17 Best Things to Do in Arvada (in 2023)

In this post we’ll run down 17 of the best things to do in Arvada!

Located just 20 minutes from the Mile High City, Arvada is one of the greatest Denver suburbs to visit. In this guide, I cover historical and cultural attractions in Olde Town, nearby parks, and some of my favorite places to eat and drink in Arvada.

I also share family-friendly Arvada attractions, including one of the country’s largest spots for a popular action sport. Who would’ve guessed?

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17 Best Things to Do in Arvada

Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities

See a local show with impressive talent

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 898-7200 | Arvada Center Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm weekdays, 10 am – 4 pm Sat, 12 pm – 4 pm Sun | Entrance: Free gallery, Show ticket prices vary

The Arvada Center houses the Arvada Historical Museum, which you can visit for free. You can see plays, musicals, and other performances at this center. It also hosts classes for acting and other forms of artistic expression.

Archery Games Denver

Spend an afternoon living out a video game

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 305-4531 | Archery Games Website | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: from $24

From families to couples looking for Denver area date ideas, Archery Games Denver is a great place to visit! Teens and adults will enjoy Archery Dodgeball, while younger kids will have fun playing Nerf Wars.

Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy outdoor recreation in the middle of the city

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 289-0867 | Two Ponds Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset, Closed holidays | Entrance: Free

You’ll find deer, birds, coyotes, and even turtles at the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. The ponds make a pretty spot for a walk, or to let kids run off steam and explore. You’ll also find nature programs and lots of birding opportunities at this park!

🥾 Love Exploring Outdoors? Don’t miss my guide to the best hikes near Denver!

Cussler Museum

Admire vintage vehicles from around the world

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 420-2795 | Cussler Museum Website | Hours: Seasonal (May – Sept), 10 am – 4:30 pm Thurs, Fri, & first Sat of the month | Entrance: $12 adults, $8 under 13

The Cussler Museum preserves rare and vintage cars from 1906 to 1965. The 100+ automobiles were owned by best-selling author Clive Cussler, who wrote many of these cars into his books. The museum is a fun stop for anyone who loves reading Cussler’s books, or who has an appreciation for vintage autos.

👉 Pro Tip: This is just one of many great museums in the Denver area!

Arvada Skatepark

Show your stuff at the third-largest skatepark in the country

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 898-7400 | Skatepark Website | Hours: Sunrise – 10 pm daily

The Arvada Skate Park is made up of more than 40,000 square feet of ramps, jumps, and other awesome features. In fact, the park has hosted several major skating events and is popular with skaters across the metro area.

Majestic View Nature Center

Learn about the native birds, animals, and plants of Arvada

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 898-7405 | Majestic View Nature Website | Hours: 10 am – 3 pm Tues – Fri | Entrance: Free

The nature center features hands-on displays and exhibits to teach kids and adults about Arvada’s wildlife. Programs at the center venture into the nearby park, allowing guests to learn more about the wetlands, gardens, trails, and the animals who live there.

Olde Town Arvada

Shop and eat in an area on the National Register of Historic Places

📍 Google Maps | Olde Town Arvada Website

Olde Town Arvada has shops, restaurants, breweries, food trucks, galleries, and more. There are also public fountains for kids to cool off in summer, and you can spend time walking and admiring the historic buildings.

📚 Related Reading: 15 Best Day Trips from Denver

Talnua Distillery

Sample locally-produced whiskey or a hand-crafted cocktail

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 431-4949 | Talnua Distillery Website | Hours: 3 pm – 9 pm Tues – Fri, 12 pm – 9 pm Sat, 12 pm – 7 pm Sun

Talnua Distillery features a variety of whiskeys, along with gin and cold-press coffee liqueur. You can stop in to try it straight, or get a cocktail (or two!). Wednesday nights, they also offer distillery tours.

👉 Pro Tip: The distillery is near Archery Games Denver, so it also makes for a nice stop after a death match against your closest friends.

Van Bibber Open Space Park

Walk or bike this park’s short, scenic trail featuring lovely mountain views

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 898-7000 | Van Bibber Website | Hours: Sunrise – Sunset | Entrance: Free

Van Bibber Park features wetlands and mountain views. A concrete trail runs through the park and is easy for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate. There is also an observation deck, where you can look for wildlife and the birds who stop over in the area as they migrate.

Downtown Denver

Spend a day exploring nearby Denver

Façade of the Capitol Building during winter — *Visiting the Capitol Building is one of many fun things to do in Denver!*

📍 Google Maps | Things to Do in Denver | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

Arvada is just 20 minutes from downtown Denver, so if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit! See the Capitol Building, visit the Denver Mint, check out the Denver Art Museum, and choose from many more activities!

If you want to spend a night in the Mile High City before heading back, be sure to check out Nate’s recommendations on where to stay in Denver.

The Arvada Flour Mill

See an Arvada building listed on the Register of Historic Places

Close up view of the exterior of Arvada Flour Mill — *You can tour the Arvada Flour Mill upon request*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 431-1261 | Arvada Flour Mill Website | Tours by appointment

The Arvada Flour Mill was built in 1926 and is an iconic Arvada building. You can request a tour to get a closer look at the mill if you want to dig deeper into Arvada’s history. Regardless, the building is a beautiful spot for fun pictures in the historic downtown area.

Apex Center

Exercise, ice skate, or take the kids to the activity pool

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 424-2739 | Apex Center Website | Hours: 5:30 am – 9 pm weekdays, 8 am – 5 pm weekends | Entrance: from $7 adults, $5.50 under 18

The Apex Center has ice skating, a climbing wall, an indoor playground, and a pool with fun water features. There are several gyms for working out, so you can visit to exercise or entertain the family for an afternoon!

Odyssey Beerwerks

Try a local beer at this award-winning brewery

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 421-0772 | Odyssey Beerwerks Website | Hours: 2 pm – 8 pm Mon & Wed, 2 pm – 9 pm Tues & Thurs, 12 pm – 9 pm Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 7 pm Sun

Odyssey Beerwerks has seasonal and permanent beers on tap, plus packaged beers to-go. The family-owned brewery is a popular spot for locals to hang out and is loved for its many planned events.

📚 Related Reading: If you’d like to visit more nearby local breweries, check out Abigail’s guide to the best breweries in Denver!

Standley Lake

Go paddleboarding or fishing at this regional park

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 658-2400 | Standley Lake Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset | Vehicle pass: $7

Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, bicycling, and some of the best camping near Denver is available at Standley Lake Regional Park. You can look for local wildlife at the lake, and learn about the history of the area at the nature center.

Silver Vines Winery

Sample local wines made right in Arvada

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 456-5212 | Silver Vines Winery Website | Hours: 2 pm – 10 pm Mon – Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat, 11 am – 9 pm Sun

This local, family-owned winery makes over 15 varieties of wines. Stop in to sample some and grab a bottle (or several!) for later. The winery also hosts live music on many weekends and is available for special events like weddings and parties.

Indian Tree Golf Club

Enjoy mountain views and Colorado sunshine at this golf club

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 403-2542 | Indian Tree Golf Club Website | Hours: 6 am – 8 pm daily | Course fees: from $31 adults, from $16 under 17

The Indian Tree Golf Club is open year-round. The course offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the public facility has a 9-hole course, a full par-70 course, a driving range, and putting and chipping greens. There’s also a restaurant to fuel up before or after a game.

🍽️ Love Local Eats? Bookmark our guide to the absolute best restaurants in Denver!

Ralston Creek Trail

Wander along the creek that started Colorado’s Gold Rush

📍 Google Maps | Ralston Creek Trail Website

Here’s one of the more surprising facts about Colorado: the state’s Gold Rush began along Ralston Creek. You can walk and bike the public trail along the creek, which links a few different parks and open spaces. You’ll also see Arvada wildlife, scenery, playgrounds, lakes, ponds, and other beautiful areas in town.

FAQs About Arvada Attractions

What is Arvada, Colorado known for?

Arvada, Colorado is known for being the Celery Capital of the World, thanks to its local farms and agricultural history. You’ll also find a charming Olde Town area with local businesses, coffee shops, and breweries.

Is Arvada a nice area?

Arvada is a nice area. There are plenty of things to do in Arvada, CO, like exploring its historic downtown area with great restaurants and breweries. The town also has lots of parks and open spaces. It’s a fairly safe area with great homes that are perfect for families.

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Hopefully, this post has given you some ideas for things to do in Arvada. Whether you’re looking for solo outings, a fun date, or activities for the entire family, Arvada has options for you. Next up, check out my guide to where to stay in Arvada.