Denver, during winter, is a magical place to be. The Mile High City morphs into a winter wonderland with interesting events, fun winter activities, and majestic snow-covered landscapes throughout the icy season. We compiled a list of 14 top winter activities in Denver you must try at least once.
Go Ice Skating at the Downtown Denver Rink
One of the most popular winter activities in Denver City is ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink, located in 16th Street Mall at the heart of Skyline Park. Southwest Airlines set up the pop-up rink in 2009 in conjunction with the Downtown Denver Partnership, and it has been in operation ever since. You can go ice skating there for free and rent the required gear for a few bucks.
If you need a change of scene, you can explore all that 16th Street Mall has to offer. Grab a bite or pint as you relax and people-watch. If you need some retail therapy, you’ll find several retail outlets with world-class shopping.
You can also head to the Denver Pavilions and indulge in some good, old-fashioned American entertainment. It hosts an arcade bar, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. The mile-long stretch is usually teeming with activity. There’s always something to keep you occupied.
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Rest and Relax at the Denver Union Station
Shopping downtown can be quite exhausting. If you need a place to sit down, relax, and catch your breath as you sip on some hot cocoa, Denver Union Station is the perfect place to do it. Strategically located in the heart of downtown, the recently renovated Union Station is the perfect place to grab a bite or drink as you watch hurried travelers transit through the nearby train platform.
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Go Beer Tasting at the Winter Brew Fest
If you’re a beer drinker and are ever in Downtown Denver during winter, you should stop by the Winter Brew Fest. The popular beer-sampling festival is held annually and is the state’s second-largest beer-tasting event. Enjoy infinite amounts of beer from more than 40 local breweries, great-tasting food, and live entertainment.
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Go for Afternoon High Tea
You haven’t had high tea until you’ve had an authentic afternoon high tea experience at the legendary Brown Palace. The grand historic hotel is adorned with 19th-century ornate décor, stained glass ceilings, and old English-style architecture. The legendary Brown Palace has been serving high tea since the 1800s, a time when the tea room was reserved for ladies only. Travel back in time as you sample delicious handmade scones, pastries, and tea sandwiches, and enjoy live entertainment from a world-class pianist.
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Escape to the Mountains
There’s no better time to be in the Rocky Mountain region than winter. It is a few hours’ drive from downtown, perfect for a quick mountain getaway. While there, you can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or hit up a spa for a soak in the area’s mineral-rich hot spring waters. There’s no shortage of things to do there. Popular mountain destinations to visit located a short drive away from downtown include:
- Copper Mountain
- Crested Butte
- Echo Mountain
- Estes Park
- Glenwood Springs
- Idaho Springs
- Loveland Ski Area
- Mount Evan
- Steamboat Springs
- Winter Park Resort in Winter Park
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Go Snowboarding in Ruby Hill Park
Whether you’re a snow-obsessed Denverite or visiting from out of town, Ruby Hill Park is a great winter destination for fun-loving people on a tight budget. The park offers free skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking all winter. It even hosts free concerts and fun events, including the CoreNation Rail Jam. It is the perfect winter centerpiece for budget-conscious individuals.
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Go Snowshoeing at Rocky Mountain
If snowshoeing is your favorite winter pastime or you simply want to learn, there’s no better place to do it than Rocky Mountain National Park—the most visited park in the United States. Here, you’ll find several snowshoeing trails that cater to individuals of all skill levels, so don’t be shy if you’re just starting.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to explore the gorgeous lakes in the area, including Lake Haiyaha, Emerald Lake, Grand Lake, and Dream Lake. The views are to die for.
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Go Snow Tubing at Colorado Adventure Park
If you enjoy fun winter activities like snow tubing, you should definitely hit up Colorado Adventure Park. It is located in Fraser, Grand County, about an hour-and-a-half drive from downtown, and is the hottest tubing spot around the Mile High area.
When you get there, you can rent a single snow tube (or the double if you want to ride down with someone) and hit the groomed hills. Our favorite thing about tubing at Colorado Adventure Park is the magic carpet lift that takes you and your tube back up the hill. There’s no need to lug it back up yourself.
If you need a break from the winter fun, relax on the Adirondack chairs by the fire pit and toast marshmallows, which you can get from the nearby concession stand.
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Hike the Clear Creek Trail
The Mile High City has no shortage of fun, outdoorsy things to do during winter and is chock-full of unbelievably stunning outdoor spaces. If you’re ever in Denver, Colorado, don’t miss the chance to hike the Clear Creek Trail.
This hidden gem spans 20 miles and runs from the northern end of Denver to downtown Golden. Enjoy scenic views along the easy route and stop by Coors Brewery for a quick tour. As you continue the trail along the water’s edge, you will eventually arrive at the gorgeous Clear Creek Canyon. It’ll be worth it.
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Attend an Art Exhibit at the Denver Museum
Located at the heart of downtown is the stunning Denver Art Museum. This gorgeous dual-building complex has more than 100,000 stunning art pieces on display from across the world, spanning centuries.
The most common art displays at the Denver Art Museum are Native American pieces, whose collection is the largest in the world. While at it, be sure to check out the Clyfford Still Museum. It is just across the street from the Denver Museum. You can also visit the nearby Denver Public Library to learn about the Mile High City’s rich cultural history.
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Catch a Show at the Red Rock Amphitheater
One of the must-see winter activities in Denver is a showing at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. It is the world’s first and only acoustically perfect, naturally occurring amphitheater and is a 30-minute drive from downtown. The Red Rock first opened at the turn of the 20th century and has seen performances from musical heavy-hitters like Stevie Wonder, Johnny Cash, The Beatles – you name it. A Red Rock performance during winter when the entire park is covered in snow is magical.
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Visit Denver City Park
While Denver has no shortage of beautiful outdoor parks, the favorite for locals and visitors is City Park. The pack is massive and spans more than 300 acres. There are many activities for individuals, couples, and families here.
For starters, there’s the Denver Zoo. Every year, the Mile High City Zoo hosts a spectacular event dubbed Denver Zoo Lights. Experience the dazzling display of lights in the shapes of various exotic animals. The Denver Zoo Lights display spans an impressive 83 acres, with exciting features such as the Electric Jungle, the Savannah Sunset, and the Aurora Borealis.
If you need a break from the icy winter temperatures, you can explore the indoor Tropical Discovery, home to nearly 2,000 species. There are conveniently located fire pits to keep you warm and toasty and bottomless hot cocoa, which you can have with a shot of your favorite booze.
The Mile High City Park also comprises the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Colorado Museum of Natural History. If you crave water recreation, the park is home to Ferril Lake and Duck Lake.
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Visit the Denver Botanical Garden
While the Denver Botanic Garden is open year-round, it comes alive during winter. For nearly four decades, the Mile High Botanic Garden has hosted Blossoms of Light, a spectacular immersive light event that transforms the location into a winter wonderland.
Something about the twinkling lights in the trees and along the walkways against the dark of night feels magical. It’s almost surreal. It’s the perfect winter activity for friends, families, and couples to bundle up and enjoy the festivities. If you plan to go, get your tickets early enough. They sell out pretty fast.
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Wine, Dine, and Shop at Cherry Creek North
Cherry Creek North is Denver’s premier retail shopping and dining destination. It is home to numerous high-fashion stores, independent boutiques, charming jewelry outlets, art galleries, several salons, and relaxing spas. The area also features several world-class restaurants that serve a wide variety of tantalizing cuisine.
Whether you want to shop till you drop, treat your palate to different cuisines, or simply enjoy the ambiance as you people-watch, Cherry Creek is the place to do it.
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In the meantime, check out these top family ski resorts you must visit at least once in Colorado.