Tourists listening to live music, one of the best things to do in the city of Denver.

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18 Fun Things to Do in the City of Denver, Colorado

Acres and acres of city parks, miles of off-road trails, and some of the most vibrant art you’ve ever seen in your LIFE. Sure, there are plenty of things to do in the city of Denver, Colorado – but you want your trip to be the BEST, don’t you?

Well, we can help with that. These spots are guaranteed to give you a memorable trip, no matter what you’re into.

1. Hit Up 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver

You can spend a whole day (or more) exploring the heart of the city. It’s home to world-class museums, aquariums, and some of the best entertainment you could ask for.

Shoppers enjoying the 16th Street Mall.

First up is the 16th Street Mall, a bustling mile-long promenade that offers the perfect mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Whether you indulge in some classic retail therapy or explore Denver’s vibrant nightlife, this iconic spot has something for everyone.

It connects lower downtown (affectionately known as LoDo) and other hotspots like Union Station. It’s lined with boutiques, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and breweries. Grab a brew, snag a bite to eat, and get used to the city by walking the mall. (OR jumping on and off the shuttle – it stops at every corner.)

2. Plunge the Depths of the Downtown Aquarium

When you visit Denver, you have to explore the aquarium. Home to over a million gallons of mesmerizing exhibits, it offers a fun experience for all ages. Wander through vibrant coral reefs, catch a show at the immersive 4D theater, or enjoy the daily mermaid performances. Plus, there are plenty of upscale dining options to fuel your adventure.

3. Take in the Beauty of Denver Botanic Gardens

For outdoor enthusiasts, Denver is a treasure trove of experiences, but the Denver Botanic Gardens stand out as one of the absolute best. Stroll through vibrant flower displays, serene water features, and striking contemporary art installations.

It’s more than a fun outdoor activity; it’s also a great learning experience. Explore educational displays on plants important to Native Americans and Colorado’s rare, threatened plant life.

A view of the Denver Botanic Gardens.

4. Tour the Molly Brown House

History buffs shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the home of Margaret “Molly” Brown, the Titanic survivor known for her philanthropy and activism

Her beautifully preserved house serves as a museum, featuring exhibits on the Titanic and Molly’s remarkable life. Visitors can take part in group tea experiences or catch the spooky Victorian Horrors literary program. Guided tours and self-explorations are available.

5. Be Wowed at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Love dinosaurs? Gemstones? Orcas? How about breathtaking planetarium shows? You can discover all that and more with a day trip to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The museum offers interactive exhibits like the captivating Space Odyssey, making it an ideal destination for a fun and educational family outing.

6. Get Strange at Meow Wolf

Denver is home to one of the country’s top immersive experiences – Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station. As the largest of Meow Wolf’s exhibitions, it offers an otherworldly adventure. Inside, you’re transported through time and the cosmos with thrilling, mind-bending visuals.

Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station exhibit in Denver, Colorado.

7. Seek Thrills at Elitch Gardens

Love rollercoasters? Waterslides? If amusement parks are your vibe, Denver’s Elitch Gardens has you covered. From big thrills to family-friendly rides, this theme park has everything.

8. Chill in the Art Districts

Art lovers, rejoice! Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe features over 30 galleries and studios, alongside some of the best fine dining in the mile-high city (if not the world).

But that’s not the only art district around – the Golden Triangle Creative District is also worth a stop. It’s home to the Denver Art Museum (along with seven other museums like the Molly Brown House and the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Arts). It also has its own fair share of art galleries for you to peruse.

Don’t forget the RiNo art district in the River North area. This area features some of the best street art and murals in the city.

9. Rock Out at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most beautiful live music venues in the world. The stage and seating area is nestled in a circle of large rock croppings and overlooks the beautiful Colorado landscape.

A concert at the Red Rock Park and Amphitheatre.

10. Enjoy the Rocky Mountain National Park

Denver, CO is only an hour and a half away from the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park, home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in America. You can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the serene waters of Lake Estes, with options for solo rentals or guided tours available to suit any adventure style.

11. Drive Pikes Peak or Mount Blue Sky

Love the mountains but aren’t a big fan of being OUT in the mountains? Rent a car and drive Pikes Peak – the highest summit in the Colorado Springs area.

The Pikes Peak scenic byway.

Or you could head to Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans), the highest paved road in North America. Its scenic byway is just 60 miles away from Denver.

12. See the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field

There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than seeing a baseball game — and you can grab a craft beer while you do! Inside Coors Field is the Sandlot Brewery, the first-ever brewery opened inside an MLB ballpark.

13. Make a Difference at the Denver Zoo

Who doesn’t love animals? At the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, you can see animals from all over the world – while helping to raise funds to keep vulnerable species safe!

14. Snap Some Shots at Larimer Square

The mile-high city’s historic district, Larimer Square, is a quaint street lined with twinkling lights and red brick buildings. It’s bougie, beautiful, and the perfect place to get some Instagram-worthy photos.

15. Ride the Cherry Creek Hike & Bike Path

Denver is home to some of the most beautiful city parks and urban trails in the nation. Why not get to know the city by taking a bike ride alongside Cherry Creek?

16. See a Show at the Denver Center of the Performing Arts

Denver has one of the LARGEST performing arts centers in the United States. The Denver Center of the Performing Arts is a 12-acre site with 10,000 seats. It hosts concerts, performances of popular Broadway shows, comedy acts, and more.

17.Get Some Sun in Washington Park

Locals in Denver can’t stop singing praises for Washington Park – and for good reason. This urban park spans 165 acres and features tennis courts, soccer fields, rental boats, and a swimming pool. It’s just three miles south of downtown Denver. Locals like to boast it could give Central Park a run for its money!

18. Travel Through Time at the Wings Over the Rockies Museum

Considered one of the best aviation museums in the Western world, the Wings Over the Rockies takes you back in time with authentic, historic aircraft. AND it brings you forward in time by showing realistic flight simulators that showcase the future of aviation and space travel.

Get the Most Out Of Your Trip

Just so we’re clear, there are plenty more things to do in the city of Denver than what’s on this list. We’ve hardly even scraped the surface! There are still more museums, photo-worthy neighborhoods, and exciting city parks – and we haven’t even mentioned the Broncos.

But we won’t overwhelm you. So – if you’re still looking for more fun things to do – explore our site and start booking now!