Taking a trip to Denver, Colorado, but not exactly sure what to do? We’ve got you covered! This sunny city is more than just its famous mountains. Filled with attractions and activities for tourists of all ages, expect only the most amazing bars, art museums, and indoor and outdoor activities. You’ll never run out of adventure in this city. The best part is that all of these are budget-friendly. You might have to purchase some tours/tickets along the way, but they’re affordable if not free. Stay for a few days or two, and go explore what this city has to offer. Keep on reading for our list of things to do in Denver, Colorado!
1. Explore the house of philanthropist Margaret in Molly Brown House Museum
This historic museum has been around for more than 50 years and witnesses a whopping footfall of 10,000 schoolchildren every year.
Through guided tours around the museum, it achieves its mission of educating the future generation about Margaret Molly Brown’s activism and philanthropy. Her life experiences are documented in detail in a scrapbook that belonged to Margaret’s niece, Helen Tobin Kosure. It contains events from one of the busiest periods in her life when Helen traveled extensively with her which helps us in understanding the values and ideals of the philanthropist. You can buy a ticket to the museum and spend a good time on a self-guided tour exploring the interesting relics in the 16 rooms of the house!
Molly Brown House Museum
Address: 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203, United States
Website: Molly Brown House Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 16 USD
2. Enjoy theater at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
One of the nation’s largest non-profit theater organizations, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) entertains its viewers with an impressive range of theatrical shows. Ranging from family-friendly plays and comedies to dramas and musicals, it wows us with superb performances by the artists.
Apart from enjoying shows, if you are someone who loves theater and wants to take it up as a profession, you can join adult classes. You will find teachers who can make your first experience on stage feel like a breeze.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 1400 Curtis Street Denver Colorado 80204
Website: Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 30 USD - 100 USD
3. Learn about fire safety in the Denver Firefighters Museum
With a mission to preserve the history of the Denver Fire Department, the museum showcases through its collection an array of artifacts, documents, and photographs. In order to educate the public about fire safety and the history of firefighting in Denver, the team organizes guided tours that take you through interpretive exhibits.
The dedicated team designs programs to provide us with an in-depth understanding on how fire safety and prevention can directly affect our daily lives. It must be noted that food and drinks are not allowed inside the premises with the exception of sealed baby bottles and water.
Denver Firefighters Museum
Address: 1326 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Website: Denver Firefighters Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 9 USD
4. Have a fun ride with the little ones in Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This theme and water park is a must-visit if you are touring Denver with the little ones. Along with a slew of interesting thrill and water rides, you can also spend a great day shopping for swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses from the Island Kingdom Surf Shop. Kids can have their faces painted and look like their favorite superhero, animal, or a Disney princess for the day.
You can refuel your energies and recharge by digging into chicken tenders, pizza, salads, and wraps at the onsite eatery. Don’t miss visiting the candy shop for indulging that sweet tooth.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Address: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Website: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Price: 49.99 USD
5. Sample local cuisine on this walking food tour
If you like sampling various cuisines of a place while listening to its history, then this walking food tour is tailor-made. A guide who loves his food accompanies you to some of the award-winning restaurants in downtown Denver. You can polish off some of the most delicious wood-fired pizza, Colorado pork green chili, and fresh empanadas while listening to amusing anecdotes about the city’s history.
If you’re looking for the best way to explore Denver’s culinary scene, this 5-star rated tour is for you.
Book Tours : Downtown Denver Food Tour
6. Be dazzled in this light show of lasers
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable event, this light show inside a church promises a great time with family and friends.
Guests can enjoy rock music amid laser lights that create a magical atmosphere. The ticket also grants you access to other areas of the church, including the art gallery, movie theater, and Gandhi Garden. The little ones are guaranteed a good time in the church’s retro lounge. Be sure to take pictures in the many Instagram-worthy spots around the church.
Book Tours : BEYOND Light Show & Meditation
7. Sip on a tall glass of beer amid the Rocky Mountains
Fancy enjoying a glass of craft beer amid the Rocky Mountains? On this one-of-a-kind beer tour, you will get to stop by some of the best breweries in the area.
Guests can reach Union Station from where the journey starts. The car makes a stop in a mining town. You can pick up a cold beer from a local craft brewery in the town before hopping inside the car again. It then takes you to the majestic Bear Creek Canyon, which is at the base of the Rockies, where you can enjoy a refreshing beer while driving along the picturesque Lariat Loop.
Book Tours : Brews & Views
8. Go on a historic walking tour
If you like history, then this walking tour through the old streets of Lower Downtown (LoDo) is perfect for you. Guests start the tour from the meeting point at Union Station on Wynkoop Street. A guide then accompanies them through the tour while sharing exciting stories about landmark buildings with special recommendations on food and drinks.
Keep your camera ready for pictures as you deep-dive into some of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, such as Hop Alley and the vibrant Dairy Block. The guide also takes you through Coors Field and Larimer Square, telling you who shaped Denver and how. The Oxford Hotel, the oldest functioning hotel in the city, is also a great stopover.
Book Tours : 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver
9. Learn about the haunted places in Denver
For the brave souls looking for some little adventure, challenge yourself on an evening tour in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and try not to get creeped out! Learn about all the haunted places in the city and let your guide take you through the dark streets, spooky mansions, and historic scandals that you might even witness some paranormal activity while you’re there. Note that the tour is best for ages nine and up and for the physically fit as it can get pretty intense.
Book Tours : Twilight Ghost Tour
10. Experience indoor skydiving at iFly Denver
Feeling a little brave? Try skydiving indoors! Enjoy a small-group training session with your friends and get ready to fly above the clouds. For as fast as 175 mph (282 kph), let the fast winds exhilarate you and feel the thrill with the 60-second free fall sessions with your personal guide. You can choose a time that works for your since sessions are available from 9am to 10pm. Wear your comfortable clothes and shoes and get ready for some serious aerial adventure! The best part of this is that it is indoors and very safe.
11. See taxidermied animals at Buckhorn Exchange
If you don’t mind having some taxidermied animals watch you as you eat, then a trip to Buckhorn Exchange is a must. The Buckhorn Exchange is the city’s oldest and most exotic steakhouse that serves the menu like no other. Here you can order cooked rattlesnake, alligator tail, buffalo sausage, pheasant, Rocky Mountain Oysters (bull testicles), and many more. You can also enjoy the unique view of animal trophies and stuffed animals decorating the restaurant. Be sure to take plenty of pictures while you are at it!
Buckhorn Exchange
Address: 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204, USA
Website: Buckhorn Exchange
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 5pm - 9pm
12. Visit Fifty Two 80's A Totally Awesome Shop
Travel back to the ‘80s and visit the Fifty Two 80’s A Totally Awesome Shop. This unique shop is filled with collectibles, toys, and memorabilia from the 80s and is every vintage collector’s dream come true. Check out their selection and get to score vintage items for a much lower price. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, we still recommend you pass by and take a trip down memory lane.
Fifty Two 80's A Totally Awesome Shop
Address: 1874 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210, USA
Website: Fifty Two 80’s A Totally Awesome Shop
Opening hours: Wed-Fri: 12pm - 6pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
13. Enjoy a walk in Larimer Square
There’s nothing more magical than just enjoying a walk in Larimer Square. This iconic block pegged as “where Denver began” is home to the best restaurants, shops, and bars in all of downtown Denver. As the city’s first local historic district, you are sure to hear stories of how this place was once filled with century-old buildings and small dusty sidewalks. If you’re new to Denver, going to Larimer Square is a must! We highly recommend also that you visit after the sun goes out to see the lights.
Larimer Square
Address: 1530 16th Street, 3rd Floor, Denver Colorado 80202
Website: Larimer Square
14. Go rock climbing in Colorado's Front Range
Known for its mountains, this sunny city has all the mountains and rocks one can climb. If you’re looking for an outside adventure, it’s no question you have to go rock climbing. Expect to take the most scenic views–both in the mountains and city–and climb real rock cliffs. The best part? You don’t need experience to try. The tour is done by professional climbers who will guide and make sure you feel safe and comfortable during the whole trip.
Book Tours : Rock-Climbing Adventure in Colorado's Front Range
15. Visit some trendy bars in the city
It’s not a Denver experience without some drinks! Take the Cocktails and Tastes Tour and have a drink in some of the trendiest bars in the city. There’s no need for guessing as you’ll be served with only the best drinks (five different cocktails) at downtown’s best watering holes and restaurants. You’ll also get to visit hotels, eateries, and transformed historic buildings that serve cocktail samples and gourmet bites. This is the perfect tour for those who love to get to know Denver by their drinks while making friends along the way.
Book Tours : Denver Cocktails Tour
16. Learn axe throwing
Try not to laugh, but have you ever heard of axe throwing? Well, in Denver, you can now actually learn the sport of throwing an axe. It is known as a Canadian backyard pastime that is gaining popularity within other communities as well. It may sound a little dangerous but with the help of the axe throwing coaches, you’re sure to learn how to safely hit the bull’s eye without any trouble. This is perfect for those who are looking for something different yet fun!
Book Tours : Bad Axe Throwing Denver (North)
17. Explore the Denver Art Museum
Those who love art should go to Denver’s Art Museum. Explore the Mile-High City and visit all the top tourist attractions, with Denver’s Art Museum being one of them. Get to see over 70,000 works of art in one of the biggest museums in the West Coast. You’ll also get to visit the city’s other highlights such as the State Capital, the United States Mint, the Denver Art Museum, 16th Street Mall, and Larimer Square. The tour is fun and informative and perfect for those who are traveling to the city for the first time.
Book Tours : Denver City Highlights Tour
18. Tour Denver on Motor Scooters
Explore the city with style and take a trip downtown Denver on a motor! This small group tour comes with a local guide who will take you to the favorite tourist places like the Confluence Park, Lower Downtown (LoDo), National Velvet, LoHi, Denver Highlands, Colorado Convention Center, Coors Field, and Denver Union Station, etc. You’ll get to learn about the city’s history and architecture in a fun and fast-paced manner. Please note that for safety and legal purposes, you have to be above 18 years old and with a valid driver’s license to do so. Participants also must understand English since the guided training and instructions are done and given in English.
Book Tours : Denver Guided Sightseeing Tour on Motor Scooters
Have an unforgettable time in Denver, Colorado
There’s always plenty to do in this city. You can brave the haunted mansions, try outdoor activities, visit the trendiest bars and the well-lit historic block downtown, explore the city by foot or in a motor, or take a trip down memory lane. You can even learn something new like axe throwing or rock climbing. Whatever it is, the city of Denver has it for you. These budget-friendly activities are sure to make your stay one for the books. Be sure to plan your itinerary and try the activities in our list of things to do in Denver, Colorado!
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