Denver is the capital of the state of Colorado and is known for its strategic location on the western edge of the Great Plains, east of the Rocky Mountains. The city offers visitors various immersive and thrilling outdoor activities.7 Fascinating and Memorable Things to do in Denver Denver is the capital of the state of Colorado and is known for its strategic location on the western edge of the Great Plains, east of the Rocky Mountains. The city offers visitors various immersive and thrilling outdoor activities.
Denver is the capital of the state of Colorado and is known for its strategic location on the western edge of the Great Plains, east of the Rocky Mountains. The city offers visitors various immersive and thrilling outdoor activities.
From its culture of breweries to exquisite ski resorts, here are the top seven fantastic things to do in Denver that you cannot miss on your upcoming trip to the city:
1. Explore the natural haven at the Denver Botanic Gardens!
Visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the things to do in Denver and is a botanical paradise encompassing 50 distinct gardens covering 24 acres, from the traditional Japanese garden to the colorful South African Plaza.
Go for a guided tour to experience the flora and the art or walk around yourself. Prepare for an escape into the natural expanse of beauty!
Timing: Sunday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Cost: Infants (ages under 2 years): Free of charge; Children (ages 3 to 15 years) and Students: Prices start at $11; Seniors (ages 65+ years), Military, and Veterans: Prices start at $11.50; Adults (ages 16+ years): Prices start at $15
Contact: +1 720-865-3500
Location: 1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206
Website: Botanic Gardens
Specialty: A renowned botanical and public garden spanning over 24 acres and featuring a diverse collection of plants worldwide.
Best nearby: Cheesman Park.
Must-try: Check out the "Herbaria & Arthropod Collections."
2. Unfold the mysteries and experience the thrill at the escape rooms!
Escape rooms are one of the exciting things to do in Denver. You will step inside a themed space and must quickly look for clues and puzzles to solve in time and escape!
Moreover, you can host private events like birthdays, family get-togethers, and team-building sessions at the escape rooms in Denver to turn the fun up a notch!
Website: List of Escape Rooms in Denver
Blog: Top 10 amazing escape rooms in Denver
Must-try: Blackbeard's Brig by Escape Works Denver.
3. Catch a live performance at the breathtakingly beautiful Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
Despite being located about 15 miles west of Denver, visiting the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is one of the most popular things to do in Denver! Here, you can experience the magic of a concert alongside the breathtaking sunset views over the red rocks and city skyline.
It spans 700 acres and showcases the striking transition from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. The majestic atmosphere and excellent acoustics make it a must-visit!
Timing: Varies based on shows.
Cost: Concert ticket prices vary based on demand.
Contact: +1 720-865-2494
Location: 18300 W Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465
Website: Red Rocks Online
Specialty: A world-renowned outdoor concert venue known for its spectacular and gigantic red sandstone formations.
Best nearby: North Dinosaur Park.
Must-try: Watch a live concert.
4. Check out the immersive and spectacular exhibits at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the best things to do in Denver. There are exhibits with various kinds of bones of ancient dinosaurs and other anthropological specimens, such as mummies of ancient Egyptians.
Families usually love the animal zone, which comprises 90 habitat scenes that exhibit wildlife worldwide. Discover the joys of science through a fun event where family members, friends, and anyone in general will be excited!
Timing: Sunday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Friday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm; and Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Cost: Infants (ages under 2 years): Free of charge; Children (ages 3 to 18 years): Prices start at $14.95; Adults (ages 18+ years): Prices start at $19.95; Seniors (ages 65+ years): Prices start at $16.95
Contact: +1 303-370-6000
Location: 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80205
Website: DMNS
Specialty: A vast-spread museum featuring wildlife dioramas, gems, minerals, mummies, and dinosaurs, housing a planetarium and hosting lecturing and IMAX films.
Best nearby: Denver Zoo.
Must-try: Watch an IMAX Film and explore the prehistoric exhibits.
5. Explore the historicity of the Denver Union Station.
Denver Union Station, a historic gem since 1881, seamlessly blends transit hub functionality with trendy dining and shopping in LoDo. As an Amtrak hub today, it's also home to boutiques, multiple dining options, and The Crawford Hotel.
While the bars and restaurants are top-notch, savvy travelers recommend hitting happy hour for budget-friendly things to do in Denver!
Timing: Open 24 hours.
Cost: Prices start at $3
Contact: +1 303-592-6712
Location: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
Website: Denver Union Station
Specialty: A transportation hub and historic landmark in the city.
Best nearby: Commons Park.
Must-try: Check out the boutiques and restaurants.
6. Marvel at the art installations at Meow Wolf Denver!
Step into the imaginative wonderland of Meow Wolf Denver, a 90,000-square-foot blend of a contemporary art museum, a haunted house, and an amusement park. Spread across four stories, it hosts over 70 interactive installations, including the awe-inspiring Convergence Station-a multiverse transit hub.
Explore the Galleri Gallery featuring local artists and catch live performances at The Perplexiplex, making it one of the must-try things to do in Denver!
Timing: Sunday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm - Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
Cost: Prices start at $40
Contact: +1 866-636-9969
Location: 1338 1st Street, Denver, CO 80204
Website: Meow Wolf
Specialty: An interactive exhibition featuring 70+ immersive displays based on the theme of multiversal travel.
Best nearby: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.
Must-try: Explore the Galleri Gallery.
7. Meet the aquatic animals at the Downtown Aquarium.
Dive into the wonders of the Downtown Aquarium, where over 500 fascinating creatures, including underwater and land animals, await your discovery. From Stingray Reef touch tanks to thrilling shark cage experiences, this AZA-accredited gem offers much more than meets the eye.
Don't miss the Aquarium Restaurant, where you can dine surrounded by a 50,000-gallon aquarium, home to mesmerizing underwater life - maybe even catch a glimpse of a mermaid!
Timing: Sunday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm; Monday - Thursday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm; and Friday and Saturday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Cost: Infants (ages under 2 years): Free of charge; Children (ages 3 to 11 years): Prices start at $26.99; Adults (ages 12+ years): Prices start at $32.99; Seniors (ages 65+ years): Prices start at $31.99
Contact: +1 303-561-4450
Location: 700 Water Street, Denver, CO 80211
Website: Aquarium Restaurants
Specialty: A renowned public aquarium and restaurant housing 5,000 animals across nine exhibits.
Best nearby: Elitch Gardens.
Must-try: Check out the Stingray Reef touch tank.
These are the top seven things to do in Denver on your upcoming trip to the city. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the vibrancy of life and activities in Denver!