101+ Things to Do Over Summer Break in Denver

Whether you’re planning weekend day trips, searching for free things to do in Denver with kids, or simply trying to keep your family entertained all summer long, this list of 101+ things to do in Denver over summer break is filled with the best family-friendly activities, events and local adventures to add to your calendar.

1. Take a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and experience the Rockies of the past.
2. Spend the day exploring City Park’s playgrounds, lakes, and wide open spaces.
3. Experience Film on the Rocks with five events that include live entertainment followed by a movie at Red Rocks.
4. Lather on some sunscreen and visit Water World.
5. Go on a magical adventure through Colorado Renaissance Festival village, Saturdays and Sundays only, June 13-August 2.
6. Visit Tiny Town & Railroad in Morrison.
7. Celebrate the rainbow of colors, floats, music and more at the Denver Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28, starting at 9:30 a.m.
8. Sign up for Kids Bowl Free and redeem at local bowling alleys.
9. Visit a nature playground. Bring extra set of clothes and don’t stress about the mess!
10. 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 20.
11. Visit the Wild Animal Sanctuary and see rescued animals roaming open habitats.
12. Take in the traditions of Buffalo Bill Days in Golden July 24-26. Watch the parade, muttin’ bustin’ and peruse all the goods at the arts and crafts festival.
13. Grab your bikes and take a bike ride around Sloan’s Lake.
14. Experience the unique opportunities to interact with animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. 
15. Take advantage of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science free admission on June 19 and August 24.
16. Catch a free outdoor concert at Hudson Garden.
17. Watch a show at the Gates Planetarium.
18. Explore the playground and creek at Lair o’ the Bear Park.
19. Plan your costume and experience all things comics at the Fan Expo, May 28-31 at the Colorado Convention Center.
20. Admire the art and create some of your own at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 3-5.
21. Visit Stanley Marketplace for food, shopping, and family fun.
22. Check out a Colorado Rockies game with the kids using our guide with mom tips!
23. Plan a hiking outing at one of Colorado’s 42 state parks.
24. Visit the animals at Lil’ Buckaroo’s Petting Zoo. Reservations recommended.
25. Watch the sky fill with colorful balloons at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Craig, August 1.
26. Spend a morning paddleboarding at Chatfield Reservoir.
27. Check out amazing creations and illustrations at the Chalk Art Festival, June 6 and 7.
28. Fill up on funnel cakes and Ferris wheel rides at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Aug. 28 – Sept. 2.
29. Explore Dinosaur Ridge and spot real dinosaur tracks.
30. Pull on your cowboy boots and head to the Greeley Stampede.
31. Play in Colorado’s largest sandbox (60 tons) at Kids Dig in Littleton.
32. Explore Pearl Street in Boulder and splash in the fountains.
33. Ride the zip line, explore Colorado landscapes, and climb high at Joy Park at the Children’s Museum of Denver.
34. Spend a weekend afternoon tubing Clear Creek in Golden.
35. Sign up for unique day camp at Junkyard Social Club in Boulder. While you’re there, explore the rest of Boulder.
36. Find out how Hammond’s sweet treats are made during a FREE factory tour.
37. Take a scenic drive through Rocky Mountain National Park.
38. Get up close and personal with invertebrates at the Butterfly Pavilion.
39. Visit a local lavender farm during bloom season.
40. Take your littlest park goers to parks built just for them!
41. Find all the fairy doors at South Pearl Street.
42. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens children’s area.
43. Climb 99 steps to the top of the Colorado State Capitol dome during a free guided tour.
44. Buy fresh produce at one of Denver’s amazing farmer’s markets.
45. Visit Four Mile Historic Park and meet the farm animals.
46. Declutter and donate your goods at these donation centers. 
47. Check out the newly remodeled Casa Bonita. Make summer reservations early!
48. Explore downtown Golden’s shops, trails, and creek.
49. Slide into fun at Candeeland Kids in Greenwood Village.
50. Indulge in the best ice cream around at one of the Little Man Ice Cream Company locations.
51. Take the family camping in Estes Park. 
52. Dive into an underwater dining adventure at the Downtown Aquarium restaurant.
53. Book a tour at the Longhope Donkey Shelter.
54. Catch a Colorado Rapids soccer game.
55. Sunbathe on the beach at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood.
56. Explore the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.
57. Sign up for a Fun at the Firehouse craft and story program (2nd and 4th Saturdays) at the Denver Firefighters Museum.
58. Spend a rainy afternoon at the Apex Center indoor water park.
59. Take a behind-the-scences tour of Dion’s including a learning workbook, t-shirt and pizza.
60. Appreciate the art at Denver Art Museum. Remember, 18 and under are free!
61. Take a family photo at Garden of the Gods.
62. Be amazed at the Balloon Glow on Main Street at the Telluride Balloon Festival, June 5-7.
63. Attend the nation’s largest Dragon Boat Festival, August 29 & 30, at Sloan’s Lake Park.
64. Spend an afternoon picking cherries at Berry Patch Farm.
65. See the new baby giraffe at the Denver Zoo!
66. Ride the alpine slide at Winter Park Resort.
67. Get messy at the Clyfford Still Museum’s Messy Art Making programs throughout the summer for the littlest art lovers.
68. Visit Red Rocks during the daytime and hike the trails.
69. Spend a day at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – bring your best walking shoes and get ready for some incredibly close encounters!
70. Explore Morrison and grab lunch after visiting Red Rocks.
71. Cool off at one of many Denver Splash Pads.
72. Visit the Arvada Farmers Market on a summer Sunday morning.
73. 72 See a replica of the Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter at the Wings Over the Rockies’ Air and Space Museum.
74. Get your read on with the Denver Public Library’s Summer Reading program.
75. Explore the wildlife at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife.
76. Ride the Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak – a three hour road trip.
77. Visit the Museum of Illusions downtown.
78. Attend Leadville Boom Days, August 7-9, to explore the mining town’s 1880s gold and silver rush roots.
79. Go mini golfing at Adventure Golf and Raceway.
80. Get your adrenaline pumping with Colorado’s best alpine slides and coasters.
81. Ride the roller coasters at Elitch Gardens, or find tamer rides and use your Pre-K Pass
82. Visit the splash zone at Pirate’s Cove Waterpark
83. Explore the cute mountain town of Idaho Springs.
84. Take a picnic to Washington Park.
85. Visit Georgetown for shopping, candy stores, and mountain views. 
86. Spend the day at The Splash at Fossil Trace in Golden.
87. Visit the Evergreen Lake area and rent paddle boats. 
88. Take the kids to see a play at the Arvada Center. 
89. Attend a free outdoor movie night near you.
90. Go horseback riding at a local ranch.
91. Visit Union Station for treats and train watching.
92. Explore Meow Wolf Denver’s immersive art experience.
93. Visit local food truck nights and summer festivals.
94. Check out free summer fitness classes in the park.
95. 94 Spend a day exploring downtown Boulder Creek. 
96. Try a family escape room adventure.
97. Take a sunset hike at Roxborough State Park. 
98. Visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.
99. Spend a day in Breckenridge riding the mountain coaster.
100. Attend a county fair complete with rides and rodeos.
101. Have a playdate at PlayDate in Westminster. 
102. End the summer with a backyard movie night under the stars.