Youth pastors and scout leaders have the hardest event planning job in the city: something teens will actually show up for, that a volunteer can supervise, that scales from 12 kids to 100, and that fits a church budget. These are the ten we see work, including what we run ourselves.
1. Airsoft or gel blaster day at FAF Airsoft Field, Parker
FAF Airsoft Field hosts youth group events for 5 to 100 plus teens. Staff run the safety briefing and referee every game, so leaders supervise rather than officiate. Groups can join a regular open session or book a private event outside normal hours. Airsoft suits 12 and up, gel blasters suit the younger end and mixed age groups, and rental packages mean nobody needs to own anything. Twenty minutes from Denver, an hour from the Springs, and weekday afternoons are the easiest slots.
2. Flat Acres Farm corn maze and pumpkin patch
Same property as the airsoft field, which makes a fall double header easy. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, and Halloween events every autumn.
3. A climbing gym
Movement and other Denver climbing gyms run group intro sessions with staff belayers. Every fitness level can participate and the waiting kids cheer, which is the point.
4. Trampoline and adventure parks
Urban Air and Sky Zone locations around the south metro take groups and handle the supervision. Good for the middle school end of the group.
5. Boondocks in Parker
Go karts, mini golf, laser tag, and an arcade under one roof, five minutes from the airsoft field. Group packages make the budget predictable.
6. Elitch Gardens
The classic. Group tickets, a full day, and it needs more chaperones than anything else on this list.
7. A Rockies faith and family night
The Rockies run themed nights with group ticket pricing several times a season. Cheap, easy, and it works for the whole family.
8. A service day
Food Bank of the Rockies, local trail crews, and neighborhood cleanups all take youth groups. Pair a morning of service with an afternoon activity and the day pays for itself in goodwill.
9. Castlewood Canyon State Park
Thirty minutes south of Parker, with easy loop hikes, a waterfall, and picnic areas for a group. Free with a state parks pass.
10. Ice skating in the winter
Parker's Discovery Park rink and the downtown Denver rinks take groups and cost very little. A good January option when the field and the farm are quiet.
Planning the airsoft day
Send parents the online waiver a week ahead, collect closed toe shoes and long sleeves, and tell us your headcount and date on the youth group page or at (888) 316-7816. We will suggest airsoft, gel blasters, or a mix based on the ages.