Contents
Between the beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers to 300 days of annual sunshine, there’s a reason Coloradans spend more time outdoors. But what about when the weather is less than ideal for outdoor activities?
These 20 things to do indoors in Denver are sure to chase away the rainy blues or cure cabin fever during the next polar vortex.
Indoor Activities for Families and Kids of All Ages
1. Visit the Denver Aquarium
Dive under the sea at the Denver Aquarium. Wander through nine immersive exhibits teeming with over 500 species, from colorful fish to tigers. The grand finale is a 400,000-gallon shark tank.
After your underwater journey, head to the stingray pool for a hands-on experience. You can even schedule a meet and greet with fascinating creatures like sloths, and catch an enchanting mermaid show!
2. Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
This massive museum makes learning fun. Take a trip through history or soar into the future, exploring interactive exhibits on human health, earth science, and zoology. From captivating space displays to ancient dinosaur fossils, this museum is so big it’s almost impossible to pack it all in one visit.
3. Go to the Movies at the Alamo Draft House
Step into the cinematic treasure that is The Alamo! Whether you’re craving timeless classics or the latest blockbusters, get the ultimate movie experience complete with dinner served right to your seat.
For the little ones who find it hard to sit through an entire film, special morning showings ensure entertainment for all ages, complemented by a full-fledged restaurant experience.
4. Explore the Children’s Museum
The children’s museum offers an enchanting day out for younger kids, providing hands-on experiences with science, playrooms, climbing, and building activities.
With endless opportunities for exploration and learning, your child can delve into an art studio filled with paint and clay, create culinary masterpieces in a play kitchen, or play veterinarian in a clinic for stuffed animals in need. Each feature is designed to nurture growth and create lasting memories.
5. Build a Pillow Fort at Home
As much as this article is about getting out of the house on a rainy day, there are plenty of great ways to spend quality time at home. Order some takeout, pick out a board game, and transform your living room into a magical fortress. It’s bound to create lasting memories.
6. Explore Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is home to the largest art collection between the West Coast and Chicago. With 210,000 square feet and 8 floors of exhibits, this museum showcases over 70,000 works from various cultures and time periods.
Spend hours exploring the diverse exhibits, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Plus, they have fun art projects for kids, allowing them to unleash their creativity and then enjoy the museum while their art dries.
With so much to see and do, a visit to the Denver Art Museum promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
7. Tour the Denver Mint
Watch money being made, literally, at the Denver Mint. A product of the gold rush, they’ve been making currency since 1906, and are still in operation today. 63 presses produce nearly 50 million coins a day, including specialized mint sets and commemorative pieces. It’s an interesting way to gain insights into the coins that fill your pockets every day!
8. Get Lost in Meow Wolf
Spend the day in the awe-inspiring worlds of Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience at Convergence Station. This interactive exhibit transports visitors on a journey between Earth and four alien worlds.
Beyond its stunning visuals, Meow Wolf offers more than just art; it serves as a vibrantly colored backdrop for events, including dance parties, comedy shows, and concerts. Prepare to be mesmerized as you explore this playground for the senses.
9. Attend a Convention at the Colorado Convention Center
With over 200 events a year, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest. From lively festivals and cool car shows to gardening exhibits and bustling trade shows, they have something for everyone.
For family fun, they host conventions year round like Denver Family Fest or the Jurassic Quest. Explore new foods at a restaurant show, try tastings at brewing conventions, or admire the latest automotive innovations at auto shows.
Get ready to be amazed as the exhibit hall transforms with each new showcase!
10. Catch a Game at Ball Arena
Ball Arena isn’t just about sports; it’s a hub for entertainment in Denver. In addition to being the home turf for the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoths, the arena also hosts concerts and spectacular shows like Cirque du Soleil. With over 250 events annually, there’s always something exciting happening here!
11. Discover Flight at Wings Over the Rockies
Wings Over the Rockies is an aviation museum that takes you on a journey through aviation history, spanning from the Wright Brothers to Amelia Earhart, and from the Apollo mission to Colorado’s astronauts.
Get up close and personal with 50 aircraft, explore the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame, and learn about the past, present, and future of flight.
12. Explore the Butterfly Pavilion
Get away from the Colorado winter at the Butterfly Pavilion. Their huge butterfly conservatory feels like walking through a tropical jungle with hundreds of butterflies floating overhead. Hold Rosie the tarantula, learn about bugs, and watch caterpillars transform into butterflies!
Indoor Activities for Older Kids and Adults
13. Try to Break Free at an Escape Room
Put your problem-solving skills to the test with an escape room. Work together to unravel clues, unlock secrets, and race against the clock to escape before time runs out. This immersive experience is not only a thrilling challenge but also a fantastic bonding activity that requires teamwork and communication.
With different themes to choose from, you’re guaranteed a new and unique adventure every time you visit. So gather your team, sharpen your wits, and get ready to escape!
14. Play Archery Dodgeball at Archery Games Denver
Try out a whole new sport at Archery Games Denver, where archery meets dodgeball for an experience unlike any other. Armed with bows and foam-tipped arrows, teams engage in epic battles.
Whether you’re a seasoned archer or a newcomer to the sport, the adrenaline-pumping fun in the Archery Dodgeball arena offers a day filled with excitement. Their various game modes will give you a day of heart-pounding action.
15. Go Ax Throwing
There’s nothing more fun than hurling axes through the air and nailing a bullseye. Ax-throwing spots have popped up all over Denver, and it’s not as difficult as it looks.
After a brief lesson, you’ll feel like an ax-throwing pro. It’s a great way to blow off steam and have fun learning a new hardcore skill. Channel your inner woodsman and get that swing just right.
Indoor Activities for Adults
16. Day at the Beer Spa
The Oakwell Beer Spa offers a unique Colorado experience, blending the relaxation of a day spa with the essence of beer culture. Embrace the restorative Beer Therapy as you indulge in a personal bubbly beer bath. Add to the experience with craft beer on tap and zen out in your personal beer spa room.
With additional amenities like zero gravity massage chairs, rain showers, and infrared saunas, it’s a haven for beer enthusiasts seeking ultimate relaxation.
17. Tour the Coors Factory
Taste your way around the iconic Coors factory on this free tour. Explore the intricacies of their malting, brewing, and packaging techniques while learning about the history of beer production in Golden.
You’ll get tastings of their signature brews along the tour, and after you’re done, make sure to grab a bite at Bob’s Atomic Burgers right across the parking lot.
18. Kill Time at Union Station
This beautiful historical building is a Denver landmark that serves as both a train station and hotel. Union Station offers more than just a glimpse into the past; it’s a lively hub with numerous restaurants, bars, and a common area featuring games like shuffleboard.
Explore the used bookstores and shops that add a unique touch, making it the perfect way to spend your day.
19. Eat and Play at Punch Bowl Social
Punchbowl Social has something for everyone. Sing your heart out in a private karaoke room, play a round of bowling, test your skills at arcade games, and embark on VR adventures.
They even have a restaurant and bar. Whether you’re a karaoke maestro or a game aficionado, Punchbowl Social promises hours of non-stop entertainment!
20. Game at 1UP Arcade Bar
The days of arcade rooms are not dead at this nostalgia-filled bar! This arcade-themed bar has hundreds of games, from the hard-to-find classics to new games, and everything in between!
Fuel up with delicious food and drinks while you spend the day playing for prizes and competing in thrilling tournaments. It’s a retro gaming experience brought to life!
Conclusion
When the weather doesn’t cooperate with our outdoor plans, Denverites know how to make the most of indoor adventures. With this list of 20 exciting activities, there’s no need to let rainy days or cold snaps dampen your spirits.
So, the next time you find yourself seeking shelter from the elements, dive into these indoor experiences and make the most of your time in the Mile High City!