Summer Vacation at the Russells
Confirm your dates and that you can come.
We are SO excited to have you visit us in Fort Collins this summer! We've been planning all kinds of adventures — from hiking waterfalls and paddleboarding at the lake, to exploring downtown shops.
Scroll down to see all the fun things we have planned! ↓
Count Me In! 🎉
Let us know who's coming and when — pick your name and choose your dates. We can't wait to see you here in Fort Collins!
Fort Collins, Colorado — Adventures await! 🏔️
We've been planning SO much fun for everyone! A taste of what's coming:
For the girls 💅 — crafts & nail projects with cousins are on the list!
For Myles 🏹 — games, archery & a seriously cool bike park within 30 minutes!
🏙️ Explore downtown Fort Collins — fun shops, amazing dinner spots, painted murals, piano art installations, and we're hoping to catch a free outdoor music event (still checking dates — fingers crossed! 🤞).
Confirm Your Visit
Just a couple quick things and you're all set! 🌟We need to know when you can come and for how long. We are excited to see you in July.
What to Pack & Plan For
We want your visit to Fort Collins to be as easy and fun as possible! Here's a friendly packing list and a few things to look forward to so you can show up ready for the adventures ahead. 🌟
Pillow & Blanket
Please bring a pillow and blanket for each person if you can. We have some, but it'll help everyone sleep comfortably — and there's nothing like your own cozy blanket!
Swimsuits
The neighborhood pool is open daily with lifeguards, and we may be spending an afternoon on one of the gorgeous Fort Collins lakes! Pack those swimsuits for sure. 🏊
The Right Shoes
Bring shoes for swimming, hiking, and biking! Flip flops and tennis shoes are perfect, or a sandal you love for walking. We've got waterfall hikes and bike trails to explore right here in Fort Collins.
Towels (or Bring Your Fave!)
We have towels if it makes packing easier — but if you have a beloved beach towel, bring it! Pool days, lake days, and Twin Silos Park creek adventures are all on the table.
Layers for Colorado Evenings
Fort Collins summers are gorgeous but evenings can cool down fast. Pack a light hoodie or jacket for those perfect golden-hour downtown strolls and outdoor hangouts.
Downtown Adventures Await! 🎨
Old Town Fort Collins is an absolute gem — and we can't wait to explore it with you!
Fun shops & boutiques throughout Old Town
Amazing dinner spots in downtown Fort Collins
Free music events (we'll check the schedule — dates TBD!)
Murals, painted pianos & the Love Sign for photos
Fort Collins often hosts free outdoor concerts and music events in summer! 🎶 We'll keep an eye on the schedule and see what's happening — fingers crossed for a great one!
Questions about what to bring? Don't stress — just come! 🌻 We'll figure it out together.
The Russells can't wait to see everyone in Fort Collins! 🏔️
Some fun things we've been planning
Fort Collins is full of adventures, art, and good times — and we've been cooking up the best week ever for the whole family. Here's a peek at everything on our radar! 🌟
Outdoor Adventures
Waterfall Hike & Horsetooth
We've got not one but TWO great hikes on the list — a gorgeous waterfall hike and the legendary Horsetooth Mountain hike right here in Fort Collins! Perfect for the adventurous crew. Trails can be rocky, so lace up those hiking shoes!
Pack tip: Comfy, sturdy hiking shoes are a must — flip-flops won't cut it on these trails! 👟
Bike Trails & Bike Park
Fort Collins has amazing bike trails everywhere you turn! We have 5 bikes available for the group to grab and ride anytime. AND — Myles has been counting down the days to visit the awesome free bike park that's within 30 minutes of us. He is SO excited to show you! 🤩
Pack tip: Bring your Sunscreen too — Colorado sun is no joke! ☀️
Volleyball, Gagga Ball & Soccer
We have volleyball, gagga ball, and soccer gear all ready to go, plus there's a huge park super close to the house. Endless outdoor fun for kids and grown-ups alike — let the friendly family competition begin!
Paddleboarding, Canoeing & Lake Swimming
There are a bunch of beautiful lakes right nearby, and we are LOADED with gear! We have 3 paddleboards and 4 canoes for the group to use. Spend a chill afternoon on the water — whether you want to paddle, cruise in a canoe, or just splash around swimming!
Pack tip: Swimsuit, towel, and water shoes — creek, pool, AND lake days are all on the agenda!
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Twin Silos Park — Our Favorite!
Twin Silos Park is our absolute favorite park in Fort Collins and we can't wait to show you why! The kids have been talking about the fun rocks and the creek they want to take you to. We could even pack a picnic and make a whole afternoon of it — it's that good!
Neighborhood Pool
Our neighborhood pool is open daily with lifeguards on duty — anyone can head over whenever they want during daily hours! Perfect for a spontaneous cool-down on a hot summer day. We have towels here, or feel free to bring a favorite beach towel!
Pack tip: Throw your swimsuit in your day bag — you might want to pop over any afternoon!
Arts, Culture & Fort Collins Sightseeing
Sculpture Garden Tour
We haven't been yet and we're SO curious — the Sculpture Garden in Fort Collins is filled with amazing art sculptures throughout beautiful grounds. It sounds like a really fun and unique experience for the whole group!
Murals Tour & Painted Pianos
Fort Collins has painted the most incredible murals all over the city, and there's actually a map you can follow to drive and walk through them all! AND scattered throughout the city are these gorgeous painted pianos that are just sitting outside for anyone to find and play. It's like a treasure hunt meets an art gallery — how fun is that?! 🎹
The Love Sign
There's a HUGE Love sign right here in the neighboring city LOVELAND that is absolutely iconic and perfect for group photos. We are definitely getting the whole family together for a photo op — it's going to be so cute! 📸
Downtown Fort Collins
Old Town Fort Collins is charming and so fun to explore! We'll wander through cute shops, find a great spot for dinner, and check the calendar for any free live music events happening while you're in town. There are often outdoor concerts and music nights — dates TBD, but we'll keep an eye out! 🎵
Keep an eye out — Fort Collins has tons of free community music events in summer. We'll confirm what's on!
Cousin Bonding & Cozy Times
Girls: Crafts & Nail Projects
The girls have been dreaming up crafts and nail projects they can't wait to do with their cousins! Expect lots of creativity, laughter, glitter, and maybe some very colorful nails by the end of it. 💖 This is a cousins-only good time!
Myles: Games & Archery
Myles has PLANS for the cousins! He's been putting together games and wants to show everyone his archery skills. Whether you're a natural or a complete beginner, it's going to be hilarious and so fun. A little friendly cousin competition is always a good thing! 🎯
Board Games & Card Games Galore
Rainy afternoon? Cozy evening? We have a HUGE collection of board games and card games that can keep the whole family entertained for hours. From classics to newer favorites — there's something for every age!
Fun Food & Yummy Desserts
Food is a BIG part of this vacation! We've got tons of fun meals and delicious desserts already on the menu. Expect good eating, family recipes, maybe some ice cream runs, and plenty of treats throughout the week. Come hungry! 😋
🗓️ Fort Collins, Colorado
We don't need to do ALL of it — but the list is here so everyone can get excited and let us know what sounds the most fun! Can't wait to see you all! 🥰