Arvada, Colorado is a northwestern suburb of Denver. Its proximity to downtown Denver, Boulder, and the mountains make Arvada a wonderful (and easily accessible) place to visit. Planning a visit? Keep scrolling for the top free things to do in Arvada!
Arvada, Colorado
As one of “The Best Small-Town Day Trips from Denver, Colorado” as recognized by Condé Nast Traveler, Arvada is a great place to both visit or live.
From Denver, Arvada can be reached by car via I70 as well as by Lightrail via the G line.
Top 3 (free!) things to do in Arvada
These top 3 things to do in Arvada can all be done in one fun-filled day. This list is best suited for the active adventurer!
- Stroll through Olde Town Arvada (pedestrian-friendly!)
- Bike the Ralston Creek Trail
- Play at the Apex Pickleball Courts
1. Stroll through Olde Town Arvada
A pedestrian-friendly historic old town near Denver – what more could you ask? You could surely spend an entire day wandering and eating your way through the plentiful shops, restaurants, and bars of Olde Town Arvada.
Highlights include School House Kitchen and Libations, Silver Vines Winery, and Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters. Looking for an upscale dining experience? Then, check out Stone Cellar Bistro.
Fun festivals and events occur year-round including summer concerts, art events, and even a holiday Egg Nog & Cider competition.
2. Bike the Ralston Creek Trail
The 12.5-mile paved Ralston Creek Trail travels from Gold Strike Park to Arvada Reservoir. The trail follows the creek the whole way and is also very popular with locals for biking, jogging, and walking.
Afterward, be sure to stop at the Colorado Tap House for a craft beer after all of your hard work (plenty of bicycle parking)!
Kids in tow? There are many great parks and playgrounds along the trail.
3. Play at the Apex Pickleball Courts
Join the pickleball craze! Arvada’s Apex Pickleball Courts offer a whopping 26 outdoor pickleball courts. The Arvada pickleball courts are free to the public.
Find more info on our post Definitive list of the best free Pickleball courts near Denver!
You will need to bring your own Pickleball paddles and balls! Here is our favorite Pickleball ball and paddle set for beginners (under $25!). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
BONUS: More Arvada things to do
Looking for more things to do in Arvada? Here are some more fun ways to spend a day in Arvada, CO!
- Play a round of disc golf at Johnny Roberts Disc Golf Course in Memorial Park
- Check out the South Standley Lake Trail Loop at Standley Lake Regional Park
- Visit Freedom Street Social, a trendy food hall in northwest Arvada
A local’s guide to the top things to do in Arvada
To summarize, Arvada is a cool Denver suburb with many activities for active adventurers. Our top 3 list includes Olde Town Arvada, the Ralston Creek Trail, and the Apex Pickleball Courts.
