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2015 summer bucket list: Ten things to do before fall arrives

Attention: The end of summer is (sadly) almost here. Consider this your warm-weather wakeup call.

Now that July is over, your days of mountain climbing, grilling out and seeing high temperatures on your phone’s weather app are numbered.

Read on for 10 ideas that’ll make the rest of your Colorado summer shine.

Catch a game: You know the jingle – it’s time to put it to use. The Sky Sox have a limited number of games remaining this season at Security Service Field. So fill up on peanuts, break out your baseball jersey and cheer on your home team on a summer night. For more info, visit skysox.com.

Monkey around at the zoo: From waving to the giraffes to getting up close to the cuddly meerkats and sloths, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is simply one of those summer things. While you’re there, you can hop on the carousel or sky ride for an extra dose of animal-sighting fun. For more info, visit cmzoo.org.

Pack a picnic: When you think of summer, don’t you imagine laying out a blanket on a grassy hill with some fresh snacks? Well, it’s time to make it happen. Pick one of many scenic spots nearby (think Memorial Park, Ute Valley Park or Palmer Park) and enjoy a summery picnic in the Springs.

Tour Garden of the Gods at night: You’ve oohed and aahed at the wonders of Garden of the Gods plenty of times, but have you taken in the sights at sunset? Follow along a guided tour with Prairie Dog O’Byrne and get the rockin’ scoop on the science of those grand formations. Tours cost $21 and begin at 7 p.m. For more info, visit prairiedogobyrne.com.

Taste test some ice cream: With 90 degree temps, the summer months scream for anything icy. Cool off with a scoop of gelato from Glacier Homemade Ice Cream and Gelato or try a seasonal flavor at local standout Josh and John’s. (Hint: The Pikes Peak Coffee flavor is a must-try).

Run with color: It’s not too late to sign up to get your body and clothes plastered in an array of bright paint … while you’re running. The Color Run 5K is coming to Denver on Saturday. If you want more of a challenge, try the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon in Estes Park.

Sing along at an outdoor concert: There’s nothing quite like listening to a live band under the setting sun. Check out the First & Main Street series. Or check out bigger names such as Sam Smith, Hozier and Walk the Moon at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison in the upcoming weeks.

Get a history lesson: Whether it’s taking a tour of the Money Museum in Colorado Springs or a walk through the Cliff Dwellings in Manitou Springs, there’s a slew of time-traveling to do. One tip: Take the journey to Denver’s History Colorado Center to celebrate Colorado’s birthday Saturday. The day’s schedule is loaded with activities such as square dancing, chalk art and live music. Plus it’s free. For more info, visit historycolorado.org.

Climb a fourteener (or two): If you haven’t hiked up to the high country, are you even a Coloradan? Choose one of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks (there’s more than 50 from which to choose), pack a bag and head to the hills. There won’t be much time before the snow makes a comeback, so the clock starts now.

Attendees at the Springs Beer Fest in America the Beautiful Park Saturday, August 2, 2014. Photo by Stephen Hobbs
Attendees at the Springs Beer Fest in America the Beautiful Park Saturday, August 2, 2014. Photo by Stephen Hobbs
ice cream (Noam Armonn)
ice cream (Noam Armonn)
A crowd of 6,520 watches as the Sky Sox defeat the New Orleans Zephyrs 5-4 Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Security Service Field in Colorado Springs. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
A crowd of 6,520 watches as the Sky Sox defeat the New Orleans Zephyrs 5-4 Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Security Service Field in Colorado Springs. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE GAZETTE)
The early morning sun illuminates the Gateway Rocks in Garden of the Gods Tuesday, September 25, 2012. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)
The early morning sun illuminates the Gateway Rocks in Garden of the Gods Tuesday, September 25, 2012. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)
Becky is the oldest member of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's giraffe herd born Jan. 9,1981. (The Gazette, Carol Lawrence) 07/07/08 (Carol Lawrence)
Becky is the oldest member of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s giraffe herd born Jan. 9,1981. (The Gazette, Carol Lawrence) 07/07/08 (Carol Lawrence)
Young Woman Singing in Front of the Audience (Robert Churchill)
Young Woman Singing in Front of the Audience (Robert Churchill)
Wildflowers abound at Mueller State Park in Divide. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)
Wildflowers abound at Mueller State Park in Divide. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett) (JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE)
Colorado Fourteener.
Colorado Fourteener.
Union Printers Home Copies of old photos courtesy of the Pioneers Museum. carol lawrence 7/10/01 (Carol Lawrence)
Union Printers Home Copies of old photos courtesy of the Pioneers Museum. carol lawrence 7/10/01 (Carol Lawrence)


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