The Best Places to Visit in Denver This Summer

Denver is incredible.

Despite the cold and arduous winters, one of the best parts about the city of Denver are the summers. The city has incredible weather and a myriad of activities to do, whether you’re with friends or family.

Additionally, you will likely not have to deal with 100+ degree days regularly in the summer, similar to Phoenix, Arizona, which is unbearable, might I add.

If you end up making a trip out to Denver, you might be bombarded on what to actually do. So, you might ask yourself the question “What are the best places to visit in Denver this summer?”.

Well, let’s find out.

The Best Outdoor Areas

1. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Besides the concerts being incredible, the Red Rocks amphitheater is a great place to visit throughout the year due to the incredible hikes and scenery. There’s even a number of different trails that you can check out throughout the year, some of which span over six miles long.

There’s even a number of activities you can do such as yoga classes, winter fitness, and theater classes. So if you’re looking for a great place to do these activities, Red Rocks amphitheater is your best bet.

2. Denver Botanic Gardens

Besides the incredible beauty of the Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Denver Botanic Gardens are also a great place to see a number of different living plant species.

The diverse plant collections at the Denver Botanic Gardens consist of over 700 species belonging to 323 genera. Additionally, there’s a number of summer events one can attend such as plant shows, special events, and even holiday themed events such as the York Street SCFD Free Day.

Most events are also family friendly, making it easy for families with young children to attend.

3. City Park

The city park in Denver is a trendy area, popular amongst young people and couples, featuring picnic spots, playgrounds, and lakeside trails.

City park boasts an expansive green space in the heart of the city, while also including paddle boating, along with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which includes an exploratorium with an IMAX theater.

Food and Drink Hotspots

1. Union Station

Union station is a historic landmark with restaurants, shops, and bars that everyone can enjoy, moreso for the young adult crowd. There’s plenty of places to shop and dine at, including The Cooper Lounge, ACME Delicatessen, and Milkbox Ice Creamery.

There’s also a sense of community that you can be a part of by participating in events such as Fitness on the Plaza, the Urban Market, and Yappy Hour on The Plaza.

2. Larimer Square

Larimer square is a historical landmark where people in Denver come together. It is a place of creative flourishing that can add onto the Denver experience. There’s plenty of nightlife to enjoy and places to run to, all of which can appeal to any visitor.

Family-Friendly Activities

1. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Theme parks can be fun, right? Well, for families with children, it can be an all-around enjoyable experience. And the Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is a great place for families to enjoy fun attractions, grab some unhealthy food, and have a great time.

It’s important that when visiting the water park for your children to practice safety at all times, or else serious injuries can occur. Some examples of practicing safety include making sure your children don’t run too fast, only participate in one slide at a time, and not push anyone off of structures.

For those that are particularly prone to motion sickness, be sure to take dramamine or another motion sickness pill to protect yourselves from sickness from the attractions.

Additionally, there are family rides that one can go on, such as the Ferris Wheel, the Carousel, and Shipwreck Falls, which is the main water ride of the park.

2. Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is home to many animals over the world, making it a great place to see a variety of animal species as well as have fun with your kids.

It’s unbelievable that you or your children can have the chance to see penguins, parrots, and koalas, which can help support your child’s desire to be a great steward of the environment and conservation.

3. Children’s Museum of Denver

As mentioned previously, the Denver museum is a place where there’s multiple interactive exhibits for your kids where they can have fun on their own terms.

Additionally, there’s hands-on learning and outdoor adventure zones that can be perfect if parents want to have a relaxing day while their children have as much fun as they want.

The children’s museum of Denver also offers day-camps during the summer, which can be especially beneficial for working parents in the area.

Denver Is A Fun Place To Be During The Summer

In summary, the best places to visit during the summer in Denver include:

1. The Red Rock Amphitheater
2. Denver Botanic Gardens
3. City Park
4. Union Station
5. Larimer Square
6. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
7. Denver Zoo
8. Children’s Museum of Denver

Even though these are just a basic list, know that this is a starting point to everything you can do in the beautiful city of Denver.