The heart of Denver beats through a perfect combination of epic sports, offbeat oases, tasty eats and high-class art, all culminating into one pulsating city. This could be your super cool guide to the best things to do in Denver right now, from cool museums, world-class stadiums to excellent breweries.
If you are thinking Colorado ski resorts are the supreme reason to travel to Denver, pause and think again. Denver, a former mining settlement, is hailed as one of the best bachelor party destinations, entertainment center, and legitimate cultural hub in the country.
Here we have listed some of the best things to do in Denver. So, come and witness the charm of every flavor scooped into a single city, Denver!
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Whether you are traveling alone or with your family, this Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum has some of the fascinating collections of more than 48 aircrafts. This museum is home to a truly rare collection of vehicles such as B-18A Bolo and a Star Wars X-Wing fighter!
For the kids, a visit to the WOTR Air & Space museum could turn out to be one of the fun things to do in Denver, where they can attempt to try some of the gadgets. Educational or not, a complete trip to Denver, Colorado warrants at least one visit here.
Address: 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230, United States | Timing: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/G2HJe6JrTJCG7wfv9 | Phone Number: +13033605360
Denver Climbing Company
Do you want your kids to spend some hours learning to climb and experience the thrill of climbing a big rock face? Sounds fun, isn’t it? Then, Denver Climbing Company Outdoor Climbing School is just the right place for your family.
A premier rock-climbing school with professional training instructors catering to different skillsets, from amateurs to experienced climbers, the company is here to make sure you have an excellent experience of climbing in Colorado Rockies.
Address: 3300 W Florida Ave #75, Denver, CO 80219, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google map location: https://g.page/denverclimbingcompany?share | Phone number: +18885606994
Molly Brown House Museum
Wouldn’t you love to know more about the life of this unsinkable brave woman, who survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and then spearheaded the crew of Lifeboat No. 6 to go back to the ship to look for any survivors? The Molly Brown Museum was built to dedicate the brave and remarkable woman, Margaret “Molly” Brown. Visited by over 50,000 visitors every year, this 1889 Victorian mansion-turned museum is one of the popular Denver tourist attractions.
Molly Brown House also mirrors Denver’s culture and history and hosts garden parties throughout the year.
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Address: 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203, United States | Timing: Thursday to Sunday 11:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/MollyBrownHouse?share | Phone number: +13038324092
Denver Botanic Gardens
The 24-plus acres Denver Botanic Gardens is an oasis in the high desert city of Denver, where you can lose yourself in the thousands of species from the cacti to the orchids of the rainforest across the world. 50 stunning and mesmerizing gardens await a stroll with your family, no matter what the season is.
If you are wondering what to do in Denver with kids and family, this expansive facility in downtown Denver’s Cheesman Park is an exotic treat.
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Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, United States | Timing: Sunday to Friday 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Saturday 09:00 am to 03:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ywEnzKcc1ZUkaiNb9| Phone number: +17208653500
The above timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://www.botanicgardens.org/ for the latest timings.
Coors Field
Imagine catching a game of baseball with the Rocky Mountains at the backdrop! Sports fanatics and tourists will find lots to do at the 76-acre baseball park with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Watch out for the purple seats in the field that mark the elevation and give Denver the name as the-Mile-High city. Wash down some of the Rocky Mountains oysters with some beers to celebrate the visit to the Coors Field.
When you take the tour of the field, you will come face to face with the real spirit of Baseball fans in America!
If you are traveling with kids and family to Coors field, you will find a plethora of activities to engage them such as a 70–80-minute guided tour exploring the exciting behind-the-scenes. All the thrill piqued your interest?
Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rBBZarbymiRMX26v9 | Phone number: +13032920200
American Museum of Western Art
For all those adults and kids interested in understanding art, a tour in this gallery will not fail you! The museum intends to promote art through its exhibits by displaying the history, character, and beauty of this great location, the American West!
One of the interesting things to see in Denver, the museum also provides more than 200 pieces of art by Bierstadt, Maynard Dixon, and Remington, Russell.
Address: 1727 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timing: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 am to 04:30 pm | Google Map location: https://goo.gl/maps/bGBtN2qHLjx11qBB7| Phone: +13032932000
Currently, it is temporarily closed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://anschutzcollection.org/ for the latest timings.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The Rocky Mountains isn’t the only destination that vacationers rave about. The journey to Mount Evans peak, 14,264 feet above sea level, is equally commendable and charming. To reach the peak, hop on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, also known as the “road into the sky” because of its elevation of about 9,000 feet.
Make sure to take a short halt around Echo Lake park and Denver Botanic Gardens’ Mount Goliath location that boasts splendid views of the Rocky Mountains.
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Address: Idaho Springs, CO 80452, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/f2sSZDCuPaR6uUp79
Sports Authority Field
Home to the Broncos, the Super Bowl winners, the-Mile-High Stadium has got football all over it. Wondering how to have a thrilling experience at the field? By attending a Broncos game in the Sports Authority Field and enjoying the huge close-to-action replay screens, of course!
Visiting this American Football stadium should definitely be among the top things to do in Denver with the entire family and kids.
Address: 1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO 80204, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SydKihxjsiKt95v29 | Phone number: +17202583000
Larimer Square
Larimer’s square is the historic neighborhood of Denver where it all began! It features an eclectic mix of modern and historic buildings, dating back to almost the 19th century.
Once home to the earliest bank, earliest stores in the city, the first theater, and Denver’s first post office, Larimer’s square is still home to some of the murky buildings. However, like a true urban district, you will find new and chic bars and restaurants that have distinct fashion and unique offerings.
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Address: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timing: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 09:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/q1Suc2mHAAnbsTAXA | Phone Number: +17208051973
Colorado State Capitol
The Colorado State Capitol, constructed in the 1890s, is a staggering building made of white granite.
If you take a tour of the beautiful building, you will be amazed to see the gorgeous decorations of the gold dome made up of real gold leaf, that commemorated the Colorado Gold Rush!
This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Place apart from being a part of the Denver Civic Center National Historic Landmark District in 2012.
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Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, United States | Timing: Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/mqLG34RZkEqEMZiD6 | Phone number: +13038662604
Denver Public Library
Searching for the best place to read and borrow books on your visit to Denver? If the answer is yes then you are in right place.
This popular destination is a book lover’s dream. If you want to lose yourself in few hours of literary entertainment, do visit this popular landmark that houses over two million items which include books, movies, DVDs, and photographs! Apart from numerous informative avenues, you will also find a planned kids area for children’s storytelling activities too.
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Address: 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, United States | Timing: Temporarily Closed. | Google Map Location: https://g.page/DPL-Central?share | Phone Number: +17208651111
The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://www.denverlibrary.org/ for the latest timings.
United States Mint
Can you imagine a coin mint that is operative since 1906, and is still producing coins for circulation? Vibrant and exciting, a visit to the Denver U.S. Mint branch is an experience worth mentioning. You can choose from various educational tours that are available for the entire family here at the U.S. Mint.
So, if you want to see the process of coin making and the minting process, do spare some time to pay a visit to the U.S. Mint here. With a fabulous gift shop in the vicinity, you can pick up some unique memorabilia for your family.
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Address: United States Mint, 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80204-2693 | Timing: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3YM4TuwDz4JPgpcr7| Phone Number: 1-303-405-4761
The timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website https://www.usmint.gov/about/mint-tours-facilities/denver/visiting-the-denver-mint for the latest timings.
Downtown Aquarium
Imagine a fun-filled aquarium that interests the whole family with more than 500 species of fishes and sea creatures. The well-designed aquarium is also home to an interactive Stingray Reef touch tank and Dive Lounge and is a great way for young and old to learn about sea life.
You can take the kids to the live mermaid show and the fantastic flash flood exhibit. When hungry, relish your taste buds at the aquarium restaurant. Among the many things to do in Denver Colorado, the Downtown Aquarium is a cherry on the cake.
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Address: 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211, United States | Timing: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday 08:30 am to 08:30 pm, Saturday 08:00 am to 08:30 pm & Sunday 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/uZ5E6t9KPsfzkYK69 | Phone number: +13035614450
Forney Transportation Museum
Do you love cars? Then this is your kind of place, where you will be bowled over with a collection of more than 600 stunning pieces of historical vehicles. How it started about 60 years ago with just one 1921 Kissel, is another interesting story. Today, this museum houses rail equipment, aircraft like Amelia Earhart’s 1923 Kissel ‘Gold Bug’, carriages, steam locomotives, vintage apparel, and fire apparatus.
Feel free to take help from the knowledgeable volunteers and don’t forget to experience the joy of sitting in the vintage Model T with your family!
By Piotrus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216, United States | Timing: Thursday to Saturday 10:00 to 04:00 pm, Sunday 12:00 am to 04:00 pm | Google map location: https://g.page/forneymuseum?share | Phone location: +13032971113
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The impressive facility of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in the City Park, Denver, is home to artifacts related to different areas of science such as anthropology, nature, paleontology, zoology, and space, inspires informal science education.
Your family will need to devote few hours here to make the most of the exciting exhibits featuring dinosaur bones, Egyptian mummies, and various exhibitions. The interactive Space Odyssey area engages kids to delve deeper into the galaxy and spaces.
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Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, United States | Timing: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Friday 09:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JebdwoQRWqTjmQd5A | Phone Number: +13033706000
Union Station
Located in the hip Lower Downtown neighborhood (or LoDo), with several restaurants and interesting stores and boutiques, and The Crawford Hotel, Union Station is a fresh entertainment center in addition to a working public transit station.
You can take tours from the Crawford Hotel to learn more about the art and history of the station.
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Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/QWyfVTAPWPi3sTWU6
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
Since 1941, the rugged sandstone formations of Red Rocks have been a much-loved destination and venue for live events and music concerts. When no live events are happening, this 868-acre park transforms into a heaven for fitness lovers with its endless expanse of stairs and long trails.
To knock some cobwebs off you, take a long hike with your family to see the pristine nature at its best.
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Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, United States | Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/9BDwgaezkCz3PHnb6 | Phone Number: +17208652494
Denver Art Museum
If you look at any museum between Chicago and the West Coast, you will not find any collection of art as impressive as the Denver Art Museum (DAM). It has a vast spread of more than 70,000 artworks by eminent artist such as Vincent Van Gogh.
One of the prime highlights of your Denver activities could be to take your kids to adore Denver Art Museum’s diverse collections ranging from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary displays of painting and sculpture of the Native and Western American Art.
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Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, United States | Timing: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/5wZzSFzQcRV8jFv3A | Phone Number: +17208655000
Idaho Springs
What could be more fun than a tour with a sweet stop – literally! If you have seen this in films, heard it from your friends and family, and are wondering if it worth the hype? The answer is a resounding yes!
The popular town of Idaho Springs in the foothills of the great Rockies, known for the world-famous hot springs, is one of the popular nerve-racking Denver attractions for adventure goers and nature lovers. Just 30 miles west of Denver, Idaho Springs is a famous stop for rafting and hiking for kids.
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Address: Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EE7QWQEpo4x38nag8
Central Business District
Denver holds its history dear to its heart, and this can clearly be visualized through the numerous streets dotting this district. However, if you wish to witness some of the most intriguing cultural venues for dance, theater and music, and try out food from the long lane striped with bars and restaurants, you must take your family to Central Business District.
Apart from the streets bustling with shoppers, you can see a huge blue bear statue just outside the Colorado Convention Center.
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Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/E7efgSS1cQPzcoPR7
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Do you want to time travel through 150 years of art? With more than 30, 000 pieces of art from the 1870s to present day, Kirkland Museum of art boasts of an extraordinary collection. From International decorative art to Colorado regional Art and art by Vance Kirkland, this is one of the best museums in Denver.
By Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0, Link
Address: 1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States | Google map location: https://g.page/KirklandMuseumDenver?share | Phone number: +13038328576
Timing: Kirkland Museum is Temporarily Closed. Please check the website https://www.kirklandmuseum.org/ for the latest timings.
Washington Park
Washington Park’s 165 acres feature a whopping park for you to explore. Located south of central Denver, Washington Park receives constant praise from its visitors for its beautiful gardens and a pleasant atmosphere around two massive lakes.
One of the most popular places to visit in Denver during the weekend, your kids will love to hang out around the boat rentals, swing a hand around the park’s tennis courts, or just relax on the lush gardens.
By Jeffrey Beall, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Code Pink Boot Camp, 701 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209, United States | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/7iNoAeNt8CWqT7EQA
Lincoln Park
A great place to unwind, Lincoln Park in Santa Fe Art District, is a public park in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Denver.
One of the interesting things about this park is the Veteran’s Memorial and a huge replica of the Liberty Bell. It is believed that this was one of 53 replicas cast in France in 1950 and was supposedly donated to the U.S. government by “American industry and free enterprise”.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/bLVSj5oAGELy1qNv5
The Source
This gastronomic food hall that opened in 2013 is Denver’s landmark with more than 25 vendors, brewery, butcher, wood-fired restaurant, cocktail bar, and much more. With top-notch food and drinks, this place is an absolute must. This European style artisan complex in RiNo district is worth taking the time to visit and enjoy!
Address: 3330 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216, United States | Timing: 08:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google map location: https://g.page/thesourcedenver?share | Phone number: +17204091200
16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall is a mile-long rattlesnake-designed arcade across the southern end of the LoDo district.
The sheer number of stores and restaurants can be a bit daunting, but with some extra hours on your hands, this is a great place to explore as many venues as you can to window-shop, grab some food, and pick-up souvenirs.
Address: 1001 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80265, United States | Timing: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SdEAMMKKrL94q4Pr5 | Phone number: +13035346161
Denver Zoo
Animal lover or not, come and have an enjoyable tour at the Denver Zoo, which is home to more than 4,000 animals, including tigers, black rhinos, and orangutans.
Sprawling across 80 acres of City Park, this is an impressive facility. Make sure to bring your kids around feeding times to hear interesting facts that the staff have to say about the zoo’s residents.
By Donlammers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, United States | Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/denver-zoo-denver?share | Phone number: +17203371400
River North Art District
The River North Art District “where art is made” is also called “RiNo” and is an interesting blend of urban charm and unique modernization. One of Denver’s hippest destination and a favorite Denver sightseeing spot, RiNo has seen unparalleled expansion in the last few years, as a myriad of industrial revival, restaurants, and murals have transformed its landscape.
Full of eclectic products and late-night food trucks, the food market of Denver Central Market and The Source is also not to be missed.
Address: 3501 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80216 | Timing: 09:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Map location: https://goo.gl/maps/fpqnyT6xWs8f9TGL6| Phone: (720) 507-4776
The above timings may have changed owing to the pandemic, please check the website rinoartdistrict.org for the latest timings.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1996, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver or MCA Denver provides a great platform for first-class paintings and exhibitions. Earlier situated in a fish market in Sakura Square, you will be swept away in the classic collection of contemporary artists.
Well placed and well laid out, this museum is one of Denver attractions that you must visit to support Denver’s creative future.
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Address: 1485 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80202, United States | Timing: Tuesday to Thursday 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm, Friday 12:00 pm to 09:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/M5sFL98mE6SL3UJ87 | Phone number: +13032987554
South Broadway
Definitely among the fun things to do in Denver, is visiting the South Broadway neighborhood. Known for its diverse taste in shops, fashion and culture, SoBo, as it is fondly called, will give you a quirky shopping experience.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/j2nu7vyV19Hf62vV7
Clyfford Still Museum
Dedicated to the paintings of Clyfford Still, the museum seeks a couple of hours to explore and admire the outstanding architecture along with the archives of the Abstract Expressionist. For an art enthusiast, this is definitely a stuff to do in Denver when in the city.
Address: 1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, United States | Timing: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/pqaD5RPmZe1YMPLD9 | Phone number: +17203544880
Visit Craft Breweries
The energy of the breweries is so infectious that roaming around the neighborhoods of the linked RiNo, Ballpark, and Five Points neighbor will leave you wanting for more. Suds or spirits, taking a brewery tour of the craft breweries, and a riotous air of celebration seem more tempting than ever in the Mile-High city. Home to popular breweries like Mockery and Ratio, Denver is a beer lover’s paradise.
There is no shortage to Denver Colorado attractions if you are travelling with family. The culture of Denver might lean heavily on its Rocky Mountain roots, but with unique museums, powdery slopes in the winter, first-class restaurants, and breweries, thrilling stadiums, pumping fields, and whopping adventures, Denver or the ‘Mile-High City’ offers a little something for everyone.
