Have you ever been to the Mile High City? Denver in Colorado is known as the Mile High City because it is exactly 1 mile (1.6 km) above sea level – how cool is that? If you’re visiting this city anytime soon, then there is so much for you to do and see. You can head to the Denver Zoo, visit the ultramodern Denver Art Museum to view some exquisite artwork, or spend a fun day at Elitch Gardens! It doesn’t matter if you’re going to Denver for just a day or one whole week – you’ll always have something to keep you busy. To help you with that, here is a list of all the things to do in Downtown Denver, Colorado during your stay.
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1. Browse through the mindblowing exhibits at Denver Museum of Nature and Science
From IMAX videos to various events, there is so much to explore at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science! Do you want to see dinosaur fossils and martian canyons? Do you want to visit a planetarium and the Space Odyssey area? Then the Denver Museum of Nature and Science should be on your list of things to do in Downtown Denver. To check out the event schedules and the list of exhibitions which are on display during your visit, check out the website.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Website: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 19.95 USD
2. Encounter marine life at Downtown Aquarium
Whether you are visiting Denver with your family or friends, you have to head to Downtown Aquarium. This state-of-the-art aquarium has over 500 different species of aquatic life! You are basically going to be surrounded by this never-ending floor-to-ceiling aquarium and you’ll get to view these various species in their natural habitat. There is also a really interesting shark cage experience which you must go for when you visit. Also, don’t forget to check the schedule for the mermaid show before you visit!
Downtown Aquarium
Address: 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211, USA
Website: Downtown Aquarium
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9:30pm
Price: 22.99 USD
3. Reignite your love for art at Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, as the name suggests, is THE museum for fine art in Denver. This museum actually houses the original studio as well as the art school building of the famous Vance Kirkland. This museum has three principal collections, which are the international decorative arts collection, the regional Colorado collection, and the Kirkland retrospective collection. If you’re a fan of mid-century artwork, then you must head here.
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Address: 1201 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204, USA
Website: Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD
4. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is basically the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Denver of the Roman Catholic Church. What makes this cathedral special is the French-style Gothic architecture! If you notice carefully, the cathedral building itself is in the shape of a Latin cross. This cathedral is known for its beautiful stained glasses and all-white interiors. It is an architectural gem–it doesn’t matter if you have any interest in architecture or not, this place should be on your list of things to do in Downtown Denver.
Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Address: 1530 Logan St, Denver, CO 80203, USA
5. Have a good time at Civic Centre Park
Civic Centre Park is the main park in the Civic Centre area of Denver. This park is known for its intricate statutes, various fountains and one big Greek amphitheatre. This park is also a popular spot for music festivals and other such concerts! Fitness events, food events, and musical events take place at this famous park – do check out their Facebook page to know more about the events which are taking place during your stay. Don’t forget to grab a bite from one of the many food trucks parked around.
Civic Centre Park
Address: Colfax and Bannock, Denver, Colorado 80202
Website: Civic Centre Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Breathe in some fresh air in the lush greenery of Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens are huge public botanical gardens which are spread out in 23 acres (9.3 hectares). With plants from all corners of the world, very distinctive theme gardens with distinct levels and separate sections as well as a sunken amphitheatre, these gardens should definitely be on your list of things to do in Downtown Denver! From water lilies in full bloom to a Japanese garden, you will feel like you’re getting a botanical tour of the world! Check out their website to know about the various events that take place here.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
Website: Denver Botanic Gardens
Opening hours:Tue - Thu, Sat - Sun: 9am - 8pm; Mon, Fri: 9am - 3pm
Price: 12.50 USD
7. Spend a relaxing afternoon at Denver Beer Co.
Denver Beer Co. is a famous local brewery which is visited frequently by locals and tourists alike. This brewery serves only premium artisan ales and lagers - so you know the beer here is first class! Here, you can have some of their old tried and tested beers or you can surprise yourself by trying one of their new concoctions! Make sure you try their beer samplers to figure out which beer you’re going to be drinking all day long while chilling in the beer garden. They also conduct some interesting beer and workout workshops – check these and other such events out on their website!
Denver Beer Co.
Address: 1695 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Website: Denver Beer Co.
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
Price: 5 - 10 USD
8. Discover the colossal Denver Art Museum
Denver Art Museum is another great museum that you should visit while you’re staying here. Located in the Civic Centre, you can head to this museum after you’ve had a relaxing day at Civic Centre Park – the museum building is something you just cannot miss. This museum has works of over 70,000 world-renowned and local artists! This museum has different exhibitions that are setup regularly so make sure to check their website to know about the exhibitions that will be on display during your visit. Let your kids explore their inner artists with the Free for Kids program where they have free access to thousands of artwork!
Denver Art Museum
Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, USA
Website: Denver Art Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm
Price: 10 - 13 USD
9. Catch a spectacular game of baseball at Coors Field
Coors Field is a baseball park in Denver, the home field for the home team Colorado Rockies! This baseball park was opened in 1995. Since Denver is filled with baseball fans, it is but obvious that you should go catch a game of baseball here! You can easily check the baseball schedule online and even buy tickets for the game from the website! PS, you can even rent a party space here if you decide to have a fun party after a good game.
Coors Field
Address: 2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Website: Coors Field
Opening hours: Depends on event
Price: Depends on event
10. Witness power-packed performances at Colorado Convention Center
Colorado Convention Center, as the name suggests, is a multipurpose centre right in the heart of Downtown Denver. It s actually one of the largest convention centres in the USA – the 12th largest! It has ballrooms, a tech centre, a garden centre, various meeting rooms, and the famous Bellco Theatre. Events like wellness festivals, college programs, live shows, music nights, and various concerts also take place here. You can check the list of events online and even book the tickets for the same on the website. PS, don’t miss the famous blue bear statue outside the centre.
Colorado Convention Center
Address: 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
Website: Colorado Convention Center
Opening hours: Depends on event
Price: Depends on event
11. Go for a scenic bike ride around Sloan’s Lake Park
Sloan’s Lake Park is the second-largest park in Denver – so of course, this park should be on your list of things to do here! This park has a lake where you can happily spend your afternoon boating. You can also enjoy a scenic bike ride here, find a nice shady spot to enjoy a family picnic, or get a quick workout with a jog at the park. Spread across 177 acres (71.6 hectares), you can happily spend a lazy afternoon at this beautiful park.
Sloan’s Lake Park
Address: 1700 N Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80212, USA
Website: Sloan’s Lake Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
Price: Free
12. See the spectacular Colorado State Capitol
Colorado State Capitol is the home of the Colorado General Assembly. This building houses the governing body, the Denver senate, and the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. Here, you can easily access public information related to the Colorado state or simply just enjoy a free tour of the place. Don’t forget to take part in the fun scavenger hunt that starts here at 9am every day!
Colorado State Capitol
Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, USA
Website: Colorado State Capitol
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
13. Have a fun day at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Take the entire gang to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, one of the happiest places in Denver. It features gigantic pools with long, winding water slides, along with several thrill rides, movie houses, arcades, boutiques, and restaurants. Your kids will surely appreciate you buying them an all-seasons pass. The park follows protocols for ride requirements such that those extreme loops remain off-limits to youngsters, thereby putting your worries to rest. Meanwhile, you can grab some popcorn and watch a fun movie. And if you schedule your visit accordingly, you shall witness one of Elitch Gardens’ spectacular firework displays.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Address: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204, United States
Website: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Price: From 9 USD
14. Explore Larimer Square
Nightlife in Denver’s oldest block - Larimer Square - is never dull. This historic, now vibrant block is happily lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and beauty and wellness services that draw in locals and tourists alike. It’s a good destination for retail therapy, too. At daytime, stroll through Larimer Square’s alleys and find the fashionable pants you’ve been eyeing. Better yet, buy souvenirs for your loved ones. At night, dine at a chef-driven restaurant and grab your favorite margarita at the bar next door. If you’re not too tired yet, you can dance for a few hours in a club.
Larimer Square
Address: 1430 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202, United States
Website: Larimer Square
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
15. Learn about the history of money at the Money Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Kansas City’s Federal Reserve Bank maintains the small but fascinating Money Museum in Denver. In a quick self-guided tour (about 30 minutes), you’ll see for yourself different American currencies used across time, learn a little about the country’s financial history, and acquire the practical skill of spotting fake bills. If you haven’t seen what $30,000,000 looks like in person, at Money Museum, you get to see it on display - how cool is that? Plus, you get to bring home a bag of shredded bills for free.
Money Museum
Address: 1020 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, United States
Website: Money Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
What’s on your list?
Talk about all the fun things to do in Denver! You can spend a lazy afternoon at a park, go catch a baseball game, watch a live concert, or spend your day interpreting art at one of the famous art museums. Here’s hoping you manage to check off everything on this list of things to do in Downtown Denver!
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