MUSEUMS

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Learning about nature, science, health and human history is fun for both adults and children at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The museum hosts a number of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. The Egyptian Mummies and Gems & Minerals exhibit are populars with children, but also check out their Prehistoric Journey exhibit, which takes guests through millions of years of life’s history.

Robischon Art Gallery

Robischon Art Gallery is Denver’s most sought after gallery for sales and an eclectic mix of artists. The exhibits rotate frequently and showcase many regional, national and international artists since 1976. The 9,000 square foot gallery showcases seven exhibits each year with two or three concurrent solos and a group presentation. Painting, sculpture and video are highlights among the mediums. For a look at contemporary concepts, this museum is the perfect visit.

Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art

The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is a favorite spot in Denver. The museum boasts a lineup of Colorado artwork, decorative arts and collections by Vance Kirkland, and visitors can find sculptures and retro to mid-century furniture along with many abstract oil paintings. This spot makes for a unique museum experience and a nice way to change up the pace.

Clyfford Still Museum

The Clyfford Still Museum is a minimalist-style venue for large-scale paintings and archives for the artists of Abstract Expressionism. The entire museum is naturally lit to show the textures of Still’s work, and visitors will learn much about the abstract expressionism movement in this modern marvel.

David B. Smith Gallery

The David B. Smith Gallery showcases national artists and has a great eye for selecting talent, which helps this gallery stand out from many in Denver. Smith curates interesting installations from artists like Michael Theodore. The eclectic exhibits range from quirky and cute drawings to abstract oil paintings, making this gallery a great place to get inspired.

MARKETS

City Park Esplanade Fresh Market

The City Park Esplanade Fresh Market is held at the historic Sullivan Fountain amongst the beautiful and majestic architecture of City Park. The agricultural market is perfect for finding the best selections of local growers on Sundays, and there are plenty of fresh food vendors in the fun, eclectic urban setting.

A Paris Street Market

On the first Saturday of every month from May through October, guests can hunt through unique gems and hand-picked treasures. Although the market is small, you can find a plethora of kitchen items, garden ornaments, clothes and handmade art. It’s also worth it to browse through the vintage linens and old and new jewelry. The antique market is perfect for finding retro gems you can’t find anywhere else.

Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market

The Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market is a great family-friendly venture. Usually, guests can find two to three food trucks, and it is a nice stroll on Sundays. You’ll find produce vendors, apparel and accessories to boot. The food vendors are the highlight, with Colorado grown vegetables, Amish tomatoes, organic spices, and more. The produce comes from local vendors Ela Family Farms, Pope Farms and Miller Farms, to name a few.

Horseshoe Market

Located at 46th Avenue and Tennyson, Horseshoe Market is one of the most versatile flea markets in the Denver area. Here you can find quality vintage goods, curiosities and quality handmade items. With a vibrant row of tents, the curated market of vendors and items offers a colorful environment.

The Cherry Creek Fresh Market

The award-winning Cherry Creek Fresh Market is the largest farmer’s market in Denver. It is considered one of the best farmer’s markets in the town — you’ll get high quality list of Colorado growers and unique local gourmet vendors. With the best food vendors in the Rocky Mountain area, you can also find yourself enjoying chef events, gaining gardening expertise from Master Gardeners, and enjoying live music at the festive outdoor market.

PARKS

Washington Park

Washington Park is one of the most popular spots in the city all year with its indoor activities. Nicknamed ‘Wash Park’ by locals, it consists of a large space with two lakes, vibrant flower gardens and unique playgrounds with numerous recreation areas. The park also has extensive sports areas and fitness options, including a recreation center with bicycle and walking pathways, an indoor pool, and a crushed granite jogging path. For outdoor activities, enjoy the lawn bowling and croquet area or the soccer fields and tennis courts.

Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park is a runners’ haven, with its granite jogging paths winding through the park. It’s also popular with families due to its large playground with swings and slides.The interior is great for organized games like volleyball and flag football, and those going for a stroll will enjoy the structure such as the Neo-classical pavilion. You can also find sweeping vistas from the Cheesman Memorial Pavilion to the Front Range view in this park that used to be a cemetery.

City Park

The extensive park is the equivalent of New York City’s Central Park. City Park has 314 landscaped areas featuring a golf course, vibrant flower gardens, and beautifully sculpted fountains as well as lakes and green spaces for picnicking. City Park also holds some of Denver’s most popular attractions, like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Zoo.

Red Rocks Park

With a towering 300-foot sandstone formation and 200-mile panoramic view of Denver and its plains, Red Rocks Park is an achievement of master planning that incorporates naturalistic features and metropolitan class. The amphitheater built into the red rock tops many lists for concert venues with its natural acoustics and design, and is a must-go to spot if visiting. It also incorporates history with its Mount Morrison Civilian Conservation Camp, and you can also hike and bike the rest stone cliffs in the 868 acres of pines, prarie and dinosaur bones with sweeping vistas overlooking Denver. It is also now a registered National Historic Park.

Sloan’s Lake Park

Nestled in the Highlands neighborhood, Sloan’s Lake Park is a like an oasis in an urban pocket. During summer months, you can find water skiers riding across the lake with scenic views of the ‘Mile High’ city’s skyline. The 177-acre-park is a perfect spot for picnicking or grilling, and every year, check out the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, an Asian American celebration featuring a slew of dragon boats that fill the lake.

Civic Center Park

Located in the heart of Downtown Denver, Civic Center Park is also teaming with tourists and locals. The plaza is surrounded by official government buildings, and is right around the corner from both the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Public Library. In the summer months, you can find Civic Center EATS with food trucks every Tuesday and Thursday, or a major urban event like Cinco de Mayo or PrideFest taking place in the center of it all.

Confluence Park

Located in Denver’s downtown at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, visitors can kayak or watch the kayakers on the rapids in their custom-designed chutes, or you can sunbathe on the sandy bank of the scenic river in this mix of civilization and wild outdoors. In the summer, Confluence hosts a free concert series every Thursday from evening to dusk. The park is conveniently close to the Downtown Aquarium and Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park as well.