Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Denver & Lakewood, Colorado

Living in Colorado means outdoor adventure is practically part of childhood. One of the things we love most about raising children here is having access to incredible parks, trails, and nature walks that are perfect for little legs.

At The Summit Academy, we believe outdoor exploration helps children build confidence, independence, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for nature. Whether you’re looking for a quick toddler-friendly nature walk or a bigger weekend adventure with preschoolers, here are some of our favorite family-friendly hikes near Lakewood and Denver.

1. Lair o' the Bear Park

Best for: Toddlers, preschoolers, creek play, beginner hikers

Located just about 20 minutes from Lakewood, this is one of the best “real hike” options for families with younger kids because it offers flexibility. You can make it a short 20-minute walk or stay for several hours depending on your child’s energy level.

The Creekside Trail is mostly flat and shaded, making it manageable for toddlers who want to walk independently. The biggest highlight for most children is Bear Creek running alongside parts of the trail. Kids love throwing rocks, splashing in shallow water, and spotting wildlife.

Parents love:

• Easy parking

• Restrooms near parking areas

• Shaded trails

• Picnic areas

• Creek access

• Short or longer route options

Pro tip: Bring water shoes and an extra set of clothes if your kids are drawn to the creek (they usually are).

2. Belmar Park

Best for: Toddlers, babies in strollers, quick outings

Belmar Park is perfect when you want fresh air without committing to a full mountain hike. Located right in Lakewood, it’s ideal for after-school walks, weekend strolls, or mornings when you just need to get everyone out of the house.

The trails are mostly flat and easy to navigate with strollers, scooters, or younger toddlers. Kids love spotting ducks, turtles, birds, and sometimes even deer.

Families love:

• Flat walking paths

• Easy parking

• Wildlife spotting

• Great stroller access

• Short, low-stress outings

This is one of those places where even a 30-minute walk feels like a win with young kids.

3. Bear Creek Greenbelt Park

Best for: Toddlers, bikes, scooters, creek exploration

This is a local favorite because it offers wide paved and dirt paths with plenty of room for little ones to roam. The trail system gives parents flexibility to choose shorter walks or longer adventures.

The creek access makes this especially fun in warmer months. Many families bring bikes, scooters, or picnic lunches and turn it into a full afternoon outing.

Parents love:

• Flat terrain

• Creek access

• Bike-friendly paths

• Wildlife sightings

• Multiple access points

This is a great option when you want an outdoor activity that feels adventurous without being too physically demanding.

4. Triceratops Trail

Best for: Preschoolers, dinosaur lovers, educational outings

This short trail near Golden is especially exciting for kids who love dinosaurs. Along the hike, families can view real dinosaur tracks and learn about prehistoric history.

The trail itself is relatively short, but there are some rocky sections and limited shade, so mornings are usually best during summer.

Parents love:

• Dinosaur footprints

• Educational signs

• Short distance

• Unique experience close to Denver

Bring hats, sunscreen, and lots of dinosaur excitement.

5. William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain

Best for: Older preschoolers, elementary-aged kids, families wanting more challenge

This is one of the best spots when your kids are ready for something that feels like a bigger accomplishment. The trails have more elevation gain than others on this list, but the views are incredible.

Kids often love spotting wildlife and feeling like they climbed a “real mountain.”

Parents love:

• Incredible city views

• Wildlife spotting

• Multiple trail options

• More challenging terrain

This is better for older children who can handle longer distances and some climbing.

6. Sloan's Lake Park

Best for: Strollers, scooters, beginner walkers

While not technically a hike, this is one of our favorite outdoor family outings near Denver because it’s simple and fun.

Families can walk around the lake, stop at playgrounds, bring scooters, and enjoy incredible mountain views.

Parents love:

• Paved paths

• Playground access

• Scenic lake views

• Great picnic spots

This is a great option for families with multiple age groups.

Tips for Hiking With Young Kids

• Pack more snacks than you think you need

• Bring extra clothes for water play

• Start early to avoid afternoon heat

• Keep expectations flexible

• Let children explore at their own pace

Sometimes the best family hikes are less about reaching the destination and more about collecting rocks, splashing in creeks, and making memories along the way.

Why We Love Outdoor Exploration

At The Summit Academy, outdoor learning is an important part of childhood. Nature encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence, and problem-solving in ways that classrooms simply can’t replicate.

Whether children are exploring our playground or spending weekends hiking Colorado trails, outdoor experiences help build lifelong learners.

And in Colorado—we’re lucky to have some of the best adventures right in our backyard.