Parks and the outdoors in Denver

14 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Denver.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Cheesman Park
The Acropolis-inspired pavilion has a commanding view of the Denver skyline.
See
City Park
Enjoy the Denver sunshine at this 330-acre (130 hectares) urban park east of downtown. Two lakes, numerous fields, playgrounds, and a golf course, as well as the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science are all within its expansive bounds.
Do
Colorado Rapids
A charter member of Major League Soccer, the Colorado Rapids are a consistent draw despite generally middling success on the field. The biggest games of the season see the Rapids face off against their hated rivals, Real Salt Lake.
Do
Colorado Rockies
Denver's Major League Baseball team plays in Coors Field, one of the most beloved ballparks in the major leagues and the most hitter-friendly park as well, thanks to Denver's dry air and high altitude. Tickets range from the $4 "Rockpile" bleachers behind center field to $60 for a seat behind home plate. Behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark are available.
Ballpark tours at noon and 2PM on Mon-Sat non-game days during the season and Mon Wed Fri Sat during the off-seasonTickets $4-60, Ballpark tours $9 adults, $7 seniors, $6 children
See
Confluence Park
Named for the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, Confluence Park is a summertime spot for many of Denver's residents. Cool off in the river, or bring a kayak or inner tube for the purpose built rapids near the REI store. The park is also accessible via the Cherry Creek or Platte bike trails.
See
Denver Botanic Gardens
Come for the array of flowers and plants from around the world, stay for the peace and quiet (and the free WiFi), then check out the bonus attractions. Above the gardens' bistro, you'll find Denver's first public green roof, a living example of the benefits of green design. Space and science buffs won't want to miss the OmniGlobe exhibit, a spherical simulation of the Earth from space.
May-Sep: Sat-Tue 9AM-8PM, Wed-Fri 9AM-5PM; Sep-May: daily 9AM-5PM. Closed on major holidays and for special events$12.50 adults, $9.50 seniors, $9 students/children
Drink
Hooked on Colfax
A few blocks south of City Park. Wifi-friendly coffeeshop with great local coffee offerings, as well as a small selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Offers delicious home-baked pastries and quiches, with gluten-free and vegan options.
Do
Lakeside
A throwback from Denver's past, Lakeside is an amusement park like they used to make; without all the corporate branding and commercialism. While it may have a somewhat seedy exterior, Lakeside is still a staple of local kids' upbringings, and remains a fixture of Denver culture as well as a much cheaper alternative to Elitch Gardens. Coaster buffs will squeal with glee over the Cyclone, the park's original 1940 Edward Vettel-designed wood coaster.
call for hours
Drink
Lowry Beer Garden
In the Lowry neighborhood, this beer garden is in between two of the old airplane hangars that made up Lowry Air Force Base. The Garden offers a thoughtful draft and bottled beer selection with a focus on Colorado and handcrafted brews. The Lowry Beer Garden also serves up your favorite casual fare with locally-made gourmet brats & sausages, freshly-baked pretzels, house-ground burgers, hand-cut fries and chef-created salads.
Summer hours: 11AM-midnight
See
National Ballpark Museum
A family-run museum that contains one of the best private baseball collections in the country, this museum holds a stunning collection of artifacts from ballparks all over the country, including signs, bricks, and seats from the classic ballparks of old, as well as a section of Fenway Park's "Green Monster".
Open by appointment; call to schedule a visit$10 adults, $5 seniors/children, free for active military and children under 6
Do
The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park
Skating rink in downtown Denver open from late November to mid February.
Skate rental $8 adults/$6 kids, or bring your own skates
Eat
The Wolf's Tailor
This Michelin-starred restaurant puts a lot of care into a sustainable, seasonal chef's tasting menu. The chef's menu is the only offering. Seating indoors or in a small garden outdoors.
$175/person + tax
See
Washington Park
Beautiful and lush Denver park, with lakes, flower gardens, a recreation center, soccer fields and tennis courts. Over 160 acres (65 hectares) of natural beauty, surrounded by turn-of-the-19th-century homes. A favorite jogging, volleyball, and drinking destination. This used to be the favorite hang-out of young residents during the summer months, but regulations requiring permits for many common activities have reduced park usage and transferred it to City Park.
Do
Elitch Gardens
A huge amusement park with rides and family entertainment.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Denver (CC BY-SA 4.0).