Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Greenwood Village, CO

Greenwood Village is located south of downtown Denver, just west of Interstate 25.

The town had slightly more than 16,000 residents at the time of the last census and is ideally situated to provide visitors with an extensive range of both urban and rural activities; many of which are only a few minutes away.

Denver, Centennial, and Aurora offer an abundance of dining and shopping alternatives, as well as theaters, museums, and historical attractions. Additionally, there are several local, state, and national parks in close proximity.

Below are 15 activities to engage in within and around Greenwood Village that are highly regarded on many travelers’ itineraries.

1. Cherry Creek State Park

State parks are usually low-cost or free to enter, and typically provide guests with a variety of recreational activities.

Cherry Creek State Park’s most notable feature is its expansive lake that spans nearly 900 surface acres.

During the summer months, the lake becomes a popular destination for boaters, swimmers, anglers, and kayakers. The park’s trails are frequented by horseback riders, cyclists, and hikers.

For guests wishing to spend a night or two in nature, the park boasts more than 100 individual campsites, most equipped with full water and electrical hookups for RVs.

2. Kennedy Golf Course

In contrast to most golf courses that feature only 18 holes, Kennedy Golf Course in Denver offers 36 holes.

Twenty-seven of the course’s holes are regulation length; however, for those who wish to avoid spending four to five hours on the links, there is also a short 9-hole, par-3 course that generally takes just over an hour to complete.

The course includes a popular restaurant, a lighted driving range, and a mini-golf course open from dawn until dusk in favorable weather conditions.

This family-friendly attraction has something for everyone, regardless of age and skill level, and is reasonably priced.

3. Aurora Reservoir Recreation Area

Spanning over 30,000 surface acres, Aurora Reservoir is a significant impoundment that provides much of the city’s water supply, and the adjacent park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to connect with nature without venturing far.

Aurora Reservoir Recreation Area features designated swimming and sunbathing zones, and ample space for picnicking, biking, and walking.

The reservoir operates from Memorial Day until the end of September; during this period, lifeguards are on duty from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Expect crowds on weekends in summer; therefore, it is advisable to arrive early.

4. Milano Coffee

Milano Coffee, located on East Arapahoe Road, opens at 5:30 during the weekdays.

This early opening sets it apart from many competitors, contributing to its popularity among early risers.

Alongside a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages, the establishment offers Italian soda, tea, smoothies, along with yogurt, fruit, and baked goods.

Guests can enjoy seating options both indoors and outdoors, the latter set apart from the street to minimize road noise.

They maintain slightly reduced hours on weekends.

5. Surena

Thanks to their proximity to Denver, many small towns like Greenwood Village showcase a remarkable variety of restaurants representing international cuisines.

Surena is reputedly the first Persian restaurant to establish itself in Colorado. For those unfamiliar, Persian cuisine features exotic flavors and unique spices that are often novel to many diners.

Signature dishes such as stew, soup, saffron rice, and kabobs are perennial favorites, with guests frequently praising their black tea.

The restaurant boasts a trendy, inviting atmosphere enriched with traditional Persian art, furniture, and dinnerware.

6. The Denver Colorado Temple

One does not need to be a devoted Latter Day Saint to appreciate the Denver Colorado Temple’s remarkable architecture.

The temple was inaugurated in the mid-1980s and showcases beautifully landscaped grounds, stained glass windows depicting significant events in the church’s history, and a spire that rises above the temple and its surroundings.

Guided tours are accessible; however, they require prior arrangements made by contacting the staff to communicate the visit’s details.

Tours feature historical narration provided by active church members, which many participants find both engaging and informative.

7. Aurora History Museum

The Aurora History Museum, situated on East Alameda Parkway, has been a cultural fixture since 1979.

Over decades, the museum has curated an impressive collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia related to the area’s founding, with many items dating back to the early 1800s.

While much of the exhibition features historical content, there are also rotating exhibits addressing contemporary themes, such as the state’s craft beer renaissance.

Visitors can expect to see historic documents, photographs, Native American artifacts, and firsthand accounts from settlers who navigated the area when it was largely unexplored and perilous.

8. Resolute Brewing Company

Colorado has a longstanding tradition of beer production; however, for much of its history, it has been dominated by the prominent Coors Brewery in nearby Golden.

In recent decades, craft breweries have emerged widely, and currently, visitors to the Rocky Mountain State are typically within proximity of at least one.

Located on South Yosemite Street in Centennial, Resolute Brewing Company has cultivated a dedicated patronage since its inception in 2016.

Its popular brews encompass wheat beer, ambers, stouts, and hoppy IPAs. The brewery is also dog-friendly, providing both indoor and outdoor seating.

9. The Streets at SouthGlenn

Situated on South Vine Street in Centennial, The Streets at SouthGlenn is a revamped shopping venue that has replaced a traditional mall that operated on the site for over three decades from the 1970s through the early 2000s.

Since its opening in 2009, The Streets features retail anchors such as Macy’s, Best Buy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

This is an ideal destination to spend several hours sheltered from the elements, with amenities including a movie theater featuring more than a dozen screens, alongside a variety of dining options ranging from burgers to Asian cuisine, seafood, and steaks.

10. The Plains Conservation Center

The Plains Conservation Center, a sought-after attraction in Aurora, offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the region’s history and ecology.

The center has been operational for over seventy years, prioritizing education and the conservation efforts essential for safeguarding the state’s natural heritage.

The site is divided into two distinct sections. The first comprises historic structures, including a blacksmith shop and a settler-era schoolhouse.

The second section centers on the region’s natural history, prominently featuring the mass dinosaur extinction that occurred during the Cretaceous Era.

11. Bear Creek Greenbelt

Throughout much of the spring and summer seasons, Colorado offers ideal weather conditions for outdoor pursuits.

While many visitors to the Greenwood Village area spend extended periods traveling to the state’s premier attractions, there are also numerous local options readily available.

Bear Creek Greenbelt, located in neighboring Lakewood, spans almost four miles and is suitable for most reasonably fit individuals regardless of age.

The parking facility and trailhead can be accessed on South Estes Street, and the trail meanders through meadows and both treed and wetland environments hosting diverse wildlife.

12. Aurora Fox Arts Center

Located on East Colfax Avenue, the Aurora Fox Arts Center features a theater with near 250 seats in downtown Aurora’s vibrant arts district.

The center presents year-round performances, many of which are Broadway-style productions that significantly exceed most visitors’ expectations.

Originally built in the mid-1940s as a cinema, the theater also hosts live music, dance performances, and recitals throughout the year.

Due to the popularity of many shows, advance ticket purchase is advised as performances often sell out weeks ahead of schedule.

13. William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park

Located in Lakewood, William F. Hayden Green Mountain Park encompasses nearly 2,500 picturesque acres along South Rooney Road, making it one of the city’s largest parks.

The park features an extensive network of multi-use trails, offering walkers, runners, and cyclists incredible vistas of the Green Mountains and, under favorable conditions, the downtown Denver skyline.

The trails vary in difficulty, and for the exceptionally fit, there is an opportunity to hike to the park’s highest peak.

Activities such as bird watching, photography, and wildlife viewing are popular, with sightings of deer, foxes, and numerous bird species, especially in the early morning and late evening hours when they are most active.

14. The Clue Room

The Clue Room in Centennial is often referenced as Colorado’s inaugural escape room. Although other venues may lay claim to the title, it remains a popular attraction for those seeking an element of suspense and mystery during their visit.

This establishment offers a range of uniquely themed rooms, providing enjoyable experiences for varied ages and interests.

Escape rooms are ideal for romantic evenings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as corporate team-building events, with most sessions lasting just over an hour.

15. Downslope Distilling

Although Colorado is primarily recognized for its extensive craft breweries, the production of small-batch spirits has experienced significant growth in recent years.

Downslope Distilling, located on South Dawson Circle in Englewood, creates ten distinct spirits from various ingredients, including rye, sugarcane, agave, and barley.

Guided tours of the facility are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but prior reservations are required.

Among their most sought-after products are American rye, rum, vodka, and an agave spirit that is similar to tequila. They also conduct multi-day courses for those wishing for a more comprehensive understanding of spirit production.