July 2, 2025

Activities in Family-Friendly Parker, Colorado

The master-planned community of Looking Glass in Parker, Colorado is a vibrant collection of new home neighborhoods with residents of all ages and its location provides access to a wide variety of recreational, cultural, and family-friendly activities and events. With events planned throughout the year within the community – thanks to an active, hands-on social committee — and all kinds of fun activities just minutes away in town, if you like to eat, ride, roll, slide, bowl, swing, watch or sweat — this is the place to be!

Discover Fun and Memorable Adventures for All Ages

This summer, the social committee has arranged several “Movies in the Park” events at Wrangler Field, complete with fresh popped popcorn and posted regularly on the residents’ Facebook page. And in Parker itself, you’ll find indoor and outdoor movies, musical and theatrical performances, and this weekend, a spectacular 4^th of July fireworks display that will please the child in all of us!

Outdoor Adventures

Parks and Playgrounds

Looking Glass has its own share of parks and playgrounds with equipment appropriate for different ages. And the town of Parker is home to a variety of playground environments that offer the perfect setting for families to unwind and play. O’Brien Park, located in the heart of downtown, is a favorite with expansive green spaces, a splash pad, and play structures. Parents can relax under shaded picnic areas while children enjoy climbing, swings, and the interactive water feature on 90-degree days!

Another must-visit is Discovery Park, which offers live performances in the amphitheater during the summer. The irresistible play equipment and inviting greenways offer an ideal spot for imaginative play and picnics.

Trail Adventures

For families who enjoy outdoor activities, Parker’s extensive trail system is a treasure trove. The Incline has two different routes to achieve summit-top views of Long’s Peak to the north and Pike’s Peak tot the south. First, the 132 steps that beckon the hardy stair-climbers, and second, the meandering northern Rosie Rueter trail loop that allows for stopping and snapping pictures of wildflowers. 

Cherry Creek Trail, with its scenic views and gentle topography, is perfect for biking, walking, or jogging. Along the way you’ll find opportunities to spot wildlife, enjoy the natural surroundings, and spend time in soul-satisfying nature away from TV screens and daily digital distractions!

Finally, the Sulphur Gulch Trail offers an ideal pathway for a leisurely excursion with strollers or young ones in tow. These trails connect to various parks and open spaces, making exploration a fun adventure.

Indoor Entertainment

Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center

The PACE Center is the hub for a cultural and/or artistic experience in Parker. Families can attend live theater shows, sign up for art workshops, or enjoy interactive art exhibits – many designed for young audiences. From musicals and dance performances to intimate concerts with touring artists and local bands, the center provides entertainment for both kids and adults.

Bowling and Arcade Fun

For classic indoor fun, families can head to Boondocks in Parker featuring eight acres of rides and attractions including eight lanes of bowling, laser tag, two billiard tables, & shuffleboard, three go-karting experiences: a road track, slick track, and rookie track, bumper boats, miniature golf, laser tag, and a huge arcade. There’s also a restaurant and the festive atmosphere and variety of activities make it a perfect spot for a family outing, especially when the temps outside soar to the 90s!

More Than a Lending Library

The Parker Library is more than just a place to borrow books. The library offers storytime, creative workshops, and interactive events for children of all ages (like the current plants-and-pollinators series!).

Classes and workshops for adults cover topics such as brain health fitness and beginning sketch art for book illustration. Visits to the library are an excellent way to foster a love for learning together.

Community Centers and Programs

Parker Recreation Center

The Parker Recreation Center is a one-stop destination for family fitness and fun. With a swimming pool featuring slides and splash zones, gymnasium, weight and cardio room, leagues and classes ranging from swimming and yoga to dance and pickleball, the center ensures there’s something for everyone. While Looking Glass is THIS close to finishing up its own pickleball courts, the Rec Center has four more courts packed with players if you’re looking for an early-morning game before the temperature gets above 80. Seasonal programs and camps also provide enriching activities for children while parents enjoy their own fitness routines.

Fieldhouse Fun

The Parker Fieldhouse offers indoor sports facilities, climbing walls, and a multipurpose sports court. Families can enjoy casual games of soccer, basketball, or try the indoor batting cages. The venue also hosts events and workshops, making it a dynamic space for family interaction and active play.

Living in Looking Glass

Living in the new home community of Looking Glass offers access to family-friendly activities that blend adventure, creativity, and community. Whether you’re exploring the neighborhood parks, attending cultural events, or enjoying seasonal happenings, the community and town of Parker provide endless possibilities. Visit the stunning models from new home builders: Dream Finders, D.R. Horton, and Taylor Morrison for a new home design that will perfectly fit your family!