27 BEST Things To Do In Denver In Summer (From A Local)
Are you searching for the best things to do in Denver in summer?
It’s true what people say, Colorado is stunning year-round. From the cities to the mountains, the state is breathtaking.
Having lived in Denver, we know the best things to do in Denver in summer including hiking, going to sporting events, visiting the zoo, along with so many more options.
Check out our ultimate list of the best things to do in Denver in summer below!
The Ultimate List Of The Best Things To Do In Denver In Summer:
Having lived in Denver, we know all about things to do in the city. Continue reading below as I highlight the best things to do in Denver in summer.
1. Denver Botanic Gardens
A beautiful place to visit with vibrant flowers and plants. Oftentimes, people spend anywhere from an hour or several hours taking in all of the views.
You can even bring in your own food and (non-alcoholic) beverages to eat and drink amongst the scenery!
Pro Tip: It’s only $15 as an adult to visit the gardens. However, look at the Denver Botanic Gardens website ahead of time, they offer Free Admission Days throughout the year.
2. Go To A Rockies Game At Coors Field
What better way to take in the city and live like a local than watching one of their teams play?
Oftentimes, you can get tickets to the Colorado Rockies for under $20 a ticket, making it a super budget friendly option for something to do in Denver in summer!
We’ve been to several games at Coors Field and each time we leave with unforgettable memories. It’s one of our favorite things to do during the warm months.
3. Hit A Happy Hour
We are huge fans of happy hour wherever we travel in the U.S. Not only is it a fun time to unwind and divulge into some great food and beverages but the deals are great too.
At many happy hour restaurants and bars throughout Denver, not only are their drinks on sale but many places have certain food items on sale. This is awesome if you are looking for budget friendly things to do in Denver.
4. Go On A Hike
Okay, so you might have to drive a little ways outside of the city but what better way to take in Colorado than to go on a hike? Some of the best hikes are within an hour of Denver.
However, if you are searching for some seriously cool views of the surrounding mountains be sure to check out our posts on the best hikes in Southern Colorado and the best wildflower hikes in Colorado for a great workout and breathtaking scenery.
Hiking is one of our all time favorite activities to do year round and is a great way to experience Colorado and its natural beauty.
Be sure to grab your favorite energy bars for hiking and your hiking socks to prevent blisters while on the trail so that you have the best experience possible in Colorado’s great outdoors!
5. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most world renown concert venues and is one of the best places to take in the beauty within the state of Colorado.
Whether you want to visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre during the day time, when there is not an event taking place, and just take in the views of surrounding red rock formations for free or you want to buy tickets for an unforgettable concert, visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre must be on your bucket list for the best things to do in Denver in summer!
Pro Tip: If you want to visit the amphitheatre when there is not an event going on, bring your tennis shoes and get a workout in like a local. It is not uncommon to see locals running up and down the steps of the Amphitheatre!
6. Visit The Denver Zoo
For those looking to get outside and admire various animals from around the world, you must check out The Denver Zoo. This is a great place to visit for people of any age and the price’s aren’t bad at all.
Pro Tip: Look at their website ahead of time and check out their Free Day Lottery where you can put in your name and have the chance to win free tickets to the zoo!
We have visited the Denver Zoo on multiple occasions and each time we leave wanting to come back again and again. We highly recommend visiting the zoo during the summer months because the weather is ideal and seeing the animals bask in the sun is surreal.
7. Get Outside And Enjoy A Park
Denver has more than 250 parks throughout the city. Visiting a park (or multiple) is a great way to spend time outdoors and save some money.
At many of these parks they have various activities you can do such as walking, running, biking, or just taking in the views from a bench.
Some of the parks even have recreational areas where you can play tennis, basketball, volleyball, and more.
Additionally, several of them have coal-fired grills where you can make your own food and enjoy spending time outside.
8. Participate In One Of Denver’s Many Festivals
The city of Denver has countless celebrations year round. Be sure to do your research and plan to visit the city around one of their festivals to enjoy time with locals, eat some good food, and indulge in delicious drinks!
Some of these festivals and celebrations include wine and beer festivals, jazz and other genres of music festivals, various food festivals and celebrations, and so much more.
We highly recommend that you check out The Denver BBQ Festival at Empower Field for some mouth watering BBQ and a great atmosphere.
We also recommend spending time at the Denver Oktoberfest for a fun ambiance and delicious food and drinks.
9. Explore One Of Denver’s Many Museums
Denver has a wide range of museums that’ll entice many peoples various interests.
Some of the museums include Denver’s Museum of Natural Science, Denver’s Art Museum, the National Ballpark Museum, the Molly Brown House Museum, and the list goes on.
Pro Tip: Check out the website for the museum that you are interested in! They have a handful of days that are free admissions so try to plan your visit around one of those days.
10. Experience The BEYOND Light Show And Meditation
If you are looking to participate in something very unique and unforgettable, you must check out the BEYOND Light Show and Mediation.
This experience is roughly an hour long and is a combination of a laser light show and meditation as you listen to rock music.
Additionally, purchasing a ticket to this show and experience gives you access to the rest of the church along with its arcade games, art gallery, and more.
👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to book your BEYOND Light Show and Mediation!
11. See A Show At Comedy Works
For those looking for a laughter filled evening, consider buying tickets to see someone perform at Comedy Works!
Depending on the comedian, prices vary but you can typically find tickets for as low as $20-$30. It’s a great option to grab some drinks, eat some bar food, and laugh with friends!
12. Go On A Zipline Adventure
For those looking for a little thrill and adventure, you must check out the Rocky Mountain Zipline Adventure.
Not only is this adventure great for all kinds of skill levels but it is a great opportunity to indulge in a unique and memorable experience and take in the surrounding views of the incredible state of Colorado.
👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to book your Rocky Mountain Zipline Adventure!
13. Rent E-Bikes Or Scooters And Explore Downtown Denver
Another fun way to get outside and explore Denver is to rent an E-Bike or Scooter and cruise through downtown. T
his is an especially fun option if you’re tired of walking around and want to see more of what downtown Denver has to offer.
We’ve rented E-bikes on multiple occasions and can vouch for how fun and convenient they are to use.
14. Visit A Hot Spring
If you are looking for a unique experience and want to spend some time outdoors, consider hopping in the car and driving up the road a bit to Indian Hot Springs.
It is about 30 minutes away from downtown Denver and a great spot to relax and take in your surroundings as you soak in warm mineral water.
It’s important to note that tickets are usually $18-$20 and must be purchased ahead of time so be sure to plan accordingly!
15. Go To A Colorado Rapids Game
For soccer fanatics or sports enthusiasts in general, you must go to a Colorado Rapids game!
Tickets are fairly inexpensive and can sometimes be as low as nearly $10 and it’s a great way to get outside and cheer on one of Denver’s many sports teams!
16. Relax At The Beer Spa
If you are looking for something truly unique to do in the area and would like to escape the Colorado sun for a bit, consider visiting The Beer Spa!
The Beer Spa is a fantastic place where you can relax in the infrared sauna, soak in a hoppy beer tub, and drink delicious craft beer on tap.
Our experience at The Bee Spa was tremendous and we cannot recommend it enough for those looking for a memorable, romantic, and relaxing experience!
17. Go Camping
Another one of our all time favorite hobbies to do, especially during the summer months is to get outside and go camping!
There are endless places to camp in the state of Colorado so be sure to pack your favorite tent for hot weather camping, your 2 person camping hammock, and your other favorite camping essentials, in order to get outside and spend some quality time in the wilderness.
18. Visit Union Station
Union Station is not only the Amtrek hub in Denver but it also has a hotel along with fantastic bars and restaurants.
If you are searching for a truly beautiful building to take in the architecture and would love to explore some delicious bites to eat and drinks to sip on, we highly recommend that you make your way to Union Station!
19. Take A Ride Down Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Mount Evans Scenic Byway is roughly 50 miles in length and the views of the surrounding forested areas and countless mountain peaks are insane.
If you are a fan of road trips and taking in incredible scenery, you must hop in your car and check out the Mount Evans Scenic Byway for an unforgettable drive just outside of Denver.
20. Explore Rocky Mountain National Park
One of my favorite things to do near Denver is to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.
Not only is this one of the best fall couples road trips to embark on but its also fabulous to do during the summer months.
Whether you would like to hop in the car and go on a day trip around Rocky Mountain National Park or you want to go hiking or camping inside of the park, this national park is truly beautiful and you must add it to your list of the best things to do in Denver Colorado in the summer for a memorable experience!
21. Visit Larimer Square
One of downtown Denver’s most lively and robust areas is Larimer Square. This area is filled with fantastic bars, restaurants, and tremendous outdoor seating options.
If you are looking for something fun and energetic, be sure to head to Larimer Square!
22. Go On A Date Night
There are endless things to do in Denver, Colorado during the summer months and one of our favorite things to do is to go on a date night.
Whether you wish to have a romantic meal at one of the best date night restaurants in Denver or you would rather do something fun and flirty like visiting a drive in theatre… be sure to check out our ultimate list of date night ideas in Denver for a memorable date you will not forget.
23. Take In The Colorado State Capitol Building
For those interested in beautiful architecture or intriguing history, you must check out the Colorado State Capitol Building.
This building is not only beautiful in design but it is filled with robust history and in a central location of downtown Denver.
24. Hit A Brewery (Or Several)
One of our favorite things about the state of Colorado is the endless brewery options all around the state.
For those looking for something fun to do in the Denver area, be sure to check out one (or multiple) breweries throughout the area.
Sam and I were given two tickets to go on the RiNo Beer and Graffiti Walking Tour in Denver and we had the most remarkable time trying beer from different breweries and learning the history behind different pieces of graffiti and street art.
If you are looking to indulge in a few pints of beer and are intrigued by art and local neighborhoods, you must check out this tour.
👉🏼 Click here to book your RiNo Beer and Graffiti Walking Tour in Denver!
25. Indulge In Some Sweets
Denver has countless places to chose from when it comes to picking out sweet treats. In order to beat the summertime heat, we recommend checking out Little Man Ice Cream or Bonnie Brae’s Ice Cream.
Both of these shops whip up fantastic treats that are sure to soothe your sweet tooth during those hot summer days!
26. Visit A Farmers Market
There are countless Farmers Markets that take place during the summer months in Denver!
This is not only a great way to get outside and enjoy the weather but it’s also a great way to support small businesses and purchase some fresh produce.
One of our favorites is the Farmers Market held at Cherry Creek’s Fresh Market. This is a great location and there are countless products and items to pick from.
27. Go On A Downtown Denver Food Tour
Sam and I were given two tickets to go on a Downtown Denver Food Tour so that we could experience local restaurants and bars and gain knowledge about the history behind Denver and its buzzing food scene.
We had the absolute best time trying different local cuisines and learning an in depth history behind various neighborhoods and the lively food scene in Denver. We truly cannot recommend this enough to everyone.
If you are looking for a truly memorable excursion to embark on and love to try local tasty foods, you must check out the Downtown Denver Food Tour.
👉🏼 Check out this link to book your Downtown Denver Food Tour!
FAQs About The Best Things To Do In Denver Colorado In Summer:
Below I have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about the best things to do in Denver in summer.
Is Denver worth visiting in the summer?
Absolutely! Denver is definitely worth visiting in the summer due to its incredible outdoor activities, countless festivals and celebrations, endless things to do, and incredible weather.
What to do in Denver when it’s really hot?
Denver is one of the best cities to explore year round because of its tremendous amount of indoor and outdoor activities.
For those searching for things to do to beat the heat, we recommend hitting one of Denver’s local ice cream joints or indulge in an indoor experience like exploring one of Denver’s many museums.
How is Denver Colorado in the summer?
Denver, Colorado is lively and energetic during the summer months. Oftentimes the weather ranges from the 60’s to the low 90’s and outdoor activities are in full swing such as outdoor sporting events, hiking, camping, climbing, and so much more.
Is Denver a good place to visit in July?
Denver is a fabulous place to visit during July. There are endless festivals that take place as well as big 4th of July celebrations!
Additionally, the weather is great to get outdoors and explore all that Colorado has to offer whether you want to go on a camping or hiking adventure or just enjoy the patio seating at countless Denver restaurants and bars… July is a phenomenal time to visit Denver.
Final Thoughts On The Best Things To Do In Denver In Summer
Having lived in the Mile High City, we know all the best things to do in Denver in summer.
It’s a great place to visit during the months of June through August because the weather is warm, there are endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and there are countless events and festivals to experience.
Don’t forget to check out the best hotels near Ball Arena or the best hotels in Denver with rooftop pools for a memorable time in the city. Happy Exploring!
