5 Things to do in Olde Town Arvada before or after ballet class at Tutu School Arvada

Whether you are visiting us for the first time at your free trial class, needing a caffeine boost after a busy morning wrangling the kids, or celebrating a beautifully executed twirl with your favorite dancer, the neighborhood around the studio is a goldmine for family-friendly fun.

Olde Town Arvada is incredibly walkable, historic, and packed with spots that turn a regular weekly ballet routine into a special family ritual. Here are five simple, fun ways to spend your time before the curtain rises or after the tights come off.

1. Check Out the Local Scene

Before you even head down, take a peek at the Olde Town Arvada Events Calendar. Depending on the day, you might stumble into a bustling weekend farmers market, live outdoor music, an art walk, or a seasonal community celebration. It is the perfect way to burn off some pre-class energy or stretch your legs while your dancer is on the wood floors.

2. Grab a Quick Fuel-Up (Coffee & Pastries)

If you have just enough time for a quick treat or need an espresso shot to power through the evening routine, you have two legendary local choices right down the block:

• For the coffee purist: Pop into Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters for an expertly crafted latte and a quiet corner to catch up on a book or spending time with your dancer.
• For the sweet tooth: Head over to Rheinlander Bakery. They have been serving up incredible European-style pastries in Olde Town since 1963, and they have fantastic gluten-free and vegan selections so nobody in the family feels left out.

3. Settle in for Brunch or a Healthy Super-Drink

Have a bit more time on a weekend morning? Make a real family outing out of it.

• The sit-down pick: Schoolhouse Kitchen and Libations is a massively fun, schoolhouse-themed restaurant that kids and parents both adore. Their brunch menu is stellar, and the nostalgic atmosphere is perfect for post-ballet chats.
• The quick & healthy pick: If you want something light, refreshing, and packed with clean energy, swing by Olde Town Nutrition for a plant-based, dairy-free protein smoothie or one of their famous loaded teas.

4. Cool Down with a Sweet Summer Treat

No ballet day in the warmer months is complete without a stop at Scrumptious. It is the ultimate old-school candy store and ice cream parlor rolled into one. They scoop up completely unique, home-cooked ice cream flavors that change constantly. It is an absolute favorite for a “job well done” post-class reward. Miss Nicole’s favorite is the orange creamsicle flavor!

5. Wrap Up the Day with a Family Dinner

If class wraps up right around dinner time, skip the cooking at home and celebrate a great day of dance together. Olde Town has two phenomenal, high-vibe taco spots for dinner:

• For authentic, regional Mexican flavors: Grab a table at Teocalli Cocina for incredible scratch-made tacos, fresh guacamole, and fantastic margaritas for the parents.
• For a beachy, coastal escape: Head into Lady Nomada, which serves up surf-inspired eats, tacos, and coastal drinks in a space that feels like a mini Baja vacation right in the middle of Colorado.
• Have a morning class? Try the BEST breakfast burritos in town at Bonfire Burritos! They also have a great lawn area for your kiddos.

Tip for parents: Park at our studio, or park once in the Olde Town hub and you can easily walk to all of these spots within a few minutes. It makes managing dance bags, changes of clothes, and hungry kids a total breeze!