Summer.
All the kids home, all the time.
Everyone wanting to be entertained every day but disagreeing on how, especially if you have children that span a wide range of ages.
Sounds fun, doesn’t it?! Yeah, not exactly. Daunting is more like it. Don’t get me wrong – I do love more relaxed days, not dragging whining kids out of bed to an early alarm and getting to spend more time with my kids. They are growing up so fast, after all! But if we are being honest, the days can feel really long sometimes! Not to mention that we didn’t suddenly get a raise to afford entrance fees, rentals and camps all summer long! So, what is the solution to keep everyone from going stir crazy at home but not breaking the bank?
Well, as a mom of three children ranging in age from kindergarten to middle school, I feel you! I can’t say we’ll make it through summer without some drama and a few stir-crazy days (ahem…a lot), I have found that one survival skill for my crew is getting out in the sunshine and fresh air and going to a park. But not just any park, because if you have kids of many ages, you know full well that some places are too big and daring for the little one, but some have nothing to occupy the oldest, inevitably leaving someone whining in your ear. Not exactly the “let’s get out of the house so Mom can get some peace” outing you had in mind.
So, with summer looming on the horizon, I’ve compiled a list of parks in the southeast Denver area that have received the stamp of approval from all three of my kids. Hopefully you’ll find one that works for your family as well!
Southeast Denver Parks for All Ages
Deputy Zack S. Parrish III Memorial Park, Castle Rock
Not far from Castle Rock’s outlet mall, it would also be a great way to burn some energy if they’ve had to be patient shopping. My oldest was able to stay interested and burn energy on the zipline and gigantic play structure more suitable for the bigger kids, while my youngest had a nice, smaller playset, swings and the zipline to enjoy. Peak times will be busy and might have a birthday party or two, so I recommend it in the mornings or mid-week afternoons.
Centennial Center Park, Centennial
Complete with a treehouse play structure, small play structure for littles, climbing rock walls and a splash pad, this is a great park for the whole family. There is even a large
shade structure for adults supervising the splash pad! My oldest could climb on the rock walls all day, but even she 
can appreciate cooling off in the water eventually, while my middle and youngest can truly enjoy everything this park has to offer – not too small, not too big!
Civic Green Park, Highlands Ranch
Civic Green is nice in the summer because it has a variety of water features. The younger kids will enjoy everything – the play structure in a storybook themed play area and splashing in the fountains and river. While the simple fountains might not be interesting enough to capture the older kids, they can also enjoy cooling off in the man-made river just beside the play area. (Adults also enjoy wading through to keep cool while supervising — it’s only ankle deep.) Some older kids might enjoy climbing the large rope structure in the play area, but if they deem the play area too small, there is a very large, grassy open area perfect for playing catch or kicking around a soccer ball while picnicking.
Tallman Meadow Park, Parker
This park suits a variety of ages because it has multiple play structures – from toddler sized to older kids plus swings – situated beside a large soccer field and softball field. If older kids are not interested in the play structures, there is ample room to throw a football or play soccer with actual goals. Also alongside the park is a long walking/biking trail if anyone is old enough to be independent, or if the whole family wants to walk or ride when they tire of the playground.
Elk Ridge Park, Castle Pines
Like Centennial Center Park, this one makes the list for having a combination of rock-climbing walls, play structures and a splash pad. This park is smaller than Centennial, but has beautiful scenery, shade and is still plenty fun! There is an exercise station up the walking path just a bit, so if your oldest is older enough that you don’t mind them off on their own a bit, there’s an extra plus!
These are just a few of the fantastic parks southeast Denver has to offer. If you’ve discovered a park I’ve missed, let us know in the comments which one is your favorite!
