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

Live Music VenuePhoto of Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Cervantes' Other Side — Live Music VenueOur original photo

Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Cervantes' Other Side

Indie music acts play in 2 independent yet connected & intimate concert halls.

Denver, CO|5
ParkPhoto of Confluence Park — Parkvia Google Maps

Confluence Park

Placid riverside park featuring benches, grassy lawns, biking & walking trails, plus a kayak run.

Denver, CO|5
Live Music VenuePhoto of Ophelia's Electric Soapbox — Live Music VenueOur original photo

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox

Trendy multi-level music joint in a storied Victorian brownstone featuring live bands & DJs.

Denver, CO|5
StorePhoto of REI — Store

REI

Retail chain carrying gear, apparel & footwear for a wide range of outdoor & fitness activities.

Denver, CO|4
Beer GardenPhoto of Lowry Beer Garden — Beer Garden

Lowry Beer Garden

Relaxed spot with communal tables & a spacious outdoor patio offers local beers, brats & pretzels.

Denver, CO|5
Grocery StorePhoto of Safeway — Grocery Storevia Google Maps

Safeway

Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.

Denver, CO|4
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
Steak HousePhoto of Shanahan's Steakhouse — Steak Housevia Google Maps

Shanahan's Steakhouse

Leather-accented space known for its steaks & seafood, plus a mingle-friendly bar & patio.

Denver, CO|5
Seafood RestaurantPhoto of GB Fish & Chips — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

GB Fish & Chips

Fun eatery with a patio offering fish 'n' chips & other homemade, iconic British fare, plus beer.

Denver, CO|5
Bar & GrillPhoto of Appaloosa Grill — Bar & Grillvia Google Maps

Appaloosa Grill

Airy, employee-owned bar with eclectic menu of refined American comfort fare & live music nightly.

Denver, CO|4
ParkPhoto of Paco Sánchez Park — Park

Paco Sánchez Park

Riverside neighborhood park with a towering play structure, baseball fields & open green space.

Denver, CO|5
Furniture StorePhoto of Furniture Row Living Superstore — Furniture Store

Furniture Row Living Superstore

Denver, CO|5
Live Music VenuePhoto of Summit Music Hall — Live Music Venuevia Google Maps

Summit Music Hall

Locale for metal & punk rock affording good views from the big bar to the balcony.

Denver, CO|5
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Gaetano's — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Gaetano's

Founded by a mob family, this colorful icon serves classic Italian dishes & creative cocktails.

Denver, CO|4
Amusement CenterPhoto of Immersive Gamebox - 9+CO Denver — Amusement Center

Immersive Gamebox - 9+CO Denver

Denver, CO|5
History MuseumPhoto of History Colorado Center — History Museum

History Colorado Center

Interactive museum showcasing state-history exhibits, lectures & more in an eco-friendly building.

Denver, CO|5
RestaurantPhoto of Lucile's Creole Café — Restaurant

Lucile's Creole Café

Branch in a small chain eatery crafting Cajun-Creole breakfasts & lunches in comfy surrounds.

Denver, CO|5
American restaurantPhoto of My Brother's Bar — American restaurantvia Google Maps

My Brother's Bar

Laid-back haunt with no sign serving up burgers & beers while classical music plays on the speakers.

Denver, CO|5
RestaurantPhoto of Bacon Social House - Sunny Side — Restaurant

Bacon Social House - Sunny Side

Bi-level, midcentury-modern space featuring American fare, plus wine, craft beer & cocktails.

Denver, CO|5
Japanese RestaurantPhoto of Domo Japanese Country Food Restaurant — Japanese Restaurantvia Google Maps

Domo Japanese Country Food Restaurant

Tree-trunk & stump seating provides a rustic backdrop for homestyle Japanese fare beyond just sushi.

Denver, CO|4