logo
  • About
  • Advertising
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Denver Fashion Week
  • Search
  • Fashion
    • Denver Fashion
    • DFW
    • DFW Photos
    • Designers
    • Trends
    • Boutiques
  • Lifestyle & Culture
    • Outdoor & Travel
    • Film, TV & Theater
    • Art
    • Fitness
    • Comedy
    • This Week’s Events
  • Music
    • Denver Music
    • This Week’s Concerts
    • Concert Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Red Rocks
  • Food + Booze
    • Restaurants
    • Coffee
    • Brunch
    • Beer, Bars and Booze
    • This Week’s Events
  • Neighborhoods
    • ‘Burbs
    • Capitol Hill
    • Cherry Creek
    • Colfax
    • Downtown Denver
    • Highland / Northside
    • RiNo / Five Points
    • Santa Fe
    • South Broadway / Baker
    • Uptown
    • Wash Park / DU
  • 303 Guides
  • Calendar
  • Photos
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Trending
    • Recent Articles
    • Editor’s Picks
  • Fashion
    • Denver Fashion
    • DFW
    • DFW Photos
    • Designers
    • Trends
    • Boutiques
  • Lifestyle & Culture
    • Outdoor & Travel
    • Film, TV & Theater
    • Art
    • Fitness
    • Comedy
    • This Week’s Events
  • Music
    • Denver Music
    • This Week’s Concerts
    • Concert Reviews
    • Interviews
    • Red Rocks
  • Food + Booze
    • Restaurants
    • Coffee
    • Brunch
    • Beer, Bars and Booze
    • This Week’s Events
  • Neighborhoods
    • ‘Burbs
    • Capitol Hill
    • Cherry Creek
    • Colfax
    • Downtown Denver
    • Highland / Northside
    • RiNo / Five Points
    • Santa Fe
    • South Broadway / Baker
    • Uptown
    • Wash Park / DU
  • 303 Guides
  • Calendar
  • Photos
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Trending
    • Recent Articles
    • Editor’s Picks

60+ Summer Things to Do In Denver if You Aren’t Outdoorsy

Jonina DieleJune 1, 2017Lifestyle + Culture
Lakeside. Photo by Brittany Werges.
Home
303 Magazine
9 min read

Summer is quickly approaching and many Denver residents are preparing to hike fourteeners, go on intense camping trips and embark on other typical Colorado adventures that involve a lot of effort and a high tolerance for the outdoors. The fact remains, though, that Denver is a city, and quite a few of us don’t really care about such activities. So, what to do during summer in Denver? It’s unlikely you’re going to suddenly sprout the desire to hike Mount Elbert, so we made a guide to some less strenuous adventures that won’t stray you too far from cell service or, well, a toilet.

Catch a movie at the 88 Drive-in theatre
Take a trip to a wild animal sanctuary in Colorado
Eat the most popular flavors at Denver’s top ice cream shops
Or eat your way through this epic ice cream sandwich list
See a concert or do other activities at Red Rocks, obviously
Grab a drink and listen to live music on a Denver patio
Try out Denver’s newest restaurants
Snag some Rockpile tickets and check out a Rockies game
Venture up to Estes Park and get creeped out at the Stanley Hotel
Boost your creativity by attending a First Friday event
Appreciate some sculpture or enjoy a concert at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Make a fresh meal after shopping at the Cherry Creek Farmer’s Market
Or the City Park Esplanade Fresh Market
Or the Union Station Farmer’s Market
Or the Stapleton Farmer’s Market
Take a street art walk (mary jane optional) and choose your favorite Denver murals
Or see street art in the making at the 2017 Colorado Crush
Or attend the Denver Chalk Art Festival
Get in on craft beer culture and check out a beer release
Or check out the Skyline Beer Garden downtown
Try out some food trucks at Civic Center Eats
Fulfill your need for speed at Bandimere Speedway
Find a hidden speakeasy
Test your skills at Mercury Cafe’s open mic (musicians, comics and magicians welcome)
Support Denver music at the Underground Music Showcase
And at Westword Music Showcase’s local stage
Keep your eye out for the extraterrestrial at the UFO Watchtower
Give back and volunteer
Create some art and crafts with libations at Upstairs Circus

This slideshow requires JavaScript.


Check out the Denver Chalk Art Festival
Or the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Or the Colorado Latino Festival
Or Buskerfest
Or the Renaissance Festival
Or the Cherry Blossom Festival
Or the Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Or the Unicorn Festival (if you’re into that kind of thing)
Celebrate Denver’s rich jazz history at the City Park Jazz Summer Concert Series
Get your reptile on at the Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Explore Colorado’s wine country
Take a scenic train ride through the state
Or enjoy a thrill of one of Colorado’s best zip lines 
Relax in the Eldorado Springs swimming pool
Drive to the top of Pikes Peak
Enjoy happy hour on the MCA Rooftop after exploring the museum’s latest exhibits
Indulge in Denver’s best food, drink and retail at the Big Wonderful or Denver Flea
Explore the art collection and hidden gem that is the  Dikeou Collection
Elevate yourself on a Colorado Cannabis tour
Take a ride at the historic Lakeside amusement park
Indulge in Hawaiian fare without the expensive plane ticket at L&L Hawaiian or Adrift
Have a picnic in Cheesman Park (and maybe make a ghost friend)
Or try a self-guided tour of a ghost town
Tour a local distillery
Grab some drinks and play a bowling game or two at Punch Bowl Social
Or test your skills at Denver’s largest arcade
Catch a flick at the historic Mayan Theatre
Or watch a horror movie on Scream Screen Fridays at Sie Film Center
Or have a full-service meal during a movie at the new Alamo DraftHouse
See live comedy at the High Plains Comedy Fest
Or get to know some funny female comics
Try to outsmart an escape room
Take up home brewing
Take in the sights with an ultimate day trip to the Royal Gorge

*Make sure to check back! We’ll add to this list throughout the summer. 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

303 Magazine88 drive-in theatrebandoleer speedwayBig Wonderfulcannabis tourcheesman parkcity park jazzCivic Center EatsColorado Gators Reptile ParkDikeou CollectionJonina Dielel&l hawaiianLittle Man Ice Creammayan theatre. punch bowl socialMCAsummerSummer in Denverufo watchtowerupstairs circus

Previous Article10 Top Fashion Events to Attend in June
Next ArticleDig Into June – What to Eat and Drink in Denver This Month
Jonina Diele
Editorial Intern

Jonina is a University of Colorado Boulder student and a staff writer at 303 Magazine. She likes to make things out of words: poems, articles, corny dad jokes, political rants, etc. Hip hop, social justice and dogs have her heart. See her post about them compulsively on Twitter and Instagram .

Related Posts

  • DNA Picasso Wants to Know if You’re ‘Down for the Gvng’

    Tiara StephanFebruary 25, 2021
  • Zascha Fox, 303 Magazine, Charlie Billingsley, Museum for Black Girls, Denver, Colorado, Interactive, Museum, Art, RiNo, Five Points, Black Women, EDENS, Installation, Grandma’s Kitchen, Covid-19, Von Ross, AunJanee Niblet, Kayla Washington, Blumenhaus Denver, Balloon Pop Studio, Aisha Glenn-Bracey, Bre Marie, Heaven Sent, Roots/Shades of Melanin

    Museum for Black Girls Returns, This Time in RiNo

    Zascha FoxFebruary 25, 2021
  • Music City Hot Chicken is Joining the TRVE Taproom in Denver

    Ashley CarterFebruary 25, 2021
  • Why More People in Denver Are Turning to DIY Fashion

    Abby SchirmacherFebruary 24, 2021
  • Avery Jacob

    Avery Jacob Boasts Strength and Survival in New Single

    Emma JerryFebruary 24, 2021
  • There Are Hundreds of Black History Archives To View at the Blair-Caldwell Library

    Casey Van DivierFebruary 24, 2021

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Facebook

Follow Us

Recent Posts

DNA Picasso Wants to Know if You’re ‘Down for the Gvng’

February 25, 2021
Zascha Fox, 303 Magazine, Charlie Billingsley, Museum for Black Girls, Denver, Colorado, Interactive, Museum, Art, RiNo, Five Points, Black Women, EDENS, Installation, Grandma’s Kitchen, Covid-19, Von Ross, AunJanee Niblet, Kayla Washington, Blumenhaus Denver, Balloon Pop Studio, Aisha Glenn-Bracey, Bre Marie, Heaven Sent, Roots/Shades of Melanin

Museum for Black Girls Returns, This Time in RiNo

February 25, 2021

Music City Hot Chicken is Joining the TRVE Taproom in Denver

February 25, 2021

Why More People in Denver Are Turning to DIY Fashion

February 24, 2021
Avery Jacob

Avery Jacob Boasts Strength and Survival in New Single

February 24, 2021

See All Recent Posts

303magazine

View

Feb 22

Open
303 Day returns for 2021! Come celebrate all things Denver with us on March 3rd with the release of 303 Magazine's annual compilation vinyl — 303 Music Vol.4, a free 303 Day beer brewed by @newbelgium_denverpilot and food specials provided by @thewoodsrestaurant . @ktclchannel933 will be on-site for a live broadcast and you can swing over to our Red Rocks photo booth for a picture with friends. Head to the link in bio to snag your free ticket. .
 
.

 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #303Day

303 Day returns for 2021! Come celebrate all things Denver with us on March 3rd with the release of 303 Magazine's annual compilation vinyl — 303 Music Vol.4, a free 303 Day beer brewed by @newbelgium_denverpilot and food specials provided by @thewoodsrestaurant . @ktclchannel933 will be on-site for a live broadcast and you can swing over to our Red Rocks photo booth for a picture with friends. Head to the link in bio to snag your free ticket. .

.

#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #303Day
...

303magazine

View

Feb 19

Open
There’s a new Puerto Rican bakery and we have the scoop on the secret. From imported guava to traditional options like quesitos and mallorcas, @elsecretodenver has some of the best pastries we’ve ever had. Head to the link in bio for the full scoop. .
 
.

📝: @denver.foodie 
📸: @brittanywerges 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #303eats #303food #303foodie #puertoricandessert

There’s a new Puerto Rican bakery and we have the scoop on the secret. From imported guava to traditional options like quesitos and mallorcas, @elsecretodenver has some of the best pastries we’ve ever had. Head to the link in bio for the full scoop. .

.

📝: @denver.foodie
📸: @brittanywerges
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #303eats #303food #303foodie #puertoricandessert
...

303magazine

View

Feb 17

Open
A Colorado filmmaker filmed the northern lights from space and it’s just as beautiful as you might think. Head to the link in bio to see the video trailer and get the story of their journey to the heavens. .
 
.

📝: @zaschacarrere 
📸: @nateinthewild 
.
 #coloradophotographer #303magazine #denverphotographer #northernlights #303 #skyphotography #skyporn #northernlightsphotos

A Colorado filmmaker filmed the northern lights from space and it’s just as beautiful as you might think. Head to the link in bio to see the video trailer and get the story of their journey to the heavens. .

.

📝: @zaschacarrere
📸: @nateinthewild
.
#coloradophotographer #303magazine #denverphotographer #northernlights #303 #skyphotography #skyporn #northernlightsphotos
...

303magazine

View

Feb 13

Open
Happy #LunarNewYear! There’s no better way to celebrate than with gold on your bao buns... or at least that’s how @metaasiankitchen rolls. Head to the link in bio for full details on the extraordinary menu that includes a whole fried lobster. .
 
.

📝: @mister.wrenn 
📸: @brittanywerges 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #yearoftheox #denverfoodies #303eats #303food #happylunarnewyear

Happy #LunarNewYear! There’s no better way to celebrate than with gold on your bao buns... or at least that’s how @metaasiankitchen rolls. Head to the link in bio for full details on the extraordinary menu that includes a whole fried lobster. .

.

📝: @mister.wrenn
📸: @brittanywerges
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #yearoftheox #denverfoodies #303eats #303food #happylunarnewyear
...

303magazine

View

Feb 12

Open
Say it through a song this Sunday. We have bundled both 303 Music Vol 3 & 4 records together just in time for Valentine’s day. Get a sweet deal on our hit record series, affectionately curated to bring you the hottest artists from the Colorado music scene. For more info, see the link in our bio. 
….. #303music #303magazine #milehighmusic #denvermusicscene #denvermusic #denver #denvermusician #denverband #denverconcerts #coloradomusic #valentinesdaydeals #lovemusic #coloradomusic #coloradolove

Say it through a song this Sunday. We have bundled both 303 Music Vol 3 & 4 records together just in time for Valentine’s day. Get a sweet deal on our hit record series, affectionately curated to bring you the hottest artists from the Colorado music scene. For more info, see the link in our bio.
….. #303music #303magazine #milehighmusic #denvermusicscene #denvermusic #denver #denvermusician #denverband #denverconcerts #coloradomusic #valentinesdaydeals #lovemusic #coloradomusic #coloradolove
...

303magazine

View

Feb 9

Open
Need to update your outdoor threads? We have a list of eight local spots you need to check out the next time you find a hole in your flannel. .
 
.

📝: Rebecca Duffy
📸: @____bridgetburnett/ @amandapiela 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver

Need to update your outdoor threads? We have a list of eight local spots you need to check out the next time you find a hole in your flannel. .

.

📝: Rebecca Duffy
📸: @____bridgetburnett/ @amandapiela
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver
...

303magazine

View

Feb 6

Open
Okay this is kind of a tease, but after seeing photos from @meow__wolf’s Las Vegas location we CANNOT wait until Denver opens. Head to the link in bio to get a look at Vegas’ #Omegamart and get an idea on the mind bending stuff headed to the Mile High. .
 
.

📝: @_cori.anderson 
📸: @meow__wolf 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver

Okay this is kind of a tease, but after seeing photos from @meow__wolf’s Las Vegas location we CANNOT wait until Denver opens. Head to the link in bio to get a look at Vegas’ #Omegamart and get an idea on the mind bending stuff headed to the Mile High. .

.

📝: @_cori.anderson
📸: @meow__wolf
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver
...

303magazine

View

Feb 4

Open
Al pastor banh mi? Or how about phoutine? Denver food truck @pho_king_rapidos blends together cultures and cuisines for delicious takes on street food classics. Rotating their selections weekly, some classics stay on the menu due to their well deserved cult status. Head to the link in bio for more. .
 
.

📝: @mister.wrenn 
📸: @nosferatune 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #303eats #303food #303foodie

Al pastor banh mi? Or how about phoutine? Denver food truck @pho_king_rapidos blends together cultures and cuisines for delicious takes on street food classics. Rotating their selections weekly, some classics stay on the menu due to their well deserved cult status. Head to the link in bio for more. .

.

📝: @mister.wrenn
📸: @nosferatune
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver #denverfoodie #303eats #303food #303foodie
...

303magazine

View

Feb 2

Open
Did you know there’s a restaurant you can snowshoe to? @tennpassco is a one of a kind place that offers both a delicious meal and some outdoor adventure. You can even stay the night in yurt. More info at the link in bio. .
 
.

📝: @a_dash_of_sweet_caroline 
📸: @tennpassco 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver

Did you know there’s a restaurant you can snowshoe to? @tennpassco is a one of a kind place that offers both a delicious meal and some outdoor adventure. You can even stay the night in yurt. More info at the link in bio. .

.

📝: @a_dash_of_sweet_caroline
📸: @tennpassco
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #thingstodoindenver
...

303magazine

View

Jan 29

Open
Denver is a city defined by the spirit of change. Western by nature, we’re always looking for our next horizon. That’s why we devote every day to uncovering parts of its identity. The articles we write revolve around more than what’s happening in the city — our work highlights independent businesses, emerging creatives and cultural moments that give this metropolis its signature, rhythmic beat. It's that vitality we want you to connect with, so we’ve created a platform to familiarize you with Denver’s culture. Our city is a rich tapestry of people, places and experiences, and we’re 
the needle and thread.  But in order to keep going, we need your support... 
.

Head to the link in bio and consider making a donation  today and ensure our mission of connecting Denver lives on.

Denver is a city defined by the spirit of change. Western by nature, we’re always looking for our next horizon. That’s why we devote every day to uncovering parts of its identity. The articles we write revolve around more than what’s happening in the city — our work highlights independent businesses, emerging creatives and cultural moments that give this metropolis its signature, rhythmic beat. It's that vitality we want you to connect with, so we’ve created a platform to familiarize you with Denver’s culture. Our city is a rich tapestry of people, places and experiences, and we’re
the needle and thread. But in order to keep going, we need your support...
.

Head to the link in bio and consider making a donation today and ensure our mission of connecting Denver lives on.
...

303magazine

View

Jan 26

Open
You might not believe us, but some of Denver’s best Puerto Rican food can be found at the Denver Elks Lodge in the Highlands. The former awarding winning food truck struck up the partnership during the pandemic and it’s been a happy marriage thus far. Head to the link in bio for full details. .
 
.

📝: @mister.wrenn 
📸: @aldenbonecutter 
.
 #Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #303eats #303foodie  #303food  #denverfoodie #thingstodoindenver

You might not believe us, but some of Denver’s best Puerto Rican food can be found at the Denver Elks Lodge in the Highlands. The former awarding winning food truck struck up the partnership during the pandemic and it’s been a happy marriage thus far. Head to the link in bio for full details. .

.

📝: @mister.wrenn
📸: @aldenbonecutter
.
#Denver #303magazine #Dnvr #themilehighcity #milehighcity #denvercolorado #303 #ColoradoGram #ColoradoLiving #CityofDenver #303eats #303foodie #303food #denverfoodie #thingstodoindenver
...

303magazine

View

Jan 21

Open
We are bringing Colorado musicians together again for 303 Music Vol. 4. Releasing on March 3, 303 Day, this vinyl features @flobotsmusic , @sunsquabi , @thereminders , @neoma.lun and more. The album artwork is by @mi_moegram and 25% of all proceeds will go directly to @youthonrecord. Pre-order now  at the link in bio and support our local music scene.

We are bringing Colorado musicians together again for 303 Music Vol. 4. Releasing on March 3, 303 Day, this vinyl features @flobotsmusic , @sunsquabi , @thereminders , @neoma.lun and more. The album artwork is by @mi_moegram and 25% of all proceeds will go directly to @youthonrecord. Pre-order now at the link in bio and support our local music scene. ...

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Advertising
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Denver Fashion Week
© 2004-2021 303 Magazine