25 Things To Do in Arvada this Summer
Honestly, there are probably a million things to do in Arvada this summer, but we’ve narrowed it down to a couple dozen of our favorites. Whether you are drawn by the allure of the outdoors, the charm of cultural festivities, or the pursuit of culinary delights, our curated list of 25 things to do in Arvada this summer is your passport to a season filled with innovation, quality, and endless possibilities.
1. Pack a blanket and picnic basket and explore one of Arvada’s 100+ parks! Nearly every Arvada resident can walk to their nearest outdoor oasis in no more than 10 minutes. Stop by the Arvada Visitors Center to pick up your Parks and Trails Guide or view an online version here.
2. Take in an Amazing Concert at the Outdoor Amphitheatre at the Arvada Center!
The Arvada Center's Outdoor Amphitheatre comes to life each summer with a series of concerts featuring national and international touring artists and local cultural favorites. Relax under the stars to great performances in a gorgeous setting.
3. Head to Majestic View Nature Center for hands-on displays and wildlife exhibits. Connected is the Majestic View Community Park, with more than 80 acres to explore. The Majestic View Nature Center stands as a beacon for nature lovers and summer event aficionados alike, offering a splendid array of activities amidst its stunning natural backdrop. This summer, immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of the Center, where expert-led workshops and interactive exhibits promise an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
4. Enjoy a summer cocktail in Olde Town Arvada
One of our favorites? The Marmalade Margarita found at the Marmalade Lounge in the lower level of Clementine’s on Olde Wadsworth Blvd. This patio offers a sun-drenched afternoon just steps away from the hustle and bustle Arvada.
5. Stop by the Arvada Historical Society on Grandview Ave and learn a little bit about this community’s history. With an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents, the Historical Society offers a sophisticated journey through time. Beyond its archival treasures, the Society provides expert guidance and support, ensuring every visitor and researcher gains insightful access into Arvada's vibrant past, making history not just informative but truly alive and engaging. (Pop quiz: Do you know which businesses now operate in the oldest home in Olde Town Arvada? Answer: Carly’s Boutique and Eli Ashby found at 7401 Grandview, were built in 1874)
6. Get Tropical at Arvada Tavern’s Bernard’s Tiki Room
The Tiki Room is like nothing else in Arvada, where the art of mixology meets a splash of tropical panache. This hidden gem invites aficionados and novices alike to indulge in a meticulously curated selection of innovative cocktails.The Tiki Room offers live music every Friday and Saturday night starting at 7pm.
7. Gear Up & Cast Your Line at Arvada Blunn Reservoir
Embrace the early mornings, the patience, and the thrill of the chase, knowing that with every cast, you're not only fishing – you're building the unbreakable spirit of a champion.The reservoir is open daily from April 1 to October 31, from 7 a.m. to
7 p.m. and is located north of
W 66th Ave. and east of Highway 93.
8. Arvada is home to three beautiful golf courses: Lake Arbor, West Woods, and Indian Tree. They are not just courses, they are battlegrounds where determination, precision, and grit are rewarded. Enjoy the challenge, conquer your doubts, and emerge victorious with every shot taking you a step closer to glory. Let's not just play golf, let's redefine what you're truly capable of on these fields of dreams! Insider tip: even if you don't golf, we have a few reasons you still need to visit our courses. Don’t worry, we explain it all here.
9. Trampolines. Bounce the day away.
That sounds pretty awesome to us! Head to Sky Zone in Arvada to get your fix. Let Sky Zone be the #1 destination when you and your summer- breakers need to burn off some energy on a rainy day.
10. Ignite your passion for automotive excellence and embark on a transformative journey at the Cussler Museum in Arvada! Here, each meticulously preserved vintage car tells a story of innovation, power, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Marvel at these timeless masterpieces and let their legacy inspire you. Don't just dream about greatness – chase it, starting with a visit to this beacon of inspiration and engineering mastery. The museum is open May – September each year. Learn more here.
11. Find Something at Outside of the Box
A popular retailer in Olde Town Arvada now boasts two locations at the intersection of Grant Place and Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Find something unique and beautiful for your home or garden here! Your purchase also supports a small business in Colorado, co-owned by Chris and Dorn (although Rosie Belle the Basset Hound is in charge when she is there!)
12. Cool off with a scoop of homemade ice cream at Scrumptious Ice Cream in Olde Town Arvada. Take a peek their five most popular flavors! We know ice cream is a given in the summer, and Scrumptious is not to be missed. Their ice cream is made with as many all-natural ingredients as possible. And their promise is “to make the best tasting ice cream that your taste buds have ever had the pleasure of meeting.”
13. Visit One of Arvada’s Ten Best Dog-Friendly patios
They feature delicious drinks, friendly service and lots of love for your four-legged family member. Grab your best friend and enjoy an afternoon of local sips and sunshine. Learn more here.
14. Head to one of the most popular bakeries in the metro area, Rheinlander Bakery! Since 1963, Rheinlander has been happily temping taste buds with traditional, gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free treats. This isn't just a bakery; it's an institution and a challenge to elevate your palate to new heights of deliciousness.
15. Ice skating in the summer? You bet! Dive into an exhilarating summer adventure with ice skating at the Apex Center in Arvada! Lace up your skates and glide into your greatest potential amidst the cool embrace of the ice, even as the summer sun blazes outside. Need a refresher course? They also offer private lessons.
16. Head to Arvada’s Food Hall, Freedom Street Social
In addition to housing nine beloved food concepts, a full bar, and a unique pop-up dining experience, Freedom Street Social represents a community space for the entire neighborhood. Don’t miss their fitness pop-ups, cooking classes, or dozens of annual events!
17. Burn off a few calories have some fun with Archery Games in Arvada. Archery Games is the action-packed experience that is fun for ages 7 and up. Sometimes called “Archery Dodgeball”, two teams battle it out with bows and foam-tipped arrows from opposite sides of the arena. Tag all of the opposing players with arrows to eliminate them from the game and win!
18. Get up on Two Wheels with Rides for all Abilities!
Join Bike Friendly Arvada on of their community bike rides! Learn a new route, meet a new friend and have some fun. Check out their summer schedule here.
19. Try your hand at pickleball! The Apex Park and Recreation District can get you started, and they offer indoor and outdoor court options. Pickleball is a dynamic, fast-paced game that is igniting passion across nations, blending agility, strategy, and fun in an exhilarating mix that's impossible to resist.
20. Can you keep a secret? Enjoy a night out on the town at The Stockroom, a speakeasy located in Olde Town Arvada. We don’t want to say too much but we know you won’t be disappointed.
21. Arvada’s West-Side Favorite
The Colorado Tap House! Jump on the Ralston Creek Trail and head west from the iconic 400-foot suspended cable bridge at Gold Strike Park known as Spar Bridge at the confluence of Ralston Creek and Clear Creek. Ride just shy of 10 miles and reward yourself with a tasty beverage (wine slushie anyone?) at the Colorado Tap House. The Tap House boasts nearly 100 bike parking spots, local brews and sunny patios.
22. Inject a little culture into you summer! Take in a show at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. The Arvada Center produces, curates, and creates national-caliber arts, humanities, education, and entertainment. The Arvada Center offers classes, camps and workshops for adults and kiddos, free exhibitions, music and dance and more. All right here in Arvada!
23. What’s Summer without Date Night?
The Butchery in Arvada is made for date nights. Widely known for its amazing steak and seafood options, The Butchery also boasts a fun bar scene with daily happy hour specials.
24. Cool off in the Ralston Central Park Splash Pad! Everyone knows a romp through the splash pad is not only fun for the entire family but it is one of the best ways to stay cool. The splash pad is open 10am to 8pm from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
25. Staycation, Anyone?
Get away from it all while staying in-town! Take a staycation at the Hilton Garden Inn or at Arvada’s newest hotel, the Residence Inn by Marriott. Here are five reasons to visit with your family today!