When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
Junkyard Social Club
Why Junkyard Social Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Junkyard Social Club in Boulder, Colorado, is a unique, intergenerational community space that combines an adventurous playground, maker studio, and café under one roof. As an ever-evolving, climbable discovery museum, it offers visitors of all ages a place to explore, create, and connect. The venue promotes creative problem-solving and open conversation by welcoming families, artists, educators, and changemakers alike. It operates as a non-profit committed to reusing everything and building from humble beginnings to foster community collaboration and innovation. The café serves craft beer, cocktails, and coffee, providing a casual environment to unwind or celebrate with friends. Admission fees support a scholarship fund, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity. With a commitment to skill development in curiosity and critical thinking, Junkyard Social Club is more than just a playground—it’s a vibrant social meeting spot that sparks new ideas and nurtures positive social impact.
Here's what people think of Junkyard Social Club
As of recent, Junkyard Social Club holds a 4.6-star rating based on 112 reviews.
Reviews of Junkyard Social Club praise its innovative and welcoming atmosphere that blends play, art, and community engagement. Visitors appreciate the unique concept of a discovery museum combined with a café and social venue, highlighting the friendly staff and creative environment that encourages both children and adults to explore and express themselves. Positive reviews often note the supportive, family-friendly vibe and the value in fostering creative skills across generations. On the other hand, some negative feedback mentions occasional issues with limited space during busy times and the admission fee, though many understand it supports the non-profit mission. A few visitors wished for extended hours or more variety in food and drink options. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong community appreciation for Junkyard Social Club’s role as an inclusive, vibrant hub that inspires curiosity and connection while maintaining a fun and comfortable space for social gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mark ANTHONY
Junkyard Social Club is such a fun and unique place — perfect for a celebration! Our family hosted an event here and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. There’s something for everyone: kids can explore, climb, and play in the creatively designed outdoor space, while adults can relax, enjoy a drink, and soak in the funky, artistic atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the whole vibe is just full of joy and imagination. Highly recommend for birthdays, gatherings, or just a fun day out!
Melinda Estrada
A Fun place to take the kiddos while you join in or just decide to lounge, this place has coffee, beer, wine and cocktails maybe even Mocktails as well.Snacks and other goodies. Lots of kool stuff to see. I took my kiddos and my Granddaughter and everyone had an awesome time. The cost was $12.00 per child. Of course you do have to sign a waiver.
Janat Horowitz
Boulder’s hidden gem for young families! It’s a 501C cooperative with the most brilliant playground this preschool teacher has seen as well as a fantastic setting indoors and great events for kids and adults. I’ve had a ball every time I’ve been there! Drop in for an espresso and see what it’s like🙂
Meaghan McDowell-Belloni
We had a wonderful time at Junkyard! I am a teacher and we had a meet up and I was able to bring my kids and let them play safely. There’s sunscreen, water, and clean restrooms. My son doesn’t love new places but had an awesome time! There’s a lot of different zones and areas for kids to play and for adults to work. The admission is very reasonable and you can see it goes into the facility. I already sent this spot to my friends and will be back soon!
Luciana Morales
Junkyard was the perfect place for our family gathering! We reserved the back room and had the best time enjoying their cocktail/coffee bar and playground for the kids. They were great to help us set up tables for our food catering, and gave us a great recommendation for a salsa instructor. Overall, it was a fantastic place for a chill/fun family event.
Mark ANTHONY
Junkyard Social Club is such a fun and unique place — perfect for a celebration! Our family hosted an event here and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. There’s something for everyone: kids can explore, climb, and play in the creatively designed outdoor space, while adults can relax, enjoy a drink, and soak in the funky, artistic atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the whole vibe is just full of joy and imagination. Highly recommend for birthdays, gatherings, or just a fun day out!
Melinda Estrada
A Fun place to take the kiddos while you join in or just decide to lounge, this place has coffee, beer, wine and cocktails maybe even Mocktails as well.Snacks and other goodies. Lots of kool stuff to see. I took my kiddos and my Granddaughter and everyone had an awesome time. The cost was $12.00 per child. Of course you do have to sign a waiver.
Janat Horowitz
Boulder’s hidden gem for young families! It’s a 501C cooperative with the most brilliant playground this preschool teacher has seen as well as a fantastic setting indoors and great events for kids and adults. I’ve had a ball every time I’ve been there! Drop in for an espresso and see what it’s like🙂
Meaghan McDowell-Belloni
We had a wonderful time at Junkyard! I am a teacher and we had a meet up and I was able to bring my kids and let them play safely. There’s sunscreen, water, and clean restrooms. My son doesn’t love new places but had an awesome time! There’s a lot of different zones and areas for kids to play and for adults to work. The admission is very reasonable and you can see it goes into the facility. I already sent this spot to my friends and will be back soon!
Luciana Morales
Junkyard was the perfect place for our family gathering! We reserved the back room and had the best time enjoying their cocktail/coffee bar and playground for the kids. They were great to help us set up tables for our food catering, and gave us a great recommendation for a salsa instructor. Overall, it was a fantastic place for a chill/fun family event.
How to reach Junkyard Social Club
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Why Junkyard Social Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Junkyard Social Club with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Junkyard Social Club offers an exceptional blend of community, creativity, and fun that makes it ideal for social meetups. This vibrant community hangout in Boulder boasts a welcoming atmosphere for both adults and kids, fostering connections over great food, drinks, and interactive activities. Whether you want to casually hang out, enjoy a game night, or experience unique events, the Junkyard provides a versatile space that adapts to different social moods and group sizes. Its combination of an indoor cafe, expansive playground, and lively stage events creates a dynamic venue where every visit can feel fresh and engaging. The welcoming vibe, underscored by a 4.6 rating from over a hundred reviews, speaks to the quality experience you and your friends can expect here. Whether you want to relax with a craft coffee and work remotely, while kids play nearby, or dive into a themed event, Junkyard Social Club is designed to be a memorable spot for people who want to build and nurture community bonds.
What activities can you enjoy at Junkyard Social Club?
Junkyard Social Club offers a rich variety of activities that cater to diverse interests and age groups, making it a perfect location for group meetups. For those who love active play, the club features a 6,000 square foot outdoor playground with a stage, picnic tables, and a striking life-size junk giraffe sculpture—a quirky focal point that adds to the adventurous vibe. Indoors, there’s a well-equipped play fort, relaxing lounges, a piano for musical fun, and an extensive collection of Legos and board games for guests to dive into. The Game Night events are especially popular, welcoming adults and kids alike to engage in board games and card games, fostering both friendly competition and socializing. If you’re in the mood for music or performance, the bi-monthly Stage Party invites local talents to perform, adding an artistic flair that can energize your gathering. Additionally, the club regularly hosts themed events like dance classes, open mics, and activist workshops, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to experience with friends.
Why is Junkyard Social Club the perfect place for a group meetup?
Junkyard Social Club’s combination of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces sets it apart as an exceptional venue for gatherings of all kinds. The inviting cafe, which serves local Ampersand Coffee, snacks, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos, supports long hangouts with good food and beverages, including local beer, wine, and cocktails during afternoons and weekends. The space is conducive to both low-key hangouts and energetic events, providing Wi-Fi and work-friendly environments for those who want to blend productivity with social time. For families or groups with kids, the venue is especially accommodating, with play areas and kid-friendly events that keep children entertained while adults relax and socialize nearby. For larger events such as birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, corporate gatherings, or even weddings, Junkyard Social Club can host up to 200 guests indoors and outdoors, allowing you to tailor the experience to your group’s needs. Their flexible event rental, friendly staff, and creative ambiance build a unique backdrop that enhances the joy of being together.
What kind of events make Junkyard Social Club a hub for community and fun?
Junkyard Social Club organizes an eclectic mix of events that cater to different tastes and encourage community building. Regular meetups such as Drop-In Mahjongg on Tuesdays and Thursdays provide casual, recurring social activities for game lovers. The club also hosts Junkyard Jams and musical open mic nights, giving local artists a platform to share their talents while audiences enjoy lively entertainment. Special themed events like "SMASH THE PATRIARCHY," "The Sex Ed We Deserve," and "Embody Yo Body! – a Therapeutic Dance Class" highlight the club’s commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and wellness. The venue also offers kid-friendly camps, workshops, and parties that enrich the community’s family life. For those who prefer festive gatherings, events like Salsa Sunday, Salsaton, and the Magic Portal Party: Funkin’ Masquerade turn the space into a vibrant dance and celebration zone. This wide range of public and private events reflects Junkyard Social Club’s mission to cultivate connection through shared experiences, making it a magnet for groups seeking both fun and depth.
How does the cafe enhance the experience at Junkyard Social Club?
The cafe at Junkyard Social Club serves as a nexus where food, drink, and ideas converge to enrich your social experience. Featuring locally roasted Ampersand Coffee, the cafe is a haven for coffee lovers who want handcrafted beverages in a relaxed setting. It caters to a broad audience by offering small snacks as well as heartier meals like sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos, appealing to different appetites during social meetups. The presence of a bar open during afternoons and weekends provides the option for local beers, wines, and crafted cocktails, perfect for unwinding or celebrating with friends. This flexibility encourages visitors to linger longer, whether for a casual coffee date, working remotely with Wi-Fi, or an evening gathering with drinks. The cafe’s ambiance supports diverse social modes: from lively conversations to quiet moments with a book, making it a central feature that enriches every visit to Junkyard Social Club.
Why consider Junkyard Social Club for your next special event or party?
If you’re searching for a distinctive venue to host a party, workshop, or corporate event, Junkyard Social Club offers a creative setting that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The space’s adaptable layout supports a variety of event types—from intimate baby showers to lively dance parties, corporate meetings, and even unique wedding ceremonies. You can customize your event with options for bringing your own catering and utilizing the in-house bar service, ensuring your gathering matches your vision perfectly. The club’s commitment to fostering community means event organizers find enthusiastic support from staff who are eager to collaborate and create memorable experiences. Additionally, nonprofit rates make it accessible for diverse groups seeking a meaningful venue. Popular options like kids' birthday parties also benefit from the playful environment and ample amenities, making Junkyard Social Club an all-around excellent choice for hosting a standout celebration.
What makes Junkyard Social Club a family-friendly destination?
Families with children find Junkyard Social Club especially appealing because it offers spaces and activities designed for all ages. The indoor play fort and outdoor playground provide safe and fun environments where kids can climb, jump, and explore creatively. The availability of family-oriented events ensures children are entertained and engaged while parents can relax or participate in activities suited for adults. Because the space is designed as a community hub, there are always opportunities for families to meet other parents and children, strengthening social connections within the neighborhood. The cafe’s menu includes kid-friendly snacks in a comfortable setting that welcomes strollers and family groups. This inclusive, playful, and welcoming atmosphere makes Junkyard Social Club more than just a venue; it’s a community space where families can feel at home and children can have memorable experiences alongside adults.
How does Junkyard Social Club encourage creativity and self-expression?
At Junkyard Social Club, creativity and self-expression are at the heart of the experience. The venue features an indoor stage used for bi-monthly open stage shows where performers of all kinds can showcase their talents, whether it’s music, storytelling, comedy, or dance. The space encourages artists and performers to engage with the community in an informal, supportive environment, creating an inspiring and lively atmosphere for all attendees. There are also craft activities, art workshops, and events like "Story Collective" and "Queer Art Organics Open Mic" that emphasize inclusive creativity and community storytelling. The availability of pianos, games, Legos, and various art supplies invites visitors to express themselves in many ways, from collaborative play to individual creation. Hosting or attending events here stimulates imagination and personal growth, making it a nurturing environment for people to explore new interests and share their passions with friends and neighbors.
Why is Junkyard Social Club a versatile space for both work and play?
Junkyard Social Club seamlessly blends the needs of people seeking productive work time with those wanting social interaction and play. The cafe’s welcoming environment, complete with free Wi-Fi and quality coffee, allows remote workers to set up shop comfortably while enjoying a lively backdrop. At the same time, the venue’s many social elements — such as games, music, and scheduled events — offer natural breaks for connecting with others. Parents can work remotely while their children play safely nearby, striking a balance between professional and family life. As the day progresses, the space easily transitions from a work-friendly café to a buzzing social hub with bar service and performances. This versatility makes it a unique community asset where you do not have to sacrifice one part of your life for the other; you can work, relax, and play in one inclusive environment, making every visit productive and enjoyable.
How does the Junkyard Social Club embody community values?
Junkyard Social Club places community connection and inclusion at its core. It functions as a welcoming hub that draws diverse groups together—whether families, artists, activists, or casual hangout crews. Their event programming often highlights social justice themes and wellness, fostering dialogues alongside entertainment. This approach reflects a deep commitment to cultivating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Member benefits like free admission and cafe discounts further encourage regular participation, reinforcing community bonds. The open invitation to co-host events or use the venue for personal celebrations supports a collaborative vibe where the community shapes the space as much as it enjoys it. This dedication to building social infrastructure makes Junkyard Social Club not just a physical place, but a vibrant social ecosystem woven into Boulder’s cultural and social fabric.