Being a kid in Fort Collins during the summer doesn’t get much better. Every class, activity, park, lesson, every IMAGINABLE thing a kid could want is here. Of course kids have to have a really cool parent to take part in the fun of it all. I earned cool parent status for at least one day this week, which hopefully negated the uncoolness I was carrying around since messing up seeing fireworks on the 4th. Anyhow, I took the girls to Oak Street.

A half block section of Oak Street is a beautiful “park” of bistro tables, umbrellas, benches, good architecture, and fountains, yes, fountains. Everyone knows kids love water, and the City of Fort Collins knows how to please kids. This free spot, surrounded by great shopping, restaurants, and museums is a great place to hang out for awhile and let the kids be kids. The various in-ground fountains are also joined by slippery marble “statues” that allow for somewhat safe sliding. I have girls that tend to follow “the rules” so they slithered around for fun, but if you have a rambunctious one, be sure to mention the “no surfing the marble rule.”

Sit back, laugh, shoot some pictures, and get to know the other cool parents. Or get a little crazy and splash around, too. Just be sure that still qualifies you as “cool.”

The Oak Street fountains are located at just West of College Avenue at Oak Street. Parking is available on College, or go around the back way and park on Oak or Mason.