Explore Colorado’s capital and largest city, Denver, provides mile-high fun and 300 days of sunshine to its residents and visitors throughout the year. Denver is open to outdoor activities, such as visiting the Denver Zoo and Rocky Mountain National Park and indoor activities, such as visits to the Denver Center and the United States Mint for the Performing Arts. Denver, Colorado, offers a wide variety of activities.
More attractions can be conveniently accessed in downtown Denver, while others are worth the drive or the public transportation necessary to reach there. Regardless of your interests, the preponderance of things to do in Denver, Colorado and near Denver will keep you entertained tomorrow and other days.
List of Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado in 2024
#1 Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Park sounds like a fantastic destination for nature lovers and a must-do thing in Denver, Colorado!! Its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and diverse hiking trails make it a popular destination spot. The Trading Post Trail is perfect for a short but rewarding hike, allowing all visitors to immerse themselves in the destination park.
Stopping by the visitor centre beforehand is wise; getting background information on the park’s history and trails can enhance the overall experience. Plus, having a guide before setting out on a hike is helpful.
- Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465, United States
- Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
- Phone No: +17208652494
- Official Website: https://www.redrocksonline.com/
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#2 Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a fantastic place for people of all ages to learn and explore. It has exhibits on lots of different topics like dinosaurs, mummies, animals, rocks, health, and space. One popular exhibit shows habitats with animals worldwide, while another lets you explore outer space. Families love visiting the museum, but some adults without kids might find the exhibits too basic. Still, all visitors are amazed by the gems and minerals exhibit, which has cool stuff like a big piece of gold found in 1887. Visiting the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
- Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, United States
- Phone No: +13033706000
- Timings: Monday-Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Official Website: https://www.dmns.org/
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#3 Denver’s Union Station
Denver’s Union Station is a popular destination for dining and shopping. Originally opening in 1881, it faced a setback when part of it burned down in 1894. However, the station was rebuilt in 1914, and its historic architecture remains.
Serving as an Amtrak hub and bus concourse, Union Station is situated in the trendy Lower Downtown neighbourhood known as LoDo. Alongside its transportation services, the station boasts various dining options and boutiques and hosts The Crawford Hotel. Hence, it is one of the best things in Denver, Colorado.
- Address: Denver, CO 80202, USA
- Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#4 Meow Wolf Denver
If you love interactive art experiences, you’ll have a blast at Meow Wolf Denver. It’s like a mix of a museum, a haunted house, an amusement park, and a movie set, all in one huge space. Spread over four floors, there are over 70 unique installations with colourful lights, sounds, and things you can touch and play with.
The main attraction is the Convergence Station, a station for travelling between different universes. Similar Meow Wolf locations are in Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico. So, visiting Meow Wolf Denver should be at the top of your list of best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
- Address: 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204, United States
- Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Phone No: +18666369969
- Timings: Monday: 12–9 pm, Tuesday: 12–9 pm, Wednesday: 12–9 pm, Thursday: 12–9 pm, Friday: 11 am–10 pm, Saturday: 11 am–10 pm, Sunday: 12–9 pm
- Official Website: Meow Wolf Denver
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#5 Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is like a mini safari with over 4,000 animals from all over the world. Covering 80 acres, you can see various animals, including tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, and orangutans. There are different areas to explore, like Predator Ridge for African animals, Primate Panorama for monkeys, and Tropical Discovery for colourful creatures.
You can also visit the nursery and enjoy rides on the train and carousel. It’s a good idea to check out feeding times when staff give talks about the animals. Just remember that it’s a large venue, so allocate enough time to explore everything and enjoy one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado!
- Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, United States
- Time to spend: Half Day to Full Day
- Phone No: +17203371400
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Official Website: https://denverzoo.org/
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
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#6 Downtown Aquarium
At the Downtown Aquarium, you can explore more than 500 species of animals, including tigers, across various habitats underwater and on land. The aquarium offers interactive experiences like touching stingrays, watching 4D movies, and diving with sharks. Kids have plenty of options, too, from overnight stays to summer camps.
They can become marine biologists daily, meeting deep-sea creatures or zoologists and learning to handle and train land animals. It’s one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado, for both learning and fun!
- Address: 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211, United States
- Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Phone No: +13035614450
- Timings: Monday: 10 am–8:30 pm, Tuesday: 10 am–8:30 pm, Wednesday: 10 am–8:30 pm, Thursday: 10 am–8:30 pm, Friday: 10 am–10 pm, Saturday: 10 am–10 pm, Sunday: 10 am–8 pm
- Official Website: http://www.downtownaquarium.com/
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#7 Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is home to over 70,000 artworks from famous artists like Van Gogh and Homer. It’s split into two buildings and covers various art, from ancient artefacts to modern pieces.
A key feature is its extensive collection of Western American art, which has existed for two centuries. Visitors appreciate the diverse exhibits and interactive activities for children. It’s a must-visit destination in Denver, is frequently included in city tours, and is one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
- Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, United States
- Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
- Phone No: +17208655000
- Timings: Monday-Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM except Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Official Website: https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#8 16th Street Mall
Stroll along this mile-long pedestrian mall in downtown Denver, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, entertainment, and more. It travels from Union Station to the Colorado State Capitol, passing landmarks like the Denver Performing Arts Complex and Larimer Square.
You’ll also come across the Denver Pavilions, a shopping and dining complex with theatres and events. With over 40 outdoor cafes and a variety of eateries, there’s plenty to satisfy your appetite as you explore and experience best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
- Address: 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80265, United States
- Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
- Phone No: +13035346161
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Official Website: https://www.the16thstreetmall.com/
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#9 Coors Field
Coors Field, situated in Denver’s LoDo district, is the home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. The stadium covers a massive 76 acres and can seat over 50,000 fans. While catching a game is the main draw, there’s more to enjoy beyond baseball. The Interactive Area offers activities like video batting cages and the Speed Pitch area, perfect for kids and adults.
If you’re without kids, head to the Rooftop, a spacious platform with great views of the field and downtown Denver, where you can also sample local brews. In case of bad weather, check out one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado, the on-site SandLot brewery, for some indoor fun.
- Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, United States
- Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Phone No: +13032920200
- Official Website: https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#10 Washington Park
Washington Park, located south of downtown Denver, is beloved by locals and visitors for its vast amenities and inviting atmosphere. Spanning 155 acres, this expansive park features numerous jogging paths, two large lakes, and two formal gardens, one replicating George Washington’s Mount Vernon gardens. Known affectionately as “Wash Park,” it’s a popular destination for weekend outings due to its diverse offerings.
Whether you enjoy relaxing on the grass or participating in various activities, Wash Park in Denver has something for everyone. You can enjoy the park’s 10 tennis courts, rent boats for the lakes, or visit the recreation centre, which includes a pool and hosts fitness classes and swim lessons.
- Address: 1073 S Downing St, Denver, CO 80209, United States
- Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
#11 Larimer Square
In 1858, a group of settlers discovered gold at the base of the Rocky Mountains, sparking a migration westward after news reached the East Coast. It led to the establishment of Auraria, which eventually evolved into the charming neighbourhood known today as Larimer Square. Despite Denver’s growth, Larimer Square remains the city’s heart, offering many restaurants, bars, and shops.
Often regarded as the perfect starting point for exploring Denver, Larimer Square is a key highlight on many city tours. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to check the Larimer Square website for a list of local businesses, upcoming events, and helpful maps to navigate the dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It’s one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado
- Address: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, United States
- Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
- Phone No: +17208051973
- Timings: Monday: 10 am–9 pm, Tuesday: 10 am–9 pm, Wednesday: 10 am–9 pm, Thursday: 10 am–9 pm, Friday: 10 am–9 pm, Saturday: 10 am–11 pm, Sunday: 11 am–7 pm
- Official Website: http://larimersquare.com/
- Google Maps Directions: Get Directions
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