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 osm outdoor activities, such as visiting the Denver Zoo and Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as indoor activities, such as visits to the Denver Center and the United States Mint for the Performing Arts. There are plenty of things to do in Denver Colorado.
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 what interests you have, the preponderance of things to do in Denver, Colorado, and near Denver will keep you entertained tomorrow and on 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-have thing to do in Denver, Colorado!! With its stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and diverse hiking trails, it’s a popular destination spot. The Trading Post Trail seems like a perfect choice for a short but rewarding hike, all visitors to immerse themselves in the destination park.
Stopping by the visitor center beforehand is a wise move; getting some background information on the park’s history and trails can enhance the overall experience. Plus, it’s helpful to have some guidance before setting out on a hike.
Address: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy
Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
#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 from all over the world, while another lets you explore outer space. Families love visiting the museum, but some adults without kids might find the exhibits a bit too basic. Still, and 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 a fun-with-learn kind of thing to do in Denver, Colorado.
Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd.
Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
#3 Denver’s Union Station
Denver’s Union Station is a popular spot 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 still stands today. Serving as an Amtrak hub and bus concourse, Union Station is situated in the trendy Lower Downtown neighborhood, known as LoDo. Alongside its transportation services, the station boasts various dining options, boutiques, and even hosts The Crawford Hotel. Hence it is actually one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
Address: 1701 Wynkoop St.
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
#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 colorful lights, sounds, and things you can touch and play with. The main attraction is the Convergence Station, which is like a station for traveling between different universes. Similar Meow Wolf locations can be found in places like Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico. So, visiting Meow Wolf Denver should be top of your list of things to do in Denver, Colorado.
Address: 1338 1st St.
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
#5 Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is like a mini safari with over 4,000 animals from all over the world. Spread across 80 acres, you can see tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, and orangutans among others. There are different areas to explore, like Predator Ridge for African animals, Primate Panorama for monkeys, and Tropical Discovery for colorful 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, it’s a big place, so plan enough time to see everything and try out one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado!
Address: 2300 Steele St.
Time to spend: Half Day to Full Day
#6 Downtown Aquarium
At the Downtown Aquarium, you can explore more than 500 species of animals, including tigers, across various habitats both underwater and on land. The aquarium offers interactive experiences like touching stingrays, watching 4D movies, and even diving with sharks. Kids have plenty of options too, from overnight stays to summer camps. They can become marine biologists for a day, meeting deep-sea creatures, or zoologists, learning to handle and train land animals. It’s a thing to do in Denver, Colorado for both learning and fun!
Address: 700 Water St.
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
#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 a wide range of art, from ancient artifacts to modern pieces. A highlight is its collection of western American art spanning two centuries. Visitors love the diverse collections and interactive activities for kids. It’s a must-visit spot in Denver, often included in city tours and one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado.
Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy.
Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
#8 16th Street Mall
Take a stroll along this mile-long pedestrian mall in downtown Denver, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, entertainment, and more. It runs from Union Station to the Colorado State Capitol, passing attractions like the Denver Performing Arts Complex and Larimer Square. Along the way, you’ll also come across the Denver Pavilions, a shopping and dining complex with theaters and events. With over 40 outdoor cafes and a variety of eateries, there’s plenty to satisfy your appetite as you explore and experience fun things to do in Denver, Colorado.
Address: 16th Street
Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
#9 Coors Field
Coors Field, located in Denver’s LoDo district, is home to 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 both kids and adults. If you’re sans children, 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 this one of fun things to do in Denver, Colorado, the on-site SandLot brewery for some indoor fun.
Address: 2001 Blake St.
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
#10 Washington Park
Washington Park, located south of downtown Denver, is beloved by both 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 of which replicates 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 prefer lounging on the grass or engaging in things to do in Denver, Colorado Wash Park has something for everyone. You can enjoy the park’s 10 tennis courts, rent boats for the lakes, or visit the recreation center, which includes a pool and hosts fitness classes and swim lessons.
Address: South Downing Street & East Louisiana Avenue
Time to spend: 2 hours to Half Day
#11 Larimer Square
In 1858, gold was discovered at the base of the Rocky Mountains by a group of settlers, sparking a migration westward after news reached the East Coast. This led to the establishment of Auraria, which eventually evolved into the charming neighborhood known today as Larimer Square. Despite Denver’s growth, Larimer Square remains the heart of the city, offering a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops.
It’s often considered the ideal starting point for exploring Denver and is a highlight on many city tours. Before heading there, it’s worth checking out the Larimer Square website for a list of local businesses, upcoming events, and helpful maps to navigate the dining, shopping, and entertainment options available. It is one of the amazing things to do in Denver, Colorado.
Address: Larimer Square
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
