Things to Do in Westminster

Total Chaos Paintball brings video games into vivid reality, hosting colorful, officiated skirmishes on a 12,000-square-foot indoor battleground modeled after the Wasteland map from Call of Duty 2. Under constant pursuit by the opposing team, combatants duck down alleyways, hide behind urban debris, or outwit fast-moving opponents with quick presses of the pause button. The center can also simulate the stress of nighttime operations, killing the lights while a sound system broadcasts high-octane tunes to keep heart rates accelerated.

On September 19, 1975, CU alum Wallace Franze Fiske’s wish “to build and equip a planetarium for the University of Colorado” was finally realized with the dedication of the eponymous geodesic dome built thanks to his generous bequest. From its inaugural showing of a program detailing supernovae decades ago, the planetarium has upheld Fiske’s vision with an ever-evolving lineup of educational initiatives, engaging events, and outreach activities. Now under the helm of a passionate staff composed of members of CU’s Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, its programs grant the community a chance to explore the wonders of outer space. The skyward dome of Fiske Planetarium acts as a projector screen for immersive, educational star shows showcasing the universe's glittering galactic splendor, while laser shows set to jazz, rock, and classical music feature choreographed lasers and special effects that perform a wave-particle Humpty Dance for the audience's amusement. Audiences can catch showings in Spanish as well as English.

With its flagship campus in Boulder stationed a short trip from some of the nation's finest alpine slopes, it should come as no surprise that the University of Colorado Buffaloes have dominated the rest of the country in one sport: skiing. With 17 NCAA Skiing titles to their name, the Buffs are among nation's premier programs, and also among the premier candidates to receive a phone call from the Yeti president. The topography and altitude has also proven beneficial to distance runners, as the Buffs have won three men's and two women's cross country titles. Though the rugged outdoors may be the school's forte, its football squad and men's and women's basketball teams compete among the nation's top collegiate programs in the elite Pac-12 conference.

At amphitheaters, parks, and ice rinks throughout the city, Boulder Creek Events organizes get-togethers to inspire and connect community members. Each year, they bring more than 500 food vendors together with musicians and carnival rides for the Boulder Creek Festival. They also coordinate classic car shows and outdoor skating events. During the winter, BCE Productions fuels ice skaters with warm concessions, and during the summer the crew transforms the Twenty Ninth Street Plaza into a rink ideal for roller skates and guests with the latest trend in wheeled pedicures.

At five Chipper’s Lanes Bowling Center locations, colorful balls sail down glossy lanes, overseen during weekends and birthday parties by the center's mascot, Chipper the Chipmunk. After going to Chipper for a hug as warm and fuzzy as teddy-bear-skin gloves, guests can also supplement bowling fun with occasional live music performances and cosmic bowling at select locations. Between frames, players restore energy with burgers or pizza at the full-service, onsite restaurant.

Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides orchestrates mountain ascents, desert adventures, and ice climbs throughout the western United States. Since its founding in Grand Teton National Park in 1968, the outfit has expanded to include branches in Montana's Beartooths; Moab, Utah; Idaho's City of Rocks; and Boulder, Colorado. At each outpost, experienced guides share an appreciation for the backcountry, a respect for the environment, and a desire to pass on their techniques to new groups of adventurers. Students can learn from their expertise during a variety of classes customized to their skills and ultimate desires, whether they want to prepare for a guided journey through the wilderness or reach a mountain summit solo to taste a variety of cloud flavors.