Beginner and kid-friendly skateparks near Denver, CO
A skatepark is good for a first visit when it has low, gentle ramps, wide flat ground to practice pushing and turning, and few big features (tall ramps, handrails, deep bowls) that experienced skaters fly off. A fence between the park and the street and lights for evening visits help too.
We score every park from the features it lists. Gentle features such as a mini ramp (a small ramp to learn on), low banks and quarter pipes (short curved ramps) add points; lights, a fence, restrooms and staff on site add a little more; big features such as stairs, handrails, deep bowls and vertical ramps take points away, and a park with a handrail, vertical ramp, pool or large half-pipe is never labelled great. Parks that owners or skaters have marked beginner-friendly come first. Labels are great for beginners, mixed, or advanced. 6 parks near Denver, CO earn the great label; the mixed parks are listed further down for a grown-up to check first.
Great for beginners
- Arapahoe Skatepark, Centennial, CO ยท low ledges; quarter pipes (short curved ramps); a low manual pad; a small kicker ramp; a low box
- Arvada Skatepark, Arvada, CO ยท quarter pipes (short curved ramps); low ledges; lit at night; staff on site; described as all ages
- La Alma Skatepark, Denver, CO ยท quarter pipes (short curved ramps); low ledges; lit at night; staff on site; described as all ages
- Montbello Skatepark, Denver, CO ยท quarter pipes (short curved ramps); low ledges; lit at night; staff on site; described as all ages
- Skyline Skatepark, Arvada, CO ยท quarter pipes (short curved ramps); low ledges; lit at night; staff on site; described as all ages
- Wolff Skatepark, Arvada, CO ยท quarter pipes (short curved ramps); low ledges; lit at night; staff on site; described as all ages
Worth a look with a grown-up
These parks have some beginner features but also bigger ones:
- Kings Mill Skatepark, Westminster, CO ยท quarter pipes (short curved ramps); low ledges; restrooms on site; staff on site; described as beginner-friendly ยท watch out: has a set of stairs
- Margaret Carpenter Skatepark, Thornton, CO ยท low ledges; restrooms on site; staff on site; described as beginner-friendly; smooth surface ยท watch out: has a bowl (a deep, curved pool-like area)
- Denver Skatepark, Denver, CO ยท a small kicker ramp; low ledges; a low manual pad; quarter pipes (short curved ramps); a low box ยท watch out: has a bowl (a deep, curved pool-like area); has ledges down stairs; has kinked rails
- Central Park Skatepark, Denver, CO ยท low ledges; quarter pipes (short curved ramps); restrooms on site; staff on site; smooth surface ยท watch out: has a set of stairs; has a bowl (a deep, curved pool-like area)
- Walker Branch Skatepark, Lakewood, CO ยท low ledges; quarter pipes (short curved ramps); a small kicker ramp; a low box; curbs to practice on ยท watch out: has a set of stairs; has a spine (two ramps back to back); has a bowl (a deep, curved pool-like area)
Tips for a first visit
- Go on a weekday morning or early afternoon: the park is quiet and there is room to practice.
- Wear a helmet, and knee and wrist pads for the first few visits. Most falls land on hands and knees.
- Watch for a minute before you roll in, so you can see how skaters take turns, and let faster skaters pass.
- Start on the flat ground and the smallest ramp. Rolling, stopping and turning come before any trick.
