Here are four places in the Arvada neighborhood to get the kids out of the house and connected with the community. Whether studying the science behind fossils and minerals at Lithos or getting up close with wildlife at Majestic View Nature Center, Arvada has a lot of kid-friendly gems waiting to be explored.
We Rock the Spectrum
Address: 8330 W. 80th Ave., No. 1
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
DzԳٲ:303-284-3049,
Features: Open play at a children’s gym featuring specialized sensory equipment for children with special needs.
What the owner says: “For me the most important thing about this gym is the fact that itap all inclusive … Special needs children being able to grow and learn and play next to normal children, if you will, and everyone having a good time all together is so important.” ´DzԲ쾱
JAKE’s Toy Box
Address: 15530 W. 64th Ave.
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Contact:720-626-4270,
Features: A toy shop featuring games, puzzles, name-brand toys and more.
What the owner says: “I love what I do. Owning a toy store is not just a fulfillment of our commitment to (our son) Jake, but also a fulfillment of a dream of my own. We are now working on making something that survives us and provides employment opportunities, especially to those with special needs, for many years to come.” Dan Driver
Lithos Book and Hobby Shop
Address: 5695 Yukon St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
DzԳٲ:303-495-5521,
ٳܰ:A specialty shop featuring minerals, fossils and meteorites.
What the owner says: “The shop is a unique opportunity for local beginners and established collectors to connect with the aesthetic of the scientific and high-end collector communities. We can help begin and build a meaningful mineral and/or fossil collection and can offer advice to customers about achieving their objectives and helping them share and enjoy their collecting experience.” Gloria Staebler
Majestic View Nature Center
Address: 7030 Garrison St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Oct. 1-May 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, June 1-Sept. 30
Contact:720-898-7405,
Features: Classes and activities for all ages featuring hands-on wildlife displays and exhibits, and a children’s play area.
What the owner says: “Itap all about the science of nature. Our message is take care of the environment.” Karen Miller