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Park Programs and Events

A campfire program crowd watches a park ranger presentation.

Bear Creek Lake Park 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 PROGRAMS

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 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

A group of people sit outside in a circle. Programs locations may vary; please register with an email to receive location updates. Hiking programs may take place on uneven terrain. For assistance, contact the Bear Creek Lake Park Visitor Center at 303-697-6159.

Browse all Programs

Archery

Try your hand at archery at the Bear Creek Lake Park Archery Range. Adult and Family options. $5 per person
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Bat Appreciation Day

Bats are an important part of the Bear Creek Lake Park ecosystem, but they continue to be misunderstood. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and learn what we can do to protect the bats.
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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+.
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BCLP Earth Day Event

Celebrate Earth Day by getting involved with your local park, Bear Creek Lake Park. Projects will be outside and involve some manual labor. A light breakfast, lunch and tools will be provided.
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BCLP Trout Tournament

The target fish for this event will be rainbow or brown trout and the winner will be determined by weight. This is a two-person team tournament that will take place on Bear Creek Reservoir.
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Summer Campfire Program

Join our park naturalists and special guests to learn about local animals, ecosystems, and conservation each week at the amphitheater. Fires available based on current weather and restrictions.

Full Moon Night Hikes

Full moon hikes are back! Leave those flashlights at home for this unique hiking adventure. These hikes are designed for the whole family. Each will average 90 minutes and will be on uneven terrain. All ages welcome.
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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. All ages welcome.
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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. All ages welcome.
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World Bee Day

Celebrate World Bee Day with us at Bear Creek Lake Park! Colorado has 946 species of native bees. Together we will learn about the important role they play in pollination, the interesting ways they live, and what we can do to protect them. Participants will also get to make a native bee home that they can take home with them.
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Educational Nature Programs

Educational nature programs are available for schools, preschools, homeschools, daycares, senior assisted living centers and boy/girl scouts. Topics include bats, bears, birds of prey, camping safety, ecosystems, insects, mammals, plants, scout badges and wetlands.

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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.