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

Breakfast RestaurantPhoto of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery — Breakfast Restaurantvia Google Maps

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.

Denver, CO|5
Breakfast RestaurantPhoto of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery — Breakfast Restaurantvia Google Maps

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Vibrant, retro chain serving a seasonal menu of creative breakfast & lunch fare, plus cocktails.

Denver, CO|5
Live Music VenuePhoto of Ogden Theatre — Live Music Venue

Ogden Theatre

Historic (since 1919) concert venue for touring bands that can feel intimate even when packed.

Denver, CO|5
RestaurantPhoto of Linger — Restaurant

Linger

This old mortuary is now a lively restaurant with a rooftop lounge & global small plates.

Denver, CO|5
Food CourtPhoto of Avanti Food & Beverage — Food Court

Avanti Food & Beverage

Bi-level shipping container with a variety of vendors (pizza, sushi & more), plus a rooftop bar.

Denver, CO|5
RestaurantPhoto of Thirsty Lion — Restaurant

Thirsty Lion

Scratch-kitchen restaurant offering a large variety of globally inspired food, plus craft cocktails.

Denver, CO|4
Amusement CenterPhoto of EscapeWorks Denver - Convention Center — Amusement Centervia Google Maps

EscapeWorks Denver - Convention Center

Denver, CO|5
Grocery StorePhoto of Trader Joe's — Grocery Storevia Google Maps

Trader Joe's

Grocery chain with a variety of signature items, plus produce, dairy & more (most sell wine & beer).

Denver, CO|5
AuditoriumPhoto of Fillmore Auditorium — Auditoriumvia Google Maps

Fillmore Auditorium

Up & coming & A-list acts star at this intimate 1907 concert hall lit by chandeliers.

Denver, CO|5
ArenaPhoto of Denver Coliseum — Arenavia Google Maps

Denver Coliseum

Vintage, arch-roofed venue with many seats hosting sporting events, concerts & stock shows

Denver, CO|4
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Maggiano's Little Italy — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Maggiano's Little Italy

Semi-upscale chain for classic Italian fare served family-style in a relaxed, polished space.

Denver, CO|5
National ParkPhoto of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park — National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Steep canyon offering hiking, camping & scenic views of the Gunnison River & the Painted Wall cliff.

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American RestaurantPhoto of Great Scotts Eatery Denver — American Restaurantvia Google Maps

Great Scotts Eatery Denver

All-day diner featuring '50s–'80s memorabilia & serving American meals, some with a Mexican accent.

Denver, CO|4
Steak HousePhoto of Guard and Grace — Steak House

Guard and Grace

Modern steakhouse serving chops, small plates & fine wines in an airy space with a raw bar & patio.

Denver, CO|5
Event VenuePhoto of Axe Whooping - Axe Throwing Denver Co — Event Venuevia Google Maps

Axe Whooping - Axe Throwing Denver Co

Denver, CO|5
Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of Denver Performing Arts Complex — Performing Arts Theatervia Google Maps

Denver Performing Arts Complex

Large center featuring 10 performance spaces for plays, concerts & other events, plus restaurants.

Denver, CO|5
RestaurantPhoto of Punch Bowl Social — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Punch Bowl Social

Southern American gastropub fare & punch bowls in a bar & amusement complex with lots of games.

Denver, CO|4
RestaurantPhoto of Atomic Cowboy home of Denver Biscuit Co & Fat Sully's NY Pizza — Restaurant

Atomic Cowboy home of Denver Biscuit Co & Fat Sully's NY Pizza

Biscuit sandwiches & platters, with hearty Southern flavors, from a rustic cafe with a biscuit bus.

Denver, CO|5
Amusement CenterPhoto of All Out Smash — Amusement Center

All Out Smash

Denver, CO|5
Steak HousePhoto of Buckhorn Exchange — Steak Housevia Google Maps

Buckhorn Exchange

Storied steakhouse where mounted game gaze on dishes of yak, ostrich, elk & Rocky Mountain oysters.

Denver, CO|4