Wanting to explore a new part of the Denver area? Want a staycation-type day trip to make a school break feel a little less same-old, same-old? On the south side of the Denver metro area, about halfway between Denver and the Springs, Castle Rock is a fun suburb with a lot to offer.
Shopping in Castle Rock
The Outlets At Castle Rock is an outdoor mall with discount prices on name brands. Beautiful views of the mountains will leave you feeling like you got away while you simply do some shopping. With over 100 stores, no matter who is wanting to shop or what you are needing, you are sure to find it.
Downtown Castle Rock has lots of small business shops along their main drags of Wilcox and Perry Streets. You could spend hours walking up and down, poking your head into different shops and eating at many delicious, local spots. The Barn and The Emporium are especially fun spots that can leave you wandering for a while! They are a collection of independent vendors which provides a large variety of fun things to explore.
Castle Rock Restaurants
Castle Rock Collective
If you work up a thirst or small hunger while exploring The Barn, do yourself a favor and walk across the street! Castle Rock Collective is an adorable coffee shop with some small snacks and gifts. The truly special thing about this spot in particular, though, is not their food and drink but their people. Castle Rock Collective employs adults of all abilities and believes in giving special needs adults a place to earn a living. You will be satisfying your thirst or need for a caffeine jolt as well as making a difference in the community. Check out their website for more details on their mission and who the proceeds from their market gifts benefit.
Scileppi’s at the Old Stone Church
If a full meal is more what you need, Scileppi’s at The Old Stone Church is a Castle Rock gem. On one side, they offer more casual pizza while their other side is literally an old stone church that they have turned into a nice, authentic Italian restaurant. It is a bit pricey, but the food is absolutely delicious and you will definitely leave with leftovers!
Castle Café
Also downtown and convenient if you are shopping on Wilcox St., Castle Cafe is a piece of Castle Rock history. In some form or fashion, it has been a part of Castle Rock since 1890. It is located on one corner of the city square and serves hearty, southern-style dishes. They are a first-come, first-served option but one not to miss.
Sunday Salmon
If you love the idea of exploring, but money is an issue, and you are looking for things that are free, don’t think treating your family to a meal out is impossible. One amazing place Castle Rock is home to is Sunday Salmon. Sunday Salmon is a delicious, NO-COST, organic, gluten and seed-oil-free community restaurant on Wolfensberger and Park Street. They are open on various weekdays, and every Sunday, with two dinner seatings, the first at 5 p.m. and the second at 6 p.m. There really are no strings attached. It is supported by community donations and is the heart work of the owner who wants to bring the community together over good, healthy food, an idea that started with her family’s Sunday dinners in the past. Check out their website for more information about their family-style meals and dates they will be serving (usually posted one or two months at a time).
Activities
If you are in a crew where just shopping and eating aren’t going to cut it, Castle Rock is still a place for the whole group. Full of parks, hikes and activity-based businesses, you could spend well more than a day here.
Übergrippen
If you have rock climbing enthusiasts in your group, be sure to check this place out. Conveniently located near the outlet mall, you could even drop older ones here to climb while you shop! While it is primarily an indoor rock-climbing gym, yoga and other services are available. Check out their website to see prices and a full list of offerings.
Ninja Intensity
Ever seen the show America Ninja Warrior? Have kids that want to flip, jump and fly on obstacles like those crazy fit people on TV? Well Castle Rock has a ninja gym owned by one of the winners! They host birthday parties, summer camps, offer classes and fitness training as well as having some weekend hours devoted to drop-in style open gym. Times vary depending on age (younger kids earlier, older kids and adults later in the evening until close) and some weekends will be closed for competitions. However, when they are open, it would be a very fun way to end your day in Castle Rock and burn energy before the car ride home. Check out their website for specific hours depending on your crowd, prices, and to ensure they are open on the dates you will be visiting.
Parks and Hiking near Castle Rock
Rock Park
The iconic, cube-shaped rock known as Castle Rock, the namesake of the town itself, can be seen from all over Castle Rock, and, yes, you can hike it! Rock Park is your starting point to take Rock Park Loop Trail. While it is only a one-mile loop, it is deemed difficult because of its unpaved nature with potentially loose rock to navigate. It also has a steep incline to get to the top in just one mile. However, many families take this hike, so depending on your group and its abilities, it is absolutely possible. Be aware of what time of year you are visiting, whether or not snakes might be present and check the Parks and Rec for details and the most current trail conditions. That website also has a comprehensive list of all the parks Castle Rock has to offer if you want to go park and trail hopping!
Deputy Zack S. Parrish III Memorial Park
This park is a playground, but it’s not just any playground. It is a huge playground with something for kids of all ages as well as spectacular mountain views! Conveniently located within minutes of the Outlet Mall, this is a great spot to take a picnic meal and reward your kids for their patience while you shopped.
Philip S. Miller Park
Further south on I-25 but not too far (nothing is ever too far away within Castle Rock!), you will find a wonderful park facility that is a one stop activity shop. Philip S. Miller has a 2.5 acre playground featuring a 40-foot slide, as well as an activity center with a rock wall and an indoor pool (the MAC), is home to the Castle Rock Incline (aka, Challenge Hill) if you want to get your steps in, and has the popular EDGE Zipline Adventures. Additionally, there is an 8-mile network of trails open to biking or hiking. Talk about something active for all interests! Check out the Parks and Rec specific webpage if you want to dig more deeply into all the possibilities.
