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Area Activities

Some great things to do near Denver

We recommend these activities for great fun for the entire family, from kids to the elderly.

Amusement parks

Six Flags Elitch Garden
Open April through October, call or visit web site for exact operating dates and times. Six Flags Elitch Gardens is two parks in one -- a family theme park and Island Kingdom Water Park located near downtown Denver in the Plate River Valley.
2000 Elitch Circle
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 595-4386
www.elitchgardens.com
Heritage Square
Open year-round Heritage Square is a re-constructed Colorado mining town from the 1870s with an old fort, elaborate Victorian buildings and storefronts, shops, restaurants and a cabaret theatre. Amusement park rides, a water slide, bungee tower, go-karts, miniature golf, miniature railroad, alpine slide and bicycle rentals are some of the other attractions. The Heritage Square Music Hall is a unique dinner theatre featuring a buffet dinner followed by comedy plays and musical comedy revues.
18301 W. Colfax
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 279-7800
www.heritagesquare.info
Lakeside Amusement Park
Open weekends starting in May, then daily from June through the summer. An amusement park that is fun for the entire family, including 15 kiddie rides, classic Cyclone wooden roller coaster, scenic miniature train, 40 rides, plus arcade games and refreshments.
I-70 and Sheridan Blvd.
Denver, CO 80212
(303) 477-1621
www.lakesideamusementpark.com
Riverside Miniature Golf & Go-Kart
45 holes of challenging miniature golf; 18 holes are wheelchair-accessible. Denver's largest Go-Kart speedway, where you do the driving! Open Daily, weather permitting, call for hours.
2201 W. Oxford
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 969-9700
www.lq.com
Water World
Thrill rides include Voyage to the Center of the Earth and Lost River of the Pharaohs. Slides, two wave pools, a river float ride, a fun house and Calypso Cove are other highlights. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day 10am to 6pm.
1800 W 89th Avenue
Denver, CO 80221
(303) 427-7873
www.waterworldcolorado.com
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Aquarium

Colorado's Ocean Journey Aquarium

Visitors enter the aquarium and have two distinct river journeys to follow. Both rivers start at 12,000 feet above sea level and flow to the Pacific Ocean, yet they are on opposite sides of the globe and represent completely different ecosystems.

The Colorado River journey follows mountain waterfalls and trout streams down to the arid Southwest red rock canyons and ultimately to the Sea of Cortez. Along the way there are flash floods, green moray eels and exquisite schooling fish.The Kampar River journey begins in the mountains of Sumatra in a tropical rain forest and flows to a coral reef in Indonesia.

700 Water Street
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 561-4450
www.oceanjourney.org
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Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens is home to more than 15,000 species of plants, several world-renowned gardens, such as the Rock Alpine Garden, as well as nationally recognized plant collections, such as the water lily collection.

Tropical Botanica, housed in the Boettcher Memorial Conservatory, is one of the 10 major conservatories in the country and the only major tropical plant conservatory in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Visitors can be transported to Japan while they rest in the cool, green shade of the Japanese Garden, escape to the tropics in the warm and misty Tropical Conservatory, experience sheer beauty in the Monet Garden and see a culinary delight while strolling through the French Kitchen Garden.

May - September: 9am-5pm Wednesday through Friday and 9am-8 pm Saturday through Tuesday October - April: 9am-5pm daily

909 York Street
Denver, CO
(303) 331-4000
www.botanicgardens.org
Hudson Gardens

Just 20 minutes south of Denver, these 16 gardens on 30 acres offer beauty and tranquility along the banks of the South Platte River. The themed gardens have beautiful mountain views and are complemented by pools, pavilions, bridges, sculptures and fountains.

There are walks and bike rides available from here along the South Platte River bike path. Butterflies, birds and a family of red foxes are found in the gardens. 10am-5pm daily April-October; hours vary rest of the year.

6115 S. Santa Fe Drive
Littleton, CO 80120
Wadsworth & Hampden
(303) 738-8406
www.hudsongardens.org
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Local sites of interest

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour

Visit the Rocky Mountain home of the world's largest brewer and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

October - May: Thursday - Monday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
June - August: Daily 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
September: Daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

2351 Busch Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
(970) 490-4691
www.budweisertours.com
Celestial Seasonings

Celestial Seasonings is the largest herbal tea manufacturing plant in the United States, and the free tour offers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at how tea is made.

Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

4600 Sleepy time Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 581-1202
www.celestialseasonings.com
Colorado State Capitol

Built in 1908, Colorado's State Capitol Building is best known for its brilliant dome, which is covered with 200 ounces of 24K gold leaf. However, the really priceless material is the Colorado onyx that was used inside as wainscoting. The entire world's supply of this unusual rose-colored stone was used in the building and no more of it has ever been found. Free tours of the Capitol offer a visit to the Senate and House of Representative chambers.

Another highpoint of the tour is the step on the west staircase that is exactly "one mile above sea level." The marker was carved into the steps in 1947, but in 1967 some students discovered that the measurement was wrong and a geodetic survey marker was placed in the correct spot, three steps above the original marker.

Monday - Friday; June - September 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
October - May 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

200 E. Colfax Ave. (Broadway at Colfax)
Denver, CO
(303) 866-2604
www.colorado.gov
Coors Brewery

The Coors Brewing Company was started in 1873 by then 26-year old Adolph Coors. Today, it is the nation's third largest manufacturer of beer and the Golden brewery is the largest single brewing site in the world. The 90-minute free tour of Coors, walks visitors through the entire brewing process, from germinating barley to bottling. Parking lots are in Golden with complimentary shuttle service to the brewery.

Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For large groups, foreign language tours or special accommodations, call (303) 277-2552. For TTY, dial (303) 277-6363 Mon.-Fri., 8am-5pm.

13th & Ford Street
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 277-2337
www.coors.com
Denver Public Library

The $64 million Denver Public Library opened in 1995. With 47 miles of bookshelves and 5 million items in its collection, it is one of the largest libraries in the U.S. The spectacular building was designed by Michael Graves.

Highpoints to visit include the Gates Western History Room with its two-story high oak sculpture created by Michael Graves and the largest Western history collection of any library in the world.

The Western Art Gallery houses seldom-seen masterpieces by Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Thomas Moran, John Audubon and Albert Bierstadt.

There is a Library Store with many book-related gifts. Denver has the highest number of library cardholders per capita of any city in the nation.

10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway (at Broadway)
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 581-1202
www.denver.lib.co.us
Dinosaur Ridge

Located in the "Hog Back" rock formations 4 miles north of Willow Ridge Manor Dinosaur Ridge is the site where the world's first large dinosaur bones were discovered.

The Visitors Center has interpretive displays that tell the story of how in 1877 a schoolteacher was poking around on the ridge when he discovered the fossil of an enormous bone. Within weeks, the area became known as the Morrison Dinosaur Quarry. The world's first Stegosaurus was found here, along with bones from the Allosaurus and Brontosaurus among others. The discovery set off the "Great Dinosaur Rush" and dozens of scientists from the East came to Denver in search of additional fossil sites.

Today, the area has been designated a National Natural Landmark and preserves over 300 dinosaur footprints. Seventeen interpretive signs along a mile-long path describe and show how dinosaur bones look to scientists when they are still encased in rock.

Guided tours may be scheduled by calling the information center.

16831 W. Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80120
(303) 697-3466
www.dinoridge.org
Eldorado Springs Resort

Eldorado Springs Resort, located north east of Denver in the Rocky Mountain Foothills at the mouth of the Eldorado Canyon, where you can swim in the fresh, clear, spring water. This historic swimming pool is fed from the artesian spring and has been a popular resort since it’s opening in 1905.

Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day 7 days a week between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm

294 Artesian Drive
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025
(303) 499-9640
www.eldoradosprings.com
Mother Cabrini Shrine

Established by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the shrine is a 22-foot statue of Christ on a beautiful hill overlooking Denver. Daily mass offered at 7:30 a.m.; Sun., 7:30 and 11 a.m. Take I-70 west to the Morrison Exit 259, I-70 east to Exit 256. Follow signs to shrine.

7am - 5pm (winter) – Daily
7am - 7:30 pm (summer) – Daily

20189 Cabrini Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
(303) 526-0758
www.den-cabrini-shrine.org
Tiny Town and Railroad

Nestled in the scenic Turkey Creak Canyon just 50 minutes west of Willow Ridge Manor, Tiny Town is a unique 1/6-scale village with its own authentic steam locomotive. Tiny Town was originally opened to the public in 1920 and is the oldest miniature village and railroad in the U.S. There are more than 100 handcrafted buildings, including the Tiny Town Tribune newspaper and Diesel Engine Round House. The steam-powered locomotive takes children around the tiny village, making stops along the way. Families can also enjoy picnics, snacks and a gift shop in this quaint mountain town.

10am - 5pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day (Sept. - Oct. open on weekends)

6249 S. Turkey Creek Road
Tiny Town, CO 80465
(303) 697-6829
www.tinytownrailroad.com
Red Rocks Amphitheater and Visitors Center

This 9,000-seat, acoustically perfect amphitheater was created in 1936 by carving out the seats between two gigantic red rock boulders. The huge rocks flank the theatre, rising 500 feet on either side while ahead all the lights of Denver can be seen spreading out across the plains. Each summer, a concert series has about two dozen concerts with top rock, country and pop stars.

The park surrounding the theatre is open year-round and is free, except when there is a scheduled performance. A well-marked nature trail winds through the rocks, explaining their geologic history. The rocks were created 70 million years ago when the region was covered by a vast inland sea. Deposits of sand settled in layers on the sea floor. As the water receded, the sediment hardened into sandstone. Iron oxide deposits are responsible for the many shades of red. The same great upheavals of the earth's crust that formed the Rocky Mountains also pushed up this red sandstone and erosion created the many unusual formations and shapes seen today.

The Visitor Center at Red Rocks provides guests with great food at the Ship rock Grille, interactive educational displays featuring the geologic and music history of Red Rocks, an amazing performers' Hall of Fame display and much more.

Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. A special sunrise service is held each Easter Sunday.

18300 West Alameda Parkway (1.5 miles north of Willow Ridge Manor)
Morrison, CO 80465
(720) 865-2494
www.redrocksonline.com
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

In the grasslands, lakes, streams and woodlands surrounding this former weapons and chemicals plant, there are over 330 species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The 27 square miles of land at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal have been turned into a National Wildlife Area where it is possible for visitors to see herds of mule deer, bald eagles, great horned owls, blue herons and many other birds and wildlife. The Arsenal site was once native prairie, home to Plains Indians.

In 1942, the U.S. Army acquired the land to make weapons for World War II. Chemical and incendiary weapons were made here until the 1960s. The chemical weapons were never used and were disposed of using widely accepted practices of the time, however contamination of some lands occurred. A large buffer zone was established around the contaminated lands and today a massive environmental cleanup is underway to protect people, wildlife and the environment. In 1992, Congress set the Arsenal aside as a national wildlife refuge, although the official designation will not come until the cleanup is complete.

Tours provide an overview of the Arsenal history, wildlife and environment cleanup efforts. Reservations are required. A bald eagle viewing station is open from mid-December through mid-March.

Hours and times vary. Call for information.

US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bldg. 111,
Commerce City, CO 80222
(303) 289-0232
www.pmrma.army.mil
U.S. Mint

Since September 11, tours of the U.S. Mint are limited to groups of ten or less. The tours must be arranged a minimum of three weeks in advance through your Congressional representative, so contact your Representative or contact your Senator.

The Mint Visitor Information and Sales Center is on Cherokee Street, directly adjacent to the Tour Entrance. The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am. until 3:30 p.m. See the video-tour playing on four television screens. The gift shop also offers exciting souvenirs and coin and money-related gifts for the entire family, from traditional Mint numismatic coin collectibles to clothing, toys, games, and accessories.

320 W Colfax Ave
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 405-4761
www.usmint.gov
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Museums

Denver Art Museum

Founded in 1893, the Denver Art Museum has over 40,000 works of art, the largest and most comprehensive collection of world art between Kansas City and the West Coast. The Denver Art Museum is currently undergoing a $68 million expansion. The new building will open in 2006 and was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, winner of the World Trade Center redesign project. The Denver Art Museum will be his first building in North America.

10am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday; 10am-9pm Wednesday; noon-5pm Sunday

13th and Acoma
Denver, CO
(720) 865-5000
www.denverartmuseum.org
Leanin' Tree Museum of Western Art

This small gem of a museum has been in operation since 1974 and houses the nation's largest private collection of contemporary western art on public view.

8 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday; 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday

6055 Longbow Dr.,
Boulder CO 80301
(303) 530-1442 or (800) 777-8716)
www.leanintreemuseum.com
Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver (MCA) is an innovative forum for contemporary art that inspires and challenges all audiences creating understanding and dialogue about art of our time.

Mon Closed, Tue - Sat 11 AM - 5:30 PM, Sun Noon - 5:30 PM

1275 19th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 530-1442 (800-777-8716)
(303) 581-1202
www.mcartdenver.org
Museum of Outdoor Art

A 60-plus piece sculpture garden in four locations: City Center Englewood, Greenwood Plaza, Hudson Gardens and Lowry. Self-guided tours may be taken daily during daylight hours. Call for more information, free maps of the collection or visit the indoor gallery.

1000 Englewood Parkway, Suite 2-230
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 806-0444
Trianon Museum and Art Gallery

Beautiful collection of 18th-century European masterpieces: paintings, furniture, crystal, silver, porcelain, bronzes, clocks and Oriental art treasures. Hourly tours, 25 people maximum.

10am - 4pm Monday - Saturday

335 14th Street
Denver CO 80202
(303) 623-0739
Vance Kirkland Museum

This unique museum features a retrospective of Colorado's distinguished painter, Vance Kirkland (1904-1981), the museum is housed in Denver's oldest commercial art building. A major 20th century decorative arts collection is also on view.

Hours: Weds.-Fri. 1-5 p.m. Tours offered every Thurs. at 1:30 p.m.

1311 Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 832-8576
www.vancekirkland.org
Wildlife Experience Museum

Opened in August 2002, this exciting new museum concept houses a world-class collection of wildlife art and is a center for education, community, social, and business events. The Wildlife Experience features interactive galleries, a Great Hall that can accommodate 600 for dinner, outdoor plaza, and IWERKS Extreme Screen Theater.

8390 E. Crescent Pkwy.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303) 796-3559
http://www.thewildlifeexperience.org
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Performing arts

Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities

Opened in 1976, this is Denver's 8th largest cultural attraction, devoted to all aspects of the arts. The Center is home to an indoor theatre for 500 people and an outdoor amphitheater that can seat 1,200. Musicals, drama, children's theatre and a variety of musical events from bluegrass to jazz are offered.

6901 Wadsworth Blvd.
Arvada CO 80003
(720) 898-7200
www.arvadacenter.org
Denver Performing Arts Complex

This is the largest performing arts center in the world under one roof in terms of the performing spaces and the variety of activities taking place. With 10,800 seats in nine theatres, it ranks second in seating capacity only to New York's Lincoln Center.

The DPCA houses the acclaimed Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, Boettcher Concert Hall, the Quigg Newton Denver Municipal Auditorium (under renovation until 2005), the Bonfils Theatre Complex and the Seawell Ballroom.

8 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday; 10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday

14th & Curtis
Denver CO 80202
(303) 640-2637
www.artscomplex.com
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