The Arvada Center is one of the metro Denver area's largest cultural attractions and part of the beating heart of Arvada. Offering a wide variety of arts experiences and professional theater productions, dance performances, critically acclaimed gallery exhibitions, a history museum, classes in the arts and humanities and live outdoor experiences at the onsite amphitheater. Another family fun attraction is the well-known Cussler Museum. If you are interested in the beauty of vehicles built between 1906 and 1965 this is a site worth visiting.
The community feel in Arvada is one of the best things about this city. Olde Town Arvada offers many family-friendly festivals, excellent restaurants, shops, and a community that cares about families, and focuses on local business. From unique restaurants and boutiques to coffee shops and bars, this city not only caters to families, but to singles as well. In the Summer, they have a Farmer’s Market in the Olde Town Square every Sunday as well, which is a huge draw for residents, as well as festivals for the whole family throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a place with a strong community commitment, beauty, and convenience, Arvada may just be your future home!
There are twenty-six historic sites and landmarks which are managed by the city of Aurora, including the Gully Homestead of 1870, the Victorian-style Centennial House of 1890, the privately owned American War Mothers National Memorial Home, the Art Deco-style KOA Building of 1934, the DeLaney Round Barn of 1902 and many more. The Aurora Fox Theater and Arts Center is another of the city's historic landmarks and this former movie theater dates back to 1946 and is now the heart of the Cultural Arts District of Aurora.
For those into outdoor life, Aurora has a variety of golf courses. These include Aurora Hills, Meadow Hills, Murphy Creek, Saddle Rock, Springhill , Fitzsimons, Heather Ridge, Blackstone, Heritage Eagle Bend and more. Cherry Creek Reservoir is a state park that has a 800 surface acre reservoir surrounded by a natural prairie landscape and offers boating, water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, volleyball, off-leash dog area and more. If you are seeking nature trails, you’ll want to visit Star K Ranch at Morrison Nature Center. There are several trails for exploration of habitats for wildlife and includes access to the Sand Creek Greenway Trail. For your furry friends, Grandview Dog Park is an off-leash oasis to meet and play with new four legged friends while exercising and taking in the Colorado air!
For shopping there's Arapahoe Crossings (33 stores), Stanley Market Place (50+ independently owned Colorado businesses), Southlands Mall (189 stores and services) a large outdoor shopping complex, with a townhall square, movie theatre, restaurants, medical facilities and seasonal outdoor activities such as ice skating rink.
Medical facilities in Aurora include UC Health University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado (one of the Top Ten Children's Hospital in America according to the U.S. News & World Report). Also there's a Ronald McDonald located 1 mile from Children's Hospital, which provides a home away from home for sick children that need to get medical treatment at the hospital.
There’s an abundance of produce to choose from local farms such as Lulu’s, Palizzi’s & Berry Patch farms to name just a few. Relaxing after those hard days at work are easy here in Brighton, with 27 miles of trails and 960 acres of parkland you are sure to find a place to venture outdoors.
If you’re a lover of the arts, you’ll want to visit The Armory Performing Arts Center. Historically The Armory was built of hydrastone blocks and opened in 1922. Its purpose was intended for the 15th Infantry of the Colorado National Guard; headquarters of Company K. Today, it offers art programs that are offered to children, adults and families and hosts local & regional performances.
From golfing to bird watching or fishing at Barr Lake there is ease of recreational fun in Brighton. Cool off at the Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park during the warm summer days or try your hand at skeet, sporting, and trap clays at Colorado Clays Shooting Park. Brighton is the perfect blend of little town feel with big city amenities.
Golden’s claim to fame was attributed by Coors Brewery and is what comes to mind most often. It is also home of the highly accredited Colorado School of Mines, known for its tough curriculum in engineering and science. Did you know a river runs through it? Clear Creek River runs into the town and through the factory and literally comes alive and raging between June and September.
The Whitewater Park is one of Jefferson County’s biggest summer attractions and travels 44 miles from the top of Loveland Pass. Golden Gate Canyon is a highly trafficked state park that is visited year-round and considered a winter wonderland in the winter.
Recreation is no stranger to this community, from mountain climbing, paragliding, mountain biking and hiking it’s all in your own back yard. A few of the well-known trails include North Table Mountain Park where lava flowed and formed this beautiful flat top mesa over 60 million years ago. White Ranch Park offers breathtaking views of the front range and a magnificent range of wildflower oasis. Lastly, Apex Trail is a 3.30-mile greenway trail and gains up to 1,500 feet in elevation.
If you are reaching to connect with others, there’s a strong sense of community in the downtown Golden area. The Golden Hotel is one of the iconic buildings and pride themselves in innovative efforts to utilize sustainable resources. Historic downtown is the center of locally owned shops, breweries, smoke house and a wide range of restaurants for a wide range of palettes. The community continues to thrive and connect with local farmers for fresh food and produce. The Golden Farmer’s Market runs from the first Sunday of June through the first Saturday of October.
Lakewood is also home to the iconic Casa Bonita, owned by the producers and creators of South Park, which has been a Colorado staple since 1968, and the world-renowned concert venue and park Red Rocks, is easily accessible, and known for its towering sand rock formations, as well Lakewood’s recreational options are abundant. Between golf courses, parks and hiking, many small lakes, trails, boating, and excellent dog parks. Living in Lakewood offers an escape for anyone seeking time away from the pressures of city living.
There is plenty of shopping as well, from the beautiful Belmar outdoor shopping mall to Colorado Mills Mall. Belmar also is an integral part of the Lakewood community, offering many seasonal festivities, as well as a charming outdoor ice-skating rink every winter. For the adrenaline junkie there is also the famous Bandimere Speedway, known as Thunder Mountain.
The RTD Light Rail runs From Jefferson County City Hall in Golden on 6th Ave into Downtown Denver, with various stops in between, which can make your work commute hassle-free.
What does Littleton have to offer? Hiking and Biking trails within minutes from your home. The frequently visited Chatfield Reservoir for boating, fishing, and camping. Littleton also offers the beauty of Roxborough State Park, with its Water Canyon trails, scenic hikes, all within minutes of home! For additional options, don’t miss South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center. This location spans over 880 acres and offers 5 lakes for fishing, extensive trails & nature programs.
Besides the natural amenities that Littleton has to offer, there are also many recreational activities available, such as the Arrowhead Golf Course for the golf lovers in your family, the Edge Ice Arena, and many other activities through the Foothills Park and Recreation District (which also offers swimming, arts, children’s camps, sports and athletics). If your interest is in a unique shopping and dining experience, you can visit the Historic Downtown Littleton area, which features Victorian architecture, unique boutiques, and a diverse mix of restaurants, bars, and breweries.
Some of the other attractions you can find in Littleton are the Littleton Museum which is Colorado's first Smithsonian-affiliated Museum with a variety of interactive exhibits. The nearby event center Hudson Gardens is far more than a musical venue. This non-profit organization is minutes from downtown Littleton and offers serene garden exhibits, open spaces and trails for its visitors. Lastly, perhaps you are seeking a little sea and land adventure, SeaQuest is your ultimate hands-on zoo aquarium destination!
Home to the 45-year tradition known as Parker Days Festival; one of the largest family festivals in Colorado that takes place in June. This growing city features a great mix of shops, dining, and unique treasures. The popular Cherry Creek River runs through the town and when you aren’t riverside you can bike or walk the path on the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. Locals enjoy hiking and biking on the four and a half mile Sulphur Gulch Trail located within the Rowley Downs, Hidden River and Canterberry Crossing Subdivisions.
Seeking family time? Visit the H2O’Brien Outdoor Pool which features two 182’ water slides and state of the art water feature. You can also jump over to Skyzone Trampoline Park to freestyle jump or get a group together and challenge yourselves to the ultimate game of dodgeball. Seasonally there are farmers markets held on Sunday’s beginning Mother’s Day through the end of October on Mainstreet.
Although Thornton is farther east and away from the foothills, there are many outdoor activities to choose from. The Adams County Fairgrounds & Regional Center offers events, golfing, trails, fishing, and a lesson on history at the Adams County Museum. Interested in learning a new skill? Visit Springvale Park Disc Golf Course. For a more traditional approach you can hit the Thorncreek Golf Course while taking in the scenic views of the front range. During the summer its common for locals to listen to live concerts at Carpenter Park Lake. While visiting, watch the cool moves at the skate park, get some exercise on the paddle boats or fish in one of the 13 lakes and ponds throughout the city.
Topgolf is one of Thornton’s largest attractions and open year-round. If you are seeking the gladiator or ninja warrior from within, you’ll want to explore the X-Arena; encounter fun games of skill, wit and pure determination. For the shopping enthusiast the Simon Premium Outlets is the place to be. You’ll find covered walkways, outdoor seating, food court and a large fireplace. Don’t forget to check out the impressive play area with climbing wall on the north end of the mall; the kids will exert their energy and thank you later!