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Writer's pictureAlexa

Exploring the Mile High City: Your Guide to Summer Activities in Denver

Fun things to do in Denver during the Summer months


A woman sitting on a kayak
Ready for the lake!

Summer is the season I enjoy the most! I appreciate the pleasant evenings and the freedom to be outdoors without feeling cold. In Denver this summer, I made a conscious effort to explore as much as I could. I intend to make the most of the remaining days of summer, holding on until the very end.



Here are some fun ideas of things to do in and around Denver during the summer!


Tip 1 - See a Summer Concert or Outdoor Movie

During the summer, it's so fun to be able to see a concert or a movie outside. When I lived in LA, I feel like they had outdoor concerts and movies all year long, so it's a nice treat when it's actually warm enough in Denver.


If you live in Denver and haven't been to Red Rocks, what are you waiting for? And lucky for you, I wrote an entire blog post about tips and tricks for going to Red Rocks. Check it out HERE!


Along with Red Rocks, Colorado has many outdoor venues and there are also a lot of free concerts all around.


As for movies, Red Rocks also hosts their "Film on The Rocks" series where they show classic movies at the venue.


For those looking to save money, there are free movies available in different cities. This summer, I attended a free screening of Jaws in Arvada. Luckily, we weren't watching it in any bodies of water!


A outdoor movie
Movie Under the Stars!

There is also one last surviving drive in movie theater located in Henderson, Co.

The 88 Drive in mostly plays current releases, but they also host "throwback" feature weeks.



Tip 2- Get some Vitamin D


This one is a no-brainer! Yes, you can get outside and explore Colorado all year long, but I prefer to do it without bundling up and without snow boots on. But that's just me!


During the summer, I try to get outside as much as possible and enjoy the long days of warm weather. The only downside to summer, in my opinion, is that we do tend to get a lot of the monsoon storms coming up from Arizona. Last year and this year it seemed like almost daily we would get a short rain storm at around 4pm. Thankfully, it doesn't last very long. But if you are going to plan something outdoors during the day, I would recommend doing so in the morning. And it's always a good idea to bring a rain jacket. I have this great Patagonia jacket - that I pretty much bring with me at all times.


One of my favorite summer activities is getting outside and enjoying one of our many farmer's markets in Denver. Depending on where you live, there are usually a good amount to choose from. Even if I don't get anything (besides maybe an ice coffee) I love just walking around and looking at all the good food and produce. I got spoiled in CA having year-round farmer's markets, so I try to go as much as I can before they close up for the year.

a woman holding an iced coffee
Enjoying my iced coffee at the City Park Farmer's Market

My favorites are:

City Park Farmer's Market - Located in City Park neighborhood.

2551 Colfax Avenue, Denver, Co.

Open From May- end of September on Saturdays


Highlands Square Farmer's Market- Located on 32nd Avenue between Julian and Mead Streets.

Open from May - October 13th on Sundays


Arvada Farmer's Market- Located in Olde Town Square. 5702 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, Co.

Open from June -September on Sundays



Tip 3 - Explore the water


Unlike tip #2, there aren't many ways to explore Colorado's water ways in the wintertime. I do miss having the Pacific Ocean a few miles from my house, but at least Colorado makes up for it with creeks, rivers, and lakes. There are so many to check out all around Colorado, I'm sure wherever you live, there is some body of water within a short driving distance.


This summer, I got to try kayaking for the first time in years! We went to Standley Lake in Westminster, Co. It is only about 20 minutes from Downtown Denver.

a woman on a kayak in the water
Standley Lake Westminster, Co

If tubing is more your style - either a lazy river or white-water tubing, there are three locations closer to Denver for you to check out.


Clear Creek White Water Park - Golden, CO


South Platte - Littleton, CO- This is on my must-do list for next summer!


Boulder Creek - 101 Arapahoe Ave. - Boulder


If you want to go swimming, here are two local spots:

Cherry Creek State Park - 4201 S. Parker Rd. - Aurora

Chatfield Reservoir - 11497 Roxborough Park Rd. - Littleton




a pier out to a lake with mountains
Enjoy this AI- created image for "Colorado Lake"


Tip 4 - Patio Season

This might be my favorite summer activity! I love dining "alfresco" in the summer, especially if you can get a cool view while doing so.


One of my favorite places is Acreage by Stem Ciders in Lafayette, Co. It is a little bit of a drive from Denver, but the view is well worth it!


Another cool place I went to this summer is Colorado Tap House in Arvada, Co. I really like that they have a lot of NA options for those of us that don't drink.

a patio
Colorado Tap House patio- Arvada Co

El Five/ Linger - Denver, Co - Two of my favorite restaurants in Denver that also have great outdoor seating. They are owned by the same people and you can't go wrong with either!


The Golden Mill - Golden, Co - If you are looking more for a lowkey food hall with great drinks and plenty of patio space - this one is for you.


There are so many place in the Denver area! Let me know if you would like more recommendations!




Tip 5 - Work out outside


Yes, I am going to bring up Red Rocks again :) If you didn't know, from June to August, Red Rocks hosts "Yoga on the Rocks" Saturday mornings at 7am. I haven't managed to get up early enough to join yet, but it's definitely on my Summer Bucket List for next year!

a woman sitting in an amphitheater
Got Red Rocks all to myself!

Hiking is another Colorado-loved activity during the summer because there is an endless supply of hiking trails all over the state. I am not the biggest hiking fan, but if there is a pretty (and flat) walk around a lake or river, count me in! My favorite is Sloan's Lake Park in Edgewater. It is about a 3 mile walk around the lake and it has a beautiful view.


There are also a lot of restaurants and shops nearby for before or after your walk.



Save these tips so you can start planning for next summer!

( I know I am!)


-Lex

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