22 Best Things To Do In Denver
Last updated August 1, 2025
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Denver provides various fun outdoor experiences, and a number of these places are conveniently located downtown, while others require driving or the use of public transport to access them.
No matter what your interests may be, there is an abundance of activities in and close to Denver that will provide non-stop entertainment for you.
Find out the 21 best things to do in Denver!
1. Denver Public Library
This library network boasts over 2 million pieces and serves as an excellent spot to take a breath among the more vibrant activities featured on my list of things to do in Denver.
It’s a spacious structure that has received lots of praise regarding its good organization.
The building is the outcome of a bond of 92 million dollars that was approved around the 1990s which led to its inauguration in 1995.
While it is primarily recognized for its literature, you'll find time moving by swiftly as you immerse yourself in the library's remarkable map collection, several of which contribute to narrating the region's frontier past.
It also provides free wifi connectivity for individuals seeking a peaceful spot to access the internet.
Additionally, you can take pleasure in strolling through the library while admiring the design of its structure.
2. Larimer Square
Numerous people consider Larimer Square the number one spot to visit in Denver and it is usually placed at #1 on the ranking of top Denver activities.
This location has been crucial in Denver's history, being the community's original commercial block since it was established in 1858 for that objective and subsequently functioning as its main business sector for many years.
Currently, it functions as a well-known modern retail district.
Most guests arriving in Denver for shopping will probably have the iconic Larimer Square already on their schedule as it provides an extensive range of goods for purchase.
Also, its diverse dining options and vibrant nightlife always draw in lots of visitors too.
3. United States Mint
A notable attraction in Denver is this place which began operations in the year 1897 and originally served as a place for coin production in the year 1906.
Lots and lots of coins are minted here than in any other place globally and its present rate is 50000000 coins daily.
Complimentary tours are available each open day and this place is accessible daily excluding federal holidays.
During your visit, you will learn about the printing intricacies, from the elements involved in designing these coins to their bodily formation.
Numerous guests are especially fascinated by observing in detail the operation of the machines for coin making.
4. Clyfford Still Museum
Still Clyfford was among the first abstract expressionists. The historic Clyfford Still Museum offers an ideal chance to explore a lot of his creations.
The museum came about when his spouse, Patricia Still, at the moment of his passing, declared that she was going to give Denver 800 paintings of his and 1600 different pieces which he had created on paper.
Clyfford Still's artwork was first showcased in a solo exhibition in the city of San Francisco in 1943, then this was later followed by an exhibition in that town four years afterwards.
His work was subsequently showcased in New York and Philadelphia.
The Clyfford Still Museum's works are displayed in nine exhibitions here in Denver, and the museum also offers tranquil outdoor terraces and interactive features.
A practical art creation hands-on studio is also present here.
5. Denver Children's Museum
This is among the top Denver spots to take children to.
It offers a fun, interactive method for learning that makes children discuss the adventure for future visits with its remarkable array of displays and enjoyable play areas.
Some activities that kids can engage in here include stimulating their minds through computer games, discovering science in the laboratories, and working as a cashier inside a small grocery store.
Kids can also listen to different kinds of adventures and tales of distant places during their StoryTime. It is typically conducted in the afternoon.
Also, Spanish-language Story Time sessions are arranged occasionally which is great for both adults and children to enjoy.
Keep in mind that both adults and children must be accompanied while visiting this Denver Museum; every child must have one related adult accompanying him at least.
6. Denver Broncos NationalFootball League
If you're seeking fun activities in Denver during the fall, think about catching a fun Denver Broncos game.
For numerous individuals, this activity would rank highly on their list of activities to experience in Denver.
The Broncos remain among the most well-supported franchises in the league, as all the games held here since 2001 when it opened have been fully booked.
However, NFL games aren't the sole events taking place.
It has also featured several prominent international soccer games, a rugby league game between New Zealand & England, the Eagles shows, Metallica, Taylor Swift, U2, Rolling Stones, etc.
7. Denver Museum Nature and Science
One of the best Denver activities for those who appreciate learning is a trip to this Denver museum.
The museum serves as an excellent resource for anyone interested in discovering the Centennial State's natural history, the globe, and the cosmos.
A great method to achieve a lot in the museum is by visiting its Gates Planetarium with 125 seats.
Additionally, in the Museum, there is a Phipps IMAX Theatre of 440 seats.
It displays dinosaur skeletons from many years ago and millennia-old Egyptian mummies.
It also features a wildlife display that offers details about animals found across the globe.
In general, this museum addresses geology, anthropology, health studies, space studies, paleobiology, and animal science.
8. Molly Brown Historic House Museum
Fans of the film "Titanic" should be familiar with Molly Brown.
She was a philanthropist, activist, and socialist who was a survival of the Titanic sinking in the year 1912.
At 18 years old, she relocated to Leadville, Colorado, a town that currently has 3,000 residents but once had 13,000 population at that time, and subsequently wed JJ Brown there.
Once they amassed considerable riches, they purchased a big house in Denver. This is Molly Brown’s House Museum in the present day.
As soon as you step inside the house, you'll be immersed in the sensation of her experiences while she resided there.
There are also many displays presented here that assist in narrating her life story.
The structure also illustrates what daily life was exactly like in the state of Colorado while she was present.
Even, she permitted the governor of Colorado to utilize the house as his residence in the year 1902 when his primary home was undergoing renovations.
9. Downtown Aquarium
Aquatic animal enthusiasts should make sure to include a trip to the spectacular Downtown Aquarium in their activities for Denver, Colorado.
Downtown Aquarium houses a million water gallons, and countless animals and species like sharks and Sumatran tigers, an endangered species that like to swim.
A key focus of the aquarium is the route that water travels in the lovely Colorado River as it flows to the Pacific Ocean.
You will observe that the river typically does not connect with ocean water since it often dries up before it gets to the Gulfof California.
An additional focus of the aquarium is on the Kampar River in Indonesia, which flows into the Malacca Strait, linked to the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
10. Coors Field
Watching a fun baseball game remains among the most enjoyable Denver activities. Coors Field ranks among the top places to do this in Denver.
Since 1995, the ColoradoRockies have been holding home games in this venue.
It offers 46,897 seating with home matches organized consistently from April - September.
Whenever the Colorado Rockies team is eligible for the playoffs, postseason matches will occur in October here too.
Fans of high-scoring baseball are especially invited to attend a game in this place.
Coors Field was able to maintain its status as a top hitter-friendly stadium for a long partly due to the fact that the ball here often travels farther into the thinner air at the elevated altitude of Denver.
Even, that is the reason the fences here are located farther than what is typically seen in other baseball stadiums.
It's also the reason why their baseballs here are kept in humidors before matches.
11. Denver Zoo
A nature-oriented attraction in Denver, Colorado, is the gorgeous Denver Zoo.
A recent survey revealed that it is the city's highest-earning attraction and many also consider it among the top zoos in the USA.
Over 2 million visitors come to this zoo in a year to take pleasure in discovering and observing the 4000 animals that inhabit it.
A standout feature of this place is the picturesque Bear Mountain, an area designed to closely replicate the natural behaviors of bears utilizing rock formations sourced from other locations in Colorado.
Then, Predator Ridge is another spot here where lions and hyenas roam.
Also, there is the Primate Panorama, an excellent spot to observe monkeys leaping between tree limbs.
You may likewise want to schedule your visit to specific areas in the zoo according to the feeding times.
12. Denver Fire Fighters Museum
In this museum, we honor the courageous firefighters of Denver from the department's history which began in 1866.
Numerous visitors to the museum have noted that it’s a compelling experience to discover their narratives and how the fire department now has changed and grown in the hundred and fifty years following its establishment.
The museum also offers educational experiences, teaching visitors about how to participate in fire prevention and safety efforts.
The structure housing the Denver Fire fighters Museum was once Fire Station 1, constructed in the year 1909, and it got a place on the Historic Places National Register in 1979, one year prior to the opening of this museum that occupies it now.
Within its confines are thousands of pictures, objects, and documents that illustrate how the firefighters resided, safeguarded themselves, and battled fires.
The museum also has a gallery for children which makes a visit one of the best things to do in Denver.
13. Denver's Botanical Gardens
If you're seeking scenic activities in Denver, a visit to the Denver Botanic Garden is advised.
It offers a tranquil escape from all the happenings in the center of the city.
This green oasis provides themed gardens of 23 acres along with the UMB Amphitheater, which can accommodate as many as 1,300 guests.
It is a location where one can easily become enamored with its magnificence.
You will definitely spend countless hours exploring its fifty gardens, which span from a section showcasing indigenous South African flora to a classic Japanese garden.
Art enthusiasts will also appreciate the numerous art exhibitions showcased here at different intervals during the year.
It is important to know that a guided tour will improve the experience for numerous visitors.
14. Elitch Gardens
If you are searching for a fun theme park adventure while checking off your Denver list of destinations, consider visiting Elitch Gardens.
This theme park has been around in various forms since 1890.
It was initially far more than merely a theme park, it also functioned as the residence of one of Western US's earliest zoos, Denver's first symphony orchestra, movie theater, and botanical garden.
Currently, Elitch Gardens focuses on various rides and roller coasters alongside the water attractions that it offers at its beautiful Island KingdomFamily Waterpark.
Its latest feature is a self-proclaimed "mind-warping" expedition like no other, Meow Wolfs Kaleidoscope.
In this Meow Wolf Kaleidoscope, riders are led through various immersive artistic environments.
Then, the other attractions are what thrill-seekers would anticipate, including Shipwreck Falls and Mind Eraser.
15. Pikes Peak & Gardens of the Gods
Two activities to explore near Denver worth considering include visiting the Garden ofthe Gods and Pikes Peak, both located close to Colorado Springs, Denver South.
Despite being in distinct locations, the Garden the Gods offers an amazing chance to enjoy a stunning vista of Pikes Peak.
Inside the Garden, there exists a stunning array of red rock scenic formations along with a great hiking trails.
At the same time, Pikes Peak stands at 14115 feet and remains the tallest location in the USA when heading east from it.
An unforgettable and enjoyable method to ascend Pikes Peak is to join guided tours along the PikesPeak Highway.
16. Colorado Convention Centre
There's a good chance that your presence in Denver, Colorado is due to an event occurring at this center.
It accommodates roughly 400 events in a typical year within its 800000 square ft. of area, which includes a 5000-seat ballroom, an Exhibit Hall, a 5000-capacity Bellco Theatre, and five conference rooms.
This Exhibit Hall is the location where the facility has 100000 square feet, a location where conventions, product launches, and trade shows frequently occur.
The Colorado Convention Center's inaugural occasion was the Denver Nuggets NBA Draft of 1990.
Even, the Bellco Theater has featured performances by artists like Melissa Rob Thomas, Demi Lovato, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, Il Divo, and Etheridge.
17. Mount BlueSky Scenic Byway
Tourists seeking fun activities near Denver, aside from those within the city, are advised to grab a ride on Mount BlueSky Scenic Byway (previously known as Mount Evans).
The 28-mile route, accessible with a drive of 40 minutes, offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to completely enjoy the lovely Rocky Mountains.
It achieves a peak elevation of 14130 feet, the loftiest paved road in USA, ascending over 7000 feet in altitude
While you journey into the beautiful mountains, you'll encounter numerous viewpoints where you may relax, unwind, and absorb more Rockies' breathtaking sights.
Seasoned drivers of this byway usually advise newcomers to join the guided tours and focus particularly on Echo Lake Park. It will be visited at approximately the halfway mark.
18. Denver Center ofthe Performing Arts
An excellent Denver option for live theatre enthusiasts is attending a performance by this iconic Denver Arts Center.
Established in 1972, this company occupies a location of 12 acres at Denver's Performing Art Complex. The complex hosts many venues varying in capacity from 185 seats to 2880 seats.
It typically organizes productions during the year like Broadway tour productions and world premieres.
Among its most remarkable locations is the Boettcher Concert Hall, constructed in the year 1978 and accommodating 2,679 seats, with 80 percent of the seats located within 65 ft. of the performance area.
This venue is the Colorado Symphony's residence.
The center’s initial configuration was the iconic Auditorium Theater, which underwent renovations in 1979 & 2005, with the latter leading to the establishment of the 2225-seat EllieCaulkins Opera House.
19. Denver's Foothills Tour
A top activity to enjoy near Denver is taking the Denver's Foothills Tour, which includes a stop at the spectacular Red Rocks Amphitheater, a key attraction.
The duration spent at this amphitheatre, most probably the most stunning amphitheatre globally, is what numerous visitors recall the most from this trip.
Guests occupying its 9525 seats usually experience various performances and live music in an entertaining atmosphere.
They can also look upwards at the massive rock structure that extends from the stage's back to tower over the seating space.
Then, a stunning view from Look out Mountain is also experienced on this Denver Foothills trip, which is likewise where the grave and museum of Buffalo Bill can be found.
Lastly, the next stop will be at the tranquil Evergreen Lake.
20. Union Station
In case you're traveling to Denver by public transportation other than an airplane, your initial encounter with this city will probably be this Union Station, primarily recognized as a station on the California Zephyr route of Amtrak connecting San Francisco's Bay Area and Chicago.
This Union Station is certainly worth adding to your Denver destinations.
It isn't just a cultural landmark, it also offers various dining and shopping choices.
The station’s history goes back to 1881, though its initial building was destroyed by fire in the year 1894 before being reconstructed in 1914.
Another reconstruction was also finished in 2014.
The recent renovation featured the launch of the opulent Crawford Hotel, one of Denver's top spots to visit.
The hotel also provides tours of the Union Station.
21. Rocky Mountain Park
This park, a 265000-acre site focused on conserving a significant portion of the stunning Rocky Mountains Scope is situated 90 minutes away from Denver Downtown.
It was established as a USA national park exactly in the year 1915 and lots of tourists always experience its beauty each year.
The historic Continental Divide passes through its center, creating a more wooded section nearer to Denver, along with a glaciated portion and drier on the opposite side.
Its tallest point is the Longs Peak, soaring up to 14,259 feet into the atmosphere.
Numerous individuals exploring the park find pleasure traveling along Trail Ridge Rd, which attains an altitude of 12183 feet.
The simplest method to go to the park is to join a guided excursion starting from Downtown Denver.
22. Forney Transportation Museum
Forney is an excellent addition to your itinerary of top activities to experience in Denver if you like discovering different types of transport and examining well-known vehicles.
The first vehicle showcased here is a KisselKar of 1921, a car that was produced by Kissel Motorcar Company which operated from 1907 to 1931.
Then, another well-known KisselKar in this museum is an edition of 1923, commonly referred to as "Gold Bug" and previously owned by Earhart Amelia.
Since the museum's iconic first vehicle made its home in the museum, it has been accompanied by various transportation vehicle types including steam engines, coaches, bikes, carriages, and sleds.
Its assortment of steam engines encompasses the historic Union Pacific #4005 Steam Locomotive, known as one of only 25 ever produced.
