happyly approved

Waneka Lake Park and Playground

Waneka Lake Park, Caria Drive, Lafayette, CO, USA

Dawn to Dusk

$

water-activities, run, playground

Waneka is home to a Shaded Playground and Beautiful Lake to Enjoy.

During the Colorado summer, the most important places to know are playgrounds with shade and Waneka Lake Park has one of them! The play area is fantastic year-round but the most appreciated on those 90+ degree days.

The playground is great for ages 2 to 10 with the lake cabin-themed play structures and giant climbable fish. There are a large variety of slides, from a tall spiral to a triple wavy slide, as well as a toddler structure as well. Some of our other favorite features are the curved climbing structure, alligator bouncer and standing seesaw.

The shade is provided by huge trees surrounding the playground, making it a gorgeous spot to visit in the fall. You can spend hours here depending on the time of year with everything available. The lake has a 1.2-mile fitness loop/walking path and there is a disc golf course, basketball courts, grass field and many covered tables for a picnic. That’s not all – there are even fishing and rentable paddle boats, kayaks and canoes!

Things to Know: It is a local favorite spot so it can become crowded depending on the time of day. There is a restroom facility available and the rentals are available during the summer beginning on Memorial Day.

If you plan on fishing, a license is mandatory for those 16 years of age and older and state fishing regulations apply. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and all bass less than 15 inches must be returned to the water.

If you are looking for additional activities in the area, check out the WOW! Children’s Museum (110 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026). Currently, reservations are required so check their website here for full details. There is also another fantastic playground within minutes at Silver Creek Park (612-566 Starline Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026).

Features

Playground Lake Fishing Disc Golf
Thoughtfully captured by:
Christy Schaefer
Christy Schaefer has lived in Colorado her entire life and loves every bit of the changing seasons and mountain sunsets. She was raised in Arvada, got her degree in Mathematics from CSU in Fort Collins and now lives in Erie with her husband Jeff and three daughters. Around six years ago, Christy started a #parktour with her girls as a way to meet friends, get outside and enjoy the Colorado sunshine. She created www.slidesandsunshine.com to help other parents find amazing places to take their kids, encouraging imagination and physical activity. Playgrounds are their favorite place to go and they have visited almost 200 parks since starting this adventure. She looks forward to sharing these hidden gems and giant playgrounds across Colorado with all of you!
More activities by Christy
Play in this famous, one of a kind park in Fort Collins. Boasting 54 acres and an incredible playground, everyone will have a great time here.
Climb over a giant sugar beet structure and play on other elements unique to this special Fort Collins playground!
Come experience one of our must-see playgrounds in Fort Collins!

Recommended Gear