Sincerely, Simpson

Whether you're daydreaming of taking your next trip or just a local looking for something to do, check out our list of things to do in Denver. And before you go, be sure to check out each location’s website for the latest COVID-19 guidelines. Finding things to do in Denver isn’t all that difficult, so let’s just start with Downtown…

 

THINGS TO DO IN DOWNTOWN DENVER

More specifically, Lower Downtown which is sometimes referred to as ‘LoDo.’ This area of town is abundant with places to dine and shop that are all within walking distance of each other.

 

Here are just a few options:

• Larimer Square | historic atmosphere
• Dairy Block | urban atmosphere
• 16^th Street Mall | home to 300+ stores and 50+ restaurants

 

THINGS TO DO IN DENVER WITH KIDS

Next, let’s talk about stuff to do in Denver with kids.

• Denver Zoo | Animals are always a hit with kids and this year, the Denver Zoo is celebrating 125 years!
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science | Kids will be blown away by the various exhibits at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Exhibits change regularly so be sure to check out their website.
• Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park | This seasonal attraction is also located in Downtown Denver and offers various rides and endless fun.
• Downtown Aquarium | Another Downtown favorite for the kids is the aquarium which features more than just sea creatures… check out the mermaids, schedule a meet and greet with the animals and don’t miss the tiger exhibit!

 

DENVER ATTRACTIONS

Breweries

One of the best things to do in Denver is visit breweries – and not just the well-known Coors brewery! Here are just a handful of breweries in Denver:

• Ratio Beerworks
• Great Divide Brewing Co
• Wynkoop Brewing Company
• Bierstadt Lagerhaus

 

Live Music

When concerts resume, catch a live show at one of Denver’s famous music venues, both indoor and outdoor!

• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre | Possibly the most iconic Denver music venue, Red Rocks is west of town and isn’t just a great place to see a concert. The park is also known for great hikes, events like Yoga on the Rocks and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame exhibit.
• Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre | Located south of Denver in Greenwood Village, this outdoor Amphitheatre is another unique music venue and provides breathtaking views.
• Bluebird Theater | This historic music venue is located along Colfax Avenue near Downtown Denver.
• Ogden Theater | Another well-known Colfax music venue that is just down the street from Bluebird Theater, near Downtown Denver.
• Ball Arena (formerly Pepsi Center) | This music venue recently underwent a name change and is home to the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. Speaking of sports…

 

DENVER ACTIVITIES

Sporting Events

Colorado is home to various professional sport teams – perhaps you’ve heard of them…

• Colorado Rockies (baseball)
• Denver Broncos (football)
• Denver Nuggets (basketball)
• Colorado Avalanche (hockey)
• Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse)

 

Climb a ’14-er’

One of the top things to do in Denver is hiking. Denver’s landscape features foothills that feature hiking trails that go up to elevations over 14,000 feet – hence the nickname ‘14er’. Climb one to feed your adventurous side but be sure to do your research on weather precautions and take the necessary steps to avoid altitude sickness. Here are 5 of the easiest 14-ers to start you out:

• Bierstadt | Elevation: 14,060
• Elbert | Elevation: 14,440
• Sherman | Elevation: 14,036
• Grays Peak | Elevation: 14,278
• Quandary Peak | Elevation: 14,271

Click here for tips on how to climb your first 14er.

 

FREE THINGS TO DO IN DENVER

Here are some budget-friendly places to visit in Denver.

• Denver Union Station | All aboard for a free tour of the renovated Denver Union Station which features boutiques, restaurants and the Crawford Hotel in Downtown.
• Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) | DPAC is in Denver’s Theatre District and is situation on 12-acres making it the largest performing arts complex under one roof. The venue offers free events throughout the year.
• Colorado State Capitol | Enjoy a free tour of the historic state capitol that are offered every weekday.
• Denver also holds free festivals throughout the year like the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in July and the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival in September.

 

THINGS TO SEE IN DENVER

If you’re looking for spectacular views of more than just the Rocky Mountains, check out these two must-see places in Denver:

• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Denver Art Museum

 

Click here to find more fun things to do in Denver.

Denver isn’t only a fun place to visit, it is a great place to live! Click here to check out our Denver communities.