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Park Programs and Events

A campfire program crowd watches a park ranger presentation.

Bear Creek Lake Park (BCLP) and the City of Lakewood Regional Parks Division offer a range of programs and events for all ages, including sunset and full moon hikes, archery and nature/wildlife education. There are also opportunities to host special events in city parks.

Browse the sections below to view upcoming activities.

FEATURED PROGRAM
Kids can become Jr. Rangers!

To become a Jr. Ranger, kids can pick up a booklet at the Bear Creek Lake Park Visitor Center or download it here(PDF, 8MB). Once it is completed, stop by the Visitor Center between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and let our staff know. They'll call a ranger to swear them in and give them a badge!

Ongoing Park Programs

The following programs are located at Bear Creek Lake Park unless otherwise noted. Contact the Visitor Center at 303-697-6159 for more information.

Browse all Programs

Archery

Come out to Bear Creek Lake Park and try your hand at archery! Learn about the skills, ethics and practice of archery while getting a chance to sharpen your new skills. Choose from an adult class for ages 16+ or a family class.
Register Now

Bear Creek Birding

Spend a Tuesday morning searching for birds with Lakewood's Parks Naturalists! We will explore different parks in search of our feathered friends! Bring your binoculars or cameras. Ages 16+.
Register Now

Full and New Moon Guided Night Hikes

Leave those flashlights at home for this unique hiking adventure in the dark! Wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress for weather conditions and bring water. These hikes are designed for the whole family, and each will average an hour and a half of walking on uneven terrain.
Register Now

Nature Hikes

Spend your Saturday morning hiking along a winding trail! You will learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the area from Lakewood's Parks Naturalist.
Register Now

New: Pre-K Nature Day

Join us for a program designed specifically for young children at Bear Creek Lake Park. Participants will self-explore with activities in the nature play area. An educational program will take place at the beginning of every hour. Choose when to stop by; no registration needed.
Time/Date: Aug. 3, Sep. 7, Oct. 5, and Nov. 9 from 9 a.m.-noon.

New: Sunset Hikes

Join in on these evening excursions with Lakewood's Park Naturalists and see all the park has to offer before the night sets in. With beautiful views and a variety of wildlife, you're sure to have a good time.
Register Now

Educational Nature Programs

Bear Creek Lake Park staff offer educational programming for all ages and group sizes. To request a nature program at the park or on location, please fill out a request.

Nature Program Request

Hosting a Special Event in a Park

A variety of events are permitted within the City of Lakewood's parks each year. Special events within the city are regulated by Lakewood Municipal Code, sections 9.32.030 and 9.32.120.

Special events can include the following:

Any organized competitive or noncompetitive event
Non-recreational park uses
Commercial uses
Filming
Groups needing to reserve a park area
Group use involving more than 25 people
Rallies
Any other use that may conflict with established park uses, policies or rules.

Application Instructions

Reservations for all park picnic shelters are available through the end of the year. Pools and Surfside are open as of Memorial Day weekend.

In order to host an event, an organizer must submit a completed event application form to the Regional Parks Supervisor for review and approval. Most events will also be required to submit a non-refundable application fee.

Event Approval Guidelines

Based on the recommendations in the park Master Plan, trail-based events will not be allowed at William Frederick Hayden Park. Certain parking lot and educational events may be approved, including mountain bike demonstrations and filming permits.
Events requesting the use of the Bear Creek Greenbelt will need special review and may not be allowed. This park has limited parking and high use in a narrow corridor. It is not well-suited for large events.