20 Best Things to Do in Littleton, Colorado
Littleton
Littleton is well-known for being the birthplace of Matt Stone, the creator of South Park, who drew inspiration for several features of his program from his own upbringing in the area. Arts organizations and attractions like the Littleton Symphony Orchestra and Town Hall Arts Center are located in the culturally diverse neighborhood. If you get the chance, go during Littleton Restaurant Week to sample some amazing cuisine.
1.The Littleton Museum
The Littleton Museum is Colorado’s first Smithsonian-affiliated museum, showcasing the past, present, and future of Littleton and the South Platte Valley through a variety of interactive exhibits. The American Association of Museums-accredited facility is set on 50 acres near Ketring Lake, open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays during the morning and afternoon hours. Three exhibition galleries detail the region’s natural and cultural history from the prehistoric era through the present day, including a Fine Arts Gallery presenting art and photography works in conjunction with the Littleton Fine Arts Board. A Kids’ Connection interactive gallery offers hands-on exhibits for youngsters, while two recreated living history farm sites showcasing the agricultural history of the South Platte Valley during the 19th century. Browse our Weekend Getaways in Colorado guide for more ideas.
6028 S. Gallup Street, Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: 303-795-3950
2.Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park is a beautiful Colorado state park best known for its striking red sandstone formations, which date back more than 300 million years to the Permian, Pennsylvanian, and Cretaceous eras. The park, which spans more than 3,300 acres throughout Douglas County, was originally established in 1975 and is a recognized National Natural Landmark and Colorado Natural Area. Dramatic hogback, spire, and monolithic rock formations are showcased throughout the park, including the tilted Fountain Formation, which leans at an impressive 60-degree angle. Important archaeological sites are also located throughout the park, along with protected habitats for ponderosa pines, Douglas fir trees, black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, and more than 145 bird species. Six hiking trails span the park, connecting to nearby Pike National Forest and the Douglas County trail system.
4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, Phone: 303-973-3959
Robert Clement Park is a charming public park in Littleton originally constructed in 1987 and managed as part of a joint agreement between Jefferson County Open Space and the Foothills Park and Recreation District. The park, which is located on lands formerly belonging to the Grant family ranch, is named in honor of former County Commissioner Bob Clement, an influential figure in the park’s development. A wide variety of athletic fields are available for visitor use, including tennis courts, softball fields, sand volleyball courts, and batting cages. 1.4 miles of lighted nature trails are also offered, along with a skate park, splash park, amphitheater, and two children’s playgrounds. Visitors with valid fishing licenses can use the 60-acre Johnston Reservoir to catch a variety of fish species throughout the year.
7306 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, CO 80123, Phone: 303-409-2600
4.Chatfield State Park
Beautiful Chatfield State Park in Colorado provides a year-round range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Rocky Mountains of Littleton, the park is a popular destination for watersport lovers, catering to all skill levels, including canoeists, sailors, and waterskiiers. Visitors can rent out all kinds of boats in addition to a floating restaurant and marina. Fishing for trout, bass, walleye, crappie, yellow perch, and channel catfish is possible in the park. The trail system also offers over 26 miles of riding and hiking opportunities. Horseback riding, hot air ballooning, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are some more well-liked pastimes. There are 197 campsites for single families and 10 group campsites that may be reserved for an overnight stay.
11500 N. Roxborough Park Road, Littleton, CO, 80125, Phone: 303-791-7275
5.The Hudson Gardens and Event Center
Located in Littleton’s historic downtown, the Hudson Gardens and Event Center is a charming 30-acre natural site that is free to visit year-round. The garden center was founded in 1941 when Evelyn and King Hudson, the owners of the Country Kitchen restaurant, bought a five-acre plot of land in Littleton. After they retired, the pair used the land for their own personal gardening endeavors. Evelyn passed away in the 1980s, and the grounds were converted into a botanical garden and event center before being made public in 1996. These days, guests can enjoy leisurely strolls in the well manicured grounds of the establishment and engage in outdoor pursuits like birdwatching and photography. A summer concert series, beekeeping and gardening courses, and a Hudson Christmas holiday festival are among the annual special activities.
6115 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: 303-797-8565
6.Deer Creek Canyon Park
Located in Littleton’s scenic Deer Creek Canyon, Deer Creek Canyon Park is a large public park with undulating hills and elk, cougar, and bear habitats. There are various hiking and horseback riding paths in the park. One of the best places for first-time hikers, small hikers, and elderly people with mobility issues is the 1.6-mile hiking-only Meadowlark Trail, which winds through gently sloping terrain. The Plymouth Creek Trail is home to both the creek that bears the same name and “The Wall,” a challenging section of steep, rocky terrain that attracts a lot of mountain bikers. The Homesteader and Golden Eagle Trails, as well as the 2.5-mile Red Mesa Loop, are accessible to bikers. Because rattlesnakes are widespread in the area, visitors should be aware of this and take the necessary precautions. There is plenty of public parking available, however guests should be aware that spaces fill up fast on weekends and holidays.
13388 Grizzly Dr, Littleton, CO 80127, Phone: 303-271-5925
7.Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
The 700-acre Chatfield Farms of the Denver Botanic Gardens is a working historic farm and native wildlife sanctuary situated in Littleton on the picturesque banks of Deer Creek. The building is filled with a diverse array of landscaped gardens, such as the Janice Ford Memorial Garden, the iris garden, the sensory garden, the Community-Supported Agriculture program gardens, and more. At the Community Garden, garden lots for over 150 neighborhood gardeners are on display, while a riparian demonstration garden, a survival garden, and a native plant garden are featured within the Deer Creek Natural Area. In the spring and summer, the facility operates a butterfly house, and in the fall, as part of its annual Pumpkin Festival, it offers a corn maze.
8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO 80128, Phone: 720-865-3500
8.South Platte Park and the Carson Nature Center
An 880-acre urban oasis in Littleton, South Platte Park and the Carson Nature Center were first created in 1965 as a part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ work to build Chatfield Dam nearby. Currently, the park functions as a significant natural habitat for a diverse range of native plants and animals as well as a large public green space for the Denver metropolitan region. There are five lakes for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, including the nearby Chatfield Reservoir, which is regarded as one of the top fishing locations in the state. The Carson Nature Center, which also acts as the starting point for a vast network of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, offers wildlife programming. Group canoe excursions, astronomy lessons, and animal walks are examples of nature programs.
3000 W Carson Dr, Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: 303-730-1022, (website link)
9.The Danny Dietz Memorial
The Danny Dietz Memorial honors fallen United States Navy SEAL and Littleton resident Danny “D.J.” Dietz, one of several soldiers killed as part of covert action against the Taliban in 2005. The story of Dietz’s unit inspired the 2013 feature film Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg and Emile Hirsch, based on the book of the same name by Marcus Luttrell, the unit’s only surviving member. The bronze statue, which was constructed by Cañon City artist Robert Henderson, depicts Dietz as posed in one of the final pictures taken of him before his fatal mission, decked out in full combat gear and carrying his M-4 rifle. It was dedicated on the Fourth of July in 2007, two years after the Dietz family was notified of their son’s death in combat.
Berry & King Street, Littleton, CO
10.Backcountry Wilderness Area Archery Range
Forming part of the Highlands Ranch Community Association, the Backcountry Wilderness Area covers over 8000 acres of conservation space where visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding and various other outdoor activities. The area is home to 4 archery ranges including one 3D range. The 3D range is particularly realistic, situated among rolling hills dotted with animal targets in tricky locations which will require archers to be very accurate in order to hit their target. There is a separate instruction range where visitors (adults and children) can attend archery lessons, competitions and summer camps. The archery ranges are open all year round and require you to have a day or season pass.
Backcountry Wilderness Area Archery Range , 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125
11.Town Hall Arts Center
Town Hall Arts Center is an intimate 260-seat theater in Littleton’s historic downtown district, offering a wide variety of live theatrical and music performances each year between September and June. The theater, which has been acclaimed as one of the Denver area’s best small theaters by Denver Westword and The Denver Post, presents six mainstage musical theater productions each year, along with a full lineup of concerts and special events, including the annual Littleton Jazz Festival and events held in correlation with Denver’s Pride event. Visitors can also explore the Stanton Art Gallery, named in honor of Denver native and renowned interior designer Charles Edwin Stanton, which showcases rotating art exhibits by regional artists. Theater education courses are offered throughout the year for area residents, including children’s workshops and adult education classes.
2450 West Main Street, Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: 303-794-2787, (website link)
12.Living the Dream Brewing Company
Since 2014, Living the Dream Brewing Company has been providing Littleton with high-quality craft beers. To keep things exciting and fresh, the company makes an effort to offer a wide variety of artisan brews utilizing both conventional styles and some creative formulations. The family- and dog-friendly Tap Room features a selection of gluten-reduced beers on tap, such as a few excellent IPAs, numerous full-bodied stouts, the occasional fruit beer, and several classic American ales. Most days, there will be a food truck there so you can have delicious pub fare with your preferred beer.
9150 Commerce Center Cir #300, Highlands Ranch, CO , 303 284 9585
13.Littleton Depot Art Gallery
The Littleton Fine Arts Guild was established in 1962 by ten local women painters and currently has over sixty members. The official public art gallery of the guild is the Littleton Depot Art Gallery. Originally built in 1888 and moved to its current location in 1965, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad rail station now houses the Guild and has been rehabilitated to historic landmark status since 1969. Tuesdays through Sundays in the morning and afternoon are public gallery hours. The galleries feature the creations of member artists in a diverse range of mediums, such as mixed media, watercolor, oil painting, sculpture, photography, woodworking, glass, and jewelry. Remodeled caboose from the 1890s that was moved to the building in 1979 houses more galleries.
2069 W. Powers Ave, Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: 303-795-0781
14.Colorado Antique Gallery
Located along South Broadway Street in Littleton’s historic downtown, Colorado Antique Gallery is the largest antique mall in Denver and has been in business since 1992. Over 285 of the state’s leading antique stores are on display in the more than 50,000 square feet of retail space that the mall offers. It is accessible to the public seven days a week in the morning and afternoon. Customers can browse a large selection of original antique items, such as one-of-a-kind kitchenware, collectibles, and furniture, as well as exquisite vintage jewelry. Expert and informed antique merchants are available to address any inquiries on the item, which is exhibited in the mall’s bright, hospitable showroom. Inventory moves quickly, although everything might be kept at the mall warehouse for up to 30 days. Any item can be mailed as long as shipping arrangements are made at the time of purchase.
5501 S Broadway Ste 135, Littleton, Colorado 80121, Phone: 303-794-8100
15.Arrowhead Golf Club
Golf Digest has named Littleton’s Arrowhead Golf Club, a magnificent championship golf course created by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., as one of the country’s top 75 public golf courses. One of the most photographed golf courses in the world, the par-70 course covers more than 6,600 acres in the picturesque Rocky Mountain foothills, offering stunning views of the surrounding red sandstone rock formations and dramatic elevation changes. The course’s PGA-certified instructors offer a range of golf teaching classes, including women’s and youth training, and visitors can schedule tee times seven days a week. Visitors can also enjoy lunch and dinner at the On the Rocks Bar & Grill, which offers delectable American-style dishes seven days a week, after playing a round of golf.
10850 Sundown Trl, Littleton, CO 80125, Phone: 303-973-9614
16.Colorado Journey Miniature Golf Course
One of Denver’s most well-known miniature golf courses is Colorado Journey Miniature Golf Course, which Denver Westword named the “Best Miniature Golf for Newbies” in the region. The establishment has two distinct 18-hole mini golf courses that feature scale replicas of some of the most well-known natural monuments and attractions in the state, such as the stunning Mesa Verde, Conestoga Pass, and Florissant Fossil Beds. All game passes include free use of putters and golf balls, and groups of up to 48 people can rent private pavilions. Renting birthday party packages gives young guests who want to celebrate their birthdays at the course access to a private party space. The course is situated in Cornerstone Park, which also has sports fields, kid-friendly playgrounds, a water play area, and an inline hockey rink.
5150 S. Windermere, Littleton, CO 80120, Phone: 303-734-1083
17.Cafe Terracotta
Cafe Terracotta is a unique upscale dining experience in Littleton, offering breakfast and lunch service seven days a week and dinner menus Mondays through Saturdays. The restaurant is based around the ideas of creativity, thoughtfulness, and familiarity, featuring an open-plan kitchen meant to emphasize transparency during the cooking process and engage diners with cooking staff. Classic breakfast offerings include several varieties of eggs Benedict, along with Mexican-influenced entrees such as breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros, while casual lunch menus feature favorite sandwiches and wraps such as reubens, club sandwiches, and falafel wraps. Elegant dinner entrees include chicken Wellington, grilled Irish salmon, braised short ribs, and spaghetti squash au vin blanc, accompanied by an extensive Californian and European wine list. Four-course tasting menus are available at special occasions throughout the year, including Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
5649 S Curtice St, Littleton CO 80120, Phone: 303-794 6054
18.Toast
Toast is an independent American-style restaurant in Littleton, open for breakfast and lunch service daily. The restaurant, which was opened by owners Bill Blake and Jason Parfenoff, specialized in upscale American cuisine crafted with locally-sourced ingredients such as Izzio’s Artisan Bakery, Coda coffee, and Colorado’s own Polidori sausage. All meals are prepared from scratch, including clever breakfast offerings such as creative eggs Benedict varieties, interesting breakfast burritos, and sweet and savory variants of French toast. Delicious sandwiches are also available for lunch, from classic options such as triple-decker club sandwiches and reubens with locally-sourced corned beef to unique varieties such as grilled Granny Smith apple, fig, and brie sandwiches. Soups and sandwiches are also served, along with a variety of creative coffee shop beverages.
2630 W Belleview Ave Suite 100, Littleton, CO 80123, Phone: 303-797-9543
19.Nono’s Cafe
Nono’s Cafe is a charming Littleton restaurant serving up a constantly-changing menu of New Orleans-influenced fare at breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. The restaurant, which is operated by owners Sonda and Brian Brewster, strives to craft unique dishes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients at reasonable prices in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere. Cajun-style fare options available at lunch and dinner include smothered catfish, crabmeat au gratin, crawfish Monica, and blackened ribeye steak, served up alongside homestyle favorites such as beef stroganoff, shepherd’s pie, and Big Easy-style burritos. Clever sandwich options include fried catfish, shrimp, or hot sausage po’boys, blackened catfish sandwiches, and Bayou burgers with roast beef gravy and Cajun dressing. At breakfast, diners can choose from favorites such as hash brown pie or huevos rancheros or craft their own omelettes with a variety of fun ingredients. A full gluten-free menu is available for diners with dietary concerns.
3005 W County Line Rd, Littleton, CO 80129, Phone: 303-738-8330
20.Mystic Escape Room
If you have not yet tried an escape room experience, the Mystic Escape Room in Littleton is a great place to have your first adventure. Each of the private escape rooms has a mystic theme which has been carefully thought out to keep you and your team on your toes. You have a limited amount of time to find the carefully placed clues which you need to find and solve to have any chance to unravel the riddles in time. The (slightly) scary adventures are suitable for most ages (children younger than 13 need to be accompanied by an adult) and are perfect for birthday parties and team-building events.
Mystic Escape Room, 5776 S. Rapp Street, Littleton, CO 80120, 303 862 9666