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Things To Do In Denver & Colorado


100 Favorite Things To Do In Denver & Colorado

Enjoy these popular local attractions and things to do in Denver.  Our top 100 favorites from all around the metro Denver area, and the region.  Fun for singles, couples, and families!

 

Our Top 100+

  1. cross country snoeshoeCross Country Ski or Showshoe Colorado's Backcountry.  Check out Trails.com for a number of options.
  2. Ice Skate on Evergreen Lake (Dec/Feb)
  3. See the Jet Car Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.
  4. Spend an evening at old fashioned Lakeside Amusement Park.
  5. Visit Denver's Botanical Gardens (May/June)
  6. Head to Heritage Square for an afternoon of kid fun, and old-fashioned shopping!
  7. Take the kids to Waterworld (Monday is best to avoid the crowds).
  8. Brave a kayak lesson at Confluence Park (the Cherry Creek and Platte River junction).  Located at the whitewater chutes at Confluence Park, downtown Denver.
  9. Go-Karting at Boondocks.  Or, for those seeking a more mature experience, travel to the western slope and try out the pro stuff at the Grand Junction Motor Speedway.
  10. Ski Loveland (for the quickest trip up to the slopes, and back).


 

  1. Take a carraige ride on the 16th Street Mall, Lodo, or all of downtown.
  2. Explore a real ghost town!  Take a drive on 285 towards Salida.  denver carriage rideTurn west at Nathrop to St Elmo.  Once there, explore the most preserved ghost town in Colorado.  Check in at the general store and rent some ATVs and take a ride up to Tincup Pass. 
  3. Ride the Amtrak California Zephyr train to Glenwood Springs.  The train travels through incredible scenery along the 5 hour journey, including a 6.2 mile trek through the pitch black Moffat tunnel.
  4. Walk, bike, or take a jog on the Highline Canal through Greenwood Village.
  5. Place a bet on your favorite horse at Arapahoe Park.
  6. Take your dog for a hike through beautiful Castlewood Canyon, and survey the remnants of this once former dam which burst decades ago.
  7. Dirt bike Grand Junction and the western slope.
  8. Backpack the Colorado Wilderness.
  9. Hike Rocky Mountain National Park and take a drive over Trail Ridge Road.  Before you leave the park, spend the night at the world famous Stanley Hotel (The Shining).
  10. Take a quick road trip down to Bent's Old Fort near La Junta, and right on the original Santa Fe Trail.


 

  1. Visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park (best time to go is May or June when the runoff is at its highest).sand dunes monument
  2. See Drums Along The Rockies at Mile High Stadium (SPF) in July.
  3. Schedule a Free Capitol Tour at the Colorado State Capitol building in downtown Denver.  Discover early Colorado history, the unique real gold-leafed dome construction, the beautiful stained-glass windows, and even stop to give your congress person a piece of your mind just outside the House and Senate chambers.  Tours require reservations.
  4. Stay a night or more in Downtown Denver during the winter holiday (Nov -Jan).  Be sure to see the evening Parade of Lights in early December.
  5. Explore Fulford Caves near Eagle Colorado.
  6. Drive the Grand Mesa & Colorado National Monument.
  7. Go see the one-of-a-kind Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Zoo near the Westminster Promenade.
  8. Take a drive on the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway.  The Lariat Loop is a 40-mile scenic trip in the foothills west of Denver, that explores the local foothills and communities.
  9. Car camp at Chatfield State Park and lake in SW Denver.  See spectacular view of the foothills, while watching hot air balloons, model airplances on their own runway, and many more reservoir activities.
  10. Bike Denver's 850 miles of off-road bike trails.  Among the best are the Highline Canal, Cherry Creek, the Platte River Greenway, and Waterton Canyon.


 

  1. Visit Mesa Verde National Park.  Just awesome!
  2. Visit Hudson Gardens gorgeous outdoor garden walks. Also a popular spot for their riverside café for bikers and hikers with coffees, drinks and deserts.mesa verde cliff palace
  3. Be sure to attend the Greeley Stampede and Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo's (early and late July).
  4. Do not miss the annual National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (January).  Spend a day exploring all of the livestock, petting zoos, exhibits, auctions, and more.
  5. Be a spectator at any Broncos football game.  See crazy locals at the Denver Broncos vs Oakland Raiders home game.
  6. Other popular local sporting venues include the Avs, Nuggets, or Colorado Rockies games (their family packs are great deals).
  7. Check out the St Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Denver.  This parade is one of the largest in the country, and do a bit o' irish for lunch.
  8. Drive down to Larkspur for the Colorado Renaissance Festival (June/July/early Aug).  This forested location in the Pike National Forest makes this renaissance fair the perfect setting for a 16th century artisan village. 
  9. Have a picnic at the Daniel's Park overlook in Douglas County, for sweeping views of the Colorado Front Range, Pikes Peak to Longs Peak and beyond.
  10. Drive the Top Of The Rockies Byway - A scenic drive through the changing aspens from Vail to Leadville, along the Tennessee Pass route (Vail, Minturn, Camp Hale, Leadville). 


 

  1. Enjoy a 3-Day weekend in Colorado SpringsPike's Peak Cog Railway, Garden of the Gods, Many Museums, Old Colorado City, Cave of the Winds, U. S. Air Force Academy, Broadmoor Hotel, World Ice Arena, Sky Sox Baseball, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and much more. Head over to Giuseppe's train depot for Pizza.Garden Of The Gods
  2. Rent a compound bow and some targets and spend the morning shooting archery at Bear Creek Lake Park.  More nearby Denver area archery ranges.
  3. Do not miss the Fraser Tubing Hill near Winter Park Resort in January or February.  Fantastic family fun, and cheap!
  4. Don't miss taking a peek at these fun Colorado Getaways.
  5. Take the kids to see Tiny Town in Morrison.
  6. Attend any one of dozens of world class concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater.  The best concert venue in the world, bar none!
  7. Take a Colorado road trip over the Labor Day weekend (tons of activities going on state-wide).
  8. Go window shopping during the Georgetown Christmas Market.  Take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad to Silver Plume and back.  Get homemade ice cream at the sweet shop.
  9. Tube down the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs in the summertime. 
  10. Climb any Colorado 14er.  There are 50 of them!


 

  1. Try a river rafting trip on the Colorado River or the Arkansas River.
  2. Go see John Elway.  You can see more about John and all the other Hall Of Fame Broncos, by taking an Invesco Field Tour.  colorado river raftingDid you know that the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum was located inside Invesco Field?  While there, you'll also get to view Thunder's stall (Bronco's mascot), and many other things that come into play during a live NFL game.  Take the Platte Valley Trolley from downtown to get there.
  3. Cabin Camping on Colorado's Grand Mesa.  The world's largest flattop mountain with over 200 lakes.
  4. Take an interactive Denver Story Trek Tour.  Explore the factual stories behind some of Denver’s most historic landmarks.   Choose from dozens of featured treks, then bike or drive to these landmarks for more discovery.
  5. Do a day hike up to Devil's Head overlook and enjoy the breathtaking views from the fire lookout for miles and miles.
  6. Explore all of the year-round events happening in Downtown Boulder and Pearl St Mall.  Head up to Boulder on Memorial Day to participate in, or watch, the annual Bolder Boulder footrace.
  7. Spend an evening bowling at Fat Cats near the Westminster Promenade, the Lucky Strike in Belmar, or the Bowling Bar at Fun City.
  8. Attend some of the greatest battles in Colorado football rivalry.  Air Force (versus Army or Navy) or CU Buffaloes (vs Nebraska or CSU), or CSU Rams (vs CU or Wyoming).
  9. Take the kids up to Colorado's own North Pole and Santa's Workshop (best time is a nice sunny day in November or December).
  10. Hang out in LODO (lower downtown) and experience the nightlife.  There is lots going on after a Rockies, Avalanche, or Broncos game.  Make advance reservations for a candlelight gondola ride along Cherry Creek.


 

  1. Ski and Snowboard Colorado Ski Country.  Check out the Snow Reports before you go.  Most popular Resort Areas:  A-Basin; Aspen-Snowmasscolorado skiBeaver Creek; Breckenridge; Cooper; Copper Mountain; Crested Butte; Eldora; Keystone; Loveland; Powderhorn; Purgatory; Steamboat; Sunlight; Telluride; Vail; Winter Park; Wolf Creek.
  2. Do a day hike in Roxborough Park or Mt Falcon Park.  Both known for their awesome views and panorama.
  3. Visit the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
  4. The first Tuesday of each month you can attend the Children's Museum for free. Inside, there are 11 interactive playscapes where children can shoot baskets, climb on an authentic fire engine, build toy railroads and go shopping in a mini-supermarket. Its a hands-on learning experience and an ideal destination for young children.
  5. Don't miss the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Gates Planetarium, and an Imax Experience.
  6. Want something different??  Attend the Rocky Mountain Color Guard Championship show (March-April).  You won't be disappointed with these creative and competitive performers!
  7. Spend an evening at the tables or slots in Central City and Blackhawk (it doesn't have to be new years eve).  Visit the town websites here: Central City and Blackhawk.  Take the casino shuttle up there.  Gets lots of freebies just for visiting each casino (get a players card at each one - good for discount buffets, free play, lodging, and more).  
  8. So you've always wondered if South Park was real.  You know, from the TV show!  Its real and alive right here in central Colorado, just an hour's drive from Denver.  Take hwy 285 past Conifer, Pine, and Kenosha Pass to get there.  See a map of South Park.
  9. Do the free Coors Brewery Tour in Golden.  Enjoy the complimentary samples of their chilled product.  Coors is the largest single-site brewery in the world.
  10. Summer fun awaits you at Adventure Mini-Golf at Hyland Hills (its the absolutely the best mini-golf anywhere)!  Go in the evening, after dusk, for the most fun on their unique mini-golf course (Jun-Aug).


 

  1. Do the Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo (Mid Dec - New Years).
  2. Attend the annual Parade of Homes (runs August through Labor Day).denver zoo
  3. Do the Taste Of Colorado over Labor Day weekend for food, bands, and fun.
  4. Bike Vail Pass from Frisco to Vail, and back.
  5. Head to Cherry Creek State Park for an afternoon of rifle or shotgun shooting at the Family Shooting Center.  Other Denver area shooting ranges, and these other Colorado hunting and shooting sports.  
  6. Try out the Wizards Chest Toy Store in Cherry Creek.  This is not your ordinary toy store..it's a fantastic, two-tiered, huge castle brimming with cool, unusual, and unique toys, puzzles, and you won't want to leave.
  7. Spend a day Snowmobiling in Colorado's backcountry.
  8. Peruse through the many shelves of the Tattered Cover Bookstore, with all its comfy atmosphere and helpful staff.  Enjoy your favorite brew while you browse.  Renowned for being one of the best book emporiums in the country.
  9. Attend any theatre or symphony performance at the Arts Complex in Downtown Denver.
  10. Take in the fireworks special at the Colorado Rockies or Colorado Rapids games (over the 4th of July holiday).


 

  1. Hit a round of golf at the spectacular and panoramic Willis Case Golf Course near the heart of Denver.  sanctuary golfThis is Denver's best value for scenery, price, and play!  Colorado has some of the most scenic golf courses in the world.  Try these other spectacular courses, Arrowhead, Fossil Trace, Redlands Mesa, Raven At Three Peaks, The Sanctuary, Bear Dance, among others.
  2. Not To See Elitches Is Not To See Denver (Elitch Gardens).
  3. View the elaborate holiday lighting on the Denver City and County Building (Dec-Jan).
  4. Snow sledding at Ruby Hill Park (Dec - Feb).
  5. Attend any concert or venue at intimate and glamorous Paramount Theatre in Denver.  The Paramount is on the National Register Of Historic Places, and is one of Denver's most vibrant venues, serving a wide variety of event and entertainment options.
  6. Spend a fun filled evening at Denver's own Comedy Works.
  7. Take a free tour of the United States Mint in Denver.  The Denver Mint produces 50 million coins every day!  Help the economy and buy a few souveniers from the gift shop when the tour is over.
  8. Drive the Mt Evans Scenic Byway, and do lunch at Beau Jo's pizza in Idaho Springs afterwards.  Order one of their mountain pies and you'll have lunches for a week!
  9. Head over to the popular Arvada Center for children's theatre, plays, and special concerts.
  10. Visit Byers-Evans House or the Molly Brown house when in town.  Both have a special Colorado history, High Teas, and other special events year round.


 

  1. Visit Ouray Colorado for its raw scenic beauty (the Switzerland of America), and take in more awesome scenery of the San Juan Skywayice climbing ouray Don't miss the great ice climbing in Ouray during the winter months.
  2. Take a ride over to the Colorado Railroad Museum on a 'Steam-Up' day.
  3. Enjoy a 3-hour lunch, or dinner, with the whole family at Casa Bonita.  Haven't been there yet...you'll be impressed!
  4. Stroll through Denver's Brown Palace Hotel while downtown.  Don't miss the winter Champagne Cascade, special Halloween Tours, or the Grand Champion Steer event in January.
  5. Walk or hike Eldorado Canyon State Park, just minutes from Boulder.  Take a dip in the 100 year old resort swimming pool while there.
  6. Run the family over to a Colorado drive-in theatre tonight.  Yes, they still do exist.  And, when you are on the western slope, check out the Star Drive-In, in Montrose
  7. Take a drive down Colorado's Highway 83 (Parker Rd) from Denver to Colorado Springs, with its incredible views of Pikes Peak and a drive through the Black Forest.
  8. Spend a week at a Colorado Dude Ranch.
  9. Drive up to Boulder to tour the National Center For Atmospheric Research.  They offer free daily tours (or a self-guided tours) of the NCAR labs.  Learn about our planet's changing climate and many severe weather phenomena.  Before you leave, have lunch in the NCAR cafeteria.
  10. Go Salmon fishing on Blue Mesa Reservoir.  When leaving, stop in Montrose for dinner and catch a movie at the old Fox Cinema on Cascade Avenue (get a balcony seat if you can).


 

  1. Dash through a winter wonderland on a horse drawn sleigh, through the beautiful Colorado snow.  Some have real Belgian Draft Horses.  sleigh ride horsesStay for dinner, or the weekend depending on where you go.  Check out Two Below Zero; Breck Sleigh Rides; Nordic Sleigh Rides; and 4 Eagle Ranch.
  2. Drive Independence Pass to or from Aspen.  Stop in Aspen to do a little star gazing!
  3. Bike, hike, skate, drive, raft, or ride the train through spectacular Glenwood Canyon with a hike up to Hanging Lake (a crystal-clear, turquoise blue lake atop the canyon).  While there, take the kids to visit Sioux Villa Curio shop in Glenwood Springs.  It's like none other souvenier shops.
  4. Camp in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.  Our favorite campsite is Reverend's Ridge.
  5. Spend a week (or weekend) fishing or hunting in Colorado.  We have some of the finest large and small game programs around the country.  See the Colorado Division of Wildlife page.  
  6. Take the kids to Heritage Square's alpine slide and mini amusement park.  Check out its many victorian-era shops.
  7. Spend a day at the Downtown Denver Aquarium.
  8. Mid to late August, drive to Pueblo for the Colorado State Fair, parade, rodeo, and carnival (August-Sept).  Take a look at their value day promos before you go.
  9. Climb REI's giant 45' rock climbing wall, The Pinnacle, at the downtown flagship store in the Platte River Valley.  REI is on of the Denver area's premier outdoor recreational retailers.
  10. Visit the Royal Gorge in Canon City.  While there, be sure to take a trek on the Royal Gorge Train Route (separate from the Royal Gorge itself)  They have dinner trains, murder mystery trains, and other special events all the time.  Advance reservations even permit some lucky kids to ride in the cab with the engineer.


 

  1. Ride the Narrow Gauge Train from Durango to Silverton.
  2. While in Southern Colorado, visit Bent's Old Fort located on the historic Santa Fe Trail.durango and silverton train
  3. Tour Dinosaur Ridge and have lunch or a cold beer in the Town of Morrison, afterwards.  It can get very busy in the summer, especially with the Red Rocks and biker crowds, so plan accordingly.
  4. Take a stroll through either the Santa Fe Art District, or the Tennyson Street Art Walk, or both, during their FREE First-Friday's art walks.  Walks are held every first Friday of the month.
  5. Take the Ski Train to Winter Park. Note: The Ski-Train may be discontinued!  Whaa!
  6. Do one of several Denver Walking Tours in the heart of the city, among other great activities.
  7. Skateboarders, don't miss the coolest and largest skateboarding park in the country, just a few minutes from downtown Denver.
  8. Hike or bike the 500 mile Colorado Trail.  Takes you all the way from Denver to Durango.
  9. See one of the most popular Corn Maze's in the country (Sept-Oct).
  10. Tour the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.  Enjoy a two-hour guided wildlife viewing, with wild buffalo, bald eagles, falcons, and a host of other species in their natural habitat. 


 

  1. Ski, swim, and stay at the World Famous Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs.  A fabulous Olympic sized pool with diving boards, a relaxing world class spa, and many more amenities.  glenwood hot springs poolAfter skiing  Sunlight, return to the pool to spend the evening in the hot springs spa, while the kids close down the pool.  Pool open till 10pm, sun or snow!
  2. Spend a relaxing, jazz filled evening, at the City Park Jazz Festival (Sunday evenings throughout the summer). 
  3. Slow down and enjoy an afternoon at the Denver Art Museum.  You know, its that fortress-like structure you see drivivng down 14th Avenue.  Inside, you'll see the world's greatest collection of Native American art and works from European masters. 
  4. Head over to the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival for tons of family fun, music, and food.  Down as much delicious olathe sweet corn on the cob as you can eat for about $12.
  5. We'll add more as we have time.  This list doesn't scratch the surface of all the great nightlife, clubs, museums, galleries, breweries, golf, and other popular attractions that living in the Denver area offers.

Other Great Fun In The Rocky Mountain Region

Coloradoan's enjoy many more places in the Rocky Mountain Region, like taking a quick 4-day road trip to the Black Hills, Yellowstone, or Moab.  Visit Mt Rushmore, the Grand Teton's, or Arches Nat'l Park, each within a 1/2 day's drive or less!


 

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