Things to Do in Highlands Ranch

In the southwest corner of the Denver metro area, Highlands Ranch offers a quiet, relaxing pace of life surrounded by Colorado’s natural beauty. The suburb provides many outdoor amenities and activities for kids, making it a great place to relocate for families. Highlands Ranch also promises a strong economy, good schools, and an easy commute to Denver. Whether you’re a young professional just starting out, looking for a place to grow your family, or you’re a retiree, there are so many things to do in Highlands Ranch!
 
Highlands Ranch boasts a friendly atmosphere and is known for its strong sense of community and welcoming locals. Being close to Denver, Highlands Ranch offers the best of both worlds by giving residents access to all the city has to offer and the comforts of living in a small town. Framed by the mountains, Highlands Ranch is close to biking, hiking, and world-class skiing. Finally, Highlands Ranch’s state-of-the-art, high-quality healthcare facilities, numerous shopping options, and other top qualities make the suburb a great place to call home.

 

Situated in the center of Highlands Ranch, this exquisite late 19th-century mansion is a splendid example of the area’s beautiful Victorian architecture. Take the free tour to discover the mansion’s history, as well as the stories of the families and guests who called it home.

 

Guests to this wilderness area will enjoy over 8,200 acres of nature preserve, and 40 miles of trails perfect for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Don’t miss out on the amphitheater, playground, and picnic spots! You’ll also want to check out the visitors center for guided nature walks, fishing, and opportunities to spot wildlife. The Backcountry Wilderness Area is one of the many outdoor recreational spots to seek out if you’re looking for things to do in Highlands Ranch.

 

A visit to the HRCA gives you access to a calendar full of free events like festivals, workshops, and concerts! The HRCA also has four recreation centers offering sports fields and courts, fitness equipment, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

 

KidFest is a joy for children of all ages! Come visit Civic Park Green where fun live concerts and educational workshops await. Activities include a bounce house, climbing wall, Nerf dart zone, and food served by family-friendly vendors.

 

For families that like a bit of an adrenaline rush, Tanks Skate Park offers hours of excitement. If skating isn’t your family’s thing, check out the pickleball courts, playground, and inline hockey rink.

 

 

Just a short drive from Highlands Ranch in nearby Westminster, the Butterfly Pavilion is the nation’s first stand-alone, non-profit insect zoo. Visitors get the chance to view butterflies from across the world. Don’t miss the Pavillion’s hands-on discovery center, especially if you’re visiting with little ones!

 

Come down to The Denver Comedy Lounge to laugh the evening away at local and national comedy acts that have graced Comedy Central, HBO, and Netflix.

 

Founded in 2008, Indulge brings the upscale dining experience of the city to the suburb of Highlands Ranch. For those that love wine, check out Indulge’s Wine Rewards Club for discounts on rare bottles. If all your friends would describe you as a foodie or wine-lover, Indulge is a ‘can’t-miss’ if you’re looking for things to do in Highlands Ranch.

Visitors can enjoy the comforts of an Irish pub in Highlands Ranch when they visit Lansdowne Arms. The full-service bar offers a top-notch beer selection with over 30 beers that are all cask-conditioned.

 

 

The Highlands Ranch Town Center provides a variety of shops and restaurants. The center also features a movie theater and a variety of casual dining options, making it an excellent destination for a day of shopping and entertainment.

Located just a short drive away in Centennial, The Streets at SouthGlenn offers numerous luxury shopping opportunities in an outdoor setting.

Park Meadows Mall is Colorado’s favorite shopping mall, featuring over 185 stores, including Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, as well as numerous other luxury stores.

This beautiful park is a popular choice for fishermen, hunters, hikers, and boaters. Visitors can enjoy swimming beaches and a full-service marina. Furry friends are welcome!

Northridge Park is a family-friendly park with a playground, sand play area, and more! BBQ grills and pavilions make this park a great choice for picnics.

This park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including a playground, sports fields, and an outdoor swimming pool. The park also has several trails for hiking and biking and is a popular spot for picnics and family gatherings.

 

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa offers a full service menu of massages, facials, hair removal, and cryo-skin treatments.

 

You deserve to relax, and Wonder Spa is the best place to do it. Located in Highlands Ranch, Wonder Spa offers Chinese and Swedish massages, among many more options.