15 Best Things to Do in Northglenn (CO)

A small city with an equal mix of suburban charm and urban excitement is one way to describe the Denver suburb of Northglenn in Adams County, Colorado. It’s officially described as “the most perfectly planned community in America,” and that is evident to any visitor who makes Northglenn their base when traveling in Colorado.

Everything you need and want in a vacation destination is at your fingertips, and it’s all so easy to find. Packed into the tiny area are a number of cafes, restaurants, lakes, recreation facilities, and 550 acres of parks and green spaces, including the 28-mile Greenway Trail System.

There are plenty of places to do some shopping, including Northglenn Marketplace, Old Wagon Antique Mall, and Northglenn Pavilion.

Northglenn is also known for its pleasant weather, which sees about 300 days of sunshine every year, and spectacular views of the towering Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of events and festivals, including the Athena Festival and the Pirate Festival. The best part about vacationing in Northglenn is the principal city of Denver; all its services and world-class attractions are only a short drive away.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Northglenn, Colorado.

1. Unwind at The Little Massage Shop

You’ve made it to your destination, and it’s likely that the first thing you’ll want to do is relax after the long journey. The Little Massage Shop in Northglenn has the perfect solution to help you unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Upon entering the shop, you are greeted by a tranquil and relaxing environment that sets the stage for a relaxing time getting pampered. Skilled massage therapists offer stress-reducing and muscle-relaxing massages using hot stones, ranging from 30 minutes to two hours. Other services including scalp, face, and foot massages and Reiki.

2. Boondocks Fun Center

Family entertainment for all ages is available at Boondocks Fun Center in Northglenn. Hours of fun are spent cooling off at the water park, playing games in the arcade, bowling at the on-site bowling alley, climbing at the ropes course, playing laser tag, riding the bumper boats, and racing the go-karts.

After a long day of adrenaline-pumping activities, choose a meal from an extensive menu of dishes and combos catering to every taste.

3. Croke Reservoir

Visitors to Northglenn can spend a day enjoying the beautiful, natural surroundings of the Croke Reservoir. Whether you prefer to relax on the shore under the towering trees or spend an afternoon fishing, a day outdoors taking in all that fresh mountain air is a day well-spent.

On-site, there’s also a picnic area, and visitors can take a leisurely stroll on a 1.2-kilometer trail that winds around the lake, where various mammals and birds can be observed.

4. Denver Escape Room

Thrill-seekers can partake in a unique mystery-solving adventure at Denver Escape Room. Gather up the members of your travel party and choose which of the three themed rooms suits your preferred course of action.

Work together to solve various problems using clues, puzzles, and riddles with a common goal in mind – escaping the room within the established one-hour time limit. Along the way, surprise twists will send you off in unexpected directions as you work against the clock.

5. Morrison Natural History Museum

Visitors to the Morrison Natural History Museum in Morrison learn all about the science of Palaeontology from experts in the field and through interactive tours and exhibits. Explore the museum on your own or with a guide; along the way, learn about dinosaur discoveries in Colorado and view various fossils that have been found in the area.

Learn about the Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge areas, which are local hotbeds for prehistoric finds. Some of the on-site exhibits include the Jurassic Garden, Fossil Dig Pit, T. Rex and Time, Cretaceous Colorado, and Ice Age. A gift shop is also on-site.

6. Water World

On hot days, cool off at Water World in nearby Federal Heights. This water park is home to many different rides and slides, including DoubleDare, Eagle River, Glacier Run, Mile High Flyer, Pirate’s Plunge, Skyline Speed Slides, Thunder Bay Wave Pool, and Turbo Racer.

Also on-site are many eateries serving up every kind of meal and snack imaginable, including Coconut Point, Cowabunga Pizza, Boardwalk Burrito, Surf’s Up, and Bermuda’s. Cabana rentals are available.

7. El Mirador Mexican Restaurant

When hunger strikes, visitors and residents alike flock to El Mirador Mexican Restaurant in Northglenn for their friendly service and delicious, expertly prepared Mexican dishes.

The menu includes a variety of appetizers and items, such as fajitas, enchiladas, salads, and entrees. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, and Happy Hour takes place daily.

8. E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park

E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park is one of the most popular parks in Northglenn and the Greater Denver area. The defining feature and centerpiece of the park and many of the recreational activities is Webster Lake, where visitors can rent paddleboats.

Swings, climbing areas, a basketball court, geysers, a picnic area, and one of the best playgrounds in the region are also on site.

9. State 38 Distilling

Visitors to nearby Golden can stop in for a free visit and tour of a prize-winning boutique distillery specializing in hand-crafted spirits. See how these 100% Agave-based spirits are made from start to finish.

After your tour, head to the tasting room to enjoy two complimentary tastings. Choose from a variety of products, including the world’s only agave-based vodka and the Loveday Bourbon Whiskey. While you spend time in this custom-built building, admire the handiwork and beautiful detail.

10. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Visitors to Denver can learn about many aspects of the science and history of the earth through a wide range of interpretive and interactive exhibits at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Some of the exhibits are temporary while others are permanent, including The Discovery Zone, Egyptian Mummies, El Alebriji, Expedition Health, Prehistoric Journey, Space Odyssey, and the Wildlife Halls.

Also on-site is The Gates Planetarium and the Phipps IMAX Theater.

11. Elitch Gardens

Visit two different parks for the price of one when you spend the day at Elitch Gardens in Denver. One park features 13 thrilling rides, including the roller coasters that give the park its nickname – the Rollercoaster Capital of Denver.

Children’s rides are also available, including Crazy Bus, Tike Bikes, and Balloon Race. The other park features refreshing water amusements such as water slides, a white water raft ride, and a lazy river.

Elitch Gardens also hosts entertainment from time to time, and families can enjoy an outing at the Dive-in Movies, where they can relax in the wave pool while watching a family-friendly movie.

12. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Visitors to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver get a comprehensive lesson in the history of the former Lowery Air Force Base operations. The museum features a collection of more than 50 aircraft and outer space vehicles and a research library.

Some of the permanent exhibits include The Lowry Heritage Room, Be The Astronaut, Virtual Reality Lounge, Colorado Airports, The Amelia Project, Apollo Moon Rock, and the Colorado Air National Guard Room. Also on-site is Colorado’s most realistic flight simulator. Audio tours are available.

13. Discover Denver’s Lodo Historic District

Historic LoDo District, Denver — Historic LoDo District

The vibrant neighborhood of the Lodo Historic District is a can’t miss in the city of Denver. The neighborhood is an exciting place to explore and is home to a wide variety of attractions and services.

There’s something for all ages in Lodo. Former warehouses are now an array of brewpubs, bars, restaurants, and chic, rooftop cafes. You can spend an evening listening to live Jazz music while you enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at El Chapultepec

Rockmount Ranch Wear and Tattered Cover Bookstore are just a couple of the other notable stops along the way.

14. Watch Money Being Made at the U. S. Mint

In nearby Denver, you have a chance to see money being made with a complimentary guided tour of the U. S. Mint. This is where 50 million coins are made each day. The step-by-step method involved in producing these shiny coins is quite an interesting thing to see.

While on the tour, your experienced guide will tell you about the history of the facility and the U.S. Mint. A gift shop is also on-site.