Things to do in Denver
Denver packs a lot into a mile-high city, from sprawling parks and family museums to a bar scene that stays open late.
Denver packs a lot into a mile-high city, from sprawling parks and family museums to a bar scene that stays open late. You can catch a Rockies game at Coors Field, wander through Meow Wolf's surreal art maze, or simply grab a booth at a classic diner like Sam's No. 3. The mix keeps things lively.
Outdoors are a big draw here. Washington Park and Sloan's Lake Park offer jogging loops and grassy spots, while Denver Botanic Gardens brings rare plants into the city. For kids, the Denver Zoo, Lakeside Amusement Park, and Urban Air Trampoline Park are solid choices. When the sun goes down, live music venues like The Mission Ballroom and the historic Ogden Theatre host touring acts, and nightclubs like The Church keep dancing going until late. Food ranges from the Denver Central Market's food stalls to Irish pub grub at Moonlight Diner, and Union Station's bars and eateries make a good starting point for an evening out.
Frequently asked questions about Denver
What are the best outdoor spots in Denver?▾
Denver has plenty of green space. Washington Park and Sloan's Lake Park both have running paths and places to relax, while Confluence Park offers riverside trails and a kayak run. Denver Botanic Gardens is a good pick for plant lovers, and Civic Center Park sits right downtown with fountains and statues.
Are there good things to do with kids in Denver?▾
Yes. The Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science both have exhibits that appeal to children. For active play, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park has open jump and dodgeball, and Lakeside Amusement Park brings old-school roller coasters and funnel cakes. Many parks, like Paco Sánchez Park, also have playgrounds.
Where can I hear live music in Denver?▾
You have a lot of options. The Mission Ballroom features a moving stage that adapts to the crowd, while the Ogden Theatre is a historic venue from 1919 that still hosts touring bands. For country music, The Grizzly Rose offers line dancing and a mechanical bull, and Ophelia's Electric Soapbox mixes live bands with a restaurant menu.
What is there to do at night in Denver?▾
Nightlife ranges from laid-back lounges to high-energy clubs. The Black Box is a DJ-driven dance club with a smoking patio, and Temple Nightclub features touring DJs and bottle service. If you prefer something calmer, Peaks Lounge sits atop a 27-story hotel with panoramic views, and Forest Room 5 has fire pits and a creek in its outdoor area.
Where can I shop and eat in Denver?▾
Denver Pavilions and 16th Street both offer shopping and outdoor cafes. The Denver Central Market has meat and fish counters, a bakery, and a pizzeria under one roof. For a unique stop, The Wizard's Chest is a toy and costume store with hands-on displays. Union Station also has several bars and eateries with patios.
Things to do in Denver
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Avenues at Northfield
Open-air shopping plaza with specialty shops, restaurants, comedy club & playhouse.
Colorado Convention Center
Expansive, contemporary convention center with meeting & expo facilities & lots of public art.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Hiking, camping & sledding in a diverse park with forests, lakes & North America’s tallest dunes.
Denver Zoo
Sprawling facility with animal exhibits, shows & demonstrations, plus venues for eating & shopping.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Movie theater chain known for presenting 3D films on a giant screen, including blockbusters.
Denver City Park
This expansive greenspace has amenities such as a zoo, museum & golf course, plus areas for hiking.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Horticultural library at Denver Botanic Gardens including rare books, seed catalogs & other items.
Elitch Gardens
Amusement park with roller coasters among other thrill rides, plus arcade games & shows.
via Google MapsSam's No. 3
Circa-1927 kitschy diner dishing up big helpings of comfort food from breakfast through dinner.
Ball Arena
Home to the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche & Mammoth that also hosts big-name music performers.
Mesa Verde National Park
View-filled park featuring Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings from long ago, plus tours & camping.
Coors Field
76-acre home of the Colorado Rockies with some seats offering views of the Rocky Mountains.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Over 415 square miles of protected mountain terrain with a huge network of hiking trails & wildlife.
Larimer Square
Historic district at the spot where Denver was founded, with independent shops, bars & restaurants.
Downtown Aquarium
Sprawling complex with a state-of-the-art aquarium housing 500+ species, plus a restaurant & lounge.
Empower Field at Mile High
The NFL's Denver Broncos play home games at this horseshoe-shaped football stadium.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Viewhouse Ballpark
Bustling restaurant & bar with outdoor tables offering a menu of hearty American standards.
Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station
Surreal, walk-through art experience with many interactive rooms, bizarre sculptures & a story arc.
Denver Art Museum
2 buildings (the second designed by architect Daniel Libeskind) highlighting Western & regional art.