Published December 3, 2025

❄️ Winter Activities for Kids in Douglas County

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Written by Marjorie Engle

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❄️ Winter Activities for Kids in Douglas County

Fun Local Ideas to Keep Families Active All Season

Winter in Douglas County and Elbert County, Colorado brings cold weather, but it doesn’t mean kids have to stay bored indoors. Whether you live in Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Elizabeth, Kiowa, or Franktown, there are plenty of ways to keep your children engaged, active, and entertained — without driving far or spending a fortune.

Here are the best winter activities for kids in our local communities to help families make the most of the colder months.

 

⛸️ 1. Ice Skating & Winter Sports

Rink at the Rock – Castle Rock

A local favorite for families. Outdoor rink, seasonal music, and skate rentals available.

Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park

Unique river-style skating loop with firepits and nearby restaurants. Perfect family outing.

 

Highlands Ranch Ice Arena

Indoor rink for lessons, open skate, and hockey leagues.

 

🏔️ 2. Sledding & Snow Play

Philip S. Miller Park – Castle Rock

Popular sledding hill with nearby playgrounds and trails.

Roxborough Park (Nearby)

Scenic areas for snow hiking and light sledding.

 

Backyard fun in Elbert County – With more space, many families enjoy sledding at home!

 

🌲 3. Winter Hikes & Outdoor Adventures

Bundle up and hit family-friendly trails like:

Castlewood Canyon State Park – Franktown

Hidden Mesa Trailhead – Castle Rock

 

Spruce Mountain Open Space – LarkspurGreat for light hikes, photography, and winter wildlife spotting.

 

🏊 4. Indoor Recreation Centers

Parker Recreation Center – Indoor pool, lazy river, climbing wall, kids’ area.

Castle Rock Rec Center – Family swim, indoor activities, youth programs.

 

HRCA Recreation Centers – Highlands Ranch – Multiple indoor facilities with classes and events.

 

🎨 5. Creative & Learning Activities

Douglas County Libraries (All Branches) – Storytime, craft workshops, STEM mornings.

Wild Blue Yonder Kids Programs – Castle Rock – Hands-on art and nature learning.

Snapology & Play Street Museum – Highlands Ranch – Ideal for younger kids.

 

🎬 6. Movies, Entertainment & Indoor Fun

AMC Castle Rock & Parker – Family-friendly matinees.

Main Event Entertainment – Highlands Ranch – Bowling, arcade, laser tag.

Altitude Trampoline Park – Parker – Burns winter energy fast!

 

🐴 7. Equestrian & Rural Experiences

For families in Elizabeth, Kiowa and surrounding areas, winter doesn’t end horse activities.

Indoor riding arenas

4-H programs & agricultural education

Farm visits and winter livestock care

Ideal for kids who enjoy hands-on, active learning.

🎉 Local Tip: Attend Community Winter Events

 

Watch for holiday parades, tree-lighting celebrations, Santa visits, and fire station holiday drives in Castle Rock, Parker, and Elizabeth. Small-town Colorado makes winter magical.

 

Winter in Douglas and Elbert County offers plenty of kid-friendly activities—from outdoor adventures and indoor recreation to creative and community-based programs. With a little planning, families can stay active and connected even during the coldest months.

 

Thinking about moving to a community that fits your family’s lifestyle year-round? I can help you find a home near top schools, parks, rec centers, and youth programs in Douglas and Elbert County.

 

Marjorie Engle – Realtor

📞 303-881-2707

🌐 www.marjorieengle.com

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