Awesome Things to Do in Denver, Colorado This Trip

One of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast, the Denver Art Museum houses over 70,000 works across 12 collections spanning Indigenous Arts of North America, Contemporary, European and American, Western American, African, Oceanic, and Asian art. Hands-on activities for kids, traveling exhibitions, art workshops, and interactive displays make it one of the most family-friendly and awesome things to do in Denver, Colorado.

A destination for the entire family, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers permanent exhibits covering prehistoric eras, Egyptian mummies, space exploration, and global wildlife, alongside educational programs, interactive activities, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium with several immersive daily shows.

A stunning oasis featuring over 50 gardens with plants from around the world, the Denver Botanic Gardens includes a traditional Japanese garden, South African flora, native Colorado plants, and the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory. A children's garden with hands-on seasonal activities makes it one of the most beautiful and awesome things to do in Denver, Colorado, for families.

Located three miles east of downtown Denver, the Denver Zoo spans over 80 acres and features 4,100 animals and more than 600 species across exhibits, including Predator Ridge, pachyderm passing, and tropical discovery. Behind-the-scenes tours, animal feedings, seasonal events, and multiple on-site dining options make it one of the most complete things to do in Denver.

Home of the Colorado Rockies, Coors Field seats up to 50,000 spectators and offers iconic views of the Rocky Mountains from every angle. Seating options include the budget-friendly Rockpile, the social Rooftop, and the Coors Light Beach. Behind-the-scenes tours of the dugout, clubhouse, press box, and Rockies dressing room are available, with regular-season games from April to October.

Built in 1889 and home to Titanic survivor Margaret "Molly" Brown for nearly two decades, the Molly Brown House Museum features beautifully preserved stained glass windows, 19th-century furnishings, and intricate woodwork. Guided tours offer access to personal artifacts, historical documents, and Titanic memorabilia.

Spanning 155 acres with multiple flower gardens, two lakes, tree-lined paths, and expansive green space, Washington Park is one of the most beloved outdoor things to do in Denver for locals and visitors alike. Activities range from running, cycling, and paddleboarding to volleyball, frisbee, and summer barbecues.

Formerly known as the Colorado Historical Society, the History Colorado Center features over 15 exhibitions across four floors exploring Colorado's history from prehistoric origins through indigenous peoples, European settlement, and significant historical events. Artifacts, art, dioramas, and interactive adventures make it one of the most educational things to do in Denver.

A 19-mile scenic drive to the summit of Pikes Peak takes visitors through dramatic mountain terrain, four Colorado life zones, and past native wildlife, including Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Multiple pullouts offer scenic photo stops along the way, and the summit features viewing areas, fresh donuts, and a gift shop.

A vibrant historic district in downtown Denver lined with classic Victorian architecture and filled with unique stores, specialty boutiques, live entertainment, and excellent restaurants, Larimer Square is one of the most charming and lively things to do in Denver for an afternoon or evening out.

Located about 30 minutes from downtown Denver, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is nestled between two towering red stone cliffs and holds over 9,000 spectators for concerts and live performances. Public visiting hours allow visitors to explore the breathtaking natural rock formations and surrounding trails even when no event is scheduled.

Located in Hangar 1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base, Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum features over 1,000 square feet of interactive exhibits covering aviation and space exploration, including military jets, WWII fighters, space suits, and satellites.

Open since 1894 and home to the Colorado General Assembly, the Colorado State Capitol offers free guided tours Monday through Friday. Stained glass windows, murals, and a long, narrow staircase lead to the iconic bell-shaped dome, where panoramic views of the Mile High City await.

A mile-long destination packed with restaurants, attractions, and shopping, 16th Street Mall features Denver Pavilions at one end with 12 movie theaters and over two dozen shops, and a pedestrian path at the other leading to the trendy LoHi neighborhood. Free shuttle buses travel the length of the mall.

A two-story, 28,500-square-foot museum housing over 3,100 pieces of Clyfford Still's work from 1920 to 1980, the Clyfford Still Museum offers curated galleries, interactive activities, guided tours, a gift shop, outdoor terraces, and a hands-on art creation studio.

Located near the edge of downtown Denver, Confluence Park features a riverfront setting with trails, an urban beach, and opportunities to tube, kayak, or raft down the river with daily rentals from Confluence Kayaks. Riverside hiking and biking trails and picnic benches round out one of the most versatile, awesome things to do in Denver, Colorado.

With over 100 breweries and taprooms throughout the city, Denver is fondly known as the Napa Valley of Beer. Guided brewery tours take visitors through everything from a single-stop exploration of the largest brewery in the world to curated multi-stop tours through the city's best taprooms.

The only downtown theme and water park in the nation, Elitch Gardens is located in the heart of Denver and features over 53 rides, 14 kids' adventures, roller coasters, and water slides for all ages. The annual fall Fright Fest transforms the park with haunted houses and Halloween surprises.

A breathtaking geological park where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the mountain forest of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods features 15 miles of trails, expansive bike routes, and guided rock climbing. The Visitor and Nature Center hosts seasonal events including nature walks, yoga classes, meditation, and children's programs.