things to do in westminster co
Okay, Westminster, Colorado offers a nice mix of suburban comfort, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly activities. Here’s a breakdown of things to do:
Outdoor Recreation & Parks:
- Standley Lake Regional Park: This is a major highlight.
- Activities: Boating (paddleboards, kayaks, small motorboats – check regulations!), fishing, bird watching (bald eagles often nest here!), hiking and biking trails with great views of the lake and mountains.
- Note: Swimming/wading (body contact with water) is generally not permitted to protect water quality, but the scenery and other activities are fantastic. Check their website for current regulations and entrance fees.
- Westminster City Park: A large central park with amenities for everyone.
- Features: Large playground, splash pad (seasonal), pond for relaxing, sports fields (soccer, baseball), skate park, and often hosts city events. Adjacent to the City Hall and library.
- Big Dry Creek Trail: A major regional trail perfect for walking, running, and biking. It runs through Westminster and connects to other trail systems, offering miles of paved pathway, often alongside the creek.
- Westminster Hills Open Space & Dog Park: Great for hiking with views of the Front Range. It features a large, popular off-leash dog park area.
- Hyland Hills Golf Course: Offers multiple courses catering to different skill levels, including a challenging regulation course, fun Par 3 courses, and even FootGolf and miniature golf.
- Explore Other Parks: Westminster has numerous neighborhood parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, and green space (e.g., Little Dry Creek Trail, Ketner Lake Open Space).
Family Fun:
- Butterfly Pavilion: A must-visit! This invertebrate zoo lets you walk among thousands of free-flying butterflies in a tropical conservatory. They also have exhibits featuring other insects, spiders (including Rosie the Tarantula!), and underwater creatures. Great for all ages.
- Adventure Golf & Raceway: Fun center with multiple themed miniature golf courses, go-karts, bumper cars, a ropes course, and a maze.
- Ice Centre at the Promenade: Offers public ice skating sessions, lessons, hockey leagues, and sometimes hosts figure skating events.
- Water World (Nearby in Federal Heights): While technically just outside Westminster, it’s very close and one of the country’s largest water parks. A major summer destination for families in the area.
Entertainment, Shopping & Dining:
- Westminster Promenade: An outdoor entertainment hub.
- Features: AMC Theatre, Ice Centre, various restaurants (from casual to sit-down), Dave & Buster’s (arcade games & eatery), hotel, and often features summer events or outdoor fountains.
- The Orchard Town Center: A large outdoor mall located on the northern edge of Westminster (bordering Broomfield).
- Features: Wide variety of retail stores (major brands), restaurants, a movie theater (AMC), and often hosts seasonal events, concerts, and a farmers market.
- Explore Local Breweries: Check out places like Kokopelli Beer Company or Frolic Brewing Company for local craft beer and pub fare.
- Diverse Dining: Westminster offers a wide range of restaurants along major corridors like Sheridan Blvd, Federal Blvd, and Wadsworth Parkway, covering various cuisines.
Arts, Culture & Community:
- Armed Forces Tribute Garden: Located near City Hall, this is a beautiful and moving memorial honoring all branches of the U.S. military.
- Check City Events Calendar: The City of Westminster often hosts free events, especially in the summer, like concerts in the park, movies under the stars, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations (e.g., Fourth of July fireworks, tree lighting). Check the official City of Westminster website for the latest schedule.
- Visit the Libraries: Westminster Public Library has multiple branches (College Hill, Irving Street) offering not just books but also programs, computer access, and community resources.
Proximity Advantages:
- Easy Access to Denver: Take the RTD Flatiron Flyer bus or drive downtown (~20-30 mins depending on traffic) for museums, sports venues, theater, nightlife, and more.
- Close to Boulder: Head northwest (~20-30 mins) to explore Pearl Street Mall, hike Chautauqua Park, or enjoy Boulder’s unique vibe.
- Near Olde Town Arvada: A charming historic downtown area with boutiques, restaurants, breweries, and a light rail station is just a short drive south.
When planning, always check the specific websites or call ahead for hours of operation, admission fees (if any), and current event schedules, as these can change. Enjoy exploring Westminster!