61 Things to Do in Denver (By a Local)
If you’re looking for the best list of things to do in Denver, you just hit the jackpot. Bookmark this post, and you’ll never wonder what to do in Denver again.
Here’s the deal: I’m a Denver local who travels the world full time and writes online travel guides. It’s a dream job. And I take as much pride in my work as I do in being from Denver.
This post is my magnum opus (alongside my other Denver guides). It’s the product of months of work, and a lifetime of local knowledge. It’s also never finished. I update it regularly (side note: have a tip on some fun new stuff to do in Denver? Comment below!).
I hope I can help you enjoy and love the Mile High City as much as I do. So let’s dive in:
📺 Prefer watching a video to reading a post? Click to play a 5-minute video by Abigail (another Travel Lemming Denver local!) rounding up her 14 favorite things from this list 👇:
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!
Best Things to Do in Denver
⭐ How to Use This Post: It’s long but logically structured. Use the “Jump to” links to navigate categories. Oh, and remember to hit that bookmark star now!
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Museums & Culture | Sites & Attractions | Food & Drink | Nightlife | Fun & Family | Unique & Cool | Outdoors
Meow Wolf Convergence Station
👇 Swipe to change photo
📍 Google Maps | Website | $45/adult (discounts for seniors, military, CO residents)
If you’re wondering what in the world Meow Wolf is, you’re not alone. It’s basically an interactive and surreal art exhibit, which takes up an indoor “station” along some sort of interdimensional train. At least, I think (my partner Clara and I just visited, and we’re still not 100% sure how to describe it).
Convergence Station uses a timed entry system, so you’ll need to book tickets in advance. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like. I recommend planning for at least 2-3 hours inside. It’s a mind-bending experience and my new favorite thing to do in Denver of the year.
Red Rocks
📍 Google Maps | Website | Visit on the Denver Foothills Explorer Tour
Red Rocks is arguably the most spectacular outdoor concert venue in the USA. The amphitheater is situated among 300-million-year-old angular red sandstone formations. It seats 9,525 and offers fantastic views over the Front Range. Red Rocks is a can’t-miss in Denver. It even makes our list of the best things to do in Colorado.
Although most concerts are in summer, Diplo is playing in January. Plus, they are still running the drive-in Film on the Rocks movie night series. Check the official calendar of events for details.
If nothing else, you really should at least visit and see Red Rocks. If you don’t have a car, join the uber-popular Denver Foothills Explorer tour (which stops at other Denver area mountain viewpoints).
Larimer Square
📍 Google Maps | Website
Located on Larimer Street between 14th and 15th, Larimer Square is easily the coolest block in town. It’s the place to be seen and be seen for the Colorado glitterati.
Window shop at swanky boutique stores (care to try on an $800 hat?), dine at high end restaurants like Rioja or Osteria Marco, or grab a drink at my favorite Denver speakeasy, The Green Russel.
Be sure to stop by for a macaroon at The Drunken Bakery. The eclectic interior is arranged with the floor and ceiling flipped!
Union Station
📍 Google Maps | Website
A century ago, this historic train station served as an important stop for supply shipments coming West. Since its refurbishing in 2014, Denver Union Station has transformed into the cultural center of the Mile High City — and of the most popular points of interest in Denver.
Dine at one of the excellent Denver restaurants housed in the station, grab a cocktail at the Terminal Bar, or challenge your friends to a game of shuffleboard inside Union Station’s giant refinished lobby.
🛏️ Need a Hotel? The Crawford Hotel is a magnificently ornate property right inside Union Station. It’s a superb place to stay if you can afford it. If not, check out my article ranking all the best hotels in Denver for more options.
Denver Botanic Gardens
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Save 40%+ on Entrance Fees with a Denver CityPASS
A serene escape from the city just east of Cheesman Park, the incredible 23-acre Denver Botanic Gardens includes various themed gardens, an enclosed conservatory, and a public amphitheater that hosts a popular summer concert series. Featuring flora from around the world, you can grab a beer by the Japanese tea garden or take your own picnic to enjoy on a sunny Denver day.
The gardens also have a second location in Littleton, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, which features the historic Hildebrand Ranch, a butterfly farm, and a children’s play area. It’s a great thing to do in Denver with kids!
👉 Bookmark This Too: The best day trips from Denver.
Dairy Block
📍 Google Maps | Website
This city block near Coors Field, previously home to Windsor’s Dairy, has recently been transformed into a cosmopolitan micro-district. The cornerstone establishment is the Denver Milk Market, an expansive space home to 16 scrumptious food and drink establishments (my favorite: Kachina Catina).
In the middle of Dairy Block, you’ll find one of Denver’s most Insta-worthy alleys, where wine bars, boutique shops, and art galleries blend together to create an atmosphere with a decidedly European feel.
🛎️ Need a hotel? The Maven Hotel, right in Dairy Block, is my pick for the best all-around hotel in Denver. It’s pretty reasonably priced, has the perfect location, and the modern rooms are gorgeous.
Denver Food Tour
👉 Check out the Top Denver Food Tours
Speaking of Kachina Cantina, they’re one of the eateries featured on this top-rated Denver food tour. While dining at my favorite Dairy Block eatery, your guide will describe how their chefs create unique fry bread tacos. The chewy consistency paired with savory ingredients is phenomenally delicious.
But that’s not all! Enjoy stops at an authentic Italian pizzeria, an Argentinian empanada shop, and a place famed for its green chile (a must-try food in Denver). Though the chile packs on the heat, a cool treat at Milkbox Ice Creamery follows for dessert.
As you wander from Ballpark to Union Station, some of Denver’s best neighborhoods, your guide shares stories of the city’s present and past. At the end of the tour, remember it’s a courtesy to tip — which you’ll find to be worthwhile given the incredible value!
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Tours to Mount Evans from Denver
Up for a mountain day trip from Denver but don’t feel like hiking? Just 60 miles from the Mile High City, you can drive the highest paved road in North America to the top of one of Colorado’s 54 famous “fourteeners” (Rocky Mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation).
The 28-mile-long Mount Evans Scenic Byway winds its way up the 7,000-foot climb to the top of Mount Evans, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range.
As of summer 2021, Mount Evans has a timed entry system that requires an advance reservation to be made here.
🚗 How to Get There: If you have a car, driving up Mt. Evans is the obvious way. If not, rent one through Discover Cars (my favorite rental car site). If you’d rather someone else drive you up the mountain, there are many popular group and private tours to choose from.
Denver Art Museum
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Save 40%+ With a Denver CityPASS
Sporting a futuristic angular exterior, the Denver Art Museum is an easy walk from downtown or Capitol Hill. Inside you’ll find several stories with rotating exhibits featuring modern and contemporary artists from around the world.
When I went recently, I was impressed by the display From Paris to Hollywood, featuring stunning fashion items from the wardrobes of Gregory and Veronique Peck. The Denver Art Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
🎟️ Admission: $10 for Colorado residents, $13 for non-residents, free to youth age 18 and under, and during the Denver Art Museum’s periodic Free Days.
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey Tour
📍 Google Maps | Website
It’s hard to believe that Colorado only opened its first distillery in 2004, but Stranahan’s has done its best to make up for the lost time by leading the charge in the state’s recent distillation boom. These days, taking a tour of Stranahan’s Denver facility is a must-do activity when visiting Denver.
The only problem with the hour-long informative tour of the distillery is that it ends with a whiskey tasting of samples so generous that is likely to lead you to forget everything you just learned. But, hey, it’s all in the name of fun right?
🎟️ Details: Tours start at $20 per person, and tickets can be booked here. Note that the Sunday 5 PM tour is free for Colorado residents and their guests, as is the Monday 4:30 pm tour for first responders and healthcare professionals.
River North Art District (“RiNo”)
📍 Google Maps | Website
For better or worse, Denver has changed dramatically over the past decade. And nowhere is the city’s evolution more on display than the River North Art District, known locally as “RiNo.” Today this former industrial hub’s warehouses and factories have been converted into a hip arts district sporting funky breweries, trendy restaurants, pumping bars, boutique shops, and colorful street art adorning nearly available patches of brick or concrete.
RiNo makes for a great self-guided walking tour, especially along the stretch of Larimer between 25th and 32nd streets. Be sure not to miss the vibrant alley behind the Denver Central Market.
Want to see more of RiNo? Click to play Abigail’s 5-minute video, where she explains why RiNo is her favorite neighborhood in Denver:
👉 Local Tip: Need help figuring out which Denver neighborhood to base yourself in? Check out my mega guide to where to stay in Denver for a rundown of my top picks for the best areas.
Take a Craft Beer Tour
👉 Check out the Top 5 Denver Craft Beer Tours
With over 150 craft breweries in Denver, many located right downtown, the city is nirvana for craft brew aficionados. The city even plays host to the annual Great American Beer Festival, which is a must if you are visiting Denver when the fall event returns. No matter the time of your visit, you can organize your own beer crawl by stringing together a few local favorites near Coors Field.
I’d suggest starting at Wynkoop Brewery (whose founder John Hickenlooper went on to become Mayor and later Governor), then working your way north to Jagged Mountain and Great Divide, before ending at my personal pick for the best brewery in Denver: Our Mutual Friend. Alternatively, consider joining one of many organized craft beer tours on offer in town, such as this one with over 300 positive reviews.
🍺⛰️ Want to drink beer in the mountains? Check out the “brews and views” tours from Viator, which combine beer with visits to Denver-area mountain destinations!
Denver Museums & Culture
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👉 How to Save 40% on Admission Tickets – If visiting multiple Denver museums in a single week, you can save a lot by reserving a Denver CityPass online!
History Colorado Center
📍 Google Maps | Website
This is an incredibly important museum, whose several floors highlighting different eras in the state’s history are all remarkably well curated. I appreciate that the curators do not sugar coat the darker sides of Colorado’s history (the state was once a KKK hotbed), and that the exhibits really make efforts to place the stories of Colorado’s Native, Black, and Latino communities front and center.
Be sure not to miss the exhibit featuring 100 objects from Colorado’s history (one really stands out in my memory: an original ballot box from the 1893 elections, which was the year women were first granted the franchise in Colorado).
👉 I Wrote More Guides! Bookmark Them All: Best Day Trips from Denver | Best Hotels | Where to Stay | Denver Travel Guide | Places to Visit in CO
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
📍 Google Maps | Website
I have many fond memories of childhood visits to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which is an excellent thing to do in Denver for families, kids, or anyone who acts like one. The expansive City Park museum is filled with dinosaurs, mummies, an IMAX theatre, a planetarium, and fascinating exhibits galore. Open 9 am – 5 pm daily.
🎟️ Admission: $19.95 adults, $14.95 youth (IMAX, planetarium, and special exhibits extra). The Denver CityPASS is a particularly good deal for this museum, since it’s half the cost of the pass, and you can use the other half to visit several more top Denver attractions.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Lowry neighborhood in Denver sits on top of what used to be Lowry Air Force Base and, at one point, the initial home of the Air Force Academy. After the base was decommissioned, one of the hangars was converted into the host space for the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.
Inside you’ll find dozens of historical air and spacecraft, rotating exhibits, and a virtual flight simulator. It’s definitely a top thing to do in Denver with kids, veterans, history buffs, or anyone who loves aviation. After your visit, be sure to stop by for a bite or brew at the gigantic outdoor Lowry Beer Garden.
🎟️ Admission: $16.95 for adults, $9.95 for children. Save when visiting other Denver attractions by grabbing a Denver CityPASS.
Denver Performing Arts Complex
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Denver Performing Arts Complex is a large downtown campus hosting several different performance venues, the most prominent of which are the excellent Buelle Theatre and the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
During non-pandemic times, programming included touring plays, concerts, performances, and art exhibits. The Lion King and Hamilton are currently slated to return in early 2022. Check the official website for the latest information.
Denver Mint
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book This Best of Denver Tour
Here’s a fun fact about Denver: the city is home to the Denver Mint, which is the largest producer of coins in the world.
Visitors can obtain free tickets to the facility by emailing the mint a tour request form (instructions here), or by visiting Denver Mint’s ticket window on the day of the planned tour. If planning for the latter, be sure to arrive early, as tickets often sell out quickly.
Also, note that photography, bags, as well as food, and drink, are not permitted on the tour. However, you can enter with a powered-off cell phone and emptied water bottle. Past the high security, you’ll witness machinery in action and learn fascinating history. Following the 45-minute tour, you’ll probably have a new fun fact to share, too!
Santa Fe Art District
📍 Google Maps | Website
Santa Fe Avenue is the place to be if you want to check out cool art galleries, hipster hangouts, or unique museums like the Museo de las Americas. The monthly First Friday event brings out a crowd as patrons hop from gallery to gallery to watch performances and imbibe. If you’re in town for the first Friday of the month, it’s a can’t-miss thing to do in Denver!
Molly Brown House
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Reserve Your Museum Tour Here
The Unsinkable Margaret Tobin Brown survived the Titanic, and her gorgeous Capitol Hill mansion survived thanks to a 1970s preservation effort that turned it into a fascinating house museum.
Entrance for a one hour self-guided tour starts at $14 per person for Colorado residents and $16 for non-residents. You can reserve your spot online here. You’ll soon understand why the Molly Brown House is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Denver!
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
📍 Google Maps | Website
Featuring more than 30,000 works of art across its three principal exhibits, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art gets its name from storied 20th century Colorado painter Vance Kirkland, whose work forms one of the three main exhibits at the museum. Note that, due to the fragile nature of some of the art, admission is limited to visitors age 13 and up.
Forney Museum of Transportation
📍 Google Maps | Website
If you love vintage vehicles, you’ll be awed by the collection at Denver’s Forney Museum of Transportation. Among other items on display, the museum hosts Amelia Earhart’s Kissel Gold Bug Speedster, a Denver Cable Car dating to 1888, a “Big Boy” locomotive donated by Union Pacific, and an awesome collection of Ford Model Ts. The Forney Museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm (opens at noon Sundays).
🚆 Read Next: How to Get Around Denver (Without a Car)
Denver Museum of Contemporary Art
📍 Google Maps | Website
Situated just south of Union Station, the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art is an underrated Denver museum offering thought-provoking, sometimes shocking, displays. Don’t miss the excellent rooftop cafe and bar, which somehow seems to never be crowded despite the pleasant views of downtown.
🎟️ Admission: $10 for adults, free for children 18 and under.
Clyfford Still Museum
📍 Google Maps | Website
Clyfford Still is widely considered one of the most influential artists in American history and, upon his death in 1980, his will stipulated that his body of work be forever housed in only a single location in a city willing to build a dedicated museum. Denver stepped up to the plate in 2004. Today its one of the most popular museums in Denver, and the only place to find 95% of the work of the trailblazing abstract impressionist.
🎟️ Admission: Tickets are $10 for adults, free for youth 17 and under.
National Ballpark Museum
📍 Google Maps | Website
If you’re a baseball fan, then you MUST stop by this small but incredibly well-cared-for museum. Located just steps from Coors Field, every single inch of the National Ballpark Museum is crammed with remarkable memorabilia celebrating the nation’s pastime, including seats from all 14 of the original classic ballparks. The volunteers and staff who run the non-profit museum are passionate and eager to pass on their knowledge.
🎟️ Admission: Adults – $10, Seniors – $5, Children & active duty military – Free.
📚 Read Next: 41 Epic Places to Visit in Colorado
Sites and Attractions
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Colorado State Capitol
📍 Google Maps | Website
Located right next to downtown, the golden dome of the Colorado State Capitol is one of the most iconic images of Colorado. Free tours are offered on weekdays and are definitely one of the best free things to do in Denver.
If you can’t make a tour, you can still snap great photos of the building’s famous golden dome. Look out for the marker on the 13th Capitol step for the exact location of the altitude of 5,280 feet above sea level — which gives Denver its moniker as the Mile High City.
Denver City and County Building
Though it’s upstaged a bit by the Colorado Capitol, which is facing across Civic Center Park, the Denver City and County Building is an important Denver point of interest in its own right. It’s worth at least a quick walk by the exterior to see the Greek revival columns, which at night light up in spectacular fashion during holidays.
🔖 Bookmark All My FREE Denver Local Guides: Best Day Trips from Denver | Best Hotels | Where to Stay | Complete Denver Travel Guide
Tattered Cover Independent Bookstore
📍 Google Maps | Website
An iconic independent Denver bookseller, Tattered Cover was saved from closing during the pandemic when it was purchased by a new investment group. The new owners recently moved the historic LoDo (lower downtown) store into prime real estate in the newly opened McGregor Square, offering the perfect place to pop in for a bit of peace and quiet during a Rockies game.
You can also check out Tattered Cover’s other locations around town, including a store located in the historic Bonfils-Lowenstein Theater at 2526 E. Colfax and a smaller outpost within Denver’s Union Station.
Daniels & Fisher Clocktower
📍 Google Maps | Website
Once the tallest building in the Mountain West, this historic clocktower at 16th and Arapahoe remains a Denver icon and a popular spot for local wedding ceremonies. At night, it lights up with a variety of date-specific colors (such as Rockies purple during baseball games). At the base of the clocktower, you’ll find Skyline Park, which often plays host to seasonal events like ice skating rinks. In the basement is a modern cabaret show.
Denver Aquarium
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Grab a Denver CityPASS to Save 40%+
The more than a million gallons of water at Denver Downtown Aquarium are home to over 500 species of marine and animal life, plus a (controversial) tiger habitat. It’s a kid-friendly thing to do in Denver that also hosts a highly-reviewed restaurant where diners can enjoy a meal surrounded by a 150,000 gallon marine aquarium.
🎟️ Admission: adults (12-64 years) $23.50, seniors $22.50, children (3-11 years) $17.50. Definitely worth grabbing a Denver CityPASS beforehand, as just the aquarium pays back most of the cost.
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
📍 Google Maps | Website
The main cathedral for Colorado Catholics is worth a quick visit even if you’re not an adherent for the beautiful soaring interior and stunning stained glass work. The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is located in the downtown area near The Brown Palace and is open to visitors for short periods most evenings (check the official website for hours coinciding with your visit).
📚 Read Next: More cool things to do & activities around the world: Boulder, Castle Rock, Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Puerto Rico
16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall is a 1.25 mile outdoor pedestrian Denver mall that forms Downtown Denver’s main artery. Here you’ll find hundreds of shops and restaurants, plus the Denver Pavilions (a more traditional “mall”, where you can also catch a movie or go bowling).
Plans are underway to revitalize the 16th Street Mall and, even in the meantime, strolling the mall definitely remains one of the top things to do in Denver. If you get tired of walking, free shuttle buses run the length of the mall.
Food and Drink
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Denver Central Market
📍 Google Maps | Website
Denver Central Market is located right in the middle of the uber-hip RiNo art district. Inside a shared roof you’ll find 11 artisan vendors serving up everything from chocolates to pizza to ice cream.
In true River North spirit, the building and the alley behind it are adorned in head-to-toe street art. It’s a great place to stop in for a break while touring the district by foot or to start your evening before hitting the area’s lively nightlife.
🍽️ Are You a Foodie? Then don’t miss Denver’s super popular small group foodie tour, which takes you sampling through the city’s top culinary spots.
Little Man
📍 Google Maps | Website
I used to live a few blocks away from Little Man, Denver’s iconic ice cream spot which is housed inside a larger-than-life milk can. My gym was next door to the shop, which meant that every time I finished my workout I’d have to gather my will to avoid ruining all my gains with one of Little Man’s delicious scoops of the creamy stuff. The only thing that saved me is Little Man’s popularity, which means that there is pretty much always a line out front. On a hot day, be prepared to wait for a half hour or more. Totally worth it, though.
The Source
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Source is a RiNo-based community marketplace featuring 25 vendors slinging everything from flowers to haircuts to craft beer. The anchor tenants here are the celebrated restaurants Safta, which offers Middle Eastern fare, and bellota, a Mexican-inspired joint that spun off from the now-closed Acorn. You’ll also find one of Denver’s trendiest hotels, The Source Hotel, which features a stylish rooftop pool and bar, plus an outpost of New Belgium brewery.
The Cruise Room
📍 Google Maps | Website
Get dressed up and grab a drink at Denver’s original Prohibition-era speakeasy. Located inside The Oxford historic hotel, the art deco windowless interior of The Cruise Room was inspired by the Queen Mary. Stepping inside will transport you back in time to the 1920s when this bar illegally served up gimlets and martinis to Denver’s elite.
Voodoo Doughnut
📍 Google Maps | Website
I still remember the mania that swept over Denver’s hipsters when Voodoo Doughnuts opened their first location on Colfax in 2013. It took weeks for the lines outside to calm down enough for me to dare to finally brave waiting that long for a donut. But the Portland-based company has built a cult-like following for their sweet and sometimes curious creations, offering unique flavors like their Spicy Margarita Cannolo, the Bacon Maple Bar, or (my personal favorite) the Captain Crunch-topped Oh Captain My Captain.
In addition to their Colfax flagship, Voodoo has also recently opened a second location on South Broadway.
Stanley Marketplace
📍 Google Maps | Website
Just over the Denver-Aurora border, Stanley Marketplace is a single-roof community marketplace where you can find over 50 independent Colorado businesses, including restaurants, bars, shops, salons, and more.
Grab some Mexican fare at Comida, a pint at Cheluna Brewing Company, an ice cream cone at Sweet Cow, an empanada at Maria Empanadas, or a bowl of ramen at Qi-Lin (seriously, their ramen is legit!). When you’re done, browse the many stalls and help support Colorado-owned local businesses!
Kachina Cantina
📍 Google Maps | Website
If I had friends visiting town and could only send them to one Denver restaurant, it would be Kachina Cantina. Serving a modern take on Mexican fare inspired by the USA’s Four Corners region and Baja Mexico, Kachina offers an energetic, but not too loud, atmosphere and an epic location right in the middle of Dairy Block. There is a large and beautifully decorated dining room, several outdoor tables, and a huge fun bar with seats both indoors and outdoors.
Executive chef Cesar Tamariz’s spin on Southwestern fare is sure to leave your mouth watering for me. Kachina is a great place to grab dinner after a Rockies game or before a night out in downtown Denver, or if you’re looking to impress clients (or a date!). Be sure to book reservations in advance, as they have been consistently busy every time I’ve walked past.
Linger
📍 Google Maps | Website
Dinner to die for is on offer nightly at Linger, a gigantic former mortuary that once housed the remains of Buffalo Bill. Today the space has converted into one of Denver’s most stylish places to eat, but the new owners kept many touches from the building’s ghastlier days.
Water is served from formaldehyde, for example, and the giant “O’Linger mortuaries” sign was converted to read “Linger eatauries.” Oh, and the food is delicious to boot (it’s one of my personal favorite restaurants in town!).
Tennyson Street
📍 Google Maps | Website
Tennyson Street is the main shopping and dining artery of Northwest Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, and it’s fulfilled that role for over a century. If you have a shopping freak in your family, be sure to watch their credit card, because this is the best place to go window shopping in Denver. If all that retail therapy gets you hungry, stop by for a sandwich at The Grateful Gnome or high-end Mexican cuisine at El Chingon.
Fun and Family
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Coors Field
📍 Google Maps | Website
If you’re a baseball fan, it’ll be pretty easy to check off this thing to do in Denver. Though it’s one of the younger MLB parks, the Rockies’ home has made a name for itself as the “hitter’s park” because the Colorado altitude helps batted balls fly record distances.
One of the things I personally love about Coors Field is the affectionately named Rockpile, a section of bleachers behind centerfield where you can find Rockies tickets for as little as $7 per person. Sure, you’ll have to squint to see the home base, but personally, I think it’s a steal considering the epic views of Denver’s skyline you’ll get in the background.
👪 Looking for Kid-Friendly Activities? See our list of the best things to do with kids around Denver.
Empower Field at Mile High
📍 Google Maps | Website
I still remember how sad my family was when the Denver Broncos moved in 2000 from their prior home in the storied Mile High Stadium to what is now named Empower Field. But today I appreciate the new venue, as not one of the 76,125 seats at Empower Field offers a bad view.
In addition to hosting the Broncos, Empower Field also frequently hosts concerts from A-list performers (check the schedule here). Tours of the stadium are offered through the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (on pause due to covid, but slated to resume soon), with tickets costing $25 per person.
Elitch Gardens
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Save $20 Per Ticket By Reserving Online in Advance
As a kid, one of my favorite things to do in Denver was to spend a day at the Elitch Gardens theme park. Located just south of downtown Denver between Empower Field and the Pepsi Center, “Elitch’s” offers six roller coasters, dozens of other rides, and a water park. I am still traumatized by childhood memories of my cousins trying to force me onto the terrifyingly rickety Twister II wooden coaster. Definitely, something to check out if you’re a thrill seeker! Note that Elitch’s is open from April to October.
🎟️ Admission: General admission to Elitch Gardens costs $64.99 at the door, but you can save if you get an advance online ticket for only $44.99.
Top Golf
📍 Google Maps | Website
With outposts in Thorton and Centennial, and a third set to open in Colorado Springs, the Top Golf driving range and social hub is a fun thing to do in Denver for golf fans, families, or anyone who needs an excuse to drink. Much more than just a driving range, Top Golf offers all sorts of games that involve hitting targets, collecting points, and trying to one-up your friends.
Come in the morning for $15 unlimited gameplay, or on “Half Price Tuesdays.” And never worry if you have a non-golfer in the family: Top Golf’s patio is the perfect place for your party to hang out, eat, and drink.
Archery Games
📍 Google Maps | Website
Ever heard of archery dodgeball? It’s a new concept involving two teams battling it out from across an arena with bows and foam-tipped arrows. Archery Games is a small locally-owned business that has created something of a viral stir in Colorado, with guests absolutely raving in their reviews.
You can sign up for public matches on their website to dip your toes into the world of archery dodgeball. If you have kids, they offer family-specific hours. You can also book a private session for larger groups, birthday parties, bachelor(ette) weekends, or corporate team building events. It’s definitely one of the most unique and fun things to do in the Denver area!
Unique and Cool
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Casa Bonita
📍 Google Maps | Website
Few places to see in Denver are as storied – or as controversial – as Casa Bonita. Any Denver local will tell you that the food at Casa Bonita is not the reason you come (which is probably why they force every entrant to purchase a meal). Instead, children adore Casa Bonita because the interior is a magical adventure park, complete with cliff divers, an indoor waterfall, and costumed performers.
📺 Local Trivia: Casa Bonita is the main subject of The South Park episode bearing its name – and in fact, the creators of South Park recently purchased the restaurant! The episode is 100% worth a watch to understand this Denver institution’s unique appeal. The way Cartman describes Casa Bonita at the start of the episode could have been words coming out of my mouth as a child.
The Beer Spa
📍 Google Maps | (720) 810-1484 | Website
Colorado has long been known for its creative craft beer, but Denver’s recently opened The Beer Spa really takes that to the next level. You’ll find a unique suite of spa services, including a full spectrum infrared sauna, “Zero Gravity” massage chairs, and private bubbly baths filled with barley and hops.
And, of course, there is a full rotation of craft beers, wines, and ciders to sip during your beer spa day. It’s a great way to relax and unwind on a rainy day, or the perfect treat to give the beer lover in your family. The Beer Spa is locally-owned and easy to walk to if you’re staying in RiNo or downtown Denver.
Visit a Dispensary
Colorado became synonymous with cannabis when it became one of the first places in the world to legalize sales for recreational purposes. This has led to a boom in cannabis tourism. Other states have followed suit, but a dispensary is still one of the top things to see in Denver.
You won’t have to walk far to find one – just look for the telltale green cross and you’re there. There are many to choose from, but I always recommend that Denver tourists visit the LoDo Wellness Center at 1617 Wazee Street because you can take a photo in front of their greenhouse of cannabis leaves. Post it on the ‘gram and I’m sure you’ll make your mom proud!
International Church of Cannabis
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Reserve Tickets for the BEYOND Light Show
Speaking of cannabis, the Elevationists’ technicolor-themed place of worship bills itself as the “spiritual home for cannabis lovers.” Located near the stretch of bars on South Broadway, the church is open to the public for visits during the afternoon and evenings, and displays the Beyond Laser Light Experience at 20 past the hour (purchase tickets ahead of time here). Beware that marijuana consumption on premises is prohibited during the show, but arriving after consuming most certainly is not.
🌿 Mile High Trivia: Truly hardcore cannabis aficionados – or those engaged to them – can even get married inside the International Church of Cannabis!
Marijuana Mansion
📍 Google Maps | Website
Yes, this is the third cannabis-themed thing to do in Denver in a row, but after all, this is the Mile High City. Imagine what would happen if the Molly Brown House could take edibles, and you’ll have a pretty vivid picture of what to expect at this Capitol Hill mansion, which serves as an event space dedicated to the celebration of grass. You can also buy a ticket that lets you roam the mansion and take snapshots for 30 minutes. Anything for the ‘gram, right?
Afternoon Tea at the Brown Palace Hotel
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a Night at the Brown Palace Hotel
Feeling like having a fancy afternoon? Go for high tea at the Brown Palace, a historic Denver hotel serving up this unique experience in its ornate lobby Tuesday through Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm. Space is limited so reservations are suggested. The signature tea package starts at $36 per person and is certainly one of the fanciest things to do in Denver.
👑 Or Stay a Night Like Royalty – Check Brown Palace prices on Booking now. Even just one night makes for a creative Denver staycation!
Nightlife
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Museums & Culture | Sites & Attractions | Food & Drink | Nightlife | Fun & Family | Unique & Cool | Outdoors
Grizzly Rose
📍 Google Maps | Website
In Denver, things to do at night are not hard to find. The city is filled with nightlife. But one of the most unique nightlife activities is to throw on your boots, button up those pearl straps, and get ready for a honky tonk night on the town.
Few live music venues are as unique – or as expansive – as Denver’s iconic country music hall Grizzly Rose. Be sure to try your hand at the mechanical bull, if you dare. And, of course, be sure you have the plan to get home safely without drinking and driving!
Punch Bowl Social
📍 Google Maps | Website
Punch Bowl Social is basically Elitch’s for adults. Inside you’ll find bowling, ping pong, arcade games, karaoke, Jenga, multiple bars, a restaurant, and more fun activities than I can name in this post. It’s a great place to kick off a weekend night out on South Broadway or a fun thing to do on a rainy day in Denver.
Bluebird Theatre
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Bluebird Theatre has been a Colfax mainstay since its opening in 1913 when it initially served as a movie house. In the 1990s it was remodeled into a music venue, and today the Bluebird Theatre is one of the best places in Denver to catch an indie music act. Spending a night enjoying the live music scene there is definitely among the more cool things to do in Denver.
Colfax Avenue
Playboy magazine once famously dubbed Colfax the “longest, wickedest street in America.” Or maybe it didn’t. Either way, there’s no denying that the 50-mile-long street holds a special kind of charm. In the stretch around Capitol Hill, you’ll find dive bars, LGBT bars like X Bar, cheap eats, and historic theatres like The Fillmore, The Ogden, and The Bluebird.
Strolling Colfax Avenue is still one of my favorite local activities, though do be aware that after dark parts of it can feel less secure at times. If you’re into live music or nightlife, though, it’s a great place to check out in Denver this weekend.
Outdoors
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Museums & Culture | Sites & Attractions | Food & Drink | Nightlife | Fun & Family | Unique & Cool | Outdoors
Rocky Mountain Arsenal
📍 Google Maps | Website
Watch bison, and other wildlife, roam at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. Situated between downtown and DIA, this former chemicals weapons manufacturing center has made a stunning recovery and is now one of the country’s largest urban wildlife refuges. The arsenal offers more than 20 miles of trails with some of the best hiking near Denver, plus fishing during the summer.
The best thing to do here, however, is to take your car through the excellent 11 mile Wildlife Drive, a route that will give you the opportunity to spot bison, deer, hawks, waterfowl, and all sorts of other wildlife from the comfort of your car.
Cheesman Park
Parks should be on every list of what to do in Denver, Colorado. Denver has a truly impressive public park system. I think my favorite park in Denver has to be Cheesman Park. Located next door to the Denver Botanic Gardens, Cheesman offers expansive views of the Rocky Mountains from the neo-classical pavilion located on its eastern edge. You’ll find miles of running trails and loads of space to spread out a picnic blanket and relax with friends.
📚 Read Next: The Best Things to Do in Boulder, CO
Washington Park
Another one of Denver’s top parks, located in the neighborhood that bears its name, Washington Park is bustling on most days with runners, bicyclists, and picnickers. But the best thing to do here is to get your serve on at Washington Park’s volleyball nets. All summer long you’ll find organized and impromptu games throughout the park. Plan ahead by reserving a net or bringing your own, or just plan to make some new friends.
City Park
The biggest park in Denver, City Park is home to the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and several lakes where you can find swan-like paddle boats for rent (it’s a fun Denver date idea!).
In warmer months it also hosts City Park Jazz, a community event where thousands gather to hear local bands and gnash on fare from lines of food trucks.
👉 Read Next: When is the best time to visit Denver?
Cherry Creek Trail
Looking for a place to get on a run or a bike ride? The Cherry Creek Trail is the perfect place to work out for free in Denver. The 40 mile trail runs straight through the heart of downtown and ends at the spectacular Commons Park, which is a perfect place to watch the sunset in Denver. The Cherry Creek Trail is definitely one of the best free things to do in downtown Denver!
Confluence & Commons Parks
Right downtown you’ll find two of my favorite Denver parks stacked back to back. These parks sit right where Cherry Creek spills into the South Platte River. Here you’ll find several bridges over the rushing water, expansive green space, and spectacular views.
A personal favorite thing to do in Denver is to take a picnic blanket to the top of the hill and watch the sunset over the Rocky Mountains. For additional things to do, check out the Denver Skate Park on the north end, or the giant REI outdoor equipment store on the south end.
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👉 Want More? Read Next: Best Things to Do in Colorado | Best Day Trips from Denver | Best Hotels | Where to Stay | Complete Denver Travel Guide | Places to Visit in CO
Congrats for making it all the way to the end of this mega list of the best things to do in Denver CO! Be sure to check out all my Denver travel articles for tips on things like where to stay, the best day trips, and more.
What did you think? What were your favorite things? What did I miss? Scroll down and leave a comment!
Enjoy your visit to Denver!
Welcome back. Great to see you blogging again. This is a detailed article with loads of info, thanks. Denver will be part of my big US tour when we can travel safely again and ths will help me enourmously.
Thank you Barry!! I hope you enjoy Denver as much as I do.
Great list of Denver locales … gotta go hit some of them again now that lockdown has lifted! However, as a former Cap Hill resident and long-time proofreader, that great urban oasis is actually Cheesman Park. Either way, it’s a wonderful hangout!
Thanks for pointing that out Rose! Fixed the spelling. Hope you find a few hidden gems to enjoy!
Hi Nate, as a Denver, Colorado native Elitch Gardens original location was on 38th Ave and Tennyson in northwest Denver and got relocated to downtown Denver. And, supposedly to moving again!! It lost alot of charm when it got moved out of the neighborhood.
Thanks for your comment Michelle! Elitch’s is definitely different than it was a long time ago, as is most of Denver, but my niece and nephew sure still seem to love it as much as I did as a kid!
Hi! This was a wonderful resource! Do you have any specific recommendations for visiting in February?
February tends to be one of the colder months in Denver, though relatively drier than March or April in terms of snow. Even in February you may get lucky. Some days the sun is strong enough to enjoy some of the outdoor activities or even patio dining during the afternoon. Denver weather can be eclectic, so be prepared for anything from heavy snow to a pleasant day.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal is usually open barring heavy snow, so taking a drive through it can be a fun and scenic way to get a taste of the outdoors even in winter. February in Denver is a great time to check out what’s on at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, or to explore the indoor marketplaces like Stanley Marketplace and Dairy Block. Meow Wolf is also always fun any time of year. Of course, the best thing to do in Colorado in February is to get up into the mountains if you can, even just for a day trip. Here’s our guide to the best ski resorts near Denver. Even if you don’t like skiing, just getting up to a lodge and seeing the mountains in snow is truly special.
The Colfax store is NOT the original Tattered Cover Location. It is actually a relatively recent move compared to its other stores. It’s previous location was on 1st Ave. in Cherry Creek directly across from the CC Mall. That was not the original location but it was the one most old-timers associate with TC. It was four floors (Basement plus 3) and easy to spend an entire day (and paycheck!) in there.
Thanks for that Daniel! Will amend. Definitely an awesome place to visit either way.
I have two trips to Denver coming up, and now I know lots of
things to do when I get there–thanks!
Thanks for stopping by Michael! Hope you enjoy Denver!
Thanks for the great info! Visiting Denver for the first time in early October and will be sure to hit some of these.
Thank you Craig! October is a great month to visit. The weather is nice and temperate, and you will hopefully see some changing leaves in the city’s parks. Have a fun time in Denver!
Thank you for the suggestions, we are headed to Denver in May 2022.
Heading to Denver in a week. This was really helpful. I can’t wait to check out some of these places!
Thanks Wendy! Hope you enjoy the Mile High City! You can also check out all our Denver guides here, fyi!
We are just leaving Denver now. Thanks for the suggestions we had a great time saw a few things on the list.
Heading to pikes peak tomorrow so enjoy the city today.
Hi Margaret – thanks so much for reading along (and especially for coming back to comment after your Denver visit!). I hope you enjoy Pikes Peak and the rest of your Colorado vacation!
Thank you so much! This really helped me plan my trip in October. We’ll be travelling with a 2 year old in October. Any October specific suggestions? Thanks!
Be sure to get to the mountains to do some leaf peeping! Taking a drive through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal is also really nice in October, and you can see bison from the car. You could also check out the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, the Denver Zoo, or the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. And be sure to check out Laura’s guide to things to do in Denver with kids! Lastly, though you would need a sitter for it, you might check out the Great American Beer Festival if you like beer.
I remember growing up in a house just a short black and a half from Washington Park. I spent much of my free time in the park. I remember there were times I almost had the park to myself. Not today.