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The indoor kids pool park at Castle Rock Community Recreation Center

Spring in Colorado means snow on Monday, where you need an indoor play place for your kiddos, and by Tuesday, you are in need of a park for a picnic that better suits the 75-degree weather. Luckily, Castle Rock and surrounding areas have great indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone in your house from going stir crazy.

There are two fantastic recreation centers in Castle Rock: the original Castle Rock Community Recreation Center on Woodlands Blvd. and the Miller Activity Complex, or MAC, on Plum Creek Parkway. Both recreation centers have leisure pools and slides that are fun for kids of all ages. 

Having visited both, the original rec center definitely has our vote for best kids pool area. The MAC, however, has a gigantic climbing play area that is perfect for toddlers, while the older kids can hit the trampoline area, and still be in sight. In addition, there are swim lessons, sports and kid programs like dance and theater that can keep kids busy.

Beyond the recreation centers, the Philip S. Miller Library in Downtown Castle Rock is always an option to help get your little ones interested in reading. They offer story time for babies up to elementary age every morning, so check the website for times and reading level of books. Close by Highlands Ranch offers a Sensory Enhanced Storytime, developed for all ages, who are on the autism spectrum or differently-abled, and presented at a preschool level of development.

Philip S. Miller Library
Philip S. Miller Library

When weather permits, getting the family out to enjoy Castle Rock’s natural beauty shouldn’t be ignored. With open space, trails, and parks, there is much to see and do. There are 25 parks, which include green space for playing and picnics, as well as covered picnic areas, tennis courts, ball fields, playgrounds, swimming pools, water slides, and paved trails for walking, hiking and biking.

Play parks to get the kids moving, bouncing and climbing are also plentiful in Town. Families in West Castle Rock can enjoy Butterfield Park, Paintbrush Park, and Bison Park, to name a few. Families in East Castle Rock have several options as well: Gemstone Park, Founders Park, and Matney Park. 

Likewise, Arts on Fire, is a creative indoor option for parents and kids if they are looking for a fun, unique activity. Locally owned and operated, Arts on Fire has 2 locations: Downtown Castle Rock off Perry and 4th St., and Highlands Ranch in the Town Center.

And you can’t go wrong with visiting Little Monkey Bizness in Parker –it’s always a reliable “go-to” place for little ones that aren’t quite in school.

Little Monkey Bizness in Parker
Little Monkey Bizness in Parker

 

Beyond Castle Rock, you’ll find The Wildlife Experience in Parker and Treehouse Discovery in Highlands Ranch, both educational yet fun places for kids.

And last but not least, if you don’t have anything else planned, our go-to place is Chick-fil-a. You can’t go wrong with the friendly service, delicious chicken sandwiches, and an indoor play place to run off their sugar energy after downing some lemonade or a shake.

Castle Rock Recreation Centers: http://www.crgov.com/index.aspx?nid=186

Douglas County libraries: http://douglascountylibraries.org/

Castle Rock Parks: http://www.crgov.com/Facilities?clear=False

The Wildlife Experience: http://thewildlifeexperience.org/

Little Monkey Bizness, Parker: http://parker.monkeybizness.com/

TreeHouse Discovery: http://www.treehousediscovery.com/