Hello travelers, I invite you to discover the most wonderful things to do in Denver. The city of Denver, ‘The Mile High City’ is situated at the base of the beautiful Rocky Mountains and is regarded as the capital city of the state of Colorado. To put it in brief, this dazzling city has a lot of things to appreciate whether it is the theaters or art galleries, the various communities, or the picturesque Rocky Mountains surrounding them. There are so many tourist attractions and activities in Denver, Colorado that you’ll feel the need to try them all. I am writing this blog to give you an insight into some of the prominent attractions in and around downtown Denver.
No matter what age you are from kids to teenagers, Denver will never let you down when it comes to showing off your adventure. So why delay, let’s see what awaits you in Denver.
Explore The 15 Best Things to Do in Denver
1. Denver Botanic Gardens
#Best things to do in Denver
On the list of botanical gardens for adults, the botanical garden is one place you can bring the kids. Sure, you can, but they’re going to potentially get bored because it’s flowers. The botanical gardens are a great place to visit—grab yourself a coffee and stroll through it on a beautiful, beautiful summer day. Spectacular
The exhibits and gardens are so well designed, and with the plants they display, it’s an ideal place to enjoy nature, relax, or learn about botany. I recommend you stop by the gift shop as they have a great selection of gifts. You can even pick up a few plants to take home from the Botanic Garden’s gift shop if you’re from the Denver area!
2. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
#Fun things to do in Denver
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a breathtaking destination that perfectly combines natural beauty and entertainment. Not only do you get a beautiful view of the valley below, but this place is also known to host some incredible concerts. It is a great venue for artists because of the sound quality. Many artists dream of performing here because it is perfect.
You can imagine how amazing it would be to see a concert here, surrounded by stars and red rocks. Its atmosphere grows more amazing especially during sunrise and sunset. If you love to hike, you can take part in hiking trails. It is a destination in Denver that attracts people of all ages.
3. Denver Art Museum
# Things to do in Denver
From the amazing architecture and art itself. This museum is huge with a total of 7 floors worth of art to see in this museum. All from different cultures and points in history. The Denver Art Museum houses nearly 70,000 works of art and specializes in Native American art and Western art. Approaching the museum, you will first see a huge elephant statue. Overall the museum is not crowded and is definitely free for those under 18 but the gift shop is not. But it is a popular child-friendly destination.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park
#Best things to do in Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park is actually one of those places that is just so beautiful. If you like nature and spectacular mountain views, this will surely blow your mind. There are trails for all easy walks around Bear Lake to the hard climb of Longs Peak. Unreal scenery and quite frequent wildlife sightings, such as elk and deer, make it pretty cool.
If you have the drive, Trail Ridge Road is a must. You get great views from up above and really feel the immense size of the park. If you go, I would recommend packing some snacks, water, and a camera because you’ll want to take pictures. Whether it is hiking, camping, or just chilling’ with a view, Rocky Mountain National Park certainly does not disappoint. Another cool thing about this hike is that it can be done any time of the year. In fact, it is even more beautiful during winter.
5. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
#Unique things to do in Denver
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has been a Denver staple for as long as I can remember. There are so many exhibits and things to see that it’s hard to do it all in one day. They often have two traveling exhibits, one free with general admission and one that requires you to purchase additional tickets.
Standard exhibit halls include: Space, Wildlife, Ancient Egypt, The Human Body, Gems and Minerals, Bugs and Prehistoric Journeys (Dinosaurs). There is also an IMAX theater with various films and features. Behind the second floor is a children’s discovery area with a dinosaur dig site, water table, a science kitchen, and a small children’s play area. If you’re ever in Denver and you or someone you know loves nature and science, definitely check this place out!
6. Downtown Aquarium
#Indoor things to do in Denver
A perfect place for adults and children, and a wonderful place to learn about and enjoy the exhibition! Almost all types of fresh/saltwater fish are small and huge! They have a stingray area where you can “pet” them, an area where they talk to a macaw and a tiger! I never knew about aquariums to house tigers so I thought this was cool. They also display snakes, frogs, jellyfish, and turtles!
Have a romantic meal at a restaurant inside the aquarium, one of the best parts of the visit for many as they have a full view of the fish. I recommend you to purchase tickets in advance.
7. Denver Union Station
#Free things to do in Denver
Union Station is the transportation hub of Denver. You can get the train to the airport to reach the airport and back. The building itself has a lot of history. It was built in 1880, and it’s very haunted, which is a fun thing about it. They completely restored it. A woman named Dana Crawford, who preserved much of Denver’s history, was heavily involved in restoring it and bringing it back to its glory days.
It has nice restaurants and some shops; It’s a fun, trendy place to stop. This is one of the featured stops on our Denver History and Ghost Adventure Tours that we offer, so if you want to see a lot of other things here in the downtown LoDo area, please check out Union Station.
8. Denver Zoo
#Kid-friendly things to do in Denver
A visit to the Denver Zoo is an unforgettable family adventure and fun. You and your kids will get to see the animals up close. This zoo has more than 3,000 animals which is hard to imagine.
From majestic lions to playful camels, elephants, gorillas, and playful penguins, you can get up close. Be sure to see the Black Gibbons, a turtle in the nature trail area, and countless other animals. I highly recommend it for any family looking to explore the wonders of the animal world.
9. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
# Things to do in Denver
Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park in Denver is one of those highly visited amusement places, combining thrilling rides, attractions meant for all age groups, and water activities all in one place. Located a bit away from the city center, the park houses several rides that include roller coasters like Mind Eraser and Twister II, along with live shows and kid’s rides.
Wave pools, water slides, and lazy rivers among other cooling activities are also given at the water park during the hot summers. Thematic events such as Fright Fest during summer among other things are also held in Elitch Gardens. This makes it an ideal place both for thrill-loving individuals and for families who want to spend a wonderful day somewhere.
10. Denver City Park
#Top things to do in Denver
Recreational Park is considered one of the best urban parks in Denver thanks to its more than enough grassy areas, breathtaking scenes, and an assortment of things to do. Denver City Park is located near the Denver Zoo, and the other Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which is the reason why it attracts a lot of residents as well as tourists. The area consists of beautiful artificial lakes, walking and cycling paths, water playgrounds, and barbeque zones, so everyone can find something for themselves.
11. Chatfield State Park
#Things to do in Denver
Gorgeous state parks are not far from the Denver area. Campsites (make sure to have a reservation to get one), amenities, lakes where you can boat or paddle board, warm and cold water, cool wildlife, and great people and staff. This stage park has a blast camping. It is ideal for hiking, biking and horse riding. You can also enjoy bird watching and wildlife watching. Entrances from both nearby highways are also very convenient.
12. Meow Wolf Denver
#Fun things to do in Denver
This is a fully immersive museum that opened in Denver in 2021. They have locations in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and a few more. It’s a really big exhibit here with really cool art and some really cool rooms that you’re going to love, but the whole building is an immersive art exhibit.
I have to say that it’s hard to take in all the details in one view, but some of the main exhibits are really neat. It is a popular place in Denver. It gets very crowded so I would ask you to confirm your ticket in advance. They even have an eating area with a bar and a cool gift shop.
13. Larimer Square
#Famous things to do in Denver
This is unquestionably a destination that should be included in your itinerary when visiting Denver. It is Historical District No 1, designated this caption in 1971. This is where it all began for Denver – the very inception of Denver. Its old-world allure fused with contemporary vibrancy makes the place even more stunning, with striking red brick structures, fashionable shops, and amazing eateries. Be it to purchase something, enjoy a meal, or simply relax: there is always a cheerful and warm atmosphere present.
If you’re on the lookout for a nice eatery to relish good food along with a glass of wine and light chatter, rest assured that Larimer Square has plenty to offer. Puts on a wide smiling face of the frozen sea. Looking to the opposite side also does not disappoint – the soft green-red twinkling lights on the cross street electrify the atmosphere. Do you want to enjoy the true essence of Denver? Come to Larimer Square!
14. Mount Blue Sky
#Best things to do in Denver
Situated close to Denver, Mount Blue Sky is a magnificent scar in the fabric of the rocky ranges of the Front Range of the Rockies. This peak was formerly known as Mount Evans but after a change of name, much reverence is now attached to the aboriginal past as well as the present natural topography of the region.
Over 14000ft in height, the mountain provides magnificent views and various activities such as hiking, amp; wildlife viewing, and drives along the scenic Mount Evans byway. Wake up early in the morning, do not forget to book a table in advance. Plenty of stunning vistas, and it is even more enjoyable now. It helps to make one of the best day trips from Denver.
15. Visit Pike-San Isabel National Forest
#Natural things to do in Denver
This was my first visit to the Pike-San Isabel National Forest. Our church men’s group went on a spiritual retreat for the weekend. It is known in Colorado as a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and campers. Also offers wildlife, fishing, and skiing. Please note, that for some places deep in the forest, you will need a 4×4 with high clearance. There is no cell service, so you can’t call for help if something goes wrong. If you are a nature lover I recommend you go.
16. Lookout Mountain Park
It felt so peaceful to sit and look out over the amazing view of Denver. You can see all of Denver from here. Offers a truly magical experience, especially in winter. The pristine white layer of snow covering the landscape creates a dreamy atmosphere. Lots of people young, old, families and couples were enjoying themselves here. It is a bit rocky so wear suitable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.
Your choice is to hike or drive directly to a lookout as each is accessible by both. Bring a good pair of binoculars. Some areas have restrooms for use. You can have a picnic or ride your bike here.
17. Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park, located in Denver, is a scenic outdoor retreat that offers a variety of recreational activities. Centered around an expansive reservoir, the park is ideal for boating, paddleboarding and fishing. As well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping, it makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers. It is a beautiful park, especially the flowers below the dam area. Plenty of picnic areas are available. You can bring your favorite pets if you want. You can also use the very uncrowded park.
Good luck on your trip to Denver. If you think I have missed any place I will be grateful if you let me know. Be sure to share your best Denver travel experience with “Tale of Journey“. I look forward to hearing about your Denver travel experience. Oh, and one more thing Subscribe to our free newsletter and get the latest destination information straight to your email.
Happy travels!!
