6 playgrounds in Arvada worth the trip

3/16/2026 What's Happenin' Team Arvada
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Six playgrounds worth the detour in Arvada

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Happy Monday, Arvada!

If you’ve got kids in the house, you know the routine. Same park, same slide, same swing… every single week. But Arvada has dozens of playgrounds hiding in parks all over town, and some are way more fun than you might expect. Keep reading to discover a few playgrounds that might just become your new family favorite.

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Six playgrounds worth the detour in Arvada

Six playgrounds worth the detour in Arvada

Arvada has more than 100 parks and over 70 playgrounds, so there is no shortage of places for kids to burn off energy. Most families stick with the park closest to home, but sometimes it is fun to switch things up and explore a new one. If you are looking for a fresh playground adventure this week, here are six great spots around town to check out. 

McIlvoy Park Playground

📍 5750 Upham St.

Right in Olde Town, McIlvoy Park is a great stop before or after grabbing food or ice cream nearby. The playground reopened in late 2023 with a big upgrade that includes a multi-level sky tower, interactive play panels, and a scavenger hunt built into the equipment. There is even a carved tree featuring a horned owl and red fox that nods to Arvada’s local wildlife.

Creekside Park Playground

📍 5897 Pierce St.

Tucked along the Ralston Creek Trail, Creekside Park feels like a playground you stumble upon during a bike ride or walk. The renovated space includes a shade canopy, net climber, and colorful wildlife-themed equipment like a turtle spinner and dragonfly teeter-totter. It is a fun place to stop and play if you are already exploring the trail.

Memorial Park Playground

📍 8001 W. 59th Ave.

Just north of Olde Town, Memorial Park is often the quieter alternative to the busy Ralston Central Park playground. The equipment works well for a wide age range with tall tube slides for bigger kids and bouncy play features for younger ones. If the nearby playground crowds get intense, this is a solid backup plan.

Rainbow Park Playground

📍 8191 N Pomona Dr

Rainbow Park leans into a jungle theme with climbing features and play equipment for different ages. Mature trees provide plenty of shade, which parents will appreciate on warmer days. There is also an off-street trail nearby that connects to two other parks, making it easy to turn playtime into a longer outdoor adventure.

Ralston Valley Park Playground

📍 6863 Coors St.

Parking can be a little limited here, but the playground sits right off a popular stretch of the Ralston Creek Trail, so many families walk or bike in. The playground itself has a fun space theme and two tall tube slides that tend to be the main attraction. It is a great quick stop if you are already out on the trail.

Arvada Volunteer Firefighters Park Playground

📍 84th Ave. & Independence St.

This neighborhood park is a bit of a local hidden gem. Families come for the playground, but they often stay for the open green space and peaceful setting. The walking paths make it a nice spot for a casual stroll while the kids explore the play structures, and it is an easy place to bring a picnic or spend a relaxed afternoon outside.

If you have kids in the house, playground hopping might be one of the easiest ways to get them outside for a while. Arvada has dozens more worth exploring, but these six are a fun place to start.

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Monday, March 16

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Playground hopping, anyone?

One of the best things about Arvada is how many parks are packed into the city. If your kids are getting bored of the same playground, trying a new one can instantly turn an ordinary afternoon into a mini adventure. Who knows… you might even discover a park you didn’t realize was right around the corner.

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