Back to school tips for Boulder students and families

Before you head outdoors on the City of Boulder's 155 miles of open space trails, remember our seven essential tips for enjoying and protecting Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks system. Read our hiking tips.

Get your recreation on by exploring the fun off-campus. Golf at Flatirons Golf Course, play disc golf and bike on a 42-acre terrain park at Valmont Park, and swim or paddle at Boulder Reservoir. Check out the Fall 2023 Recreation Guide and find all city recreation information on the Recreation Guide.

The library offers free reservable meeting rooms, study areas, research assistance and more. With a Boulder Public Library card, you also qualify for one-on-one tutoring in any subject, with tutoring available in English or Spanish.

Did you know your transit pass gets you discounts at participating shops and restaurants?

Students can also use their university issued CollegePass to travel on local, regional and airport transit services for free.

Get around Boulder and the Metro Denver area for free! Boulder’s local HOP bus and all RTD services will run free fare through August 2023 as part of Zero Fare for Better Air.

Free youth fare all year

Beginning September 2023, youth ages 19 and under can ride for free on all local Boulder buses and RTD services. Learn more about RTD’s Zero Fare for Youth Pilot.

Catch up with friends, enjoy unique programming and even reserve podcasting equipment in the Boulder Public Library’s Teen Spaces! From Pokémon and Chess Clubs to Book Queeries, there are lots of ways to engage with peers. See all teen events.

Made by kids, for kids. View the child-friendly map online or pick up a print copy outside the Growing Boulder office at the north side of the Boulder Main Library.

Whether you’ve lived in Boulder your whole life or are new to town, we welcome students as part of our community! Find ways to participate in local government, volunteer or apply for job, and sign up to stay in the loop about local news.