Ah, summer vacation!  We still have a few weeks left before the kids go back to school and the lazy mornings and leisurely breakfasts are over.  At the Original Pancake House Denver, we love to start our dog days of summer off with a nice big stack of pancakes followed by a little family fun.  Here is a list of some of our favorite South Denver attractions to try with the whole family!

Speed Raceway

– Are the kiddos getting a bit restless as home?  Perhaps they have a need for speed!  The Speed Raceway is an indoor electric go-kart track and provides hours of fun and racing for the whole family.  Siblings can race each other (at moderate speeds) around the indoor track and cheer on their friends and fellow racers.

Pirates Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center

– AHOY!  For the hottest of summer days, Pirates Cove is just the place to cool you off!  With pools, water slides, a lazy river, and play area, Pirates Cove provides hours of refreshing fun for the whole family.  We recommend starting with a big breakfast first so everyone has enough energy to swim all day!

Littleton Museum

– Step back in time and enjoy the adventures of life in Littleton circa the 1860’s and 1890’s. Located on 39 acres, the Littleton Museum has served as the primary repository for the history, art, and culture of Littleton. Often cited as one of the top ten local history museums in the United States, the museum consists of two living history farms, a small lake, a collections center, and a main exhibition and administration building.

Centennial Center ParkCentennial Center Park

– The 11-acre, award winning, Centennial Center Park provides children of all ages hours of fun on one of three climbing walls, two expansive, age-appropriate play areas and the Nautilus water play area in the center of the Park.  Ideally situated on a slight bluff adjacent to Centennial Civic Center, Centennial Center Park also features “butte” and “meadow” nature areas, three decorative water fountains and a two-story covered shelter to overlook the plaza or enjoy a spectacular Centennial sunset.

Belleview Park

–Located just adjacent to Pirates Cove, Belleview Park offers numerous family friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the Miniature Train, play by the creek or on the playground equipment, ride their bikes along the bike paths, and cool off with some concessions sold at the farm. The miniature train has run in Belleview Park for over 30 years, averaging 60,000 riders annually. The train runs every summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kids can enjoy getting to know some farm animals, which include pigs, goats, chickens, and sheep just to name a few.

Westlands Park

– Westlands Park is a hidden jewel in the middle of the Greenwood Village corporate park area. The Westlands playground includes three play areas sized for toddlers to teens. There are two large climbing structures which satisfy both the technical climber as well as the inexperienced child. In addition to the main play area, there are three multi-use playing fields, an in-line hockey rink, a natural water sculpture, a pond and a hike / bike trail.

Cherry Creek State Park

– You can’t beat Colorado State Parks!  Cherry Creek State Park has it all with biking and hiking trails, a shooting range, a miniature airport for model planes, and did we mention that nice big reservoir to cool your toes?  Bring a picnic and spend the day playing in the outdoors!

Brunswick Zone XL Bowling

– Cool shoes, slick lanes, the sound of pins collapsing, no wonder they say “fun is bowling!”  At Brunswick Zone the whole family can escape the heat and get in on the action.  Kids of all ages are welcome to take their shot at breaking a score of 200! And when the bowling is done, Brunswick Zone XL also offers laser tag, a large game room and billiards!

You’ll need lots of energy for whatever activities you choose, so be sure to fuel up Original Pancake House Denver with a big breakfast before embarking on your adventures!