FAQs: Denver Region

What are the top five activities for your teen near/in Denver?

The Mile High City includes breathtaking natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene. Catch a show at the Garner Galleria Theatre or Chaos Bloom Theater. Hike, bike, or ski in the parks in and surrounding the city. A 90-minute drive north takes you to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is perfect for a day trip.

1. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: Established in 2004, this 15,000-acre sanctuary 10 miles outside of Denver has transformed into a thriving wildlife habitat where you can see bison, deer, raptors, and coyotes. The refuge has 20 miles of hiking trails, an 11-mile wildlife drive auto tour, and seasonal fishing.
2. Spectra Art Space: This gallery hosts art exhibitions, showcasing many artists’ work. It also engages visitors with immersive art spaces, classes, events, showcases, lectures, and demonstrations.
   
3. Prismajic: Transport yourself to a surreal forest inhabited by a mystical yeti named Shiki in an immersive adventure combining art with cutting-edge technology. Prismajic engages your senses and emphasizes wellness in spaces that promote relaxation and mindfulness.
   
4. Colorado Adventure Center: Experience the thrill of white water rafting on Colorado’s rivers or try ziplining or the ropes course in the aerial adventure park. It’s a perfect way to spend a day outside.
   
5. Wings Over the Rockies: Get close to historic aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia in this museum that showcases the future of aviation and space. One exhibit is a ¾ scale replica of the Star Wars Incom T-65 X-Wing Fighter. Explore the changing exhibits like Space: A Journey to Our Future.
   

What are the top cultural activities for teens in Denver?

Denver’s cultural scene invites teens to connect with art, history, and performance. 

1. Denver Art Museum: The Denver Art Museum features many current and changing exhibits featuring art from around the world. You can also take classes to expand your creativity in drawing, weaving, painting, and collage or explore the nearby Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, which features Colorado and regional art.
   
2. Denver Center for Performing Arts (DCPA): The DCPA is one of the largest non-profit theatrical organizations in the country. See a Broadway tour or one of its own productions, including cabaret and musicals. It offers over 1,400 performances of 40+ productions every year.
   
3. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Known for its large red sandstone outcrops, this park offers hiking trails, a visitor center, and the Trading Post welcome center. The natural acoustics and stunning setting make it perfect for an open-air venue built into the rock formations. See a show or take a yoga class surrounded by nature.
   
4. Manitou Incline: Manitou Incline was originally a cable car used to transport materials for pipeline construction on Pikes Peak. A 1990 rockslide badly damaged the track, which has been removed, but it’s an excellent place for hiking and sightseeing.
   
5. Denver Graffiti Tour: Denver’s vibrant and famous graffiti scene, especially in the River North Art District (RiNo), is worth exploring. There’s a high concentration of murals and street art there, and tours offer a chance to learn about the art, artists, and neighborhoods.
   
6. Dark Side of Denver Ghost Tours: Curious about history and the paranormal? If so, try one of Denver’s walking ghost tours. You’ll see some of the city’s most historic buildings (and tunnels below the city) and learn about the past inhabitants and their exploits.
7. Four Mile Historic Park: A house museum and landmark, the park connects you to the region’s western heritage by sharing the stories and experiences of those who shaped Denver over 160 years ago. Try hands-on activities like butter-making or enjoy one of the many events it hosts each year.
   

What are the best Denver outdoor activities for teens?

Denver’s abundant sunshine and proximity to the Rockies make it an outdoor paradise, with hundreds of parks and miles of trails to explore, like the Mount Falcon Castle Trail.

1. Denver Skatepark: This large, free, outdoor skatepark has 60,000 square feet of concrete, including bowls, pipes, and street skating features. Whether you’re a skateboarder, blader, or biker, try your skills here.
   
2. Water World: It is known as “America’s largest water park,” with over 50 rides, slides, and attractions across 70 acres. Enjoy water coasters, a wave pool, and the Voyage to the Center of the Earth ride — perfect for a day outside.
   
3. Ruby Hill Rail Yard: The Ruby Hill Rail Yard is a free ski and snowboard terrain park with rails, boxes, and other features for all skill levels. Go during the day or enjoy lighted night skiing during the season.
   
4. American Paintball Coliseum: Love laser tag, airsoft, and VR? Check out this destination for paintball enthusiasts—65 acres with 13 fields for outdoor paintball or airsoft games and 26,000 square feet for indoor paintball.
   
5. Camenisch Park: This scenic park in Federal Heights has many amenities for outdoor lovers, including basketball, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, trails, a pickle ball court, and an excellent disc golf course.  
   

What are the best Denver indoor activities for teens?

Don’t let the weather dictate your fun! The city’s indoor scene has everything from bowling, movies, and escape rooms to indoor paintball, VR, and more.

1. Archery Games Denver: Try family-friendly archery dodgeball. Armed with a Nerf-tipped “arrow,” you and your team hide behind giant foam obstacles to take out the opposition.
   
2. Beat the Bomb Denver: You and your team must work together to disarm a “bomb” in a set time. Fail and get blasted with paint, foam, or slime.
   
3. Denver Selfie Museum: The Denver Selfie Museum is an interactive photo studio offering creative, imaginative backgrounds for taking selfies. The 25 themed rooms and exhibits include  “Game On,” “Donut Wall,” and “Wish Upon a Star.”
   
4. Virtual Reality Social: This arcade includes many options, like VR escape rooms, a golf simulator, a racing simulator, and plenty of VR arena games. It’s perfect for all ages.
   
5. Puzzle Effect Denver: This escape room has many themed options. Each room has a different storyline; you have one hour to solve the puzzles and escape. It’s the perfect challenge for your brain.
   

What are the best Denver restaurants for teens?

The city has a smorgasbord of delicious options for any foodie, from the classics to trendy eats. 

1. Sam’s No. 3: This fun, kitschy diner has served comfort food since 1927. It’s known for large portions and a menu featuring American, Mexican, and Greek favorites and has been featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
2. Denver Biscuit Company: This restaurant specializes in oversized, fluffy biscuits served in a variety of ways, from breakfast sandwiches to biscuit pot pies. It’s famous for “The Franklin,” a biscuit sandwich with fried chicken, cheese, and sausage gravy, and its cinnamon roll biscuit.
3. Aquarium Restaurant: The Aquarium Restaurant offers a unique, casual dining atmosphere with an underwater theme. It features a 50,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium with over 100 species of fish and marine life.
4. The Bagel Deli: A Denver institution since 1967, the Bagel Deli & Restaurant serves homemade comfort food and specializes in deli sandwiches and soups served with their signature fresh bagels. 
5. Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina: This festive, Latin, and woman-owned Mexican restaurant, named after “La Adelita” (a brave, altruistic woman), serves authentic Michoacán recipes and mezcal as a tribute to Oaxacan fare.

What are the best Denver museums for families?

Denver’s museums offer engaging experiences for all ages, making them perfect for family outings, especially some of our favorites listed below.

1. Museum of Illusions Denver: Visitors will have an interactive experience at the Museum of Illusions, where they can explore over 80 exhibits, including holograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms designed to challenge perception.
   
2. Children’s Museum of Denver: There are plenty of hands-on activities and interactive spaces designed to ignite the imagination and encourage learning through play. Exhibits include a “fire station,” an art studio, an “assembly plant,” and an adventure forest.
   
3. Colorado Railroad Museum: This nonprofit museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich railroad history of Colorado and the American West. Learn from exhibits and ride a train on the narrow-gauge railroad.
   
4. Colorado Sports Hall of Fame: Learn about the athletes, coaches, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to sports in Colorado. Take a stadium tour of Empower Field at Mile High during your visit.
   
5. Denver Museum of Nature & Science: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has many permanent exhibits like Discovery Zone, Egyptian Mummies, Expedition Heatlh, and Gems and Minerals, plus temporary exhibits that change periodically. Current exhibits include After the Asteroid, Discovering Teen Rex,  and Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia.