Denver is renowned for its vibrant culture, outdoor recreation, and growing economy, making it an appealing place for families to settle down. However, as with any large city, not all neighborhoods are equally suited for family life. When choosing the best place to raise a family, factors like access to quality schools, affordability, and nearby parks and amenities can make a big difference. Fortunately, Denver offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to families’ needs, each with its own unique features and charm.
Did you know that Washington Park was given a score of A+ for “Good For Families” by Niche.com? This score considers key factors, such as the quality of local schools, affordability, and access to family amenities. From spacious parks to excellent schools, these neighborhoods provide families with everything they need to thrive. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best neighborhoods for families in Denver, each offering a combination of great living spaces, community-oriented features, and plenty of local activities to enjoy.
Washington Park
Washington Park is one of Denver’s best neighborhoods for families due to its spacious green areas, vibrant community, and numerous family-friendly activities. This neighborhood is known for its two large parks, Washington Park and Smith Lake, which provide plenty of room for outdoor recreation. The park’s extensive walking paths, playgrounds, and sports facilities make it a favorite spot for families to spend time together. In addition to the outdoor spaces, Washington Park offers a tight-knit community, perfect for families looking for a balance between nature and city life.
Local Activities
Enjoy a day of boating or fishing at Smith Lake.
Visit the Washington Park Farmers Market during the summer months.
Take a family bike ride along the park’s extensive trails.
Berkeley
Berkeley is a trendy yet family-oriented neighborhood in Denver. With its relaxed vibe and growing popularity, it offers a blend of old charm and modern conveniences that families can appreciate. The area is known for its boutique shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, making it a fun neighborhood for families to explore. Berkeley Lake Park is the area’s focal point, providing a tranquil place for picnics, walking, and outdoor sports. The park also has a large pond, perfect for families who enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Local Activities
Spend the day at Berkeley Lake Park, where you can walk, fish, or rent pedal boats.
Visit the Tennyson Street Cultural District to explore local art galleries and shops.
Enjoy family-friendly dining at one of the neighborhood’s many kid-friendly restaurants.
Cherry Creek
Cherry Creek is a well-established neighborhood with a mix of luxury homes, shopping, and green spaces. The area is known for its upscale appeal and is home to some of the best shopping in Denver, including Cherry Creek Shopping Center. The neighborhood also has several parks and outdoor spaces, perfect for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. With tree-lined streets and beautiful homes, Cherry Creek combines urban living with a family-friendly atmosphere.
Local Activities
Visit Cherry Creek State Park for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Enjoy a family day at the Cherry Creek Reservoir, offering swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Explore the Cherry Creek Shopping District, where you can enjoy outdoor events and dining options.
South Park Hill
South Park Hill is a residential neighborhood with a rich history and a welcoming, family-oriented vibe. It’s known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and proximity to several parks. The area’s central location makes it a convenient choice for families who want easy access to Denver’s downtown attractions while enjoying a quieter neighborhood feel. The neighborhood is also home to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, making it a great spot for families with kids who enjoy educational experiences.
Local Activities
Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Spend the afternoon at City Park, which features playgrounds, lakes, and wide open spaces.
Check out the Denver Zoo, located in the nearby City Park.
Congress Park
Congress Park is a charming, well-established neighborhood known for its quiet residential streets, historic architecture, and proximity to some of Denver’s best parks. The area is perfect for families who enjoy walking or biking around the neighborhood and those who appreciate a mix of old and new homes. The neighborhood is centered around Congress Park, which features large grassy areas, a playground, and a community pool, making it a favorite gathering spot for families.
Local Activities
Spend a sunny day at Congress Park, where you can play on the playground or have a family picnic.
Visit the nearby Denver Botanic Gardens, which offers seasonal exhibits and kid-friendly activities.
Take a bike ride or walk around the neighborhood’s scenic tree-lined streets.
Central Park / Stapleton
Central Park, formerly known as Stapleton, is one of the most popular neighborhoods for families in Denver. Known for its spacious parks, family-friendly amenities, and excellent schools, it offers a vibrant community atmosphere. Central Park features a large central park area perfect for outdoor activities such as soccer, picnicking, and flying kites. With numerous playgrounds and open spaces, families can easily find spots to relax or engage in recreational activities.
Local Activities
Explore Central Park, where you can enjoy hiking, biking, or simply relax by the ponds.
Take part in seasonal events and festivals hosted by the community.
Visit the Central Park Recreation Center for family-friendly fitness programs.
Hilltop
Hilltop is a beautiful neighborhood that blends suburban charm with urban convenience, making it a top choice for families in Denver. The area is known for its large homes, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks. Hilltop Park is a major attraction, offering spacious areas for kids to run and play. The park features playgrounds, open fields, and walking paths, making it a perfect spot for family outings. The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, making it an ideal place for families with children.
Local Activities
Visit Hilltop Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or a game of soccer.
Take a family stroll through the nearby Cranmer Park, which offers stunning views and open spaces.
Attend family-friendly events hosted at the Hilltop Community Center.
Belcaro
Belcaro is an upscale yet family-friendly neighborhood that combines the best of Denver’s residential living with easy access to downtown. The area is known for its spacious homes, wide streets, and large lots, making it an attractive option for families seeking a quiet, suburban environment. Belcaro Park is a central feature of the neighborhood, offering a peaceful setting for outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Local Activities
Spend the afternoon at Belcaro Park, which offers peaceful surroundings and plenty of open space.
Visit nearby restaurants and cafes that offer kid-friendly menus and outdoor seating.
Explore the neighborhood’s tree-lined streets, perfect for walking and cycling.
Platt Park
Platt Park is a charming, historic neighborhood with a cozy atmosphere and a strong sense of community. Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, the area is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities and a relaxed pace of life. The park is a key feature, providing ample green space, a playground, and walking paths. Families can spend time in the park, enjoy picnics, or simply relax under the trees.
Local Activities
Enjoy a family outing to Platt Park, where you can picnic or let the kids play.
Visit the nearby Old South Pearl Street, known for its farmers market and family-friendly shops.
Take part in seasonal community events such as outdoor concerts and neighborhood festivals.
Hilltop, located just east of Cherry Creek in Denver, offers convenient access to some of the area’s most thoughtfully curated home decor and furniture stores. Residents of this neighborhood can explore multiple design styles and product ranges — everything from high-end contemporary pieces to vintage-inspired decor and modular seating. The selection in and around Hilltop includes national brands, locally owned shops, and boutique galleries with rotating inventory.
This guide details some of the best home decor stores in Hilltop.
Furniture Stores at Cherry Creek
Joybird
Joybird operates a showroom in the Cherry Creek Shopping District, just minutes from Hilltop. Known for its customizable mid-century modern furniture, the store offers sofas, sectionals, chairs, and media consoles in various fabrics and finishes. The showroom layout is practical, with a clear flow and fabric swatch station that allows shoppers to build and compare options during their visit. In addition to furniture, Joybird features home accessories including rugs, lighting, and wall decor.
HW Home
HW Home maintains a boutique storefront in Cherry Creek North, offering upscale home furnishings with a curated showroom experience. Their design approach blends transitional and contemporary aesthetics, featuring upholstered pieces and case goods. Inventory often includes leather sectionals, hardwood sideboards, and metal-framed tables with marble or glass tops. The store also offers accessories like decorative bowls, framed art, and floor lamps.
Room & Board
Room & Board offers modern furniture with clean lines and American-made materials. The large showroom features full-room setups to showcase layout and scale, including open-concept living spaces, dining sets, and modular storage. Materials range from solid maple and walnut to steel and kiln-dried hardwood frames. The store emphasizes functional design, and the staff assist with materials, care instructions, and delivery options.
CB2
CB2, located within the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, caters to shoppers interested in sleek, modern furniture and urban-inspired accessories. The store includes seating, storage, and bedroom furniture often scaled for city living, making it suitable for condos and more compact layouts. Finishes include black metal, clear glass, and acrylic alongside neutral upholstery. The decor section includes large wall mirrors, sculptural vases, and unique pendant lighting.
RH Denver | The Gallery at Cherry Creek
RH Denver presents its product lines inside a multi-level showroom with furnished rooms, terraces, and a rooftop space. This showroom is located near University Boulevard and includes full-scale installations of living, dining, bedroom, and outdoor settings. The design language is minimalist and neutral, focusing on scale and tactile materials like Belgian linen, reclaimed wood, and brushed metal. This location supports an elevated experience with consistent service and long-term product availability.
Lovesac
Lovesac, with a location in Cherry Creek Shopping Center, specializes in modular seating with a focus on flexibility and durability. Its signature Sactionals are designed with interchangeable covers and components that adapt to different layouts. Fabrics range from machine-washable weaves to pet-friendly options, and staff provide in-store demos to explain modular assembly and care. The store also offers bean bag-inspired “Sacs” in different sizes with washable covers.
More Furniture Stores Near Hilltop
Mod Livin’ New and Vintage Modern Furniture
Mod Livin’ is located on E. Colfax Ave. and features a curated mix of new and vintage modern furniture. The store offers hard-to-find mid-century pieces, contemporary designer items, and accessories, including lighting, barware, and textiles. Products often include restored vintage originals and updated classics with modern functionality. Inventory changes frequently, giving repeat visitors new options each time.
Rare Finds Warehouse
Rare Finds Warehouse on Stapleton Drive North features rustic and industrial furniture made with reclaimed wood, iron, and vintage hardware. Large dining tables, sliding door buffets, and open shelving units dominate the showroom floor. Many items are one-offs or produced in small runs with handmade details. The store also carries metal barstools, statement lighting, and oversized wall clocks. For Hilltop homeowners looking to add texture and character to their interiors, Rare Finds offers products with distinct material stories.
Modern Bungalow
Modern Bungalow specializes in Arts & Crafts, Mission, and Prairie-style home furnishings. The store includes custom furniture, lighting, and woodwork tailored to early 20th-century architecture. It is located near the Washington Park area and offers handmade oak and cherry furniture, along with coordinating textiles and tile. The showroom includes samples of finishes, stains, and fabric swatches for upholstered seating. Modern Bungalow is especially popular with homeowners updating older homes with period-specific decor.
Home Again Furniture Inc
Home Again Furniture Inc offers a broad selection of lightly used and consignment furniture and new floor models. Inventory spans dining sets, occasional chairs, desks, and case goods. Home Again is a helpful option for Hilltop residents looking to furnish secondary rooms, update select items, or find quality pieces at more accessible prices. Its combination of new and secondhand items adds flexibility without sacrificing design.
Howard Lorton Furniture & Design
Howard Lorton Furniture & Design is located near downtown Denver and offers a multi-room showroom with contemporary and transitional furnishings. Seating, bedroom sets, and dining pieces are arranged by theme and color, making it easy to navigate the space. Howard Lorton is known for carrying exclusive lines not found elsewhere in the region. For homeowners in Hilltop seeking coordinated, long-lasting design support, this store offers deep inventory, reliable brands, and focused service.
Hilltop, located in east-central Denver, includes several welcoming places to dine with your pet. The area offers a steady mix of relaxed patios, full-service dining, and open-air beer gardens within a short drive of the neighborhood. Many of these restaurants provide outdoor seating that allows pets, and some even offer water bowls and dog treats upon request.
These pet friendly restaurants in Hilltop, CO reflect the area’s approachable and flexible dining culture.
Fast Facts of Pet-Friendly Businesses
As of 2023, 23 states allowed pets to enter restaurants either through specific state laws or administrative regulations, expanding options for diners who want to bring their pets along to eat outdoors or indoors in designated areas.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are legally permitted to enter restaurants in all 50 states, regardless of individual business policies. This federal protection ensures access for people who rely on trained service animals for medical or mobility support.
Service animals should remain on the ground or be carried by their owners unless a business allows them to sit on furniture. The ADA does not guarantee animals a seat at the table, leaving some flexibility to the discretion of restaurant owners.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants Near Hilltop
Bull & Bush Brewery
Bull & Bush Brewery, located near Cherry Creek, offers a mix of classic pub dishes and house-brewed beer. The patio features tables with space between them, offering pets room to rest without crowding. The brewery hosts seasonal releases and weekly specials, making it a consistent destination while providing new options. With its shaded patio and approachable menu, Bull & Bush is one of the more reliable pet friendly restaurants in Hilltop, CO for those seeking comfort and quality.
Narrative
Narrative is inside the Jacquard Hotel in Cherry Creek and offers a more upscale dining experience with a modern American menu. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace includes lounge seating and standard tables, where leashed pets are allowed. While the setting is slightly more formal, it welcomes pets during brunch and dinner. Guests often pair their meal with a walk through the Cherry Creek shopping district, making Narrative a good choice for a longer afternoon or evening outing, including outdoor time and structured dining.
Officers Club
Officers Club, situated in Lowry’s Town Center, offers cocktails, shareable plates, and entrees reflecting a classic bistro style. The patio area features well-spaced tables and portable shade options. Pets are allowed outside, and the staff often check in with water or a bowl if needed. Diners frequently visit with their pets before or after a nearby walk. The restaurant balances elevated service and casual access, making it suitable for a low-key dinner or weekend meal with a dog in tow.
Lowry Beer Garden
Lowry Beer Garden offers a wide outdoor seating area with long communal tables, gravel flooring, and overhead string lights. The entire space is pet-friendly, and dogs are a common sight during lunch and dinner hours. The restaurant serves burgers, sausages, and an extensive list of rotating beers. The informal setting works well for guests with pets, especially during warmer months. It’s one of the most spacious pet-friendly restaurants in Hilltop.
Jimmy’s Jersey Street Cafe
Jimmy’s Jersey Street Cafe is a casual breakfast and lunch spot north of Hilltop. The small outdoor patio includes several tables, all of which welcome pets. The menu includes omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, and coffee, making it a good choice for morning or midday outings. Because it’s located in a quieter residential corridor, the setting feels slower and more personal than larger commercial areas. Locals often stop here after a neighborhood walk, taking advantage of the shaded tables and friendly service.
Bertha’s Baja Bistro
Bertha’s Baja Bistro serves Baja-style tacos, ceviche, and daily specials in a small, informal setting. The outdoor seating includes a few tables near the entrance, where pets are allowed. The restaurant focuses on seafood and regional Mexican flavors, and the menu changes frequently based on availability. The laid-back tone and quick service support a flexible visit, especially if you want to dine outdoors with your dog without needing reservations or a long wait.
Local Jones
Located in the Halcyon Hotel in Cherry Creek North, Local Jones offers modern American food with indoor and outdoor seating. The patio includes structured seating with enough room for pets to lie comfortably beside tables. The layout works well for dogs of all sizes, and staff typically offer water bowls as part of the standard setup. The surrounding area provides wide sidewalks and access to adjacent parks and shopping streets. For guests looking to combine dining with additional outdoor movement, Local Jones offers a structured yet approachable environment.
Culinary Dropout
Culinary Dropout, located in the 9+CO development, features large patios with flexible seating and a casual menu of comfort food, sandwiches, and drinks. The outdoor space includes lounge areas, long tables, and room to move around, making it easy to dine with pets during all hours of operation. The restaurant often includes lawn games and public event programming, contributing to a social environment where pets are common.
Postino 9CO
Postino 9CO is also part of the 9+CO redevelopment and offers wine, bruschetta, and small plates in a setting that welcomes pets on its expansive patio. Seating includes high-top tables, lounge chairs, and shaded spots that give pets room to rest without crowding foot traffic. With flexible hours and a menu suited to lighter meals, Postino 9CO remains a go-to spot for diners bringing pets.
Benzina
Benzina offers Italian cuisine with a modern menu and an open outdoor patio. The space includes tables under an overhang and additional seating with umbrellas. Pets are allowed throughout the patio, and water service is available on request. The setting blends newer design with practical access. The menu includes pizzas, pasta, and rotating specials for lunch and dinner. The area is easy to reach from Hilltop and includes street parking, allowing quick access for guests with pets.
Park Hill Hub
Park Hill Hub is a café with a small outdoor patio northeast of Hilltop. It serves coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries throughout the day. The outdoor space includes a few tables that accommodate pets, and customers often bring their pets during morning visits. The café is in a quiet corridor with access to neighborhood streets and shaded sidewalks. The space is best for early outings or casual afternoon stops with pets.
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Looking to achieve your real estate goals in Denver? Work with Blake O’Shaughnessy, a seasoned professional with deep local knowledge, a reputation for integrity, and excellent communication. Blake’s insider understanding of Denver’s neighborhoods and strategic approach ensure you find your ideal home in the perfect location. Recognized as a Top 1% Real Estate Professional by Real Trends and The Wall Street Journal, Blake offers expertise in Denver’s upscale areas, including Denver Country Club and Cherry Creek.
