Things to Do in Arvada

Established in 1908, Lakeside Amusement Park maintains its turn-of-the-century charm while embracing modern amenities and attractions. An adrenaline-pumping drop tower and a slew of neon-hued, spinning rides contrast the classic joy of a wooden roller coaster, which rises from its perch near the lake.

The all-ages park also comprises Kiddies' Playland, a place where tots can get their fun fix on boats, animal-themed rides, and pint-sized motorcycles. The facility also accommodates large groups with on-site picnic grounds perfect for birthday parties or applesauce fights.

Flesh-eating zombies, cannibalistic clowns, nightmarish ghouls, and haunting ghosts prowl The Frightmare Compound, ready to snatch those foolish enough to venture through its fear-infested grounds. Known as one of Colorado's oldest and largest haunted attractions, the compound houses two terrifying attractions on more than 100,000 square feet of swampland. Horrors unseen wait for new victims inside the first compound, where a haunted barn filled with terrors is the least of visitors' worries. The second attraction, the House of Darkness, was the site of a terrible massacre and lay abandoned for some time until the Frightmare staff brought it to their site. Soon after, the ghosts of those slain began roaming its halls, and clowns with a taste for human flesh found their way inside its corridors.

Sprawling across 12,000 square feet of high-flying play areas, Mid-Air Adventures gets adrenaline pumping with a multitude of altitudinous activities. Ziplines span platforms reaching up to 11-feet high, their riders’ eventual descents cushioned by padded landing slopes covered in marshmallow-stuffed comforters. The safety-conscious staff members belay climbers at the 20-foot climbing wall, and a giant swing dangles from the highest ceiling to challenge the most daring of daredevils. Kids navigate a network of rope bridges that snake across the facility, and a toddler play area entertains young ones while keeping them close to Earth.

At Butts Rental, Inc., chainsaws and lawn mowers purr in the lot, punctuated by the cold hiss of filling propane tanks. The selection of rental equipment helps in the completion of home projects with dollies, floor polishers, and other tools from brands including John Deere. Party planners wander among rental chairs and ice tubs as well as popcorn machines, which help feed guests and give a nervous Robocop somebody to talk to.

Anya McManis's art has been featured in galleries and shows from Colorado to Europe—with recent honors including a spot in the 2011 Florence Biennale—and her graphic-design company has won awards since its inception. But her most lasting piece of work is Spellbound Art. Half gallery and half school, Spellbound hosts exhibitions of up and coming local artists and grants guests the chance to explore the art and expression that hides within. Anya’s workshops delve into diverse media ranging from poetry and collage to painting and interpretive salad-making, and open-studio sessions let artists take a stab at painting or mixed media with provided materials.