The best things to do in Lakewood

“If you want a proper adrenaline jolt without leaving the north burbs, 13th Floor Haunted House Denver packs an officially licensed Jason Universe: Survive the Night walkthrough, The Stitchworks, the Crimson Queen’s cathedral, plus axe throwing, five-minute mini escape games, and a 21+ tiki tarot inside the Shriekeasy.”

From the Thornton newsletter, September 10, 2026

“National Western Stock Show is your excuse to lean into your inner rancher, with crowd-pleasing rodeos, legit horse shows, a lineup of livestock shows, a kid-magnet petting zoo, and plenty of shopping. Established in 1906, it’s a local staple that still feels uniquely Denver.”

From the Denver newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Swap another couch scroll for a few frames at Lucky Strike Cherry Creek, where 40 slick lanes meet a lively sports bar, a legit arcade, and an on-site pro shop. Easy pick for date night or a group hang when you want friendly competition with your snacks and sips.”

From the Denver newsletter, August 6, 2026

“With one membership, Blackstone Country Club unlocks 36 holes across Blackstone and Black Bear, plus tennis, pickleball, fitness, swimming, and lively dining and social events. Perfect if you want more sunset rounds, more court time, and a community that actually remembers your name.”

From the Aurora newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Tee it up on Flying Horse Resort & Club’s two championship courses with Pikes Peak doing its majestic thing, then unwind with a proper spa session and a steakhouse dinner that actually earns the hype. Tuscan-inspired vibes meet Rockies views... perfect for a midweek reset.”

From the Arvada newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Craving a midweek cool-down? Banning Lewis Ranch serves up a junior Olympic pool with a splash zone, a long waterslide, and an easy beach-style entry that works for kid energy and post-work laps. Bring the crew for sunset swims and those Pikes Peak views, because your inner Colorado kid deserves some ker-splashes.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Venue for trampoline-based activities, zip-lining, sports & more, with various theme nights.”

“Challenging escape rooms with themes such as blackbeard's brig, the outbreak, and a casino heist.”

“Tight, tree-lined fairways, small greens and a few well-placed lakes make Meadow Hills Golf Course a bring-your-A-game kind of round, with legit history too... it even hosted the Denver Open back in 1961, and the views will make your bogeys sting less.”

From the Centennial newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Basic theater with stadium-style seating & snack bar, showing new releases & discounted matinees.”

“Whether you're corralling kids, planning a low-stress date, or just need a brain-off break, Adventure Miniature Golf has four themed 18-hole courses, including the playful Story Land course, kept tidy by a local, family-owned crew since 1993. Pencil it in this week.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Need a low-key hang this week that still brings the bragging rights? Putter's Pride packs 54 holes across three immaculately landscaped courses, complete with dragons, windmills, and sneaky ponds, so you can challenge friends, entertain the kids, or rally a party crew and crown a neighborhood champ.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Free-admission tourist attraction showcasing artwork.”

“Beat The Bomb Denver turns your crew into a hazmat-clad strike team racing through five game rooms, laser maze included, to stop a paint, foam, or slime bomb. lives forever.”

From the Commerce City newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Foothills Golf Course has options for whatever your calendar and game allow, with a Championship 18, Executive 9, and Par 3 plus legit practice ranges, lessons for adults and juniors, and a new golf simulator. Book a tee time, sharpen the swing, then brag in the group chat.”

From the Denver newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“RoadHouse Cinemas brings Colorado Springs a true dine-in movie setup with heated recliners, at-your-seat service, and a full bar, so you can actually finish the nachos before the previews end. Bonus points for the Rail Yard Gaming + Gastropub next door with duckpin bowling and arcade fun.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Willis Case Golf Course keeps things interesting with tree-lined, sloping fairways, small subtle greens, and bunkers that make you earn that par. Add in honest-to-goodness Rocky Mountain panoramas and you’ve got the perfect excuse to sneak in a round this week, no big trip required.”

From the Thornton newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Murphy Creek Golf Course keeps things fun with a prairie-links vibe, generous landing areas, big greens and some sneaky water, plus an award-winning practice setup. S. Amateur Public Links and nabbed a Golf Digest Top 10 Best New Courses nod in 2002.”

From the Greeley newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Trade your usual dinner spot for smoke-kissed chuckwagon plates and tight harmonies at Flying W Ranch Chuckwagon Suppers and Original Western Stage Show, where the award-winning Flying W Wranglers perform after supper and you can wander ponds, critters, shops, and Osage Nation Dancers under Pikes Peak.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Whether you're chasing the newest spectacle or that under-the-radar indie, Harkins Theatres Northfield keeps it simple and close to home. Easy meet-up spot, plenty of showtimes, and the kind of popcorn-fueled escape that turns a random Tuesday into actually-good plans.”

From the Denver newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Green Valley Ranch Golf Club pairs an award-winning 18-hole championship course with a breezy 9-hole par-3 and a legit practice scene using Trackman Range plus indoor sims offering 400 courses.”

From the Denver newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Walking tour showcasing Denver's best street art, including murals and graffiti, with insights into the artists' stories.”

“Nickel-A-Play keeps it simple and affordable... load a game card, rack up tickets, and let the kids loose while you sneak a couple rounds yourself. Birthday on deck?”

From the Brighton newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Lucky Strike Wheat Ridge is the local pick when you want more than just open lanes, with 40 lanes for league nights or casual games, an action-packed arcade, billiards, and a lively sports bar. Private rooms and a cozy lounge make hosting the crew painless.”

From the Arvada newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Aqua Golf lets you send drives into the water on a lighted range, then settle bragging rights on 36 holes of mini golf with real water hazards and sand traps. A quick hop from Lakewood, it’s a laid-back pick for casual hangs or team events with a clubhouse.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Rent-A-Theme Entertainment brings the fun to you with science-backed play experiences that actually get coworkers, neighbors, and kids laughing together. Think mobile mini golf, giant life-sized Legos, carnival and giant board games, even an inflatable movie screen...”

“Iconic artwork featuring a 40-foot bear standing peering into the Denver Convention Center.”

“When cabin fever hits, Great Wolf Lodge delivers an easy win with an 84-degree indoor water park, MagiQuest, ropes course, arcade, and the Howl In One mini golf course. Grab a day pass or stay the night, then let the kids happily burn off serious energy.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Children's indoor playground with trampolines, climbing areas, and slides, plus a restaurant.”

“If you can snag a guest spot this week, Denver Country Club delivers 1887 pedigree with classic golf, tennis, and a time-honored caddie program that keeps tradition real, perfect for a midweek reset when you want something quietly iconic without leaving the metro bubble.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Indoor amusement park featuring go-karting, trampoline jumping and zip lines.”

“Kennedy Golf Course is Denver’s all-skill-level playground with 27 holes plus a nine-hole par 3, a lighted range for quick tune-ups, and mini golf and FootGolf for the crew. Line up a round this week, bring a friend, and turn errant shots into good stories.”

From the Thornton newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Comfortable cinema showcasing first-run releases in theaters with reclining seats and free refills on popcorn and soda (some of which is self-serve).”

“Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club in nearby Aurora brings Troon-managed polish to an Arthur Hills-designed 18-hole track with generous fairways, scenic views, and public tee times worth planning around. After the round, the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant and a 37,000-square-foot clubhouse make post-round hangs or events easy.”

From the Parker newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Par-3, 9-hole golf course in central Denver, ideal for beginners and practice.”

“Emerald Greens Golf Course is a scenic, walkable 9-hole par-3 that winds around Windsor Gardens’ lake, bringing water into play, with a putting green, chipping green, and practice area.”

From the Denver newsletter, September 11, 2026

“With tech-infused indoor mini golf in RiNo, a killer patio, and a chef-driven menu of shareable bites and handcrafted cocktails, Puttshack - Denver turns a casual hang into proper bragging rights. Grab your crew this week and see who tops the leaderboard while you pretend it’s all about the ‘vibes’.”

From the Denver newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Nature preserve featuring 250 acres of woodland, riparian areas, and wildlife, with trails and an educational center.”

“Whether you want a round with proper Denver skyline drama, City Park Golf Course delivers an urban track with views that make bogeys sting less. Wrap it up on the City Park Tavern patio, a 5280 Top Patio winner, and call it the easiest Sunday upgrade in town.”

From the Denver newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.”

“Holey Moley Golf Club Denver turns putt-putt into a full-on hangout with 27 wildly themed holes, cheeky cocktails, and legit burgers.”

From the Littleton newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Legends Miniature Golf & Batting Cages brings all-ages fun with three 18-hole courses themed World Wonders, Animal Kingdom, and Western Frontier, plus eight batting cages for baseball or softball. Locally owned since 2013, it’s perfect for low-stakes competition with friends, family, or your work crew.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Overland Golf Course is one of Denver’s historic tracks with city and mountain views, narrow fairways and small, well-bunkered greens that reward straight hitters. Big grass range with chipping and putting greens, a 3-hole junior course, rentals and a legit pro shop make it an easy day trip.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Former home of the Colorado Open, this high-plains links layout mixes native grasses, real elevation swings, and big-sky views to keep your focus honest. Saddle Rock Golf Course also has one of the area’s largest practice tees and on-site Saddle Rock Grill, so you can warm up, then wind down.”

From the Aurora newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Elitch Gardens is Colorado’s Thrill Capital with coasters, family rides and a full water park, plus crowd-pleasers like drone shows, the new Glizzy Gardens hot dog fest, and Fright Fest. Located near downtown Denver, it’s a solid weekend plan when your group’s tastes can’t agree on just one kind of fun.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Whether you're corralling kids or just craving some low-stakes bragging rights, Lost Realm Adventure Park here in Colorado Springs delivers two outdoor 18-hole courses with life-size dinos and water features, plus timed play like a Ninja Warrior course, the Outdoor Jungle Climb, and an Indoor Playground.”

“If you need a reset this week, Lucky Strike Lakewood brings big-lane energy with 40 slick lanes and enough friendly competition to make group hangs actually happen. Rally the crew, reserve a lane, and see who still has that sneaky curve.”

From the Arvada newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Venue with rooms featuring a variety of games with physical challenges, along with a laser game and hoops games.”

“Pine Creek Golf Club pairs a links-style front nine with a canyon-style back, big elevation changes, and Pikes Peak views that make even a mishit feel almost profound. This week, take on a true championship test with natural creeks on 15 holes and options for every skill level.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Whether your kiddo needs to burn energy or you just want a breather, Colorado Bounce Company has Denver’s only indoor kangaroo jumper, tot zones, and an open layout that makes supervision easy. Swing by for open jump this week or book a low-stress birthday, then let them bounce themselves into bedtime.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Since 1954, Colorado Springs Country Club, the city's only member-owned golf and country club, has served up sweeping Rocky Mountain and Palmer Park views, golf, and year-round tennis, pickleball, aquatics, fitness, and dining across over 100 pristine acres. Looking for a welcoming, service-focused community?”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Just a short hop from Centennial, Kennedy Mini Golf Course delivers easygoing fun with multiple mini-golf courses plus a solid driving range to groove the swing. Ideal for after-work bragging rights or kid-approved weekend outings, it keeps the golf vibes light, local, and surprisingly competitive.”

From the Centennial newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Wellshire Golf Course brings that timeless, tree-lined vibe with the only public Donald Ross design west of the Mississippi. Celebrate its 100-year history, walk in Ben Hogan’s footsteps, then chase pars on the 18 and finish at Golfers Pub, the perfect excuse for a midweek swing tune-up.”

From the Denver newsletter, August 28, 2026

“With some of the best greens in Colorado and a true shot-maker’s layout designed by Dick Phelps, Golf Club At Heather Ridge delivers classic 1972 vibes without the fuss, plus leagues and tournaments, all at one of the better values in the Denver metro.”

From the Littleton newsletter, August 24, 2026

“iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Colorado Springs lets you float in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel with one-on-one coaching, kid-friendly energy, and room for friends to watch. Perfect for birthdays, team outings, or just shaking off the weekday grind with a flight that actually feels like flying.”

From the Colorado Springs newsletter, August 28, 2026

“OneLine Mural turns a Tennyson Street stroll into a brain-pleasing scavenger hunt with an interactive tour of murals built from a single unbroken line that never intersects. Created by local artist Jonathan Applegate, the pieces are oddly hypnotic, and you can even shop originals or prints if one grabs you.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, September 5, 2026