10 Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado is an absolutely beautiful city with amazing mountain views all around it. In January, my boyfriend and I planned a trip with a few friends and had a blast exploring the city and all that it has to offer. Check out my list below of 10 things to see and do in Denver (in no particular order).

1. Eat Ice Cream

Little Man Ice Cream {littlemanicecream.com} is a milk jug shaped shop serving up amazing scoops of ice cream. You might be surprised that we would decide to get ice cream in January, but the weather was mild and I had heard that Denver does ice cream right, so why not sample some for ourselves? The ice cream at Little Man is all homemade and comes in flavors like Fluffernutter, Butterfinger Fudge, and Strawberry Balsamic. The shop has all outdoor seating that is perfect for soaking up the sun.

Cost: Cups and cones range from $1.25 for a Little Dip to  $3.95 for a double scoop

Insider Tip: The flavors at the shop rotate, so it's best to call ahead to find out the flavors of the day. Planning on bringing the kiddies? There is a playground right across the street.

2. Explore the art scene

Denver is home to a vibrant art scene and there are many ways to experience it!

• Museum of Contemporary Art (mcadenver.org} – Fans of contemporary art will enjoy a visit to this museum located in the lower downtown area of Denver. The MCA features rotating exhibits that promote creative experimentation with art.

• Denver Art Museum {denverartmusuem.org} – Located in downtown Denver, this museum is one the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast. There are 10 permanent collections including African, American Indian, Asian, European and American, modern and contemporary, pre-Columbian, photography, Spanish Colonial, textile, and western American art.

• Art Districts – There are 7 art districts in Denver, the closest one to downtown being the Santa Fe art district. On the stretch of Santa Fe Ave designated as the art district, visitors can stroll and visit varies art galleries and enjoy the many colorful murals that line the street.

Cost: Admission to the MCA is $8 for adults ($5 after 5 pm), $3 for teens (ages 13-18) and $1 for children (ages 7-12). Admission to the Denver Art Museum is $10/13 (CO resident/nonresident), $8/10 for Seniors over 65 and College students, $3/5 for children (ages 6-18) and free for children under 6. However, there is free general admission on the first Saturday of every month!

Insider Tip: Most of the art galleries in the Santa Fe Art District are open on the weekends only.

3. Visit the 16th Street Mall

Denver is home to the longest outdoor mall in the US, the 16th Street Mall {denver.org}. Along its length are many souvenir shops, businesses, food, and even a dispensary (See #4). In the center is the Denver Pavilion {denverpavillions.com}, home to 40 stores including H&M, Bath & Body Works, Forever 21, a bowling alley, and even a movie theater.

Cost: Free (only spend money on what you want to buy!)

Insider Tip: Although the mall is meant primarily for pedestrians, you can catch a ride on the free shuttle that stops at the end of every block.

4. Check out a dispensary

The state of Colorado was one of the first to legalize the purchase of Marijuana, so naturally we were curious to see what a legal shop would look like. One of the best dispensaries in the city of Denver is Native Roots Apothecary {nativeroots303.com}. Located near the 16th Street Mall, Native Roots sells all manner of marijuana products: weed by the gram and up to an ounce, edibles, extracts, drinks, topicals used for medicinal purposes…. the list goes on and on. I suggest visiting and checking out the legalization of marijuana for yourself! Just want a little something or on-the-go? They also have pre-rolled joints available ($15).

Cost: The cost varies depending on what you are looking to buy. Grams of weed are between $15-$20 with an ounce costing up to $375, while edibles range from $6 for a cookie to $25 for certain candies. Drinks are $8-$25, concentrates are generally all $60 for a gram, and topicals can go from $10 for a medical patch to $90 for extra strength cream.

Insider Tip: You must be 21 or older to visit and purchase any marijuana dispensary in Denver. Make sure to bring a photo ID along with you.

5. Go skiing

Going to Denver and not going skiing is like going to Miami and not going to the beach! Many of the nearby slopes are just a 45 minute drive up into the mountains. We made sure to take advantage of the great ski resorts and visited Loveland Ski Area {skiloveland.com} for a day of skiing, mountain air, and a great workout.

Cost: The ‘Day Tripper' package is $109 in the regular season, $99 in the late season and includes full day lift ticket, ski or snowboard rental, and all clothing (jackets, pants, gloves, hat, goggles) – a great deal!

Insider Tip: Never been skiing? Loveland Ski Area offers lessons for both adults and children. Just make sure to sign up online before hand and arrive at least two hours before the scheduled time in order to get all of your gear.

6. Go skating

If skiing or snowboarding is too much of an adventure for you, skating is another great option. During my visit to Denver, I visited Big Bear Ice Arena, located just 20 minutes from the downtown area. Each week, they host open skating sessions for those looking to get out on the ice and just move around. I had a blast with my friends practicing skating and racing around the rink. They also have a snack bar to help tide you over.

Cost: $7 for admission, addition $3 to rent skates. For a deal on half off a skating session for 2 or 4 click HERE

Insider Tip: Make sure to check the Big Bear Ice Arena website {bigbearice.com} for public skating times in advance.

7. Enjoy a Denver park

The weather in Denver is very mild for the most part in the winter, so hanging out in one of the 200 city and mountain parks can be on the schedule no matter what time of year you visit. On my trip in January, we enjoyed some weather warm enough for a pleasant jaunt through Cheesman Park. The park was once a cemetery and many people claim that it is still haunted. I didn't have any ghostly encounters but instead enjoyed people watching many of locals who were out walking their four-legged friends.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: Bring some snacks and make a picnic out of your park visit!

8. Visit the oldest bar in Denver

If you are looking to grab a drink while in Denver, you must visit My Brother's Bar, the oldest bar in the city {mybrothersbar.com}. Opened in 1870, this landmark bar has not changed one bit. Classical music plays in the background while patrons enjoy burgers and brews on old wooden counter tops. Servers even ring orders up at an antique cash register.

Menus are not printed but hang on the walls for customers to order. I highly recommend ordering onion rings and the JCB burger – Jalapeño Cream cheese burger. Absolutely delicious!

Cost: All of the food is reasonably priced. Single patty burgers range from $5.50-$6.75. Most items hover around the $6.00 mark.

Insider Tip: There is no signage on the bar – look for a brick storefront right on the corner.

9. See how money is made

There are two places to learn more about our nations financial system. One is the Money Museum {kansascityfed.org}, located right off the 16th Street mall (See #3). Open from 8:30 am to 4:30pm, the museum highlights our nations currency. Visit to see a $100,000 dollar bill, or what $30 Million looks like! Self guided tours are available during opening hours. Guided tours are also an option, but reservations must be made in advance.

Another option for those who are all about the benjamins is a visit to the US Mint {usmint.gov} to actually see money getting made. Tours are held Mondary though Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm and last about 45 minutes. The tour will give visitors a chance to learn he history of the Mint and how they produce coins for the country.

Cost: Both the Money Museum and US Mint are free!

Insider Tip: A photo ID for visitors age 18 and up is required to enter the Money Museum. In order to ensure a spot on a tour for the US Mint, make sure to make an online reservation before your trip and bring your confirmation number the day of your tour. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes before your tour of the Mint or you may be excluded!

10. Hike a mountain

For spectacular mountain views, plan a day trip to the top of Mount Evans. The road to the summit is the highest paved road in North America, which makes it an easy drive. Stop by Summit Lake for a bite to eat at the restaurant or shop in the gift shop. You may pass many mountain goats on the way up as you enjoy the scenery. Once at the top, it is a short climb all the way up to the summit. The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: Even on the hottest days in Denver, the temperature at the summit can get chilly. Make sure to bring a jacket with you.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.