Denver Rock Park

If you’ve driven past this spot without stopping, you’re missing out. Denver Rock Park is less “playground” and more legit outdoor climbing area — the kind of place where kids who are bored of regular monkey bars actually get excited. The bouldering and climbing structures offer real challenge, and it scales surprisingly well for adults who want to get off the ground too. It backs up near the trails, so you can make a full afternoon of it with a picnic table lunch before or after. Small crowd, low-key vibe — exactly what you want when you’re not trying to fight for parking at one of the bigger parks.