After a dental visit at Fit To Smile Dental in Englewood, CO, families can explore Belleview Park’s petting farm and train, bounce around at Lava Island’s indoor playground, visit the Englewood Public Library, or access free museum passes through the Arapahoe Libraries Exploration Pass program — all within a short drive of the office.
A trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be the low point of the day. With a little planning, it can become the warm-up act for a genuinely great family outing. Families in Englewood, CO know this well — the area is full of kid-friendly spots that can turn a routine check-up into a full afternoon of fun.
At Fit To Smile Dental, the team under Dr. Ryan Redfearn has spent years making dental visits feel as comfortable as possible for patients of all ages. Our practice is built around a patient-first philosophy, with compassionate care and same-day emergency appointments available within one business day. Once your child has their freshly cleaned smile, Englewood has plenty of ways to celebrate.
Key Takeaways
- Belleview Park is home to the Englewood Farm & Train, a petting zoo, and seasonal events perfect for young children.
- Lava Island on West Hampden Avenue offers trampolines, obstacle courses, and an in-house café with kid-friendly food options.
- The Englewood Public Library hosts free storytime sessions and children’s programming throughout the year.
- Arapahoe Libraries cardholders can reserve a free Exploration Pass for access to 18+ metro Denver attractions.
- Post-dental visits are a great time to reinforce healthy habits with a soft, tooth-friendly treat like a smoothie or yogurt.
The Best Post-Dental Snack Strategy for Kids
Before jumping into activities, most parents want to sort out the snack question first — especially after a cleaning or procedure. The general rule is to stick with soft foods for the first hour or two, particularly if there was any numbing involved. Smoothies, yogurt, and soft fruit are all excellent options.
The good news is that Englewood’s food scene has you covered. Lava Island (more on that below) has an in-house restaurant serving smoothies alongside their café menu, so you can refuel the kids right on-site. If you’d prefer a dedicated stop, the Greenwood Village area just south of Englewood is home to Little Man Ice Cream, a Colorado-born scoop shop with a rotating menu of creative flavors that never gets old. For parents looking for something lighter, most cafes along S. Broadway offer yogurt parfaits and blended drinks that make for a gentle post-visit treat.
Belleview Park and the Englewood Farm & Train
One of Englewood’s most beloved family destinations sits right inside the city itself. Belleview Park is part of the City of Englewood’s 244-plus acres of developed parkland and offers a genuine range of activities for young kids — from open grassy fields to recreational water amenities and the standout attraction: the Englewood Farm & Train.
Open seasonally from Memorial Day, the Farm & Train features train rides for just $3 per person and a petting farm where kids can meet local animals up close. Admission to the petting farm is free, making it an easy, affordable detour after an appointment. The park also hosts food trucks and craft activities during special events, so it’s worth checking the City of Englewood’s events calendar before heading over.
Other notable parks in the area include Westlands Park and Arapaho Park, both of which have well-maintained playgrounds suited for kids of different ages.
Lava Island: Indoor Play Year-Round
When the weather isn’t cooperating — or when the kids just want to burn off serious energy — Lava Island at 139 West Hampden Avenue is one of the best options in Englewood. The indoor playground and jump park features trampolines, ninja obstacle courses, climbing walls, and a foam pit, with separate areas designed for toddlers and older kids alike.
Open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), Lava Island is a straightforward option after a morning dental appointment. The in-house café serves everything from pizza and chicken tenders to smoothies and funnel fries, so dinner is sorted too. Note that outside food and drinks are not permitted, but the café menu more than compensates.
Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness of the facility and the friendliness of the staff — the facility also offers sensory-friendly sessions for children who benefit from reduced noise and capacity.
Arts, Crafts, and Creative Play
Creative activities are a great wind-down after the clinic, and the broader Englewood and Arapahoe County area has several options worth exploring. The Englewood Recreation Center offers arts programs for children through the city’s parks and recreation department, ranging from seasonal craft workshops to structured classes. It’s worth checking their current schedule online to see what’s available during your visit.
For a drop-in craft experience, paint-your-own-pottery studios like Color Me Mine operate across the Denver metro area and are a hit with kids who want something to show for their afternoon. These studios typically welcome walk-ins, though calling ahead is always a smart move.
The Englewood Public Library: Free Fun for All Ages
Free, stimulating, and just minutes from the dental office, the Englewood Public Library is an underrated gem for families. The library’s children’s programming includes storytime for the youngest visitors, tween programs for ages 8 to 11, and teen programming for older kids. Sessions run throughout the year, with an especially packed schedule during summer months.
Beyond in-person events, the library connects residents to a wealth of digital resources through platforms like Libby and Hoopla, so kids can borrow audiobooks and eBooks on the drive home. It’s a low-key, no-cost way to round out the day.
Museum Access Through the Arapahoe Libraries Exploration Pass
If your family holds an Arapahoe Libraries card, you have access to one of the best-kept secrets in the Denver metro area: the Exploration Pass. Cardholders can reserve free passes that grant admission for up to seven people to more than 18 participating attractions, including the World of Wonder Children’s Museum, the History Colorado Center, the Butterfly Pavilion, Dinosaur Ridge, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Passes can be booked up to 30 days in advance through the Arapahoe Libraries website, and each pass covers one or more visitors depending on the institution. For families who want to make a full day of it — dental appointment in the morning, museum in the afternoon — this program removes the financial barrier almost entirely. Arapahoe Libraries also offers a State Parks Pass that grants access to any of Colorado’s 42 state parks, ideal for families who prefer outdoor adventures.
Tips for a Smooth Post-Dental Outing
Transitioning kids from the dental chair to an afternoon of activities takes a bit of strategy. The biggest tip: build the activity as part of the plan from the start. When children know that something fun is coming after their appointment, they tend to approach the visit with less anxiety.
The team at Fit To Smile Dental takes a similar approach within the office itself — focusing on open communication, comfort, and helping patients feel genuinely at ease. Whether your child is in for a routine cleaning or their first-ever exam, our practice works hard to make the experience a positive one. Pairing that with a post-visit outing reinforces the message that dental care is just one part of a good, full day.
A few other practical tips worth keeping in mind:
- Give numbing time to wear off before offering any food or drinks, and stick to soft options for the first hour.
- Let kids choose the activity from a shortlist — it gives them something to look forward to and a sense of ownership over the day.
- Keep it low-key if needed. If the appointment was longer or more involved than expected, a quiet library visit or smoothie run might be the better call over Lava Island’s obstacle courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are good soft food options for kids after a dental visit in Englewood?
A: Smoothies, yogurt, soft fruit, pudding, and ice cream are all safe bets, especially if your child had a numbing agent. Lava Island’s in-house café offers smoothies on-site. Little Man Ice Cream in nearby Greenwood Village is another great option for a gentle post-visit treat.
Q: Are there free or low-cost activities for kids in Englewood, CO?
A: Yes — several options are free or very affordable. Belleview Park and its petting farm have no admission cost, with train rides just $3 per person. The Englewood Public Library offers free children’s programming year-round. Arapahoe Libraries cardholders can also access a free Exploration Pass for admission to 18+ metro Denver attractions.
Q: How can I help reduce my child’s dental anxiety before a visit to Fit To Smile Dental?
A: Talk about the appointment in positive, matter-of-fact terms before the day arrives. Planning a fun activity afterward gives kids something concrete to look forward to. The team at Fit To Smile Dental is experienced in working with patients of all ages and goes out of its way to create a comfortable, stress-free environment — so you’re already in good hands.
Q: What is the Arapahoe Libraries Exploration Pass, and how do I get one?
A: The Exploration Pass is a free program for Arapahoe Libraries cardholders that provides admission for up to seven people to participating attractions across the Denver metro area. Passes can be reserved online up to 30 days in advance at arapahoelibraries.org. A valid library card is required to book.
Q: Does Fit To Smile Dental in Englewood see children?
A: Yes. Fit To Smile Dental provides pediatric dental care in Englewood as part of its general dentistry services. The team is experienced with young patients and takes extra care to ensure children feel comfortable throughout the visit. New patients can take advantage of a $99 new patient special that includes a cleaning, exam, and X-ray.
Make the Most of Your Next Visit to Englewood
Dental visits don’t need to feel like an obligation to get through — with the right follow-up plan, they become just one part of a great family day. Englewood offers more than enough to keep kids happy and engaged, from the charm of Belleview Park’s petting farm to the high-energy fun of Lava Island and the endless resources of the city’s library and museum networks.
Book your next appointment with Fit To Smile Dental in Englewood and start planning the rest of your day. With same-day emergency availability, flexible scheduling, and a team that genuinely cares about the patient experience, the hardest part is just getting started.