9 Best Things to Do in Thornton, Colorado

By VI Staff on June 24, 2020 - Updated

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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. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.

1.Mid-Air Adventures

Mid-Air Adventures comprises an amazing 12,000 square foot obstacle course complete with zip lines, giant swings, rope bridges, slides, and rock climbing. The experience is safe and fun for visitors of all ages as they are fitted with a harness and will be instructed by friendly, trained staff members. It’s one of the most unique ways to get your child active and to try out new things like reaching the top of their 20-foot-high rock climbing wall. The rock climbing has three different paths so that children of all skill levels will be able to give it a go. Kids of all ages will want to go back again and again, and you’ll love taking them!

9499 Washington Street #100, Thornton, CO 80229, Phone: 303-255-9477

2.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

3.Denver Premium Outlets

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

4.Progresh

Progresh is a facility dedicated to learning new skills and pushing your limits while being in a fun and safe environment. The unique action sports experience they offer is perfect for people of all ages and abilities; Progresh often works with different groups and often trains members from the National Sports Center for the Disabled and the Boulder Autism Society. It’s the best environment to try something new, make friends, and be inspired - the friendly, trained staff is constantly there encouraging and assisting you to accomplish your goals. Some of the classes includes tumbling, trampoline, free running, slackline, skating, scootering, snowboarding, and skiing.

9499 Washington Street #50, Thornton, CO 80229, Phone: 720-441-2112

5.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

6.Thornton Veterans Memorial

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

7.United Chinese Restaurant

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

8.Tequila's Family Mexican

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

9.Gunther Toody's Diner

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