Golden is a known and treasured as an outdoor playland for both families and hardcore thrill-seekers. The breathtaking beauty of its natural surroundings – its rivers, valleys, mountains, and wetlands – practically unrivalled. But everybody also likes to get a bit of pleasure from their built environment every once in a while – here are a few fun things to do in and around Golden if you are kicking about on a summer day.

Families love the Golden municipal swimming pool and neighbouring spray park. We’ve spent many a hot day cooling off there – splashing in the pool and watching our kids perfect a goofy dive we’ve affectionately dubbed the flying squirrel.

Golden’s newly resurfaced tennis courts and backboard is another popular spot for families. All you need is a racquet and a ball – the courts are open to the public, free of charge and are rarely completely full, so there’s no waiting for your turn. The courts are also set up for pickle ball if that happens to be your thing too.

If parents want to play tennis but the kids don’t, not to worry – there’s a kids’ pump track right next door to the courts, as well as a skate park, and just a half block down the road at Alexander Park Elementary School is a brand new playground, which my little nieces and nephews just love.

The great thing about Golden (actually one of the many) is that all these in-town recreational activities are super close together. The playground, spray park, swimming pool, tennis courts, skate park and pump track are all within about a two-block radius. The only thing that requires a bit of a walk is the stroll to the Golden Cinema for the requisite ‘after swim/after playground/after tennis’ ice cream (yes, that’s right – the movie theatre is one of the best places to go for ice cream).

Another great family activity idea for ‘let’s kick around town today, what should we do’ days is to rent cruiser bikes and tootle around town along and through the Rotary Trail system. Higher Ground Sports rents townie bikes, and it’s located smack in the middle of Golden’s heritage downtown (and also backs right onto Spirit Square and the Rotary Trails along the river). If you take the Rotary Trail heading East all the way to the end -- past the municipal campground -- there’s a small semi-secluded beach area. It’s a great spot to dip your toes in the river and relax for a bit. For a little more adventure, Higher Ground also rents mountain bikes and offers biking tours for families and groups. 

Summer is just getting started, get out there and enjoy the sunshine!