Arvada’s playground glow-up you need to see

2/5/2026 What's Happenin' Team Arvada
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Five must-visit playgrounds in Arvada

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Happy Friday, Arvada!

Arvada has quietly been leveling up its playground game, and it shows. Some parks have been refreshed, others fly under the radar, and a few might surprise you. If your usual go-to playground needs a break, this list will give you a few new ideas to check out.

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🍲 Who’s Serving the Best Bowl in Arvada?

When the weather cools down, Arvada reaches for a spoon. From rich green chile to classic comfort soups that feel like a hug in a bowl, our local spots know how to do cozy right.

Which restaurant or hidden gem is serving the soup you crave — the kind you’d drive across town for? 🥣✨

Let’s crown Arvada’s Best Soup.

Cast your souper vote →

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.

Cravings: Enstrom Candies (Arvada)

This Arvada outpost of Enstrom Candies is a sweet stop locals pop into for a quick treat or an easy gift. They’re best known for their buttery almond toffee, but you’ll also find chocolates, kosher treats, ice cream, and even coffee if you’re craving something cold or caffeinated. It’s welcoming, efficient, and perfect for when you want something classic and reliably good.

📍 6770 W 52nd Ave, Arvada | ⏰ Opens at 7 AM | 💰 $–$$$

Five must-visit playgrounds in Arvada

Five must-visit playgrounds in Arvada

Arvada is basically a playground gold mine. With more than 100 parks and over 70 playgrounds, you could try a new one every weekend and still not run out. Thanks to the city’s Taking Lasting Care program, many playgrounds have been renovated recently, which means newer equipment, better surfaces, and more thoughtful designs for kids of all ages.

Here are five playgrounds that locals love and for good reason.

Creekside Park

📍 5897 Pierce St. | Near the Ralston Creek Trail

Freshly renovated in August 2023, Creekside is colorful, shaded, and full of personality. Kids will spot wildlife themed equipment like a turtle spinner, dragonfly teeter totter, clown fish climber, and more. The shade canopy and net climber make this one easy to linger at, especially on sunnier days.

Memorial Park

📍 8001 W. 59th Ave. | Just north of Olde Town

If Ralston Central feels packed, Memorial Park is a great backup that still delivers. You’ll find tall tube slides for bigger kids, bouncers for the little ones, and enough space to spread out. It’s a solid all ages playground that does not feel overwhelming.

McIlvoy Park

📍 5750 Upham St. | Olde Town Arvada

Reopened in November 2023, McIlvoy Park blends playtime with local history. The multi level sky tower, built in scavenger hunt, and custom panels honoring Arvada’s past make this playground stand out. Bonus points for the carved tree featuring a horned owl and red fox. This is an easy win before or after wandering Olde Town.

Rainbow Park East

📍 8101 Yarrow St. | Northeast Arvada

This jungle themed playground is great for mixed age groups. There are plenty of shade trees, plus an off street trail that connects to two nearby parks, making it perfect for a longer play and walk combo. It feels tucked away in the best way.


Ralston Valley Park

📍 6863 Coors St. | West Arvada

Parking is limited here, but that keeps things quieter. Located right off a popular stretch of the Ralston Creek Trail, this space themed playground is easy to reach by bike or foot. The real stars are the two tall tube slides that kids will want to ride again and again.


Many of these playgrounds stay surprisingly playable during colder months thanks to rubber surfaces and newer designs. Whether you are chasing slides, swings, or a new neighborhood favorite, Arvada makes it easy to keep kids moving year round.

What's Happenin' Arvada: Event Listings

Friday, February 6

First Friday at Marmalade Lounge - Marmalade Lounge, Arvada | Friday, February 06, 2026 , 2:00pm-10:00pm | Ticketed
Trash Pandas - La Dolce Vita, Arvada | Friday, February 06, 2026 , 7:00pm-9:00pm | Ticketed
Winter Games Watch Party - School House Kitchen and Libations, Arvada | Friday, February 06, 2026 | Ticketed

Saturday, February 7

A Chocolate Affair - Olde Town Arvada, Arvada | Saturday, February 07, 2026 , 11:00am-2:00pm | Ticketed
Winter Games Watch Party - School House Kitchen and Libations, Arvada | Saturday, February 07, 2026 | Ticketed
Live Music @ Freedom Street Social - Freedom Street Social, Arvada | Saturday, February 07, 2026 , 6:00pm-9:00pm | Ticketed

Sunday, February 8

Super Bowl Sunday - Arvada, CO, Arvada | Sunday, February 08, 2026 | Ticketed
Hobby Board Gaming at LUKI Brewery - LUKI Brewery, Arvada | Sunday, February 08, 2026 , 12:00pm-8:00pm | Ticketed
Family Ties: Continuing the Creative Legacy - Arvada Center, Arvada | Sunday, February 08, 2026 , 10:00am-7:00pm | Ticketed

Want more? See the full calendar → Arvada Event Calendar

Local Businesses, This One’s for You

Want to be seen by 7,300 Arvada locals?

What’s Happenin’ Arvada puts local businesses in front of residents who care about their community.

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Wrapping it up

Whether you are squeezing in playtime between errands or planning a full afternoon outside, Arvada has plenty of playground options that go beyond the basics. Rotating parks can keep things fresh for kids and make outdoor time more fun for everyone.

Have a favorite playground we missed? We are always up for adding more local gems to the list.

💬 Got ideas for making What’s Happenin’ Arvada even better?

I’d love to hear from you. Just hit reply — I read every message and always respond when I can.

See you Monday!

— Ben

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