18 Awesome Things to do in Denver with Teens

Colorado’s capital city of Denver is brimming with adventure, culture, and endless possibilities for families with teenagers. Found right at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver has a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests and energy levels of teens. 

From outdoor adventures amidst breathtaking natural landscapes to cultural explorations in the heart of the city, Denver promises an unforgettable experience for families seeking fun and excitement. 

This list of top things to do in Denver with teens will ensure an action-packed and memorable journey through the Mile High City. 

Things to do in Denver with Teens- Outdoor Activities

Visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is an open-air amphitheatre about ten miles southwest of Denver. Teens can immerse themselves in the stunning geological formations while exploring hiking trails amidst towering red sandstone monoliths.

The iconic arena has housed many iconic bands in music history, like The Beatles, U2, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, John Denver, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, and Dave Matthews Band.

If there’s not a concert on while visiting, visitors can participate in yoga sessions, explore the surrounding trails, and visit the Red Rocks Hall of Fame. With breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Red Rocks Park provides an unforgettable experience blending nature, music, and outdoor recreation for families with teens.

Paddle Boarding at Big Soda Lake

Paddleboarding at Big Soda Lake in Denver is a serene escape just minutes from the city center. Found in Bear Creek Lake Park, about a 20-minute drive from Denver, Big Soda Lake provides a perfect setting for water sports enthusiasts. 

Teens can paddleboard across the calm waters, taking in breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountain foothills surrounding the lake. The park boasts several scenic spots where families can relax and enjoy a picnic amidst nature’s beauty.

For those without equipment, rentals are available at the park’s boathouse, offering paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes for a day of aquatic exploration. Paddleboarding at Big Soda Lake promises an unforgettable outdoor adventure for families visiting Denver with teens.

Explore the Rocky Mountains

With Denver being right at the foot of the Rockies, exploring the mountains is a great way to experience adventure and natural beauty.

Families can embark on a myriad of outdoor activities that suit their interests.For teens that love hiking, Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Chautauqua and The Mesa Trail in Boulder, or Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs are great easy-to-moderate trails that would be perfect for the whole family. 

Ninety minutes north of Denver is Rocky Mountain National Park, a hiking paradise. For a relaxed experience, families can enjoy scenic drives along the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, stopping at overlooks to capture stunning vistas of alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks. Keep your eyes out for elk and moose which are a common site inside the park.

Here are our favorite hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Taking a free walking tour of Denver with teens is an educational and budget-friendly way to explore the city’s unique culture and history. Led by knowledgeable guides, families can stroll through downtown Denver, discovering landmarks like the State Capitol, Larimer Square, and Union Station. 

Along the way, guides share fascinating stories and insights into Denver’s past, from its Wild West roots to its modern-day significance. Teens can soak in the city’s architecture, street art, and bustling atmosphere while engaging in interactive activities and trivia. With no cost involved, a free walking tour gives an educational and memorable experience for families exploring Denver with teens.

Disc Golf at Camenisch Park

For disc golf lovers or those looking for a new family activity, Disc golf at Camenisch Park is an exciting and quickly growing outdoor activity. Located in Arvada, just northwest of Denver, Camenisch Park features a challenging yet beginner-friendly disc golf course set amidst scenic surroundings. 

Teens can enjoy the thrill of navigating through trees and around obstacles while aiming for the baskets scattered throughout the park. The course’s layout encourages strategic thinking and physical activity, fostering teamwork and friendly competition among family members. With its convenient location and engaging gameplay, disc golf at Camenisch Park is a fantastic way for families to bond and enjoy the great outdoors together.

Topgolf

For teens who love golf or want to try out a fun new sport, Topgolf in Denver is an entertaining and dynamic experience. Topgolf combines the excitement of golf with interactive technology and a super fun mood. 

Teens can swing away on the climate-controlled driving range, aiming for targets and competing in fun games. With comfortable seating, delicious food, and refreshing beverages available, it’s a social and engaging outing for the whole family. 

There are two Topgolf locations in the Denver area- one in Centennial in the north and one in Thorton in the south.

Things to do in Denver with Teens- Cultural Exploration

Street Art in the RiNo Art District

RiNo, short for River North, is a trendy neighborhood known for its colorful murals, eclectic galleries, and creative atmosphere. Teens can wander through the streets adorned with fascinating graffiti and larger-than-life murals, sparking conversations about art and urban culture. 

RiNo’s unique blend of industrial charm and artistic expression makes it a hotspot for Instagram-worthy photos and immersive art experiences. With its ever-evolving landscape of street art, RiNo provides an inspiring backdrop for families to explore, discover, and appreciate the beauty of public art together.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has interesting exhibits that make for an enriching experience for families with teens. Teens can delve into the mysteries of space exploration at the Space Odyssey exhibit, marvel at the prehistoric giants in the dinosaur exhibit, and explore hands-on interactive displays in the Discovery Zone. 

The museum’s IMAX theater and planetarium give immersive experiences that ignite curiosity and spark wonder. From ancient history to cutting-edge science, the museum provides a dynamic learning environment where teens can engage with captivating exhibits and discover the wonders of the natural world.

Denver Art Museum 

The Denver Art Museum houses an inspiring array of art forms from around the world, making it an ideal destination for teens to explore diverse cultures and artistic styles. Teens can immerse themselves in renowned collections like American Indian Art and Western American Art, gaining insights into history and identity. 

Notable works such as Vincent van Gogh’s “Edge of a Wheat Field with Poppies” and Claude Monet’s “Waterloo Bridge, Sunlight Effect” give glimpses into the world of impressionism, sparking conversations about technique and interpretation. With its engaging exhibitions and interactive programs, the Denver Art Museum provides a dynamic and enriching experience for teens passionate about art and culture.

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is a thrilling destination for teens fascinated by aviation and space exploration. Located in Denver at the former Lowry Air Force Base, it gives a hands-on experience with historic aircraft and spacecraft, inspiring curiosity and learning. 

Teens can marvel at iconic exhibits like the B-1A Lancer bomber and the Apollo Command Module, gaining insights into aviation history and technological innovation. Interactive displays allow them to simulate flight experiences and explore the science behind air and space travel.

With its immersive exhibits and educational programs, Wings Over the Rockies provides an engaging and memorable adventure for teens interested in aerospace and beyond.

Tour the Denver Mint

Located downtown, the Denver Mint showcases the intricate process of minting currency, from blank metal discs to finished coins. Teens can witness the minting process firsthand and learn about the mint’s role in shaping the nation’s economy. 

The exhibit on coinage history highlights rare and historic coins, that may spark interest in numismatics and the stories behind each piece. Interactive displays allow teens to handle coins and learn about their significance. With its unique blend of education and excitement, the Denver Mint provides an enriching experience for teens curious about money and history.

Things to do in Denver with Teens- Sports and Entertainment

Catch a Pro Sports Game

Catching a pro sports game in Denver is an electrifying experience, perfect for families with teens. The city boasts several world-class stadiums hosting a variety of sports teams, that give plenty of opportunities for sports enthusiasts to cheer on their favorite teams or experience a new stadium and sports culture. 

The iconic Empower Field at Mile High is home to the Denver Broncos, showcasing the thrill of NFL football games during the season. For basketball fans, the Ball Arena is where the Denver Nuggets showcase their skills on the court in the NBA. Baseball aficionados can head to Coors Field, cheering on the Colorado Rockies as they swing for the fences. 

Additionally, the Colorado Avalanche bring the excitement of NHL hockey to the ice at the Ball Arena. Attending a pro sports game not only allows teens to witness top-tier athleticism but also fosters a sense of community and team spirit that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Water World Water Park

If visiting Denver in the warmer months, Water World Water Park is a fun escape from the summer heat. With over 50 attractions, including thrilling water slides like the Voyage to the Center of the Earth and the Screamin’ Mimi, teens can enjoy adrenaline-pumping adventures. 

The park’s wave pools and lazy rivers allows for relaxation, while the Family Adventure playground provides fun for all ages. 

Make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds. If you have a large group, rent a cabana for added comfort and shade. And bring plenty of sunscreen and water to stay hydrated throughout the day. 

K1 Speed

K1 Speed in Denver is an exhilarating destination for families with teens seeking high-speed thrills. With indoor go-kart racing on professional-grade tracks, teens can experience the adrenaline rush of competitive racing in a safe and controlled environment. 

With state-of-the-art electric karts and challenging courses, K1 Speed provides an authentic racing experience for drivers of all skill levels. Teens can test their speed and agility against friends and family, fostering friendly competition and teamwork. Additionally, the facility has amenities like arcade games and a snack bar, ensuring a fun-filled outing for teens and their families at K1 Speed in Denver.

Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Elitch Gardens Theme Park in Denver is an exciting destination for teens seeking adrenaline-fueled adventures. With a thrilling mix of roller coasters and attractions, teens can experience the rush of excitement on rides like the Mind Eraser, a looping coaster, and the Twister III, a wooden coaster with twists and turns. 

The park also has water rides that are perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. Additionally, teens can enjoy live entertainment, games, and delicious food options, making Elitch Gardens Theme Park a must-visit destination for families looking for fun and excitement in Denver.

Keep in mind that this amusement park is open seasonally. It is open seven days a week in the summer and on weekends in spring and fall.

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo remains an engaging destination for teens, with a diverse array of exhibits and interactive experiences. Teens can explore habitats from around the world, observing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and gorillas up close. 

The Predator Ridge exhibit provides a thrilling encounter with big cats, while the Tropical Discovery zone gives a glimpse into rainforest ecosystems. Additionally, the zoo’s educational programs and conservation efforts provide opportunities for teens to learn about wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

With its immersive exhibits and captivating animal encounters, the Denver Zoo continues to be a fantastic destination for teens to connect with nature and foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife.

Denver Climbing Company

The Denver Climbing Company is a rock climbing company specializing in outdoor climbing experiences. Teens can test their strength and agility on a variety of climbing routes, all just a short drive from Denver. Expert instructors, who specialize in helping new climbers, are there to provide guidance and safety tips to help newbies learn new techniques and conquer obstacles in a supportive environment. 

When booking with the Denver Climbing Company, you also receive rental gear and belay services, ensuring a fun and hassle-free climbing experience for the whole family.

Meow Wolf

Meow Wolf in Denver is an immersive art experience that captivates teens with its surreal and interactive exhibits. Giving a journey through fantastical realms, teens can explore vibrant landscapes, mysterious portals, and mind-bending installations. From crawling through secret passages to uncovering hidden stories, Meow Wolf sparks creativity and curiosity in visitors of all ages. 

Be sure to allow plenty of time to fully explore the intricate details of each exhibit, embracing a spirit of adventure and taking advantage of interactive elements to create unforgettable memories. With its innovative approach to art and storytelling, Meow Wolf provides a unique and engaging experience for teens in Denver.

Meow Wolf also has locations in Grapevine, just outside of Dallas, Las Vegas, Houston, and Santa Fe.