25 Free Things to Do in Douglas County in the Summer
Summer in Douglas County is packed with easy, no-cost ways to get outside and enjoy the season. From live music and farmers markets to splash pads, yoga in the park, and community car shows, there’s something happening nearly every week across local parks and neighborhoods. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a low-key evening with friends, or just looking for a reason to get out of the house, this guide highlights some of the best free things to do all summer long.
Free Community Events
- Enjoy free summer concerts from May through August across Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, and Parker, with live music, food trucks, dancing, and family-friendly fun happening all summer long. Find the complete summer line up in our Live Music and Summer Concert Guide.
- Spend a summer morning exploring local farmers markets in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Larkspur, Parker, and Sterling Ranch, where you’ll find fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, live music, and plenty of local charm all summer long. Find all the details in our Farmers Market Guide.
- Car lovers can enjoy several free car shows and cruise-in events throughout the summer in Douglas County, including the popular Classic Rock Cruise-In (Castle Rock) and Car Show (Highlands Ranch) that feature classic cars, live music, food trucks, and family activities.
- Practice your asanas all summer long at free Yoga in the Park sessions. These relaxing outdoor classes welcome all ages and experience levels, making them a great way to unwind, stretch, and enjoy a free fitness class. (Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree)
- Mark your calendars for Aug. 2, when the Honey Festival makes its buzzworthy return to O’Brien Park. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can indulge in a fun-filled event aimed at raising awareness and appreciation for the humble honeybee through an array of educational and entertaining activities. (Parker)
Free Family-Friendly Activities
- Hit the outdoor pickleball courts throughout Douglas County, where you’ll find free courts perfect for friendly matches, beginner games, and summer fun in the Colorado sunshine. For a complete list of courts, check out our Douglas County Pickleball Guide.
- Play a round of disc golf at multiple courses in Douglas County including Westcreek Disc Golf Course (Parker), West Fork Disc Golf Course (Highlands Ranch), and Rhyolite Regional Park (Castle Rock).
- Reserve your free boarding pass and visit the Pollywog Station Lavender Farm and enjoy the four lavender fields, all in different stages of growth, scenic trails, picnic areas, farm demonstrations, beekeeping apiary, and the historic 1883 Reynolds Homestead. (Parker)
- The Town of Castle Rock offers free programs, appropriate for all-ages, that provide information on birds and local wildlife found around Castle Rock and Douglas County. Learn more on their website.
- Bring your whole family to free Fitness Fridays on Fridays from 8 to 9 a.m. on June 5 through Aug. 28 at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park. Fitness Friday classes are free and registration is not required, but it is recommended so you can be notified in case of a weather cancellation. View details. (Castle Rock)
- Cool down on hot summer days at the splash parks and fountains at Discovery Park (Parker), Civic Green Park (Highlands Ranch), and Festival Park (Castle Rock), where kids can run through the water while families relax and enjoy the sunshine.
- Head to one of the Douglas County libraries, either online or in-person, and check out all of the free offerings available with your library card. Take language or crafting classes, borrow a free state parks pass, or borrow a large variety of gadgets, electronics, and learning tools. See all the perks.
- Every Wednesday in Downtown Castle Rock, from June through August, enjoy a free trolley ride from 6 to 8 p.m. Grab the family or a friend and come on down to enjoy a meal, do some shopping, or find some fun on your visit. (Castle Rock)
Free Parks and Trails
- Explore the Backcountry Wilderness Area, which is home to 26 acres of open space that is used for wildlife conservation, nature programs, and outdoor recreation. There are more than 25 miles of natural surface trails perfect for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and exploring nature. (Highlands Ranch)
- Get your blood pumping and take on Challenge Hill at Philip S. Park, with 200 steps that climb 178 feet in elevation, a great warm up for anyone wanting to climb the Manitou Incline. (Castle Rock)
- Take a picnic to Daniels Park and spend a day hiking the trails, exploring the historic buildings, taking in the views, and, if you’re lucky, viewing the bison herd that lives at the park. (Sedalia)
- Hikers, cyclists, and even those on horseback can experience spectacular views, expansive hay meadows, red rock formations and wildlife habitat from the 12-mile trail located in the eastern portion of Sandstone Ranch, a ranch over 2,000 acres, owned by Douglas County. (Larkspur)
- Visit Rock Park and climb the 1.5 mile looped, single-track trail. From the trail, hikers can reach the base of the namesake rock and are afforded panoramic views of Downtown Castle Rock, the Interstate 25 corridor, Pikes Peak and the Front Range. (Castle Rock)
- Devil’s Head Lookout Tower is over 100 years old and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, often open to the public from mid-May to mid-September. Climb 143 steps to the top for views that exceed 100 miles on a clear day. (Sedalia)
- If you selected the Keep Colorado Wild Pass on your vehicle registration, you have access to all of Colorado’s amazing state parks for free, including the ones located in Douglas County: Castlewood Canyon, Roxborough State Park and Chatfield State Park.
- Located in The Pinery subdivision, Bingham Lake is a quiet oasis enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, dog enthusiasts, and fishermen. An annual stocking program began in 2005 to ensure adequate fish are available to catch. Park facilities are open for public use and a Colorado fishing license is not required since the lake is operated under private license. (Parker)
- Grab your pooch and hit up one of Douglas County’s dog parks and off-leash areas give pups plenty of room to run, play, and explore.
Free Activities Highlighting Local History
- Step back in time with a tour of the Castle Rock Museum, housed in the Castle Rock Denver & Rio Grande Depot. The Castle Rock Museum also has events, demonstrations, and free walking tours of downtown Castle Rock in the summer. (Castle Rock)
- Stop by the Highlands Ranch Mansion and Historic Park. The Mansion offers free historic tours during open hours, where you can learn about the notable families who called the Mansion home. Once part of a ranching empire in Colorado, the Mansion is located within the future 250-acre Highlands Ranch Historic Park and is surrounded by a working ranch, historic barns, a bunkhouse, ranch houses, corrals, pastures and the iconic windmill. (Highlands Ranch)
- Sign up for one of the free nature walks, guided tours, or open days at Schweiger Ranch in the summer. Wander through the historic house, outbuildings, and expansive grounds to view the artifacts unearthed during the restoration process. (Lone Tree)
