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Things to Do in Denver

Things to Do in Denver

Denver Colorado, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Activities in Denver

Denver's climate and urban parks offer numerous outdoor pursuits.

City Parks & Recreation

City Park

Denver's largest park for jogging, picnics, paddle boats. Home to Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Washington Park

Popular for walking, running, cycling around its two lakes and flower gardens.

Cherry Creek State Park

Large urban state park with a reservoir suitable for boating, swimming (seasonal beach), and fishing.

Hiking & Biking Trails

  • South Platte River Trail: Extensive greenway for walking and biking.
  • Cherry Creek Trail: Connects downtown to Cherry Creek State Park.
  • Bear Creek Lake Park: Hiking, biking, boating, fishing (Lakewood).
  • Rocky Mountain National Park: World-class hiking (90-minute drive).

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

  • Hiking: Paths around the stunning rock formations.
  • Workouts: Popular for stair climbs.
  • Yoga: Occasional yoga events.
  • Concerts: World-famous music venue.

Lookout Mountain Golden

  • Scenic Drive: With impressive views of Denver.
  • Hiking: Trails with diverse difficulty.
  • Buffalo Bill's Grave: Historic site.
  • Nature: Wildlife sightings possible.

Chatfield State Park

  • Boating: Large reservoir for watersports.
  • Camping: Facilities for tents and RVs.
  • Horseback Riding: Trails available.
  • Biking: Paved and unpaved trails.

High Altitude Awareness

Denver sits at 5,280 feet. Stay hydrated, limit alcohol, and take it easy on your first day to adapt to the elevation.

Indoor & Leisure Activities in Denver

When the weather is not ideal, Denver offers many engaging indoor activities.

Museums & Arts

  • Denver Art Museum (DAM): World-class collections, striking architecture.
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Hands-on displays for all ages.
  • History Colorado Center: Explore the state's rich past.
  • Denver Performing Arts Complex: Broadway shows, opera, ballet.

Entertainment & Shopping

Larimer Square

Unique boutiques, award-winning restaurants, bustling bars.

Th Street Mall

Mile-long promenade with shops, restaurants, cafes, Free MallRide.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Upscale shopping with luxury brands and department stores.

Meow Wolf Denver

Immersive, psychedelic art experience different from any other.

Breweries & Distilleries

Explore Denver's vast the scene for craft beer with brewery tours and tastings.

Escape Rooms & Arcades

Fun challenges and nostalgic games for groups.

Family-Friendly Activities in Denver

Denver offers a wealth of activities suitable for all ages, creating memorable family experiences.

Educational & Interactive

  • Denver Zoo: Over 3,000 animals from around the world.
  • Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Dinosaurs, space, wildlife, IMAX.
  • Children's Museum of Denver: Hands-on exhibits for young children.
  • Downtown Aquarium: Engaging exhibits, underwater dining.

Play & Adventure

Lakeside Amusement Park

Historic Art Deco park with vintage rides (seasonal).

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Rides, water slides, and entertainment (seasonal).

Denver Skate Park

One of the largest in North America, free entry.

Outdoor Family Fun

City Park

Boating on the lake, spacious lawns for picnics, multiple playgrounds, and bird watching opportunities.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Features a Children's Garden for interactive play, seasonal family-friendly programming, diverse plant collections, and outdoor art exhibits.

Red Rocks Park

Offers easy short hikes, impressive rock formations, a visitor center with exhibits, and scenic panoramic views.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment in Denver

Denver's thriving arts scene showcases a a merging of traditional and modern expressions.

Performing Arts

  • Denver Performing Arts Complex: Broadway shows, ballet, opera, symphony.
  • Ogden Theatre & Bluebird Theater: Popular venues for touring acts.
  • Levitt Pavilion Denver: Outdoor concerts (free and ticketed).
  • Mission Ballroom: Large modern concert venue.

Art Galleries & Districts

RiNo Art District

Explore street art, independent galleries, artist studios.

Santa Fe Arts District

Diverse galleries, especially lively during First Friday Art Walks.

MCA Denver

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver for cutting-edge exhibits.

Public Art Installations

Discover sculptures and murals throughout the city, including the Big Blue Bear outside the Colorado Convention Center.

Live Music Scene

Denver offers diverse music venues, from intimate clubs to large arenas, catering to various genres and trys.

Cultural Festivals

Attend events like the Denver Film Festival or Cherry Creek Arts Festival, showing local and international talent.

Booking Ahead

For popular shows and events, tickets sell out quickly. Book well in advance, especially for weekend performances, to reserve your place.

Activity Planning Summary

Day Activities

  • Museums: Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center.
  • Parks: City Park, Denver Botanic Gardens for strolling.
  • Walking tours: Explore LoDo or Capitol Hill's history.
  • Cycling: Cherry Creek Trail, South Platte River Trail.

Evening Activities

  • Dining: Explore RiNo's innovative restaurants or Larimer Square.
  • Breweries: Craft beer tastings and tours.
  • Live Music: Red Rocks Amphitheatre (concerts), Ogden Theatre.
  • Performing Arts: Broadway shows at DCPA.