7 Best Things to Do in the Mile High City Denver

1. Get Neighborly in Larimer Square

Larimer Square is where the mile high city breathes that thin mountain air in deep. One of the most historic things to do in Denver is to explore Larimer, where a little over a century and a half ago, the entire community of Denver was housed. Though Denver has grown taller and wider, the neighborhood's heart and soul still pump in this historic downtown area. Visitors can start by eating in one of the fine restaurants in the historic buildings or go on a shopping spree in a series of hip Denver boutiques. Better yet, drop by Larimer at night when it turns off the snooze alarm and starts to buzz with life. Countless festivals play out upon the square year-round, such as the Denver Chalk Art Festival in June, where you will see hundreds of artists converge and paint away in the square as if it were a canvas.

2. Discover Art for Art's Sake at Denver Art Museum

Perhaps you didn't know that Denver was so artsy? Well, it is, as you will see upon visiting the Denver Art Museum. Any art enthusiast will be drawn in by the architecture of the building itself, whose ragged abstract lines and edges were designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti in the 1970s. With seven stories of incredible masterpieces, from world-renowned artists like Frederic Remington and Georgia O'Keeffe, you will be sure to spend an inspiring afternoon exploring one of the top attractions of Denver. The museum's works of art were drawn together over a 40-year span, with its Western art collection being one of America's most prestigious.

3. Talk to the Animals at Denver Zoo

Spend a day with the lions, tigers, and bears at the Denver Zoo. Home to over 700 species, the zoo was designed after a Kenyan nature preserve. The gorgeous landscaped habitats allow you to envision how the animals might appear in their own natural settings. For example, Predator Ridge mirrors an African savannah where lions and hyenas roam. Be sure to visit the nursery, where baby animals are kept under close surveillance. If your legs are getting weary, hop aboard the natural gas-powered zoo train to chauffeur you between exhibits. You might also want to check out our favorite zoos around the world for more animal adventures.

4. Take Me out to the Ball Game at Coors Field

With Denver's favorite home-brewed beer as the namesake, any sports fan is sure to have a good time watching the Colorado Rockies baseball team on its home turf at Coors Field. With over a 50,000 seat capacity, you should book in advance, as tickets can go quickly. After you have eaten all the peanuts and crackerjacks you can swallow, burn off those calories by taking a swing in the Interactive Area, located behind the Main Concourse's bullpens. Here, you can try out in the batting cages and see if you have what it takes to play fast-pitch with the big hitters.

5. Hit the Shops at 16th Street Mall

A short walk from Coors Field, you can shop until you drop and then catch a game, or vice versa. The 16th Street Mall is the Magnificent Mile of the mile high city denver, only it doesn't span a mile, just 16 blocks. Still, the dining, shopping, and entertainment easily rival Michigan Avenue with its trendy vibe. You can find modern favorites like Sephora, H&M, and Uniqlo here, alongside smaller hip boutiques. Similar to the historic charm of Larimer Square, this area seamlessly blends the old with the new.

Here are a few quick stops to make while walking the mall:

6. Have Some Fun at Lakeside Amusement Park

This nostalgic little amusement park is great for young kids to take in a bit of fun. The classic rides at Lakeside Amusement Park are charming, and though aimed at the younger crowd, young and old alike will enjoy a day riding carnival fare like bumper cars and boats. The roller coaster, The Cyclone, features wooden tracks that are almost scarier than metal ones, with their bumpy sharp turns and shock drops. Visit at night to see the park beautifully lit up in neon.

7. Increase Your Knowledge at Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Another entertaining family outing, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science serves up everything from Egyptian mummies to dinosaur bones. The facility focuses on six areas of research: space science, health sciences, anthropology, geology, zoology, and paleontology. You can take a Prehistoric Journey walking through the developmental stages of Earth, or you can enjoy an immersive space travel experience at the IMAX Theater. If you enjoy exploring culture and creativity, the Denver Art Museum exhibits offer another great indoor activity.

Let's end on another quote from Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead. Easy Wind said, "Remember when you was a kid and you would spend the whole year waiting for summer vacation and when it finally came it would fly by just like that? It's funny, Jimmy, life has a way of flying by faster than any old summer vacation really f***ing does." If you spend part of your life in Denver, even a few days, it will be time well spent. Who has been to Denver?