Federal Heights is a union town of about 12,000 residents, founded in 1940 with just a few dozen people.
It is located in the north-central part of the Denver metropolitan area in Adams County, just minutes from Interstate 25, the state’s largest north-south highway.
Commonwealth Heights is known for its largest large water park in the West. It’s close enough to Denver and the Rocky Mountains to easily visit a rich selection of activities.
Here are 15 things to do in and around Federal Heights, Colorado.
1. Water World
Located on North Pecos Street in Federal Heights, Waterworld is one of the largest water parks in the country. It has nearly 50 individual attractions that are known to keep families entertained throughout the day.
Guests who have stayed at other water parks before unanimously say that the water world is unique. While it’s definitely not the cheapest attraction in town, most people find it worth it.
Waterworld offers a variety of food options, and most areas of the park are also accessible to people with disabilities.
If you go during peak hours, expect crowds and wait for a ride.
2. Badlands Disc Golf Course
For those who don’t own golf clubs and would rather save a few bucks and try something new, disc golf is a fun way to enjoy hours outdoors without spending a lot of time.
Badlands Disc Golf at Camenisch Park is known for its huge elevation changes and ever-changing club positions, making things challenging.
Many fairways are open, but others have tree areas, ditches and ponds.
Even for those who don’t like frisbee golf, the park has ample walking trails and lots of shaded seating areas, perfect for a picnic or an afternoon with a good book.
3. Lotus Chinese Restaurant
Lotus Chinese Restaurant is located on West 84th Avenue in Federal Heights. Since its establishment in 1980, it has been a favorite local dining destination.
The lotus is often referred to as a hole in the wall, but that’s where its charm lies. According to many regulars, it’s a far cry from the competition.
Some of their most popular menu items include egg rolls, sesame chicken, beef and broccoli, and lo mein. Unless you happen to be there on a particularly busy day, your order is usually delivered to you within 10 or 15 minutes.
4. Legacy Ridge Golf Course
With stunning mountain views and a variety of natural features including wetlands and grasslands, the nearby Legacy Ridge Golf Course in Westminster is not only scenic and challenging, but also surprisingly affordable.
Open since 1994, the course is just over 7,100 yards from the back tee, which means it is significantly longer than most of its contemporaries.
Amenities at Legacy Ridge include restaurants, a pro shop, and practice facilities, and most savvy golfers who regularly play in the area consider it one of the best values around.
If you’ll be playing on a holiday or weekend, it’s a good idea to book a tee time in advance.
5. Mini Tortillas
The Denver metro area is filled with dining options ranging from trendy and exclusive to cheap, quick and comfortable.
Tacos Junior is located just a stone’s throw from Federal Heights on East Colfax Avenue near Aurora, and rumor has it that their tacos are way ahead of the competition.
They’re known for fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, quick service, and reasonable prices, and they never skimp on portion sizes.
While tacos are the star of the show, they also offer a slew of other items, including seafood, salads, and luscious Mexican baked goods.
6. Adventure Golf and Track
For travelers with kids looking to get the most out of their hard-earned travel expenses, there’s no better option than the adventure golf and track on Sheridan Avenue near Westminster.
The facility has been open for over three decades and features an incredible 54 miniature golf holes with many fun and unique themes, as well as challenging obstacles.
There’s also food, games, bumper cars and go-karts, so it’s no surprise that they’ve hosted nearly 3 million guests over the years.
Adventure Golf and Raceway is usually a lunatic asylum full of kids, so it might not be for those looking for a quiet or romantic night out.
7. Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flight
With its sweeping blue skies and majestic mountain views, Colorado is the perfect place for a hot air balloon ride, and Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights in Lafayette is one of the most respected providers in the area.
Their goal has always been to create lasting memories, and according to previous guests, they do it all the time.
Their season usually runs from May to November, and there are a variety of options to suit most ages and interests.
Private events and groups are welcome, but it’s a good idea to call them before your trip and let them know when you’re arriving and how much they should plan.
8. Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is one of the Rocky Mountain State’s most popular art and cultural attractions. It is conveniently located in the city centre and is a short drive for those living in Commonwealth Heights.
The museum houses world-class works of traditional and contemporary art done in a variety of mediums from around the world.
Most visitors spend one to two hours on site. Museum staff also offer guided tours and events, including workshops for up-and-coming artists, demonstrations, and guest speakers.
Admission is fairly reasonable considering the museum’s impressive collection, and kids get in for free every day.
9. Odyssey Brewery
Located on West 56th Street in Arvada, Odyssey Beerwerks is the brainchild of local craft beer enthusiasts who spent years perfecting their craft before deciding to open their own craft brewery.
Odyssey features a popular bar filled with unique ales with various alcohol levels and flavour profiles.
Their products range from delightful bitter IPAs and vanilla porters to refreshing wheat and pale lagers. They also offer seasonal specials, including flavors like Pumpkin and Marshmallow.
Brewpubs is a great place to sample unique beers and meet the locals, who are often a great resource for tourists unsure of what to see and do in the area.
10. Wildlife Sanctuary
The Keenesburg Wildlife Sanctuary is nearly 800 acres and is home to hundreds of different species of large animals.
Bears, leopards, lions, tigers and wolves in the reserve roam relatively freely in several habitats, and the facility is open to the public every day – except on holidays and when the weather is particularly inclement.
There is an elevated walkway around the park from which visitors can get a good view of the animals. For most people, this is the closest they will get to such a dangerous and impressive beast.
11. Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
Established nearly 30 years ago, the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge consists of nearly 80 acres of pristine land rich in flora and fauna species.
The sanctuary consists of grasslands and wetlands that are vital to the region’s wildlife, and guided tours are regularly arranged for those who want to experience them up close and personal.
The park entrance to the two ponds is on West 80th Avenue in Arvada. The staff offers a variety of educational programs, excursions, and nature-related programs for most ages.
12. Morrison Museum of Natural History
Morrison, Colorado is a quaint and historic town about a half-hour drive west of downtown Denver. It is one of the most impressive natural history museums in the area.
According to visitors who have visited quite a few natural history museums, the Morrison Museum of Natural History is a clear standout, especially with its rich exhibits, knowledgeable and welcoming staff, and fantastic collection of fossils, many of which Collection hundreds of thousands of years old.
Some of the museum’s exhibits are interactive, which means they are both educational and entertaining. Admission is much cheaper than many commercial attractions in the area.
13. Butterfly House and Insectarium
The Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Centre on West 104th Street in Westminster is one of the most unique attractions in the area. Especially for those traveling with animal-loving kids, this often becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their trip.
The facility is filled with amazing insects, and while bugs often get bad reviews, they are an integral part of all ecosystems.
Of course, colorful butterflies tend to steal the spotlight; in addition to their beauty, they have a fascinating life cycle, with many migrating often more than 1,000 miles a year.
14. Arvada Arts and Humanities Center
While Colorado is primarily known for its abundance of outdoor recreation options and wild beauty, it also has many arts and cultural attractions. The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is one of the most popular.
Established in 1976, the Arvada Center is located on Wadsworth Avenue and includes multiple art galleries, theaters, conference facilities and classrooms.
Throughout the year, the center hosts a variety of performances, including theatre, live music and dance. There are also performing and traditional arts classes and workshops for most ages.
15. Standley Lakes Regional Park
Standley Lake Regional Park is a convenient option for those who want to spend some quality time in nature but don’t want to travel across the state.
The heart of the park is Lake Standley, which has over 1,000 acres of surface area and provides drinking water to many nearby towns including Westminster and Thornton.
During the warmer months, the lake is popular with paddlers, kayakers, swimmers and fishermen. The adjacent park is crisscrossed by many trails that offer breathtaking views and a variety of wildlife species.
If you plan to go fishing, you will need a valid Colorado fishing license to comply.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Federal Heights, CO
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