You might have read my recent post on fun indoor things to do in Denver, so of course I have to follow with Denver’s outdoor options! You can’t visit or live in Denver and not do something outdoors, it’s just too pretty and fun here for that!
Here are 8 fun outdoor things to do in Denver and its surrounding areas
- Sports. Just like for the indoor options, sports is another great way to get your friends together! You can head to Coors Field to watch the Rockies play while enjoying some peanuts and a cold drink. Or, watch the Broncos score some touchdowns at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, but don’t forget your orange and blue!
- Park Activities. There’s a few different types of parks you can have fun at. You can stay cool in the hot summers at water parks like the fun filled Water World north of Denver. Or, you can get your scream on at Elitch Gardens Theme Park (which also has a water park). Another park that’s popular in Denver is the beautiful Washington (or Wash) Park which includes 2 small lakes, walking/jogging and biking trails, tennis courts, benches, relaxation areas, and much more. The best part about Wash Park is that you can go any time of year and it doesn’t cost a dime to enjoy.
- Hiking. Now I could have included our national and state parks in with the last category, but they deserve their own spot with the amazing views and hikes that come with them. Of course Colorado’s most famous Rocky Mountain National Park is a must for everyone who enjoys the outdoors. There’s an abundance of trails ranging difficulty levels from beginners to advanced but they all come with the most rewarding views. If you’re hoping to stay closer to the Denver area, Red Rocks Park in Morrison and the Flatirons in Boulder are also beautiful and rewarding hikes to check out.
Viewing spot off the Emerald Lake Trail at Rocky Mountain National Park
- Lake and River Fun. There are many lakes in Denver and its surrounding areas that you can rent a boat, jet skis, kayaks, etc. Check out nearby bodies of water like the Chatfield Lake or go farther out into the wilderness to find lakes like the Dillon Reservoir or Grand Lake. If rivers are more your style head down south to the Platte River, which actually connects to Chatfield.
- Festivals and Concerts. Red Rocks isn’t just for pretty views and trails, it’s actually well known for being one of Colorado’s most popular outdoor concert venues. Denver has many venues and locations for concerts, festivals, and other fun events which always seem to be taking place in Denver. I like to visit Denver’s 365 Day Calendar to browse events going on in the city and its surrounding areas. You can also search for events by specific categories like art, music, etc.
- Marathons, Volunteer work, and Charity Events. If you enjoy helping the community and doing your part in contributing to a good cause, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities and charity events in the area. Take part in a charity marathon or volunteer with organizations like the Dumb Friends League and Denver Rescue Mission.
Some of the Camden Team Volunteering at the Denver Rescue Mission
- Explore Downtown. There’s a lot of options when it comes to downtown. Head to the pedestrian friendly 16th Street Mall to explore over a mile of shops, bars, restaurants, and other popular attractions. Some of my 16th Street Mall favorites include IT’SUGAR for giant sized candy and the Hard Rock Café.
16th Street Mall
- For the Animal Lover. Of course you can’t forget the Denver Zoo, right next to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. At the zoo you can hand feed the giraffes at the Giraffe Encounter exhibit as well as other up close animal encounters like rhinos, penguins, and many more!
To save money on parking fees and gas, I always recommend utilizing Denver’s wonderful transportation system. Many of these places are walking distance from a light rail station; check out the RTD Rail System Map to locate the nearest station to you. Our residents at Camden Belleview Station love being walking distance from the Belleview light rail and our newest community coming Fall 2016, Camden Lincoln Station, will also be walking distance from a light rail station.
Now go out and enjoy your fun-filled day! If you missed my post earlier this week about fun indoor things to do in Denver, you can check it out here.
