If there’s one thing Colorado takes seriously, it’s the idea of recreation. So, it would make sense that Colorado rec centers are some of the best in the country.
Many of them include everything from climbing walls to scenic cardio areas to epic indoor pools that come with a much more palatable price tag than other water parks. It’s a lot to unpack, which is why we put together this ultimate guide of Colorado rec centers broken down by metro Denver region.
Check out the complete list below.
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Colorado Rec Centers in Central Denver
Athmar Recreation Center
2680 W. Mexico Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80219
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, noon-4 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness area, gymnasium, ceramics studio, arcade/game room, pickleball courts, and youth programs
This West Denver rec center is the perfect spot to bring your kids. That’s thanks to everything from the indoor pool and fitness center to the special arcade/game room for when you need a break from the actual working out. There’s an ample schedule full of group fitness classes that include everything from water walking to yoga.
Carla Madison Recreation Center
2401 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80206
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Aquatic center with lap pool, lazy river, splash areas, and water slide, and fitness area, gymnasium, outdoor climbing wall, and on-site childcare
If you find yourself driving down East Colfax Avenue, this Denver rec center’s outdoor climbing wall should be a landmark. And it is one of the coolest parts of the Carla Madison Recreation Center, thanks to both its views as well as the opportunities it affords to pick up a new sport. Meanwhile, inside the facility, you can find a very nice aquatics area that has both a lap pool and a leisure pool with a lazy river, splash areas, and water slides.
Central Park Recreation Center
9651 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Denver, Colorado, 80238
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Aquatic area with lazy river and water slide, gymnasium, cardio and weight area, on-site childcare, cafe, and group fitness classes
This large Denver rec center has one of the best pools around. It has a lazy river and waterslide, as well as a splash area that’s perfect for little kids. It’s worth stopping by the cardio and fitness area as well: It offers expansive views of the Front Range that will almost make you feel like you’re working out outside.
Montbello Recreation Center
15555 E. 53rd Ave, Denver, Colorado, 80239
- Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, group fitness studio, pickleball and adult drop-in volley, weight room, and dedicated cardio area
This Denver rec center provides all the amenities you could want, from an indoor lap pool that offers aqua aerobics and swim lessons to a cardio area and weight room where you’re sure to achieve your workout goals. It also happens to be located in a nice area with access to walking trails and a skatepark just outside.
Montclair Recreation Center
729 Ulster Way, Denver, Colorado, 80230
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Gymnasium, weight and cardio rooms, lap pool, leisure pool with water slide, pottery studio, bike room, and pickleball court
The Montclair Recreation Center truly has something for everyone. This Denver rec center has everything from a lap pool for serious swimmers to a leisure pool with a water slide, as well as large weight and cardio rooms, a spinning studio, and a pickleball court.
Rude Recreation Center
2855 W Holden Pl., Denver, Colorado, 80204
- Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Fitness area, gymnasium, indoor lap pool, and group fitness classes
This Denver rec center is a staple in the community, not just because it provides a healthy place to hang out (and gather in the group fitness and water aerobics classes), but also because it gives back. This rec center offers a free meal program for youth, as well as numerous classes for older adults to ensure the entire community lives the best lives it can.
Scheitler Recreation Center
5031 W. 46th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80212
- Hours: 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasium, fitness area, dance studio, and space to set up pickleball
Located at the corner of Berkeley Lake, this Denver rec center has all the activities you need to expend some energy in a healthy way, from a fitness area with plenty of cardio and free weights to group fitness classes to even a space in the gymnasium to set up some indoor pickleball (an activity that’s very in demand in Denver and beyond).
Washington Park Recreation Center
701 S Franklin St., Denver, Colorado, 80209
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Month-to-month memberships start at $4.17 for youth and $30.75 for adults. See a full rundown of prices here.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, gymnasium, fitness area, group classes, and a pottery studio
This Denver rec center is located in the heart of Washington Park, meaning that in addition to its litany of indoor activities, it’s also the perfect gateway to a quintessential Mile High City walk, run, or bike ride. In addition to normal rec center activities like an indoor pool and fitness area, this one also has a pottery studio with a full kiln.
Note: For the sake of this list, we pulled the regional rec centers in Denver. To find a full list of all the facilities in the city, visit this website.
Colorado Rec Centers in Northeast Denver
Brighton Rec Centers
Brighton Recreation Center
555 N. 11th Ave., Brighton, Colorado, 80601
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
- Fees: $5 for youth and $7 for adults with more information available here.
- Amenities: Lap pool and leisure pool, fitness area, gymnasium, indoor track, racquetball courts, and childcare area
This Brighton rec center has one of the best aquatics centers around. In addition to a traditional lap pool, it also has a leisure pool containing a number of play structures your kids will love — and a 160-foot water slide for everyone. Mom and Dad can hang out in the hot tub, too. Otherwise, the Brighton rec center also has an ample fitness center with views of the aquatics area, gymnasium, and childcare area for parents who want to work out in peace.
Greeley Rec Centers
Greeley Recreation Center
651 10th Ave., Greeley, Colorado, 80631
- Hours: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: $5 for youth and $6 for adults, with more information available here.
- Amenities: Fitness room, racquetball courts, indoor pool, climbing wall, indoor pool, and gymnasium
This Eastern Colorado city might not be synonymous with the idea of crags, but this Greeley, Colorado rec center has one of the best climbing walls around. Stop by for a variety of bouldering and top roping options, as well as family nights and classes. If this isn’t quite your speed, you can swim some laps in the indoor pool (or try jumping into the diving well) or crank out a workout in the dedicated fitness room. As far as gyms go, this Greeley, Colorado rec center truly has everything you need.
Thornton Rec Centers
Mary W. Carpenter Recreation Center
11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton, Colorado, 80233
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $4 for youth and $5.25 for adults, with more information available here.
- Amenities: Lap pool, wave pool, water slide, hot tub, lazy river, gymnasium, fitness center, racquetball courts, sauna and steam room, and indoor walking and jogging track
The pool is where this Thornton, Colorado rec center really shines. Seriously, it has everything from an Aqua NinjaCross Obstacle Course to a lazy river to a slide, as well as space for water basketball and volleyball. On land, you can blow off steam in the fitness center or on the walking and jogging track.
Trail Winds Recreation Center
13495 Holly St., Thornton, Colorado, 80602
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $4 for youth and $5.25 for adults, with more information available here.
- Amenities: Pool, water slide, hot tub, gymnasium, fitness area, climbing wall, and indoor running track
This well-equipped Thornton, Colorado rec center has all of the things you need to take care of your health, from a fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights to an indoor running track and climbing wall. Reward yourself by trying the indoor water slide and relaxing in the cozy hot tub.
Colorado Rec Centers in Northwest Denver
Arvada Rec Centers
Apex Center
13150 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada, Colorado, 80005
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $6 for resident children and $7.50 for resident adults, with more information available here.
- Amenities: Indoor water park, ice rinks, gymnasiums, rock wall, cardio and weight room, indoor playground, and walking track
In a way, most Colorado rec centers are trying to be the Apex Center in Arvada. That’s thanks to its huge host of activities, ranging from an epic indoor water park to two NHL-style ice rinks with public skating, to the rock climbing wall, to an indoor playground that will tire out your kids if nothing else does. There are a lot of activities — all for a much more affordable price than you’d find at other spots.
Boulder Rec Centers
North Boulder Recreation Center
3170 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado, 80304
- Hours: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Daily entry fees are $7 for youth and $12 for adults, with more information available here.
- Amenities: Pool, gymnasium, gymnastics center, racquetball court, fitness area, and pickleball courts
Whether you’re looking to play some pickleball or bring the kids to play on the fun playground in the pool, the North Boulder Recreation Center will give you your activity fix if you don’t feel like doing normal Boulder activities like freesoloing the Flatirons. Make sure to take time to relax in the hot tub and sauna.
South Boulder Recreation Center
1360 Gillaspie Dr., Boulder, Colorado, 80305
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Daily entry fees are $7 for youth and $12 for adults, with more information available here.
- Amenities: Swimming pool, hot tub and sauna, gymnasium, fitness area, racquetball and volleyball courts, pickleball, disc golf course, and outdoor fitness loop
This Boulder rec center happens to be situated near an abundance of fun outdoor activities, including tennis courts, pickleball, a disc golf course, and an outdoor fitness loop where you can get your steps in without dealing with a million tourists on the Mesa Trail. Inside the rec center, you’ll find all the usual activities, from a swimming pool to a fitness area with all the weights and cardio equipment you can want.
Lafayette Rec Centers
Bob L. Burger Recreation Center
111 W. Baseline Rd., Lafayette, Colorado, 80026
- Hours: 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $4 for youth and $5.75 for adults, with more information about admission here.
- Amenities: Pool, lazy river, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, fitness area, indoor running track, and racquetball courts
It’s easy to spend a full day at this Lafayette rec center, whether you’re whiling away time in the current of the lazy river or are battling it out on the racquetball court. If it’s the perfect Colorado day, definitely indulge in the views in the outdoor hot tub — a unique characteristic at the Lafayette rec center that many others in the region don’t have.
Louisville Rec Centers
Recreation and Senior Center
900 W Via Appia Way, Louisville, Colorado, 80027
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $6.25 for youth and $8.25 for adults; find more fee information here.
- Amenities: Aquatic center with pools, lazy river, water slide, hot tub, sauna, and steam room, as well as cardio and strength areas, an indoor track, racquetball courts, and indoor turf gym
This Louisville rec center has the best of both worlds, from its huge aquatic center that has lap pools for when you want to be serious to a waterslide and sauna for when you’re feeling down to party. This Louisville rec center also has a big area for fitness and a gymnasium, as well as an indoor turf area for special training exercise and football/soccer practice.
Westminster
City Park Recreation Center
10455 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, Colorado, 80020
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $5 for youth and $6 for adults, with more details available here.
- Amenities: Three indoor pools, hot tub, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, racquetball courts, and fitness center
The pool is where this Westminster, Colorado rec center really shines. It has three distinct indoor pools with slides, a current channel, jumping platforms, a climbing wall, and so much more. And if water isn’t your thing, there’s still a lot to love, thanks to the racquetball courts and fitness center that’s sure to provide the workout you need.
West View Recreation Center
10747 W. 108th Ave., Broomfield, Colorado, 80021
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: $5 for youth and $6 for adults, with more details available here.
- Amenities: Gymnasium, weight room, indoor running track, racquetball courts, indoor pool, and stretching area
This Westminster, Colorado rec center has all the things you need to get your workout in, from a gymnasium for pickup basketball games to a weight room and cardio area to an indoor running track. Be sure to relax – or crank out some laps – at the indoor pool.
Colorado Rec Centers in West Denver
Evergreen Rec Centers
Buchanan Park Recreation Center
32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, Colorado, 80439
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $6.50 per day for youth and $7.75 per day for adults. See all the fees here.
- Amenities: Cardio and weight area, climbing wall, aquatic area, and indoor cycling room
This Evergreen rec center really taps into the surrounding foothills thanks to its 41-foot freestanding climbing structure. Beyond that, it also has a pretty great pool with a water slide and various features that kids will be all about. Get your relaxation in by sitting in the sauna — it’s a trendy thing to do at this point.
Wulf Recreation Center
5300 S. Olive Rd., Evergreen, Colorado, 80439
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $6.50 per day for youth and $7.75 per day for adults. See all the fees here.
- Amenities: Fitness area, dance studio, gymnastics gym, gymnasium, indoor pool, skate park, and outdoor fitness trail
Since it’s in such a stunning park in the Denver metro area, it makes sense why this Evergreen rec center’s best features happen to be outside its four walls. Take a lap on the outdoor fitness trail, shred the gnar in the skatepark (not sure if that’s the right term, but we tried), or bring the kids to the playground before you check out this run rec center with an indoor pool, gymnastics gym, and well-equipped fitness area.
Golden Rec Centers
Golden Community Center
1470 10th St., Golden, Colorado, 80401
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $6.25 for youth and $8 for adults. See the full list of fees here.
- Amenities: Aquatic facilities, fitness area, indoor running track, dry sauna, and gymnasium
This Golden, Colorado rec center has probably the most Golden rec center thing to have: a very nice climbing wall that’s perfect for sharpening up your skills before heading outside at North Table Mountain or Clear Creek Canyon. Beyond that, it has a nice pool for both laps and leisure activities, a well-equipped fitness center, and a gym perfect for pickup basketball.
Lakewood Rec Centers
Carmody Recreation Center
2200 S. Kipling St., Lakewood, Colorado, 80227
- Hours: 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $7 for youth and $9 for adults. Find more details here.
- Amenities: Cardio and weight area, gymnasium, indoor pickleball courts, indoor pool, outdoor pool and splash pad, outdoor fitness area
Be sure to stop by this Lakewood rec center during the summer, when you can fully enjoy its large outdoor pool and splash pad, which happens to have a huge spray area with 12 water features. Another hot tip? The indoor pickleball courts are drop-in only, and there’s almost always a fun game happening.
Lakewood Link Recreation Center
1295 S. Reed St., Lakewood, Colorado, 80232
- Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $7 for youth and $9 for adults. Find more details here.
- Amenities: Fitness center, indoor leisure pool, climbing wall, and gymnastics center
Your kids will love the pool at this Lakewood rec center, which features lots of watery features — from slides to fountains. Also be sure to check out the indoor climbing wall, and obviously work on getting into Alex Honnold shape in the fitness center.
Green Mountain Recreation Center
13198 W. Green Mountain Dr., Lakewood, Colorado, 80227
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $7 for youth and $9 for adults. Find more details here.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, gymnasium, racquetball courts, pickleball courts, outdoor fitness court, and teen room
Young adults will love this Lakewood rec center, and not just because of its array of racquetball and pickleball courts. It also has a teen room, which contains games, books, and lots of activities for those ages 13-18.
Charles Whitlock Recreation Center
1555 Dover St., Lakewood, Colorado, 80215
- Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Fees: Day passes are $7 for youth and $9 for adults for non-residents. Find more details here.
- Amenities: Fitness center, gymnasiums, racquetball courts, and indoor pickleball courts
This Lakewood rec center is a huge community hot spot for drop-in sports ranging from basketball to pickleball to volleyball to badminton. There’s ample space in the fitness center for you to train before you compete, and you can also drop into one of its many group fitness classes.
Wheat Ridge Rec Centers
Wheat Ridge Recreation Center
4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, Colorado, 80033
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Day passes for Wheat Ridge residents are $6 for children and $7.50 for adults. See the full fee structure here.
- Amenities: Pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, gymnasium, fitness center, racquetball courts, gymnasium, and climbing wall
This facility has all the things you’d expect at Colorado rec centers, as well as some delightful extras, including the climbing wall and, if you’re into relaxation after your workout, a trifecta that includes a hot tub, steam room, and sauna.
Colorado Rec Centers in South Denver
Aurora Rec Centers
Beck Recreation Center
800 Telluride St., Aurora, Colorado, 80011
- Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sundays
- Fees: Drop-in passes are $4 for youth and $6 for adults. See a full rundown of the fees here.
- Amenities: Fitness center, gymnasium, racquetball courts, and indoor pool
This Aurora rec center would be the quintessential answer were you to ask “What is a rec center?” It has all the basics, from a fitness center and gymnasium to racquetball courts and an indoor pool with lap lanes as well as an open swimming area. Make sure to relax in the hot tub.
Central Recreation Center
18150 E. Vassar Pl., Aurora, Colorado, 80013
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Drop-in passes are $4 for youth and $6 for adults. See a full rundown of the fees here.
- Amenities: Fitness center, elevated indoor track, gymnasium, escape room, and outdoor fitness balcony
This Aurora rec center is a true gem among Colorado Rec Centers. Whether you’re running laps on the elevated track, taking a yoga class on the fitness patio with expansive views of the Front Range, or bringing a group to the escape room (yes, that’s a thing), you’re super to have a fun experience. A bonus? The aquatics center has a wave pool as well as an interactive water slide.
Moorhead Recreation Center
2390 Havana St., Aurora, Colorado, 80010
- Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Drop-in passes are $4 for youth and $6 for adults. See a full rundown of the fees here.
- Amenities: Fitness center, gymnasium, and indoor aquatics area.
This Aurora rec center has everything from a full-size gymnasium to an indoor aquatics center that’s a perfect place to bring the kids thanks to its zero-depth entry leisure pool, lazy river, and two-story indoor/outdoor water slide.
Southeast Recreation Center
25400 E. Alexander Dr., Aurora, Colorado, 80016
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.
- Fees: Drop-in passes are $4 for youth and $6 for adults. See a full rundown of the fees here.
- Amenities: Fitness center, gymnasium, aquatics area, and indoor fieldhouse
This Aurora rec center takes the normal experience and makes it bigger, from its 7,500-square-foot fitness center to its massive aquatic center, which includes a lazy river, hot tub, and perhaps more importantly, a 20-foot-tall and 152-foot-long water slide.
Centennial Rec Centers
Goodson Recreation Center
6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial, Colorado, 80121
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Fees: Resident day passes are $5.50 for youths and $6.75 for adults. For a full list of prices, visit this website.
- Amenities: Cycling room, fitness and weight area, gymnasium, indoor pool with kids area, hot tubs, and steam rooms.
Goodson Rec Center is a classic for anyone who’s ever lived in South Denver. Whether you’re cranking out an indoor workout on the upstairs running track (it overlooks the pool on one side and the Highline Canal Trail on the other) or relaxing in one of the two hot tubs, this is the perfect place to focus on your health. Bonus: Goodson Rec Center is right off a gorgeous stretch of the Highline Canal Trail, so be sure to make time for a walk, run, or bike ride after your visit. It’s easily in your top “rec center near me” category.
The Trails Recreation Center
16799 E. Lake Ave., Centennial, Colorado 80016
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Fees: Resident day passes are $5.50 for youths and $6.75 for adults. For a full list of prices, visit the website.
- Amenities: Aerobics room, fitness center, childcare area, dance studio, lap pool, running track, climbing wall, and pickleball, racquetball, and basketball courts
If you’re looking for one the best rec centers in Aurora or south Denver, then look no further than Trails Rec Center. It’s relatively new, with a stunning pool (bring on the lazy river laps), sauna, hot tub, steam room, lap pool — you name it. It’s also got an expansive fitness center, outdoor skating park, basketball courts, cycling studio, racquetball courts, climbing wall — even a pottery room! The entire family will find an activity to enjoy here, there’s no doubt about that.
Colorado Springs Rec Centers
Banning Lewis Ranch Recreation Center
6885 Vista Del Pico Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80927
- Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Fees: $38 per month for youth and $69 per month for adults.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, water park, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, and dog park
Between its ample selection of amenities and affordable prices (as far as well-equipped gyms go), this is one of the best rec centers in Colorado Springs. Swim some laps in the junior Olympic pool, or get your above-ground work in at the fitness center. Either way, everything about this place is the perfect answer to the question: “What is a recreation center?”
Widefield Parks and Recreation
755 Aspen Dr., Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80911
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Daily admission is $6.50 for youth and $7.50 for adults.
- Amenities: Basketball court, cardio area and weight room, indoor track, and aquatic center with pool and splash pad
As one of the top rec centers in Colorado Springs, the Widefield Recreation Center has everything you’ll need at a relatively affordable price, from three basketball courts to a cardio area and weight room to an indoor track for workouts on days when it’s not particularly nice out. Bring the kids to check out the indoor splash pad.
Highlands Ranch Rec Centers
Northridge
8800 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80126
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
- Fees: Day passes are $5 for youth and seniors and $6 for adults.
- Amenities: Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, dry sauna, hot yoga studio, running track, weight and cardio area, tennis pavilion, racquetball courts, and gymnasium
A visit to this Highlands Ranch rec center will entail all the usual elements, including weights and cardio, a pool, and a gymnasium, but it’s also a great spot to sweat out some toxins. That’s thanks to the dry sauna and hot yoga studio — unique amenities to find in Colorado rec centers.
Southridge
4800 McArthur Ranch Rd., Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80130
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $5 for youth and seniors and $6 for adults.
- Amenities: Indoor and outdoor pools, a steam room, weight and cardio area, running track, golf/multisport simulator, gymnasium, and outdoor tennis courts
This conveniently located Highlands Ranch rec center has all the things you can expect, from a gymnasium to pools to a weight and cardio area. Uniquely, it also has a super cool golf simulator that lets you test out your swing without finding a tee time.
Eastridge
9568 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80126
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $5 for youth and seniors and $6 for adults.
- Amenities: Indoor and outdoor pools, a weight and cardio area, running track, climbing area, sand volleyball courts, gymnasiums, and a steam room
This Highlands Ranch rec center is a dream spot if you happen to love team sports, be it an intense match of beach volleyball in the style of “Top Gun,” or just a fun game of pickup basketball. There’s also space to relax, thanks to the hot tub and steam room. Also, like all great Colorado rec centers, this one has a climbing area.
Westridge
9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd., Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80129
- Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $5 for youth and seniors and $6 for adults.
- Amenities: Indoor and outdoor pool, spin studio, running track, weight room, cardio area, batting cages, outdoor pickleball courts, and more
This Highlands Ranch rec center has pretty much everything you could ever need for a day of healthy fun, from an impressive indoor pool with a splash fountain and slides, as well as outdoor pickleball courts and even a batting cage. It gets bonus points for its indoor spinning studio (take that, Soul Cycle!).
Littleton Rec Centers
Douglas H. Buck Community Recreation Center
2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton, Colorado, 80120
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $7.25 a day for resident youth and $9.25 per day for resident adults, with more information available here.
- Amenities: Aquatics area, fitness area, gymnasium, indoor track, and performing arts stage
In terms of Colorado recreation centers, this one near downtown Littleton has pretty much everything you could ever want. If you’re into hardcore workouts, you’ll love the circuit area, weight room, and range of cardio equipment. If relaxing is more your thing, be sure to post up in the lazy river, relax in the outdoor hot tub, or sweat out some toxins in the steam room. When I lived in Littleton, I considered this by far the best recreation center near me.
Ridge Recreation Center
6613 S. Ward St., Littleton, Colorado, 80127
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: $4.25 per day for resident youth and $5.75 for adults, with a full breakdown of fees here.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, running track, pickleball and racquetball courts, cardio and circuit room, and gymnasium
Whether you want to swim laps in the pool, test your skills on the pickleball court, or just get in some reps in the weight room, this Littleton rec center is the perfect place to spend some time getting healthier. Be sure to check out the 40′ foot climbing wall – it’s the perfect place to learn without playing the exorbitant fees at some climbing gyms.
Sheridan Recreation Center
3325 W. Oxford Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80236
- Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Fees: $2.50 for resident youth, $3.50 for resident adults, with a full breakdown of fees here.
- Amenities: Cardio equipment and fitness room, game room, gymnasium, pickleball courts, creativity lab, and esports lounge.
This community-centric spot encapsulates the mission of Colorado rec centers thanks to its relatively low admission prices, access to cardio and weight equipment, pickleball and basketball courts, esports lounge, and more. This spot also has a unique “Creativity Lab,” which offers art materials and found materials that can be used to make unforgettable creations.
Lone Tree Rec Centers
Lone Tree Recreation Center
10249 RidgeGate Cir., Lone Tree, Colorado, 80124
- Hours: 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Residents pay $5.50 per day for youth and $6.75 for adults. Find full fee information here.
- Amenities: Aquatics area, outdoor pickleball courts, gymnasium, indoor track, cardio and circuit equipment, and fitness and dance studio
This facility in Lone Tree is one of the best Colorado recreation centers, thanks in part to its six outdoor pickleball courts (a rare commodity in this era), and impressive aquatics center, which has a leisure pool with a lazy river, plenty of spray features to entertain the kids, an 88-foot water slide, and hot tub for when you need to relax. If you live anywhere near the Highlands Ranch area, it’s a top recreation center near you — and one worth the drive if you don’t.
Parker Rec Centers
17301 Lincoln Ave., Parker, Colorado, 80134
Parker Recreation Center
- Hours: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Fees: Day passes are $8 for adults and $7 for children and seniors.
- Amenities: Indoor pool, gymnasium, weight room and cardio, and child care
This Parker, Colorado rec center has one of the best indoor pools around, with an over-the-water climbing wall, warm therapy pool, special play area for kids, and enclosed water slide. Afterward, you can leave the kiddos in the dedicated childcare area and get your workout in at the cardio and fitness center. This is a favorite Parker, Colorado rec center (ok, it’s the only one), and if you’re in the south metro area, you might consider it a top rec center near you period.