13 Best Things to Do in Lakewood, Colorado in 2024 (By a Local) (2024)

For eight years, I’ve lived in the western Denver suburbs within minutes of Lakewood. My varied experiences and hours of research helped me determine the best things to do in Lakewood, Colorado!

The state’s fifth-largest city is often overshadowed by things to do in Denver. But I think locals and visitors are missing out — in part, because similar articles don’t do Lakewood justice. They skip over so many of my favorite Lakewood attractions!

I love this community for its outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stellar places to shop and dine. In this Lakewood guide, I’ll share free Lakewood activities and hidden gems I’ve come across after nearly a decade of exploring.And, if you need a place to stay, I’ve also got a separate guide to where to stay in Lakewood.

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13 Best Things to Do in Lakewood, CO

Bear Creek Lake Park

Enjoy water activities, horseback riding, camping, and more outdoor fun at Lakewood’s largest park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 697-6159 | Website | Hours: Vary by season, see website | Entrance: $10 general vehicle day pass, $5 seniors (62+) and disabled adults; activities may cost extra

Bear Creek Lake Park offers more outdoor activities than any other Lakewood park. There are options for every season, interest, and ability at this 2,600-acre site. Plus, a vehicle day pass costs just $10 — an especially incredible value for big families and groups.

You’ll love its three lakes where you can boat, water ski, fish, and swim. I suggest renting a SUP, kayak, or canoe from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard. You’ll find this outfitter along Big Soda Lake from May-Sept. I prefer paddling at Big Soda because it doesn’t allow motorboats. This means the water is less choppy than other nearby lakes, including the other two at Bear Creek.

I also think this is one of the best places to camp near Denver. Enjoy convenient amenities, 47 sites with RV electrical hookups, a group site, and two yurts available from April to October. I really love its three heated cabins, which you can book year-round for just $65 per night.

My other favorite Bear Creek Lake Park activities include:

• Guided horseback rides with Bear Creek Stables, available with reservations
• Walking the easy 0.7-mile Owl Trail along Bear Creek, perfect for families
• Biking the hilly 6.6-mile Mount Carbon Loop, which involves a challenging 225-foot climb

William Frederick Hayden Park

Summit Green Mountain, the tallest peak nearest to downtown Denver, or opt for a family-friendly hike.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 697-6159 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free

William Frederick Hayden Park boasts some of my favorite hikes near Denver. You’ll find several routes to the top of Green Mountain, the tallest and nearest peak to downtown.

Reach its 6,854-foot summit via Rooney Valley Trail, Summit Loop Trail, and Green Mountain Trail. These moderate paths are well-marked and accessible in all seasons. I suggest combining the Green Mountain Trail with Hayden Trail for the best views of the Rocky Mountains.

You’ll love the variety of routes at this 2,400-acre park, no matter your skill level. I recommend downloading AllTrails+ to help navigate the interconnecting paths, which are open to bikes and foot traffic. Your four-legged friends are also welcome but must be on a leash.

Casa Bonita

Experience South Park creators’ new-and-improved Casa Bonita, offering quirky entertainment and Mexican food that’s actually good.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 232-5115 | Website | Hours: 4:30 – 10:30 pm Wed-Sat, Closed Sun – Tues

Casa Bonita is this year’s most popular Lakewood restaurant and even one of the most popular restaurants in Denver. You’ve likely seen headlines since Aug. 2021 when South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone purchased the eatery/entertainment venue. They popularized Casa Bonita in 2003 when it appeared in a season seven episode. You should watch it before visiting!

It’s been hugely revamped since their purchase and finally reopened in July 2023. I’m amazed by its vibrant ambiance, much higher-quality Mexican fare, and top talent.

You’ll be entertained by cliff divers, mariachi bands, and ManBearPig (another South Park reference). Explore the caves of Black Bart’s hideout, see a puppet show, and raise your flag for more sopaipillas!

Belmar Shopping Center

Browse racks, discover delicious sips and bites, or attend an engaging event at this open-air complex.

See Also

Belmar & Downtown Lakewood Neighborhood Guide | VISIT DENVERLakewood (Colorado) – Travel guide at Wikivoyage10 Things to Do in Lakewood, CO - LivabilityLakewood | Colorado Encyclopedia

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 742-1520 | Website | Hours: Vary by establishment

Belmar is one of the best malls in Denver, and my personal favorite place to shop in Lakewood. The open-air complex has boutiques and popular retailers, like Lululemon, Sephora, and Nordstrom Rack.

But the restaurant options are really what make Belmar stand out. No other Denver-area mall has the same selection of fare, from budget eats to upscale dining.

I recommend visiting Lady Nomada for delicious tacos and a vibrant interior inspired by Baja, Mexico. T-Street is another on my list of go-to spots, as its New American fare and co*cktails are top-notch.

Follow dinner with a movie at Cinemark Century Theater, or attend one of several events like concerts, art showcases, and cultural festivals. Summer farmer’s markets and winter ice skating are other key draws. My husband and I love planning date nights in Denver, but Belmar gives us many reasons to stick to the suburbs.

Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park

Learn about local history at this free attraction that preserves 20th-century structures and artifacts.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 987-7850 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tues – Sat, 12 – 4 pm Sun, Closed Mon; Grounds open daily | Entrance: Free

Lakewood Heritage Center is one of the best Lakewood activities on a budget. No other free attraction displays the area’s history as thoroughly. Families and history buffs will love the interesting, interactive exhibits within the visitor center. One gallery rotates, featuring items from the museum’s collection of 33,000+ historical objects and 9,000+ photographs.

Lakewood Heritage Center also has 15 preserved buildings from the 20th century. Guests can take a free self-guided walking tour of the Belmar Estate, Farm Center, and Colfax Hub. Alternatively, reserve a guided walking tour for $5/adult and $3/child. This will allow you to learn more about the structures, like the 1920s schoolhouse and the Belmar Mansion built in 1937.

📚 Related Reading: 16 Best Museums in Denver, by a Local (in 2023)

Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters

Savor the nuanced flavors of single-origin coffee in this modern neighborhood cafe.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 261-5954 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 1 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sun

Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters is one of the top coffee shops in Denver. I think few roasters do a better job of highlighting single-origin coffees’ nuances. Baristas even teach guests how to identify flavor notes during coffee tastings, available with reservations. I highly recommend trying the Hamasho Ethiopian roast for its sweet, fruity flavor.

But Sweet Bloom has options for every palette. Its rotating variety features beans from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Kenya, and Colombia. All are expertly roasted in-house, ensuring freshness. Bags can be purchased and pour overs are made in the cafe, as are other espresso beverages.

Hangar 101 Bar & Grill

Play billiards, bowling, and arcade games at this spacious venue which accommodates small and large groups.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 600-8934 | Website | Hours: 2 pm – 2 am daily

Hangar 101 beats out several Denver bars, in my opinion. Food and drinks are more affordable, averaging $18 for a burger and beer. You’ll pay $24+ at similar establishments like Punch Bowl Social! Plus, parking is free and far easier to find than in most city neighborhoods.

Hangar 101 offers pool tables, bowling, arcade games, and several large TVs for catching the game. The range of entertainment makes this spot ideal for both small and large groups. It’s a great place for parties and corporate events because up to 425 guests can be accommodated. Few Lakewood venues can match this capacity, and I’d recommend this one above all.

Bear Creek Greenbelt Park

Explore this urban park which features a lengthy paved trail that’s suitable for all abilities.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 987-7800 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Bear Creek Greenbelt Park is one of the best things to do in Lakewood for families. No other Lakewood park has a longer paved trail. It stretches 4.5 miles and is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs, as well as cyclists. Begin at the entrance of Fox Hollow Golf Course and continue as far as Bear Creek Park.

The Stone House is the most noteworthy stop on this path. It’s a historic structure surrounded by manicured gardens and picnic tables. It’s also adjacent to Bass Pond, which is open to fishing.

Golf Courses

Select from a variety of golf destinations, including popular sites and an affordable hidden gem.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 986-7888 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Varies by course

Fox Hollow Golf Course is the most popular place to golf in Lakewood. It features more options than any other nearby destination, having three 9-hole courses. These include Links, Meadow, and Canyon, which is often visitors’ favorite for its creative design and variation in difficulty.

My husband is an avid golfer and loves The Homestead Golf Course, set just south of Fox Hollow. He finds its hilly topography to be fun and challenging. One hole on the 18-hole course requires golfers to tee off 50 feet above the green!

He also recommends Foothills Golf Course. It’s smaller but a favorite among locals given its highly affordable rates. On average, you’ll pay $20 for nine holes — the aforementioned courses start at $35!

Plus, Foothills open until 7 pm, two hours later than Fox Hollow and Homestead. Book an after-work tee time and consider taking the family! Putter’s Pride mini golf is just around the corner.

Dinosaur Ridge

Join an educational tour or opt for a self-guided walk to dozens of dinosaur tracks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 697-3466 | Website | Visitor Center Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (May-Oct), 9 am – 4 pm daily (Nov-April) | Entrance: $32 adults, $20 youth ages 3-11; free self-guided walking tours | 👉 Book a Foothills Tour on Viator

Dinosaur Ridge is one of the nation’s best places to see dinosaur tracks. The main track site is easily accessible via a free 0.4-mile walk or a paid bus tour. The latter experience is guided and grants entry to the Discovery Center and the visitor center’s Exhibit Hall. See real fossils and replicas and allow children to enjoy uncovering objects in the hands-on dig sites.

Technically, this family-friendly attraction lies in Morrison. But it’s less than a mile south of William Frederick Hayden Park. Take a hike, visit Dinosaur Ridge, and tack on Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a full day’s itinerary! In my opinion, this world-famous music venue is one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Other live music venues can’t compete with its views.

In-N-Out Burger

Nosh on Double-Doubles and animal-style fries at this popular late-night burger joint.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 786-1000 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 1 am Sun – Thurs, 10:30 am – 1:30 am Fri & Sat

In-N-Out Burger in Lakewood is the burger chain’s closest location to downtown Denver. The California-based eatery has a cult following and vehicles were lined up for hours when it opened in 2021. Fortunately, visitors these days receive their Double-Doubles and animal-style fries much quicker.

I recommend swinging by this S. Wadsworth Blvd. spot when late-night cravings strike. Nowhere else will you find good food at 1 am. In-N-Out is also loved for its value-driven menu, featuring fresh ingredients at low prices — think $3.50 for a cheeseburger. Similar eateries like Shake Shake and Smashburger cost nearly twice as much, if not more!

Magill’s World of Ice Cream

Choose from 40+ ice cream flavors including classics, unique creations, and dairy-free delights.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 986-9968 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon – Fri, 10 am – 9:30 pm Sat & Sun

Magill’s World of Ice Cream serves some of the Denver area’s best desserts. You won’t find a larger selection of homemade flavors anywhere else. Choose from 40+ options including classics like cookie dough and rocky road, as well as unique flavors like huckleberry, horchata, and Jack Daniel’s chocolate chip. My go-to is the vegan cookies & cream!

Sloan’s Lake

Explore an urban oasis in nearby Edgewater, which draws cyclists, picnickers, and brewery crawlers.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 913-1311 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Sloan’s Lake is one of the most popular lakes near Denver. It’s located just 4 miles from downtown and is the city center’s largest body of water. In my opinion, no urban park is better for a picnic, having skyline and mountain views in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood. Tables and shaded, grassy areas are found along the shore, as are playgrounds and basketball courts.

Visitors can also enjoy a walk or bike ride around the lake’s 2.6-mile paved loop. It’s stroller and wheelchair accessible, and open to leashed pets. I love the local establishments along the route, especially Odell Brewing. It’s one of the best Denver breweries, having a dog-friendly patio and scenic rooftop. Grab a seat and sample a personal favorite, the 90 Shilling amber ale.

FAQs About What to Do in Lakewood

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Thanks for reading my guide on the best things to do in Lakewood, CO! See our article on top Denver suburbs for more fun area activities.