6 playgrounds in Arvada worth the trip
Six playgrounds worth the detour in Arvada
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.
❤️ Enjoying What’s Happenin’? Kindly forward this to a friend. Word of mouth is how this community grows, and it means more than you know.
👋 Did a friend send you this email? Jump in and join the fun. Subscribe here.
🥳 Hosting something fun, interesting, or community-focused"nbsp;Submit your event here
🧭 Want to check out your personal hub for everything What’s Happenin’? Check Out Your Dashboard
Run a local business and want to get in front of thousands of locals who love supporting their community?
We’d love to help connect you with Arvada readers who are always looking for their next favorite spot.
Let’s make something happen.
How often do you visit playgrounds around Arvada?
Click an option to vote
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.
🐐 Rocky Heard You…
He saw what you were excited about this week — and he decided to share a few can’t-miss events over on Instagram. If you like visuals, behind-the-scenes moments, and quick hits of what’s happenin’, this one’s for you.
📸 See what he’s sharing → 📍 Arvada
Give it a tap, a like, or a share — Rocky notices 👀
What's Happenin' in Arvada
Monday, March 16
Tuesday, March 17
Want more? See the full calendar → Arvada Event Calendar
Real Talk ☕
What’s Happenin’ is 100% free and independently run (yep, it’s just us). If this newsletter helps you discover cool things around town, your support helps keep it going and growing. We truly appreciate any and all love. Thank you for being part of the community.
💼 Local Jobs Worth Checking Out
We believe great communities connect people to great opportunities.
Local Jobs
Full-time
Part-time
Featured Listing of the Week
Dreaming of a new address? Each week, we’re spotlighting a standout home in town — from charming bungalows to modern builds and everything in between.
💘 Date Spot in Arvada
Arvada dates are all about small-town charm with local flavor. Olde Town Arvada is a go-to for strolling, cozy dinners, and dessert stops, while the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities adds a culture-forward twist with shows, exhibits, and open-air vibes. If you’re leaning outdoorsy, sunset views and picnic potential at Majestic View Park never miss.
Vote and we’ll share the top picks—chosen by locals—in an upcoming issue. 💌
🍽 Not sure where to eat tonight?
Our Restaurant Finder takes the guesswork out of dining by showing you the best local restaurants based on real reviews and vibes, not just ratings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a date-night spot, we’ve got you. No endless scrolling, no decision fatigue...just solid recs.
🧠 Need a brain break?
Play trivia, crosswords, and word searches built just for locals. These games aren’t just fun...they’ll test how well you actually know your city. Great for killing time, learning something new, or proving you’re the true local legend.
🗳 Arvada’s Best Pastries 🥐
It’s pastry time.
We’re spotlighting the Arvada bakeries and cafés serving up flaky croissants, buttery bites, and desserts worth the detour. From Olde Town staples to neighborhood gems, it’s all about the treats you actually crave.
Got a go-to croissant or cookie you can’t skip?
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.
💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Arvada even better?
I’d love to hear from you. Hit reply — we’re always building the ultimate local calendar.
See you Wednesday!
— Ben
What’s Happenin’ is growing — want to join us?
Last month our local newsletters across Boulder, Arvada, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Denver were opened 177,000+ times by locals looking for things to do and places to go.
As we continue to grow, I’m looking to add one or two people to help with partnerships with local businesses.
If you love supporting local businesses and want to help grow these newsletters, just reply to this email and tell me a little about yourself.
Keep Reading with a Free Subscription
Get unlimited access to all newsletters, local guides, and exclusive content. Join our community!
Already a subscriber?