
No matter why you’re visiting the city, there are dozens of fun things to do in Denver. Whether you love sports, are a history buff, enjoy animals or spend your time shopping, there are places to visit. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most entertaining things to do in the city, so you make the most of your time.
10 Entertaining Things To Do In Denver
If you are planning to travel into the Rocky Mountains, Denver is an exceptional place to start your journey. Those who love the mountains can spend a day on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. You can also take in many galleries and museums and dine at excellent restaurants. Science lovers can hit up the zoo while sports lovers have Coors Field steps away. Today we’re going to look at 10 entertaining things to do in Denver, also known as the Mile High City.
VISIT UNION STATION

Union Station in Denver has a lot going for it. It’s a hub of transportation, but it also boasts fantastic shopping and dining for residents and visitors alike. If you want to learn more about the history of Union Station, you can take a tour for $20. The money goes to Dollars for Dreams, a nonprofit partner. You’ll get to walk through the station while learning more about the history and art of the location. People watchers can take advantage of the comfortable chairs and couches to watch the crowd fly by. We also suggest trying some of the dining options in the station, as they are high-quality destinations with excellent food and drink. You can reach Union Station by train, car or light rail. It is also nearby the famous 16th Street Mall if you plan to visit it as well. Expect to spend an hour or two at the station.
SIGHT-SEE AT THE DENVER ART MUSEUM

The Denver Art Museum is a destination that can be perused in a couple of hours or can it can take up half the day if you want to see every sight. It’s free for children to come inside and only $13 for adults over the age of 18. The gallery includes more than 70,000 works, including art from famous individuals like Winslow Homer and Vincent Van Gogh. The collection spans two buildings and has art from the pre-Columbian era up to the present age. Make sure to look at the western American art, which goes back two centuries. The museum is only a few blocks away from the Denver Mint and is accessible by car or bus.
SEE A CONCERT AT RED ROCKS PARK AND AMPHITHEATRE

It’s not uncommon for travelers to come into Denver just to watch a concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The location itself is beautiful with fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains, scenic cliffs and hiking trails. The park occupies over 700 acres and is free to visit. If you are visiting for a short time, make sure to walk the Trading Post Trail, which waves 1.5 miles into the scenery. If there’s a show going on, you’ll also find that Red Rock is a step above. The theater has outstanding acoustics courtesy of the red rocks, and the atmosphere is just as delightful. The park is about 15 miles outside of Denver, so you’ll need to drive to reach it.
CHECK OUT LARIMER SQUARE

Back in 1858, settlers and American Indians discovered the presence of gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. News spread quickly, which led to travelers moving west hoping to find fortune. The original camp used by pioneers is known as Larimer Square and still exists to this day. This area is now modern, and the city has expanded dramatically, but you’ll find the square is still the heart of the city. There’s always something to do, whether you want to enjoy a few drinks, have dinner or do some shopping. Getting to the square is straightforward. You can walk from downtown or take the free Mall Ride system, which drops you off at the 16th Street Mall. There is no cost to explore Larimer Square, but you’ll want spending money for meals and shopping.
VISIT THE DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

The Denver Botanic Gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., depending on the day. Admission costs $12.50 for adults ages 16 and over and $9 for children who are 3 or older. The gardens span 24 acres and offer 50 different gardens to enjoy. You can enjoy everything from a traditional Japanese garden to the South African Plaza and more. Those who appreciate culture and art can visit the sculptures around the grounds, which often offer traveling exhibits from famous artists. There are also guided tours for only $14, so you can learn more about the gardens as you enjoy their beauty. You can reach the gardens by car or use the bus and rail system to reach your destination.
WATCH A GAME AT COORS FIELD

DENVER - APRIL 03: Fans sit in the "Rock Pile" bleachers at Coors Field on opening day April 3, 2006 in Denver, Colorado. The Colorado Rockies defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 3-2 in 11 innings. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
For the Major League Baseball fan, Coors Field is an excellent place to visit. It’s home to the Colorado Rockies but has much more to offer than just a baseball game. There’s an interactive area where you or your children can try out speed pitching or enjoy video batting cages. There’s also a rooftop brewery where you can try some of Denver’s outstanding local brews. The price of tickets to a game vary, but if you stop in for a tour, you’ll spend $12 for adults and $9 for children and senior citizens. To see a game, think about booking in advance. As far as getting to the field, you can bring a car or take one of many buses. This field is also located close by the 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square.
ENJOY THE ANIMALS AT THE DENVER ZOO

DENVER, CO - JUNE 22: Kids from the Zoo's summer safari program feed lettuce to one of the giraffes. The Denver Zoo announces the grand opening of Giraffe Encounter on Monday, June 22, 2015. The new feature is a 2,400 square foot structure within the giraffe yard that allows guests to feed and bond with the Zoo's giraffes. Visitors will be able to access the platform from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily during the summer, and can pay to feed the resident giraffes Dikembe, Masika, Kipele and Heshimu. (Photo by Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
he Denver Zoo is different from other zoos in that it was modeled after a Kenyan nature preserve. There are more than 4,000 animals, including orangutans, tigers, kangaroos and black rhinos. You can head to Predator Ridge to watch lions and hyenas going about their day or check out the monkeys at Primate Panorama. If you love baby animals, make sure to visit the nursery while you’re on site. The zoo is open various times, depending on the season. The pricing also changes based on the time of year. There are free admission days throughout the year. You can walk from downtown, but the distance is about 3 miles. You can also take a bus to the zoo..
TOUR THE UNITED STATES MINT

The United States Mint is free for all and is open from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A tour of the facility will take around an hour and be something you won’t find elsewhere. You get to learn about coin production, from design to sculpting and cutting the coins to the proper size. It might not be everyone’s idea of a fun time, but it’s a tour that is educational and enjoyable for some visitors. The mint is found near the Denver Art Museum and can be reached by foot or via bus. You will need to contact the mint in advance to reserve a spot on the tour. It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes early as there is security to enter the mint. You will not be allowed to bring strollers, backpacks, handbags, food, or drink into the facility for your tour.
SHOP AT THE 16TH STREET MALL

Looking to get some shopping done while you’re in town? The 16th Street Mall is the best place to take care of it while having fun at the same time. It’s a mile-long strip lined with restaurants, stores and entertainment options. Stop in during the day to get shopping done or visit later in the evening to take part in the Denver nightlife. The route is walkable, but there is also a shuttle bus that stops at each street corner. Later in the evening, there are also horse and carriage rides that you can experience instead. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal and pick up a few souvenirs.
PICNIC AT WASHINGTON PARK

Washington Park is just south of central Denver and boasts over 160 acres of fun things to do. You can enjoy the jogging paths and numerous gardens or hang out by the two massive lakes. The location is popular on the weekend due to the sheer amount of entertainment options. You can enjoy a tennis game on one of the eight courts, rent a boat or visit the recreation center for scheduled fitness lessons. From downtown, you can reach Washington Park by the light rail. You can visit the park at any time of day or night, but each facility has its own hours of operation and may have an admission charge.
SUMMARY
No matter why you’re in Denver, there’s likely to be something for you to do while you are. The thriving transportation system makes it easy to get around and experience whatever attractions appeal to you. This list of 10 entertaining things to do in Denver should give you a good start on planning your time in the city. From there, many other options are out there that you’ll run into as you enjoy the dining and shopping. We think you’ll have a great time, no matter what kind of hobbies and entertainment appeal to you.
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