10+ Things to Do in Denver’s Awesome Parks During Your Trip to the Mile High City

If you’re planning a trip to Denver and you want to spend time outdoors, you’re not just coming to a city with tall buildings and great food, you’re stepping into a city with some of the most beautiful parks (we have 200+ in the city!), each with its own vibe. You’re gonna want to lace up your walking shoes (or hop on one of the tours from Discover Denver Bus Tours), because you’re about to discover 10+ fun things you can do in Denver’s parks while you’re here. 

1. Stroll Around City Park

First up, you’re gonna love City Park, Denver’s biggest urban park. You’re surrounded by wide-open lawns, peaceful lakes, and those unbeatable Rocky Mountain views that make every stroll feel special. You’re right in the middle of the action, too: the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are both inside the park, so you could spend the whole day here. And when you’re ready to slow down, you can spread out a blanket on the grass, soak up some sunshine, and enjoy a picnic, because that's how locals do it. Join Discover Denver Tours for their Bus Tour that takes you to City Park.

2. Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens

Next up on our list of must-visit, must-do things in our Mile High City parks: step into the Denver Botanic Gardens, tucked right in the middle of the city and adjacent to Cheesman Park. You’re wandering through a lush oasis with more than 23,000 plants, and no matter if you’re a total plant lover or just someone who enjoys the scenery, you’re finding something that makes you smile.

3. Bike Along the Cherry Creek Trail

If you’re ready to get moving, grab a bike and cruise down the Cherry Creek Trail. You’re riding alongside the creek with city views on one side and nature on the other, and it feels like the best of both worlds. You can follow the trail all the way out to the Cherry Creek Reservoir, soaking in the scenery as you go and you get to see Denver from a whole new angle.

4. Play at Washington Park

Head over to Washington Park (locals call it Wash Park), to the most of your time outside. You can jog around the two lakes, stretch out on the lawns, or jump into a game of volleyball or frisbee or whatever sport you’re into, there’s always something happening here. And you’re not skipping the flower garden either; it’s bursting with color and fragrance, and you’re soaking it all in like a true Denver local.

Tip: You can rent paddleboats, 4-seater bikes and other fun stuff at the boathouse and there's a Rec Center in the park too, if you want to get your sweat on and they offer super cheap day passes.

5. Visit the historic Cheesman Park

If you’re feeling nostalgic, wander over to Cheesman Park. You’ll be walking through a now gorgeous place that was once a dilapidated cemetery (and the inspiration to the movie Poltergeist), and now you’re surrounded by history and pretty landscapes. You can pack a book, finding a cozy bench, and let the calm atmosphere sink in. And when you’re looking up, you’ll catch those Denver skyline views (and mountain peaks from the east side) perfectly framed by the trees, pure magic every time - especially at sunset. Join Discover Denver Tours for their Ghost Tour that takes you to Cheeseman Park.

6. Take a Yoga Class at Civic Center Park

If you’re craving a little zen, head into Civic Center Park where you’re surrounded by gorgeous architecture and a calm vibe that makes you instantly slow down. You can roll out your mat for one of the free yoga classes, stretching under the open sky with those beautiful buildings as your backdrop and unwinding in the best way possible, right in the heart of Denver.

7. Check Out the Denver’s Art Scene at Ruby Hill Park

If you're into art, then head straight to Ruby Hill Park. You’ll be walking through a place that’s all about outdoor arts programming, with interactive installations and sculptures that make you feel like you’re in a natural gallery. You can explore creativity in the open air, and when winter rolls around, you can grab a sled and fly down the hill with that adventurous Denver spirit, as it's one of Denver's most popular sledding hills.

8. Go Wildlife Watching at The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Take a quick trip just northeast the city to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, and you’ll be stepping into pure Colorado nature. You can spotting bison, deer, and maybe even a bald eagle soaring overhead. You’ll escape the buzz of urban life without going far at all, and you’re keeping those binoculars and camera close because you’re not gonna want to miss a single moment.

9. Check Out the Park at Lowry

If you’re after a laid-back vibe, you can head to Lowry Park. You’ll be hanging out in a spot that used to be an air force base, but now you’re surrounded by open fields and a peaceful little duck pond. You can spread out a blanket, lean back, and let the quiet settle in; it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon in Denver.

10. Enjoy Family Fun at Paco Sanchez Park.

If you’re traveling with kids, so you’re heading straight to Paco Sanchez Park. You can watch them run wild on the huge playground, cool off at the splash pad, and burn energy on the sports fields. It’s the perfect family stop. You’re bringing snacks, tossing a frisbee, and soaking up a fun, easygoing day together.

11. Engage with Local Culture at Berkeley Lake Park

Finally, you’re not forgetting Sloan's Lake. You’re hanging out in a spot that blends nature with local culture, and you’re checking the events calendar for  Colorado Dragon Boat Festival  that make Denver feel so alive. You’re spending time with the locals, soaking up the vibe, and you’re realizing that this is what really brings your trip to life.

You’re in a city overflowing with amazing parks, each with its own special vibe. You’re wandering through City Park, biking along the Cherry Creek Trail, or kicking back at Washington Park, and you’re realizing there’s no end to the outdoor fun waiting for you. You’re packing that sunscreen, sipping plenty of water, and soaking up those famous sunny Mile High days. With all these tips, you’re living Denver like a true park pro in no time.