33 Fun Things To Do In Denver During Spring

The city of Denver excitedly sheds its winter layers and ventures outdoors to soak up the sunshine during spring.

Festivals and outdoor activities ramp up this time of year, ushering in the beginning of summer. There are plenty of indoor activities as well, necessary because the weather doesn’t always cooperate during spring.

Weather this time of year shifts and swings in dramatic fashion. March and April are among the snowiest months in the city, but yet, pleasant and mild days are much more common than snow days. You may find yourself with a week of 70°Fs and sunshine, quickly followed by a massive snowstorm.

Wondering what to do in Denver this time of year? Whether a wet and snowy day or magnificent 75°F day, there’s plenty to do.

I’ve lived in this city most of my life, here are some of the top things to do in Denver during spring.

Top Things To Do In Denver During Spring

Denver Botanic Garden

A very popular spot to visit during spring is the Denver Botanic Gardens. The 24 acre gardens showcase a wide range of diverse plant life, plus science and art exhibits.

Plan to go for a walk or check out the Science Pyramid, Children’s Garden, and extensive library of botanical and horticultural materials.

Additionally, the garden center hosts live music and a much-loved spring plant sale, among other events. Check out upcoming happenings at: Denver Botanic Gardens Events.

First Friday Art Walk

Denver offers a variety of self-guided art walks on the first Friday of each month, six different Art Walks to be exact.

View artwork from hundreds of local artists in galleries, studios, and co-ops.

The monthly event also includes live music, food trucks, drinks, boutique shopping, and of course, breweries. 

The Art District on Santa Fe and RiNo Art District host the largest and most popular art walks.

Go For A Hike

Denver is the gateway to some of the most magnificent mountain passes, hiking trails, and beautiful places in the United States.

While many of the state’s best hikes are deep in the mountains, and buried in snow this time of year, there’s still plenty of beautiful views just outside city limits. 

A few spots near the city which are (usually) clear of snow in spring are:

• Roxborough State Park
• Chautauqua Park
• Mount Falcon Park
• Three Sisters Park
• Eldorado Canyon State Park

Depending on snow totals, you may experience snow and ice on trails surrounding Denver. It’s always best to bring microspikes/crampons just in case. Alternatively, if the snow has cleared, there’s the possibility of muddy trails.

Rockies Opening Day

One of the most beloved spring events in Denver is Rockies Opening Day.

The game marks the beginning of baseball season and the approach of summer. The atmosphere is electric, with festivities, a parade, live music, and lots of parties.

Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or a casual observer, attending Rockies Opening Day is an unforgettable experience encapsulating the spirit of Denver’s fun sports culture.

Even if you’re not able to attend the game, there’s plenty of exciting places to watch. McGregor Square has a large outdoor screen that’s very popular, additionally, just about every bar in LoDo will be playing the game for a large crowd of spectators.

Attend A Sporting Event

The Rockies aren’t the only team playing in spring.

For those who want to catch a live sporting event, check out the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and NLL’s Colorado Mammoth, who all play at Ball Arena during spring.

The MLS’s Colorado Rapids kick off their season in March and play at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, about 20 minutes from downtown.

For those who prefer college sports, check out Metro State University, University of Denver, or CU Boulder’s spring athletics.  

If you can’t attend a game, cheer on the local team at sports bars such as Stoney’s or The ViewHouse.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a 16,000 acre wildlife refuge located about 10 miles north of downtown, in Commerce City.

This is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country. It’s home to deer, coyotes, migrating birds, and the refuge’s most beloved residents — the grand American bison.

There are trails around the park and a Wildlife Drive, so no matter the spring weather you have great options here. If it’s rainy and cold, the Wildlife Drive is a fun way to spend the day, and when the sun’s out, plan to hit the trails.

The refuge is open daily (excluding some holidays) from sunrise to sunset, and is always free.

Catch A Show At Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of Colorado’s most unique attractions, and one of the best things to do near Denver.

It’s the world’s only naturally-occurring, acoustically-perfect amphitheater, and it’s only 30 minutes west of downtown.

This music venue opened in the early 1900’s and has since seen everyone from The Beatles and Johnny Cash, to Stevie Wonder perform on its iconic stage.

Today, the venue hosts hundreds of diverse musical performances each year.

The concert season usually kicks off in April with multiple celebrity headliners throughout the week.

Even if you’re not able to attend a show, the park and amphitheater is open to visitors daily, and happens to be a common workout spot for locals.

On show days, the amphitheater will close early in preparation for the concert, so plan to arrive early.

The park is free outside event hours. 

Live Music 

Interested in more live music? On any given night Denver hosts local and national artists spanning a vast variety of genres.

Some of Denver’s most popular venues are Summit Music Hall, Paramount Theatre, The Fillmore Auditorium, The Bluebird, Grizzly Rose, and Ophelia’s Electric Soap Box. 

Additionally, you’ll find live bands at bars and breweries throughout town, especially on weekends.

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is always a popular attraction in the warmer months.

It’s home to over 3,000 animals and more than 450 species, including many rare and endangered species.

The elephant, primate, and bird areas are favorites for many. There’s also a popular train ride, although the line gets long, so it’s best to ride early if possible.

This is a great family-friendly activity for a warm spring day in Denver.

Be sure to book admission in advance, online timed tickets are required: Denver Zoo Tickets.

Farmers Market

The Denver area has more farmers markets than I can count, and it seems a new one pops up every year.

Enjoy a Colorado day outdoors while supporting local vendors and finding great deals on fresh produce.

Many markets also include local handmade items, food trucks, and live music, all in a charming open-air setting.

Most markets don’t kick off until June, but a few start in April or May, including the City Park Farmers Market, Cherry Creek Fresh Market, and Boulder County Farmers Market.

For a full list of farmers markets, check out Colorado Farmers Markets.

Go For Rooftop Drinks

Drinking on a rooftop is a beloved pastime in Denver.

Our 300 days of sunshine, combined with love for libations, makes rooftop drinking sessions a no brainer.

While spring definitely sees a handful of snow days, it also sees a lot of sunshine and warm, mild weather.

Gather with friends or family and hit up popular rooftop bars in Denver such as:

• 54thirty Rooftop (Downtown)
• ViewHouse Ballpark (LoDo)
• Tap Fourteen (LoDo)
• Sorry Gorgeous (RiNo)
• Rook Rooftop (RiNo)
• Avanti Food & Beverage (Highlands)
• El Five (Highlands)
• Linger (Highlands)
• Rare Bird (Cherry Creek)

Golf

As spring melts away winter, Denver’s ample public golf courses quickly shift into high gear.

There’s no better way to enjoy a sunny Denver day than hitting a tiny white ball ever closer to that far-off hole in the ground.

Downtown Denver’s City Park Golf Course is probably the crown-jewel of the public golf scene, with a brand-new clubhouse and incredible downtown skyline views.

You can also play some of the oldest golf courses in the Western US at either Overland or Willis Case, and short drives away are some of the state’s premier public courses, Legacy Ridge Golf Course in Broomfield, Colorado National Golf Club in Erie, and Fossil Trace in Golden.

Topgolf

Prefer to keep it on the low-key side? Try out Topgolf instead.

Topgolf is a very popular entertainment complex which combines elements of a driving range with games and entertainment.

Whether or not you’re experienced in the sport, it’s very beginner-friendly and a fun way to enjoy the game.

In addition to the actual golf aspect, the complex also has a bar, restaurant, and other entertainment, making for a great social setting. 

There are two Topgolf facilities near Denver, one about 30 minutes north in Thornton, and the other about 30 minutes south in Centennial.

Tip: For those who’d rather stay downtown, there’s a number of indoor golf bars in Denver like Puttshack Denver and Holey Moley Golf Club Denver. These are really fun and far from an average mini golf experience.

Denver Art Museum

Located in the core of downtown is one of the largest art museums in the US, and a perfect place to visit on a rainy or snowy spring day in Denver.

This stunning, two-building complex houses nearly 100,000 works, which span centuries from across the world. 

I particularly enjoy their display of Native American Arts, which is one of the largest in the world of this kind.

Tip: Art-lovers, be sure to also check out the Clyfford Still Museum, located just across the street from the Denver Art Museum. This is a minimalist showcase for the large-scale paintings and archives of the abstract artist.

Additional Museums In Denver:

Looking for more museum ideas? These are some of the best museums in Denver:

• Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
• Colorado History Center
• Clyfford Still Museum
• Molly Brown House Museum
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Go Skiing

Spring storms in Denver come and go quickly, and the snow melts rapidly this time of year, leaving behind little trace of winter.

That, however, is not the case for higher elevations, where you’ll find Colorado’s famous ski resorts. The mountains see lots of snow accumulation throughout winter and well into spring.

In fact, spring is one of the best times to ski in the Rockies. This is thanks to deep snow levels, plus lots of bluebird and powder days.

With some of the world’s best skiing just a few hours from downtown, a day trip from Denver is a no brainer.

Popular ski resorts like Keystone, Winter Park, Arapahoe Basin, Copper, Breckenridge, and Vail are all about 1.5 – 2.5 hours from Denver.

Resorts like Steamboat Springs and Aspen require more like 3 – 3.5 hours each way.

Keep in mind, mountain traffic is very heavy, especially on weekends, and road closures are common.

Check the Colorado Department of Transportation’s COTrip for up-to-date conditions and closures.

There’s also a bus which takes skiers from Denver to popular ski resorts: Snowstang Bus.

You May Also Like: Vail In Winter & Spring: Best Things To Do | Aspen In Winter & Spring: Top Things To Do | Breckenridge In Winter & Spring: Top Things To Do

Visit A Brewery

Denver has been dubbed “The Napa Valley of Beer” thanks to nearly 100 breweries in the city, plus hundreds more throughout the state.

But really, it’s the locals and our unrelenting appetite for craft brews which has made Denver synonymous with beer.

So, those looking for something to do in Denver this spring, should definitely consider grabbing a beer from a local brewery.

As I alluded to above, there are far too many to list here, but the RiNo neighborhood has the highest concentration of breweries, so it’s a good place to start.

Additionally, most breweries will have entertainment throughout the week such as trivia, games, and live music.

Go For A Bike Brewery Tour In RiNo

Up for a bike brewery tour? Head to RiNo, The River North Art District, located on the outer fringes of downtown, just north of Coors Field.

The area has experienced a massive industrial revival in the past decade. Old warehouses and factories have been transformed into fun new restaurants, breweries, and art galleries.

While many buildings still maintain their industrial feel, they’ve been heavily modernized and brightened with massive murals from local artists… seriously, so many murals.

Explore the area by following a bike brewery bike tour, such as this one:

• Start at Bierstadt Lagerhaus, head to Ratio Beerworks, then Odell Brewing Company.
• Stop for a bite to eat at Shake Shack, The Walnut Room, or Improper City.
• Then head over to Black Shirt Brewing Co.

If you want a break from beer, substitute one of the above stops with The Block Distilling Co. 

Rather skip the bike tour? Go for a guided walking tour of the area’s best breweries instead.

Denver Restaurant Week

Denver Restaurant Week is a favorite annual event which showcases the city’s growing culinary scene.

For about 10 days in early spring, participating restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at discounted prices.

This allows diners to try new cuisines and restaurants, all for a lower cost than normal.

It’s a beloved tradition for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Find information for this year’s event at Denver Restaurant Week.

Denver Museum Of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science provides exhibitions, programs, and activities regarding the natural history of Colorado, earth, and the universe. 

This massive Smithsonian Institute affiliate houses more than one million objects in its collection.

There’s a huge range of exhibits here, from geological materials to full-scale space exploration replicas. 

You can easily spend a full day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, making it one of the easiest things to do in Denver during spring.

Tip: Also check out their outdoor terraces, which offer sweeping views of City Park and the Denver skyline.

Game Bars

Bocce, ping pong, bowling, darts, board games and other fun entertainment can be found at game bars throughout Denver.

This is a fun way to spend a night out with friends when it’s not warm enough for rooftop and patio drinks.

Flight Club Denver, Punch Bowl Social, The Monkey Bar, Rhein Haus, Tabletop Tap, ViewHouse, and Ace Eat Serve are among favorites.

Of course, The 1up is also a must-consideration, as it’s the largest arcade bar in the United States.

Snowshoe In Rocky Mountain National Park 

As mentioned previously, high elevations still see lots of snow in spring. So, if you’ve always dreamed of seeing Rocky Mountain National Park covered in snow, this is still a good time to go.

I’m always blown away by how beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park is in the colder months. Best of all, it’s not nearly as busy as summer.

RMNP has an abundance of snowshoeing routes great for many skill levels. My favorite is Dream Lake & Emerald Lake. The trail is usually packed enough that visitors can do the hike with just microspikes, although I like to keep snowshoes with me just in case.

Never snowshoed? Don’t worry, snowshoeing is fairly easy, especially on the well packed trails of RMNP.

For those who don’t have snowshoes or spikes, rent them in Estes Park from Estes Park Mountain Shop.

There is no Timed Entry Permit requirement for spring. Permits are required beginning Memorial Day Weekend.

For lots more information regarding a visit when snow is on the ground, check out: Rocky Mountain National Park: Things To Do In Winter.

Indoor Rock Climbing

When bad weather brings outdoor pursuits to a halt, consider hitting one of the city’s many indoor rock climbing gyms.

This is a fun way to get an active work out or stay in shape for climbing season.

Some of the top gyms in Denver include Denver Bouldering Club, Übergrippen Indoor Climbing Crag, The Spot Bouldering Gym, and Movement RiNo.

The Butterfly Pavilion

Located just 15 minutes from Denver, in Westminster, is a perfect indoor activity for spring, the Butterfly Pavilion.

Visitors can interact with butterflies and other insects fluttering around a lush indoor rainforest, surrounded by greenery and water features.

The brave can even hold the pavilion’s most famed resident, Rosie, a Chilean Rose Hair tarantula.

This is a fun one for kids and adults alike.

Union Station

Historic Denver Union Station is a great place to visit no matter the time of year.

Thanks to the stunning, multi-million renovation back in 2014, this 125 year old building is a centerpiece of lower downtown Denver. 

It’s far from a normal train station. Here you’ll find visitors and locals side-by-side sipping cocktails, dining, and browsing the bookstore, while children run through the pop-up fountains and commuters bustle by. 

Looking for more things to do in the neighborhood? Check out Top Things To Do In LoDo Denver. 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a big party and festive celebration of all things Irish.

With colorful floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers, the parade creates a very lively atmosphere throughout downtown Denver.

Thousands of spectators watch the parade, and bars along the route will be overflowing with boisterous revelers, green beer in hand.

From families to party-goers, people of all ages enjoy this cherished Irish tradition in the Mile High City.

Spring Events In Denver

Looking for more fun events? There’s no shortage of lively happenings in Denver. No matter the season, we like to have a good time.

These are a few of the most popular spring events in Denver:

• Denver Restaurant Week
• Denver March Powwow
• St. Patrick’s Day Parade
• Rockies Opening Day
• Denver Derby Day
• Cinco de Mayo Festival
• Denver Arts Festival

Visit A Food Hall 

Denver food halls host local restaurants, modish bars, and specialty shops all under one roof.

Abandoned industrial warehouses, factories, and old airport hangars have created unique settings for food halls to flourish.

Denver is (happily) overflowing with this popular concept, which draws in locals and visitors in droves.

Denver Milk Market, Avanti Food & Beverage, Denver Central Market, Milepost Zero, The Source Hotel + Market Hall, and The Stanley Marketplace are a few of the many great options.

For a full list of food halls in Denver, check out The Best Food Halls In Denver.

Relax In A Park

Denver has a ton of parks, over 200 in fact, totaling over 5,000 acres of urban recreation.

Spend a few hours taking a relaxing stroll, lounging out on the grassy lawn, having a picnic, or people watching. 

Note: Alcohol is allowed in most city parks, but no glass permitted.

City Park is Denver’s largest park and where you’ll find the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

There’s many other “smaller” parks worth checking out as well, such as Confluence Park on the South Platte River, Sloan’s Lake, Cheeseman Park, and Washington Park. 

Denver Selfie Museum

If you find yourself in Denver on a day when outdoor activities are out of the question, visit the Denver Selfie Museum!

This is a fun, interactive museum with an array of quirky and colorful sets designed as selfie backdrops.

It’s easy to spend an afternoon here with friends or family, especially during a snowy or particularly cold spring day in Denver.

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Elitch Gardens is an amusement park with a mix of roller coasters, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions right in the heart of downtown.

The park greets visitors with a cute ‘main street’ right at the entrance, which is lined with shops, dining, and games. Plus the actual amusement park area and water park, the latter of which doesn’t open until Memorial Day.

This is a fun one for the family or adrenaline seeking, roller coaster lovers.

The park opens for the summer season in late April.

Meow Wolf Denver

Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience that will keep you entertained for hours, words hardly do it justice.

Get lost (literally) in this incredible 90,000 square foot, 4-story interactive art exhibit created by over 300 diverse artists. 

This has quickly become one the city’s most visited attractions, and it’s especially great to explore when it’s snowing or particularly cold.

Go Shopping

A popular activity while visiting Denver is to go shopping.

Shopping here is unique in that you can find lots outdoor gear (check out REI’s flagship store!) and some western wear too.

There’s plenty of regular shops as well. Check out Larimer Square for local boutiques, 16th Street Mall for popular retailers, Cherry Creek Mall for designer brands, or South Broadway for a diverse selection of boutique and antique shops.

Go For A Day Trip

Head to the mountains and experience some of the state’s best outdoor attractions and charming small towns.

You could spend a full day exploring the Rockies and still be back in Denver in time for dinner!

Below are a few of my favorite day trips from Denver. Each of these locations is located near the city, making for an easy getaway.

• Idaho Springs
• Lake Dillon
• Boulder
• Colorado Springs
• Red Rocks
• Estes Park
• Evergreen

For more ideas, check out The Best Quick Day Trips From Denver. All locations are located within 1.5 hours of downtown Denver. 

Things To Do With Kids

Looking for things to do with kids in Denver during spring? Check out the following, which make for great spring break activities.

• Downtown Aquarium
• Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
• Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
• Go for a bike ride.
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Denver Zoo
• Meow Wolf Denver
• Butterfly Pavilion
• Denver Firefighters Museum 
• Go for a hike.
• Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
• Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
• iFLY Denver
• Dinosaur Ridge

Spring Weather In Denver

March: 56° / 27° (average high / low F°) — Total 11.5” inches of snow on average.
April: 63° / 34° — Total 8.8” inches of snow on average.
May: 73° / 45° — Total 1.7” inches of snow on average.

As I’ve mentioned ad nauseam, Denver spring sees an interesting juxtaposition of weather, with quick shifts and swings.

March and April are the snowiest months in the city, but yet, pleasant and mild days are much more common than snow days.

Snow storms are wet and heavy this time of year, but melt very quickly thanks to the warm spring sun, which quickly follows a storm.

If visiting Denver in spring, be prepared for winter or summer weather, it’s very possible to get both in one weekend.

As you can see, there are tons of great things to do in Denver in the spring. I hope you’ve found this helpful and have the best time!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Denver and Colorado guides:

More Information For Your Denver Vacation:

• LoDo Denver: Top Things To Do
• Brunch In Denver: Best Places To Go
• Food Halls In Denver: Top Places To Go
• Weekend In Denver: 3 Day Guide
• 24 Hours In Denver: What To Do
• Best Day Trips From Denver

More Information For Your Colorado Vacation:

• Top Spring Break Destinations In Colorado
• Best Cities & Regional Hubs In Colorado (for visitors!)
• Colorado Travel Guide (how to plan your trip!)
• All Colorado Guides