Sometimes, a patch of grass and simple swing will suffice for an afternoon at the park. But if your family is in need of a fresh environment, visit these new and improved facilities featuring inclusive equipment, natural materials, and community programs.

RiNo ArtPark

Living up to its mission to be a creative community hub, ArtPark—opened in September 2021—has several family-fun opportunities planned for summer 2022. The outdoor gathering space, located in Five Points, will host art workshops, programs connected to the nearby Platte River, and a Kid’s Fringe event in conjunction with the Denver Fringe Festival, a platform for experimental arts. Families can also check out the new Denver Public Library branch­—opened in February 2022—and First Friday exhibit openings from Alto Gallery, plus artist workshops from ArtPark partner RedLine.

Westminster Station Nature Play Park

This park, full of features made from nature-based materials, opened in November 2021. Climb a tree house, scale a tiny mountain, and dig for replica dinosaur fossils in a playground constructed from boulders, logs, and sands that mimic the native surrounding area. During the beginning stages of design in 2017, developers Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds held community engagement sessions where Colorado STEM Academy sixth graders gave ideas for the park, which is just blocks away from the school and abuts the Little Dry Creek Trail/Rocky Mountain Greenway.

James A. Bible Park

Rising from the wood chips, two tall towers invite visitors to climb in the revived (as of November 2021) Bible Park. Bright green slides shoot out from the main structure leading kids toward a “Crab Trap” rope climbing obstacle structure, a swing set with two accessible chair swings, and an inclusive zero-entry merry-go-round with bench seating. Don’t forget to pack your wheels before heading out to this attraction near Cherry Creek State Park—the grounds also feature a pump circuit track on which bike and scooter riders can play with building momentum.