Free Family Fun in Englewood, CO

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © vxla, used under Creative Commons License v2.0.

Kids bored? Thinking you'll have to spend a ton of money to make them happy? Not so. As an Englewood resident with four kids in tow, I find new (and free) things to do with the kids all the time. Because we are an active family, I've become quite the expert on free family fun in Englewood, CO. Here are some of our family favorites.

Stroll the beautiful walking trails.

Englewood has trails of all sizes suitable for biking, hiking, or even a leisurely walk. My kids and I enjoy these trails often. Shorter trails are good for quick walks or leisurely scenic walks. There are plenty of benches along the trails for relaxing, enjoying he scenery, or even observing the animals. The ducks and other water foul are our favorites. But you also might see other wildlife.

Take the free "art" shuttle.

Ever ridden on the art shuttle bus? It will get you around the entire Englewood Parkway, as well as transport you to area hospitals. It's called the art because of the great sculptures located along the entire route. Interested in the artwork? Great! Much of it's for sale. A portion of the proceeds goes to he city. The art shuttle is funded by the City of Englewood, as well as the Regional Transportation District (RTD). RTD operates the city's main public transit system. Hop on the art for destinations along the parkway - or just hop on board for fun!

Visit Englewood Civic Center.

The Englewood Civic Center is where the library, the courts, and other official business is located. You'll also find free concerts and other events going on in the square. Need to hop on the light rail? Englewood Station is literally seconds from the civic center. There you can jump on the light rail train or hop a city bus. The art bus stops right in the civic center square - or circle, since it's shaped like one.

Enjoy the sidewalk splash fountain.

While located right in the center at the end of Englewood Parkway, this deserves separate attention. A big part of the fun to be had at the Englewood Civic Center is the fountain, if you ask the kids - alright, adults love it too! Just don't lean too close over the holes in the ground surrounding the fountain - you might get a surprise!

Make use of the parks.

Englewood has a good variety of parks to choose from. They're great for walks, family picnics, exercise, and entertainment. Skaters will enjoy Cushing Park, as there is an enclosed skateboard park. This park also has a bridge extending over a beautiful duck pond with a fountain. Belleview Park includes a children's farm and miniature train. Check with the city for a complete listing and amenities.