We love Denver summers! Whether you’re looking for free fun close to home, annual festivals or day trips, this list will help you fill out your summer bucket list!
- Take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and experience the Rockies of the past.
2. Experience Film on the Rocks with five events that include live entertainment followed by a movie at Red Rocks.
3. Go on a magical adventure through Colorado Renaissance Festival village, Saturdays and Sundays only, June 15-August 4.
4. Celebrate the rainbow of colors, floats, music and more at the Denver Pride Parade on Sunday, June 23.
5. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free and redeem at local bowling alleys.
6. Honor the Juneteenth holiday with a parade, street festival, live performances and family friendly activities at the Juneteenth Music Festival in the Five Points neighborhood June 16-19.
7. Take in the traditions of Buffalo Bill Days in Golden July 26-28.
8. Experience the unique opportunities to interact with animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
9. Take advantage of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science free admission on June 4, 19 and August 21.
10. Satisfy your cravings at Taste of Fort Collins, June 8-9.
11. Plan your costume and experience all things comics at the Fan Expo, July 4-7, at the Colorado Convention Center.
12. Admire the art and create some of your own at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 5-7.
13. Check out a Colorado Rockies game with the kids using our guide with mom tips!
14. Plan a hiking outing at one of Colorado’s 42 state parks.
15. Watch the sky fill with colorful balloons at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Craig, August 2-4.
16. Get your wiggles out at one of the five Denver area Urban Air Adventure Parks.
17. Fill up on funnel cakes and Ferris wheel rides at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Aug. 23 – Sept. 2.
18. Pull on your cowboy boots and head to the Greeley Stampede.
19. Play in Colorado’s largest sandbox (60 tons) at Kids Dig in Littleton.
20. Ride the zip line, explore Colorado landscapes, and climb high at Joy Park at the Children’s Museum of Denver.
21. Sign up for unique day camp at Junkyard Social Club in Boulder.
22. Find out how Hammond’s sweet treats are made during a FREE factory tour.
23. Get up close and personal with invertebrates at the Butterfly Pavilion.
24. Take your littlest park goers to parks built just for them!
25. Find all the fairy doors at South Pearl Street.
26. Climb 99 steps to the top of the Colorado State Capitol dome during a free guided tour.
27. Buy fresh produce at one of Denver’s amazing farmer’s markets.
28. Declutter and donate your goods at these donation centers.
29. Check out the newly remodeled Casa Bonita.
30. Slide into fun at Candeeland Kids in Greenwood Village.
31. Indulge in the best ice cream around at one of the Little Man Ice Cream Company locations.
32. Dive into an underwater dining adventure at the Downtown Aquarium restaurant.
33. Book a tour at the Longhope Donkey Shelter.
34. Sunbathe on the beach at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood.
35. Sign up for a Fun at the Firehouse craft and story program (2nd and 4th Saturdays) at the Denver Firefighters Museum.
36. Take a behind-the-scences tour of Dion’s including a learning workbook, t-shirt and pizza.
37. Appreciate the art at Denver Art Museum. Remember, 18 and under are free!
38. Be amazed at the Balloon Glow on Main Street at the Telluride Balloon Festival, May 31-June 2.
39. Attend the nation’s largest Dragon Boat Festival, July 27-28, at Sloan’s Lake Park.
40. Catch at Colorado Rapids professional men’s soccer game.
41. Get an up close look at the Denver Zoo with two options for this summer: giraffes or the animal hospital.
42. Get messy at the Clyfford Still Museum’s Messy Art Making programs throughout the summer for the littlest art lovers.
43. Spend a day at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – bring your best walking shoes!
44. Cool off at one of many Denver Splash Pads.
45. See a replica of the Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter at the Wings Over the Rockies’ Air and Space Museum.
46. Get your read on with the Denver Public Library’s Summer Reading program.
47. Ride the Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak – a three hour road trip.
48. Attend Leadville Boom Days, August 2-4, to explore the mining town’s 1880s gold and silver rush roots.
49. Get your adrenaline pumping with Colorado’s best alpine slides and coasters.
50. Ride the roller coasters at Elitch Gardens, or find tamer rides and use your Pre-K Pass.
