In this guide, we're focusing mostly on creeks and beaches. For more ideas, check out:
- Our Favorite Colorado Reservoirs & Lakes - The Macaroni Kid Guide
- Splash Pads near Thornton, Northglenn, Westminster
- At-Home Water Fun Guide
Dickens Farm
This is a bit of a drive from our area, about 45 minutes, but it's really fun! Bring tubes and coast down the rapids, or just swim in the creek. Varying depths for all ages. I decided next time I'd like my five-year-old to be in a life vest though, my nine-year-old could touch mostly everywhere.
Coal Creek - Lafayette
Fun area in Lafayette for exploring in Coal Creek. Park at the Public Road Trailhead where you'll find a decent amount of parking and real restrooms.
Windsor Lake - Windsor
Fun area in Lafayette for exploring in Coal Creek. Park at the Public Road Trailhead where you'll find a decent amount of parking and real restrooms.
Veteran's Park - Brighton
I was really excited to recommend this to you, but after a really fun morning of playing in the river, I noticed a sign I hadn't seen when we arrived warning that high bacteria levels had been found in the water, wonderful. This is a bummer because it's a fantastic play area close to home! I did some research and it seems like the issue is e-coli, and that it's more prevalent as the river goes southward, so I don't know what the risk to play here is. I'm including it here because I've seen it recommended in local FB groups and wanted to address the bacteria issues!
Other Suggestions
We haven't visited any of the below areas, but they've been recommended by other moms.
- Boyd Lake State Park
- Carter Lake State Park
- Bobolink Trail (Boulder)
- Clear Creek (Golden)
- Access Big Dry Creek near Westbrook Park (Westminster)
- Ralston Creek (Arvada)
- Golden Ponds (Longmont) - Area near the waterfall
- Anne White Trail (Boulder)
- Lair o' the Bear Park (near Morrison) - Check out the cool live parking update meter on the website!
- Rogers Grove (Longmont)
- Eldorado Canyon State Park (Boulder)
- Sawhill Ponds (Boulder)
- Belleview Park (Englewood)
- Parfet Park (Golden)
Want more local family-friendly info like this?