With over 230 acres of preserved open spaces and 1,000 acres of developed park and recreation centers, you’ll find that Thornton CO is one of the best gateways to explore the vast outdoor adventures available in Colorado. The city is extremely kid friendly with places like the unique action sports facility, Progresh, and a 12,000 square foot obstacle course, Mid-Air Adventures.
1. Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center
The Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center is a 78,780-square-foot facility that is filled with different sections dedicated to sports and fitness. You’ll find that the center includes several volleyball courts, basketball courts, an open gym, pickleball courts, a leisure pool, a wave pool, lap swimming pool, vortex pool, lazy river, diving board, waterside, and more. The facility also has additional amenities such as a running track, sauna, hot tub, and weight room that can be used with admission. Head on over to the recreation center and see all the different classes and teams they have such as adult volleyball and adult basketball.
11151 Colorado Boulevard, Thornton, CO 80233, Phone: 303-255-7800
2. Denver Premium Outlets, Thornton, Colorado
Offering one of the best shopping experiences in the state, Denver Premium Outlets has a diverse mix of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Shoppers love browsing stores such as Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade New York, Under Armour, Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, and more. In addition to apparel, you’ll also find footwear, fitness equipment, accessories, and outdoor gear, all of which are almost 65% less than regular costs at the outlet mall. After a day of shopping, re-energize yourself with a meal or snack from Charleys Philly Steaks, Rise Pies, Stir Fry 88, Sumo Sushi & Izakaya, and Wetzel’s Pretzels.
13801 Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80023, Phone: 303-200-3815
3. Springvale Park Disc Golf Course
The Springvale Park Disc Golf Course is a fun way to get outdoors and have a good time with friends and family. The game is played similarly to golf, but just uses a flying disc instead of a golf ball. It’s tons of fun and players of all ages can have a great time trying to get the disc in the basket. The beauty of Marshall Lake, the views of the mountains, and the landscaped greens of the surrounding area of the neighborhood park make it a breathtaking place to spend the day. Other aspects and amenities include paved parking, a playground, and a couple of serene picnicking spots.
13650 Holly Street, Thornton, CO 80602, Phone: 303-255-7844
4. Thornton Veterans Memorial, Thornton, Colorado
The Thornton Veterans Memorial started off as a small community project but soon grew to be one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. The memorial honors veterans of all branches of the military service and shows appreciate for the service and sacrifice that they and their loved ones have made for the nation. Locals and visitors head there to admire the memorial, quietly reflect, or to attend any of the special ceremonies that take place there. At the memorial you’ll be able to see Grace, a sculpture of a winged angel releasing a dove with dog tags by local artist Christopher Romero.
5310 E 136th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80241, Phone: 303-563-7046
5. United Chinese Restaurant, Thornton, Colorado
United Chinese Restaurant is a family-owned and operated endeavor that has a huge menu with an array of Chinese and Thai dishes. Their made-to-order sushi is renowned in the neighborhood and definitely worth trying out when you’re in the area; the full sushi bar is managed by the restaurant’s very own personal sushi chef. All of the foods are made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients, ensuring that you have a pleasant dining experience each and every single time. Popular choices from their menu are the kung pao shrimp, the chicken with black bean sauce, the Mongolian beef, and the United fried rice which has Chinese red sausage and shrimp.
4150 E 128th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80241, Phone: 720-977-8888
6. Tequila's Family Mexican, Thornton, Colorado
Tequila’s Family Mexican is a local chain serving authentic classic dishes and cocktails which you can enjoy in a traditionally-decorated space. The owners have been in the restaurant industry for decades and aim to serve the community of Thornton delicious, authentic Mexican food that is full of flavor. The menu has a number of choices and there’s sure to be something that will satisfy even the most particular palate. Their lunch combinations are extremely popular and include burritos, Mexican hamburgers, enchiladas, chalupas, flautas, tacos, tortilla soup, and more, all of which come with a side of rice and beans.
12020 Pennsylvania Street, Thornton, CO 80241, Phone: 303-254-5555
7. Gunther Toody's Diner, Thornton, CO
Gunther Toody’s Diner will make you feel as if you’ve gone back in time to an authentic 50’s diner. The staff can be seen wearing ‘50s-style garb as they serve delicious burgers and malts in a throwback atmosphere that is fun and family friendly. They serve breakfast all day and for less than $5 you can have a play of eggs cooked any style, hash browns, toast, and your choice of breakfast meat. The diner is an American classic and with their array of home-cooked meals and exceptional service you’re sure to dine there numerous times during your stay.
16755 Washington Street, Thornton, CO 80023, Phone: 303-451-1950
8. Things to Do in Thornton, Colorado: Maize in the City
With tons of family-oriented activities and attractions, Maize in the City, also known as MITC for short, has become Colorado State’s favorite rural fall event. MITC was first opened in 2001 and has, since then, been welcoming guests to enjoy awesome fall attractions. Navigate your way through a 20-acre corn maze, choose the perfect pumpkin to bring home with you at the easy-pick pumpkin field which is tended to by Maize in the City’s in-house farmer, or try other activities like the barrel ride, corn launcher, hay bale maze, and the playground. For artistically inclined children, Maize in the City also has a sand art area.
10451 McKay Road, Thornton, CO 80233
9. Things to Do Near Me: The Summit
More than just your typical bowling alley, The Summit at Thornton is the epicenter of family-friendly fun and entertainment in Denver’s Metro area. Visitors can look forward to spectacular Colorado-style hospitality, lots of genuine smiles, and a fantastic experience that will have guests coming back for more. The Summit is home to a spacious bowling alley beloved by local leagues, and also has an on-site laser tag arena in addition to an impressive arcade. Visitors who want to make a day out of their visit can also grab a delicious bite to eat at The Summit’s Crossroads Tavern and Grille. Open daily, package promos are frequently available at The Summit, so make sure to check before coming to make sure you get the best deal possible.
580 E. 144th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80233, Phone: 303-254-8888
10. Things to Do in Thornton, Colorado: 303 Escape
If you’re looking for a challenge, thrill, and a bit of a scare to boot, 303 Escape’s Homocide Hotel is sure to deliver in spades. It is arguably one of the best escape room experiences in the country with an immersive hotel theme that was inspired by the chilling stories behind American Horror Story’s Hotel, 1408 by Stephen King, Norman Bates, and even The Shining. Creepy is an understatement as the hotel truly transports you into a new world with their Hollywood-worthy set designs. Guests will have to solve puzzles, find clues, and interact with objects in the rooms to escape the hotel before the clock runs out.
8805 Fox Drive #100, Thornton, CO 80260
