15 Best Things to Do in Castle Pines (CO)

If you’re looking for a laid-back, quiet, and friendly place surrounded by nature to base yourself during a visit to Colorado, the town of Castle Pines in Douglas County is the perfect place for you. Although the town is located on the edge of the Great Plains and has a rural feel, it’s only 20 miles from the city center of Denver and is considered a suburb of the city.

With only 11,000 people living in Castle Pines, you’ll be far enough away from the crowds of the bigger city, but close enough to easily access all its attractions and services.

Castle Pines has something for everyone, including dining, golf courses, a beautiful downtown area, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. For visitors who love being outdoors, there are several parks with walking and biking trails within the town’s limits.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Castle Pines, Colorado.

1. Woodhouse Day Spa

Whether you arrive in Castle Pines by road or air, you can unwind after your trip at the full-service Woodhouse Day Spa.

Visitors are pampered with a number of luxury services, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and body treatments delivered by professionally-trained staff whose goal is to ensure you leave their establishment relaxed and looking and feeling great.

2. Elk Ridge Park

Elk Ridge Park, Castle Pines — Elk Ridge Park

Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy an energizing day outdoors. The park is a beautiful and well-maintained green space with plenty of things to do for all ages.

Kids enjoy the water fountain, splash pad, playground, maze, and climbing wall. Several walking trails suitable for all levels are scattered around the area. The park is also a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic.

3. Pino’s Italian Kitchen and Bar

Visitors to Castle Pines can enjoy top-quality meals in a fun, relaxing environment at the family-owned Pino’s Italian Kitchen and Bar. There is something for every taste on the extensive menu, and although the focus is on authentic Italian cuisine, there are many different options to choose from, including steak, seafood, soups, and salads.

A range of unique cocktails are available, and knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right wine to go with your meal. Every Saturday night, there’s live music to entertain patrons.

4. Colorado Pumpkin Patch

During the fall months, the Colorado Pumpkin Patch in Monument is a 41-acre family farm filled with fun for the whole family. Jumping Pillows, giant outdoor board games, straw slides, a maze, and tube swings are just some of the fun amenities on-site.

Visitors can also participate in duck races, laser tag, hayrides, face painting, and pony rides. A petting zoo with alpacas, sheep, and chickens is on-site.

5. Rockyard Brewing Co.

Prize-winning craft beers and unique and skilfully-prepared meals await at Douglas County’s longest-operating brewery. For more than 20 years, Rockyard Brewing Co. has been creating and serving a variety of options in their pub.

Hopalypto, which is a tropical IPA, Primadonna, which is a German pilsner, and Buoyant, which is an American blonde, are just some of the types of beer you can expect to find.

6. The Ridge at Castle Pines Golf Course

Golfers visiting Castle Pines have the opportunity to tee-off at one of the state’s best golf courses. The Ridge at Castle Pines is a renowned course with many awards to speak for its incredible layout and spectacular scenery.

Large fairways, rolling greens, and bunkers are just some of the features on this beautiful course set in the Colorado mountains. After a long day on the course, you can head to the on-site, full bar and restaurant to enjoy some quality food and drinks. On nice days, you can enjoy your meal on the patio looking over the valley.

7. Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir, close to Denver, is where visitors and locals alike head to get away from the hustle and bustle and escape into the natural world. Not only are you treated to stunning views all around, but there are also many things to see and do in the park, and a number of facilities are available.

Bird watching is a popular activity, and you can expect to see many different species, including bald eagles, hawks, songbirds, and waterfowl. The reservoir is where you can participate in many water activities, including swimming, waterskiing, jet-skiing, fishing, and boating. There are many hiking trails to choose from, including Butterfly Hill Trail, Prairie Loop Trail, Vista Trail, and Beaver Pond Nature Trail.

Also on-site are 135 campsites and several picnic areas.

8. The Clue Room

A fun and exciting pastime is gaining popularity in many places around the world; visitors to nearby Centennial can experience it at The Clue Room. As long as your travel party has two people or more, you can participate. This unique experience is the perfect way to have some fun with friends.

Your group will be placed in a locked room, and you are tasked with trying to figure out how to escape. In the allotted hour, you have to figure it out, you will search for clues and solve riddles that will lead you to a solution. There are 11 different games to choose from.

9. Rueter-hess Reservoir

The Rueter-hess Reservoir in Castle Pines is a beautiful body of water located in a remote area near the Frank Jaegar Dam. The quietness of the area and the calm, sparkling blue waters of the reservoir draw kayakers and fishing enthusiasts.

Visitors are allowed to camp near the water’s edge, and there are a few walking trails around the area.

10. Castlewood Canyon State Park

Outdoor lovers can find many things to do in the natural surroundings of Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown. Originally intended to protect the history surrounding the Castlewood Canyon Dam, today, it’s an outdoor recreational paradise.

There are several hiking trails in the park, and they range from easy to difficult. All trails are under four miles, but they link together for visitors who prefer a longer hike. Along the way, you can see the remnants of the Castlewood Dam, which burst in 1933. There are many rest stops along the Cherry Creek which flows through the park, and there are picnic areas on-site.

Other activities that can be enjoyed in the park include bird-watching, horseback riding, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.

11. Castle Rock Zip Line

Ziplining is a popular activity among people seeking adventure and thrills above the tree-line, and nearby Castle Rock is home to Colorado’s longest and fastest ziplines. There are ten different zip line adventures taking visitors of all ages high above the landscape, where they soar at rocket speeds to the end.

The park is also home to the region’s biggest aerial adventure park, which features more than 100 elements and obstacles.

12. Explore the Parks of the Castle Pines North District

The Castle Pines North area is home to four community parks. Retreat Park is only five acres, but there are many facilities packed into this small space, including a large playground, picnic areas, BBQ grills, a walking trail, and a field for playing various sports.

Coyote Ridge Park is the area’s largest, with 15 acres of facilities and green space. Visitors enjoy access to baseball fields, a multi-purpose field, a skate park, two basketball courts, a playground, and picnic facilities.

Daniel’s Gate Park features a field for playing various sports, a playground, and a gazebo.

The 12-acre Elk Ridge Park also has a multi-purpose field and many other facilities, including a climbing wall, splash pad, a maze, walking trails, and educational exhibits.

13. Pikes Peak Brewing Company

At Pike’s Peak Brewing Company in nearby Monument, the whole family can visit the brewery and restaurant. An assortment of prize-winning craft beers, which include classic styles with a modern twist, are available, along with various meals and snacks.

14. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver provides visitors with a journey through the history of the Lowery Air Force Base operations. The museum includes an assembly of more than 50 aircraft and space vehicles. A research library is on-site.

There is an assortment of exhibits available to view, including The Lowry Heritage Room, Be The Astronaut, Virtual Reality Lounge, The Amelia Project, and the Colorado Air National Guard Room. There is also a very realistic flight simulator at the museum, and audio tours are available.

15. Explore the Historic LoDo Neighborhood

Historic LoDo District, Denver — Historic LoDo District

LoDo is a colorful, historic district in Denver and a popular place to visit for both tourists and locals, due to the exciting ambiance of the area and the wide variety of attractions and services.

Brewpubs, bars, restaurants, and stylish rooftop cafes are scattered around the neighborhood. A favorite stop along the way is El Chapultepec, where you can listen to live Jazz music while enjoying delicious Mexican cuisine.