When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Globeville Landing Park
Why Globeville Landing Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Globeville Landing Park, located at 3901 Arkins Court in Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant urban park that offers a unique gathering place for families and friends. The park is especially noted for its innovative playground that caters to children of all ages, featuring separate areas for toddlers (ages 2 to 5) and older kids (ages 5 to 12). Highlights include a custom climbing wall, a natural-themed play area, and a destination playground with water and sand features. The playground’s running water sand area is a popular attraction in warmer months, providing fun sensory play. The park blends nature and play with large native grass areas, a native vegetated trickle channel for stormwater management, and open spaces that encourage wildlife habitat restoration. It also offers two shade pavilions for picnic gatherings and socializing, although the playground areas themselves have limited shade. The park’s innovative integration of environmental and recreational design addresses flood risks and supports the community’s cultural and ecological heritage, making it a dynamic green space that honors the history of the Globeville neighborhood. Its location adjacent to the South Platte River near the National Western Center Campus adds to its appeal as a destination for outdoor fun and nature connection.
Here's what people think of Globeville Landing Park
As of recent, Globeville Landing Park holds a 3.8-star rating based on 115 reviews.
User reviews of Globeville Landing Park are generally positive, with an overall rating of 3.8 from 115 reviews. Many visitors praise the playground’s thoughtful design and variety of play elements suitable for multiple age groups. Positive feedback often highlights the unique rope swing for three children, the separate toddler space, and the innovative nature play areas that stimulate creativity and physical activity. Parents appreciate the water and sand play, which offers interactive, sensory experiences that kids enjoy especially during warm weather. Reviewers also note the peaceful natural setting and the well-maintained grassy areas that provide great spots for relaxation and picnicking. However, some negative reviews mention the lack of shaded areas over the playground equipment, which can make daytime visits uncomfortable in hot weather. Others point out the absence of bathrooms, advising visitors to plan ahead. A few reviewers mention the limited traditional swings and the park’s somewhat industrial surrounding landscape as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus is that Globeville Landing Park is a welcoming, thoughtfully designed urban park offering diverse recreational opportunities for children and families, with notable environmental benefits. It stands out in Denver’s park system for its blend of play, nature, and ecological function, making it a worthwhile destination to meet friends and enjoy the outdoors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brett Stakelin
Great park! Hard to get to via bike from the Highlands. Had to carry our bikes over a few sections of path littered with shattered glass. Not very fun or kid friendly. Otherwise the park itself is awesome. Love the variety in play structures. Being near the water is lovely too. Wish the paths were better maintained.
Kristin Appelhans
The playground itself is 5 stars, but the location gets 0 stars. SO many homeless people walking past. At one point, a sketchy guy on a skateboard started to head towards the bench where a friend and I sat our diaper bags. We ran to get back to our bags quickly and then he changed his course. 99% sure he was going to steal our bags. The paths nearby make it easy for homeless people to access and a lot come by on those electric scooters, making it super easy to come steal anything unattended and zoom off quickly. I felt really uncomfortable here and sadly won't be back for this reason. It also had a gross smell in some parts and the water feature by the sandbox was not working. Such a bummer that money was spent on this beautiful park in an awful location. There also isn't a good spot to park nearby. We parked in a dirt portion next to the building right across from the park sign, but I did not feel good about this spot. Not to mention tons of trucks come and temporarily block in your car there.
CiscoSneaks
Located right next to the Denver Coliseum and the Pepsi bottling company. And right next to the RiNo Art district, this park is gorgeous with beautiful views of the Platte River. It has tons of play areas for all ages! Parking can be a bit tricky. But we found parking along the side street leading to the Denver Coliseum parking lot.
Yü Wu
At the end of the South Platt River trail, this small park is a bit far from other parks in the downtown area and takes a while to reach through the trail. It seems pretty quiet, has great green spaces with a playground, however I couldn't find a restroom or even a porta potty, which is quite inconvenient.
Tatiana Mironova
So much money spent for this playground and surrounding area but the Platte River. I wish they would dump couple truck of sand to make a pleasant beach area for kids as well. Instead, tons of trash and unpleasant smell. Overall, it’s a great playground with no kids here, due to homelessness around
How to reach Globeville Landing Park
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Why Globeville Landing Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying with friends or family at Globeville Landing Park offers a unique blend of urban nature, recreational space, and thoughtful design that suits gatherings of all kinds. Whether you're looking to kick back on expansive lawns, explore engaging playgrounds with kids, or simply enjoy a day out by the South Platte River, this park delivers an atmosphere that encourages connection and relaxation. Its recent redesign has transformed it from a functional stormwater management site into a lively community hub, emphasizing environmental restoration, cultural acknowledgment, and active play areas. This combination makes it an ideal destination for meetups because it accommodates diverse interests and ages seamlessly, providing everything from peaceful nature spots to exciting adventure play structures. The park’s integration of natural water features, open green spaces, and age-specific playgrounds creates an inviting environment where groups can bond in a refreshing outdoor setting while benefiting from modern amenities. Its location between vibrant Denver neighborhoods also makes it easily accessible, further enhancing its appeal as a meetup spot worth considering.
What types of activities can you enjoy at Globeville Landing Park?
Globeville Landing Park boasts a great variety of activities suited for all age groups, making it an excellent place for a group meetup with a mix of interests. The park features separate playground areas designed specifically for toddlers (ages 2-5) and older children (ages 5-12), ensuring safety and age-appropriate fun. Children can enjoy climbing on custom log structures, balancing on beams, navigating obstacle courses, and playing in sand areas equipped with interactive water features during warmer months. The water and sand play areas are especially popular for hands-on exploration and sensory play, keeping kids entertained for hours. Beyond playgrounds, the park offers expansive lawn spaces perfect for group games like frisbee, soccer, or casual picnics where everyone can spread out and relax. Additionally, there are multiple bike and pedestrian paths that encourage walking, running, or biking for those who prefer more active pursuits. The design thoughtfully incorporates nature play elements, so even the adventurous in your group can appreciate climbing natural structures or observing restored ecosystems alongside the South Platte River.
Why is Globeville Landing Park ideal for a group meetup?
The layout and design of Globeville Landing Park make it a natural choice for group gatherings, especially for friends and family wanting a flexible, engaging outdoor venue. The park offers multiple shaded pavilions with picnic tables, perfect for organizing meals or casual meetups protected from the sun, though shade directly over play areas is limited. The combination of open green lawns and diverse play structures means groups can easily split up according to interests or age while still enjoying the same shared space. Its strategic location along the South Platte River provides scenic views and relaxing water sounds, enhancing the outdoor experience. Safety improvements and increased visibility throughout the park give organizers peace of mind when managing larger groups with children. Furthermore, the fact that the park was recently renovated with community input shows a commitment to serving local needs, including creating gathering-friendly features. Whether hosting a birthday party, casual catch-up, or a family reunion, the park has the amenities and space to accommodate different group sizes comfortably.
Are there special features that make Globeville Landing Park stand out?
Several distinctive features set Globeville Landing Park apart from other urban parks, making it both practical and memorable for visitors. One standout is the innovative waterplay area where kids can enjoy running water alongside sand play, bringing a tactile and cooling element to summer visits. The park's custom climbing wall and large log structure offer unique challenges that blend natural materials with exciting design, appealing to adventurous children and teens. Environmentally, the park serves as an important site for stormwater management through a newly constructed natural outfall channel that connects to the South Platte River. This feature not only mitigates flood risks but also improves water quality and restores native vegetation, creating a pleasant, eco-friendly backdrop. Multiple bike and pedestrian paths weave through the park, enhancing accessibility and providing scenic routes for walking or biking. Finally, the park includes charcoal grills and picnic tables, allowing group meetups to culminate in shared meals surrounded by nature.
What practical considerations should you keep in mind when planning a meetup here?
While Globeville Landing Park provides many great amenities, there are a few practical aspects to consider for an optimal group experience. Notably, the park does not have restroom facilities on site, so anticipating nearby options or planning accordingly is important, especially if meeting with children or large groups. Shade is only available in pavilion areas, with playgrounds largely exposed, so bringing sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and portable umbrellas is recommended during sunny days. Parking availability and ease of access are generally good given the park’s location near central Denver neighborhoods; however, verifying this in advance during peak times is wise to ensure smooth arrivals. The mix of surfaces, including wood chips, rubber surfacing, and sand, means appropriate footwear is advisable. Moreover, since the park is open and exposed, supervising children closely is necessary to keep them safe, especially near water play areas and along the river access points.
How does Globeville Landing Park reflect community and environmental values?
Globeville Landing Park is notable for its thoughtful integration of environmental stewardship and cultural respect, transformed from a purely utilitarian drainage site to a welcoming green space that fosters community spirit. The park's redesign involved collaboration among the City of Denver, local residents, and environmental experts to address historic flooding problems with sustainable infrastructure improvements. By incorporating a naturalized stormwater outfall, the park enhances water quality and provides habitat for native wildlife while decreasing flood risks, demonstrating a commitment to ecological balance. The use of native grasses and vegetation reduces irrigation needs, conserving resources and connecting visitors to the regional landscape. Culturally, the park sits in a historically underrepresented area; its transformation honors the community by offering equitable access to quality outdoor spaces. This dual emphasis on nature and neighborhood reflects contemporary urban planning values that prioritize resilience, inclusivity, and recreation in city environments.
What makes Globeville Landing Park accessible and convenient for visitors?
Globeville Landing Park’s location and infrastructure support easy access for a wide range of visitors, making it a convenient meetup spot. Situated along Arkins Court near Denver’s River North and National Western Center neighborhoods, the park is reachable by car, bike, or public transit, serving urban residents well. The presence of multiple bike and pedestrian paths ensures safe and pleasant access from surrounding areas. The park’s design considers various ages and abilities, offering play structures for different developmental stages and open spaces that accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. Picnic areas are spread out to prevent crowding, so groups can find comfortable, semi-private spots to gather. While restroom facilities are lacking on-site, nearby urban amenities help fill this gap. Overall, the park’s accessibility features and thoughtful layout reduce barriers, encouraging frequent use by families, friends, and community groups alike.
How can friends and family best enjoy a day at Globeville Landing Park?
To make the most of a visit to Globeville Landing Park, groups should plan activities that suit the diverse facilities and ages present. Arriving in the morning or late afternoon can help avoid peak sun exposure, maximizing comfort. Families with young children might start in the toddler play area, where safer, smaller-scale features provide engaging challenges. Older kids and teens can explore the obstacle course, climbing wall, and natural log structures to burn off energy. During warm months, the sand and water play zone is a must for sensory fun and cooling off. Groups can then gather around the shaded pavilions to share food brought from home or cooked on the charcoal grills. Active members might enjoy a bike ride or stroll along the scenic paths to appreciate the park’s natural beauty. Bringing picnic blankets and lawn games can add to the relaxing day. Thoughtful supervision and sun safety will ensure everyone remains comfortable and secure, creating lasting memories in this vibrant urban park.
Globeville Landing Park’s blend of nature, play, and practicality perfectly suits a range of group sizes and preferences, making it an outstanding destination for social gatherings with friends or family.