The fifth largest city in Colorado, Lakewood is an unforgettable municipality because of its freezing winter weather.
This is why many tourists flock to the city during the holidays, where the snow is most abundant and enjoyable.
Alongside that, this city offers many exciting outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.
From cultural programs hosted within shopping districts to nature explorations at extensive parks and centers, Lakewood has it all!
Incorporated in 1969, this city started as a farming community and was also famous for being the home of the Ute people.
By the 1800s, its railroad and streetcar industry became one of its promising assets.
In the 21st century, Lakewood in Jefferson County opened its doors to various modern-day attractions and business prospects, some of which are open to the public without a fee.
To know how you can get the most out of the city without paying a large sum, here are the 15 free things to do in Lakewood, Colorado:
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Bring a bit of color to your afternoon break with a visit to Kendrick Lake Park.
Situated on West Jewell Avenue, this park is also home to a 31-acre reservoir and a lush xeric garden.
Along its trails, you can choose to walk, run, or even ride a bike to fully enjoy the magnificent view of miles and miles of greenery.
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It also has a playground and rentable shelters if you want to spend money on private gatherings.
Most importantly, Kendrick Lake Park is a standalone attraction because it’s home to one of the most recognized xeric gardens within the community.
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Have an eye for public art pieces?
Then you may want to visit Addenbrooke Park.
This multi-use park on South Kipling Parkway has everything you may need for your outdoor recreation.
From large sports fields—like those for baseball and soccer—to walking trails, Addenbrooke Park offers fun activities with the whole family amid nature.
Its serene lake is one of its most charming points.
But to truly appreciate this park, head to the Garrison Street entrance and check out the 50th Anniversary sculpture standing there.
Meant to commemorate the city’s diverse community, the Echoes and Reflections sculpture is a reflective metal art piece made by the talented artist Collin Parson.
Keep your cameras ready for this one-of-a-kind artwork.
Lakewood’s love for the arts scene is more prominent at 40 West ArtLine.
This art district is a four-mile art extension of public art displays, including murals, painted pathways, and other art installations by sidewalks.
Started in 2011 and launched in 2018, this art project has over 70 temporary and permanent pieces, and it’s still accepting more!
It also aims to connect Lakewood’s parks: Aviation, Walker Branch, and Mountain Parks.
Should you feel interested to experience this unique outdoor gallery, you can start at any route within the ArtLine, discovering the array of artworks you’ll see along the way.
Ready your bikes for an immersive bike experience over at 40 West ArtLine.
Just remember to follow the green line along West Colfax.
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Craving the nature scene while in Lakewood?
William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain might be your best bet for an afternoon of hiking and a picturesque view of mountain peaks in the distance.
This park, known as the second largest in the city, spans 2,400 acres of open fields and gardens.
It’s known for its wildlife diversity and dates back to 1972.
Its challenging trails also add to its appeal, making your usual hiking experience more memorable with elevation gains that reach up to 1,600 feet.
When you visit during the winter season, you can enjoy snowshoeing, too!
William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain on South Rooney Road promises you a grand time away from city life.
For a quick break from the eclectic city buzz of Lakewood, you might want to drive to Cody Street Park.
This park on South Cody Street provides breathtaking views of the skyline and a vast expanse of green space.
Its amenities may only include park benches and paved walking trails, but it doesn’t mean it’s not visit-worthy.
Cody Street Park exudes a solitary atmosphere that’s magnified by its connecting converted roadway, so not even the honks and horns of cars distract you from relaxing.
Come for the scenery and stay for the solitude; you won’t regret it!
Jefferson Green Park is one of Lakewood’s treasures, mainly because of its promise of a peaceful time amid the grass and groves.
It’s also every child’s paradise with its expansive playground equipment and horseshoe pits.
Bring your family along on your trip to Jefferson Green Park, and play a few catch and frisbee games at the sports fields.
One of the features that made it stand out from other parks is the 2019 community garden that’s also part of the collective food-producing garden network, Denver Urban Gardens.
This park is along South Field Street.
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Enjoy a historical excursion by visiting Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park.
This center is a museum, gallery, and festival venue all rolled into one.
At its gallery, expect two kinds of exhibitions—permanent collections and rotating.
Learn more about ancient Lakewood architecture, food culture, and historical significance through the artifacts here.
The best part is you don’t have to pay anything to explore the gallery and its large-scale collection of memorabilia and interactive displays.
Within the center, there are historic buildings, too, but signing up for guided tours around these establishments may come with an additional fee.
If you’re interested in the programs at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, head over to South Yarrow Street.
If Lakewood’s free tourist spots have not convinced you to visit this city yet, then its annual festivals might.
One of its famous festivals is the Lakewood Earth Day Celebration.
This annual event aims to bring the community closer with a shared goal of spreading awareness of environmental causes.
After the success of the more hands-on approach to 2022’s program, the 2023 one is surely an awaited festival, too!
From its live music and Earth Day art to Nature Walks at Bear Creek Lake Park, you won’t only learn more about saving the earth but also have fun with loved ones with tons of entertainment.
Don’t miss the Parade of Species, where you and your little one can dress up as your favorite animals!
Come by in April to join the festivities at the Lakewood Earth Day Celebration at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park.
Firefighters are one of the world’s most underrated heroes.
At Lakewood, there’s a special memorial for their continued efforts to keep everyone in the community safe.
The Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial is a monument on West Virginia Avenue that pays tribute to the deceased heroes of this profession.
This life-sized monument is made of bronze and contains at least 146 names of mighty firefighters whose heroic efforts made a mark in history.
Take the time to drive by the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Memorial and pay your respects.
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More than a shopping district, Belmar Shopping District is one of Lakewood’s best places to be if you’re after a budget-friendly trip.
Built in 2004, this district is the city’s downtown area.
The open-air shopping mall extends to over 22 square city blocks and takes you to a magical small village center with double the fun and excitement.
With over 80 stores and establishments and a central plaza, Belmar Shopping District is also a famous gathering or hangout spot.
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But what you should look out for the most in this center is its planned free summer concert series.
Events like Belmar Music on the Plaza and Belmar’s Third Thursday Concerts are some of the most awaited programs all year.
You can find Belmar Shopping District on West Alaska Drive.
Have you toured around Lakewood’s range of attractions already?
Here’s more you can do in nearby cities:
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If you’re a music fan, you may want to visit the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
This music center, founded in 2011, offers induction exhibits featuring musicians and artists who’ve gained recognition in the Colorado music scene.
Discover Philip Bailey and John Denver, and watch video biographies of their achievements and early life.
The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is in the nearby town of Morrison.
More specifically, it stands on Trading Post Road, which will take about 18 minutes to reach if you’re driving from Lakewood.
Established in 1998, the Dikeou Collection is one of Denver’s unique art galleries.
Mixing classic art with magazine art, this gallery showcases at least 30 artists based internationally.
Aside from viewing the art presented at this gallery, you can look forward to its free events, too.
Join in on lectures, workshops, and artist talks to learn more about zingmagazine, a contemporary art magazine started by the owner of the Dikeou Collection, Devon Dikeou.
You are free to visit this gallery by appointment!
In the nearby city of Golden, Foothills Art Center is a free art center established in 1968.
Over the years, it remains a safe art and community hub that brings people together through its exhibits.
Learn more about contemporary art and all its forms, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, woodworking, and more!
Though you don’t have to, it’s best to call in for a reservation to ensure your spot at the gallery.
You can visit Foothills Art Center on 15th Street, which is approximately 14 minutes away from Lakewood.
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In Jefferson County, Crown Hill Park stands out as a family-friendly recreational spot among all parks in Wheat Ridge.
Located within a suburban neighborhood, this park boasts an impressive lakeside view.
On top of this, it’s also a sanctuary for bird lovers because of its abundance of birdlife all over the site.
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Spanning 229 acres, it also has multi-use trails that extend to 10.2 miles, ideal for hiking and horseback riding.
Crown Hill Park is on West 26th Avenue, a 10-minute drive from downtown Lakewood.
Only a 24-minute drive away from Lakewood, Broomfield Veterans Museum is a free museum honoring the Colorado veterans.
This museum gathers war stories from the past, hoping to inspire the present generation to learn more about their land’s history.
With its nine exhibit rooms and over 2,500 books within its library, take yourself on an epic time-traveling journey to the past.
Tour around rotating art and historical exhibits and see the artifacts and memorabilia on shelves and pasted on the walls.
You can also join a guided tour for a more cohesive learning adventure within the walls of the Broomfield Veterans Museum.
There’s also a multimedia room that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
The museum is located in the Garden Center in Bloomfield.
Lakewood’s impressive tourist spots and cold climate make it a go-to city for snow lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Add that to its numerous admission-free venues, and Lakewood is a sure travel hit for many, including you!
Keep this list of free things to do in Lakewood, Colorado, in your bookmarks for future reference.
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