Winter Fun: 12 Things to Do In Denver In The Winter
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Looking for some fun things to do in Denver this winter? Well, look no further because we’ve come up with some of the best things you can do in Denver in the winter that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
- Things to Do in Denver in the Winter
Things to Do in Denver in the Winter
In Denver, Colorado, you don’t have to wait out the winter locked up in your house. From free museums and winter festivals to sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at all the things to do in Denver in the winter and start planning your next adventure!
Things to Do in Denver in the Winter – Festivals
Denver has multiple festivals throughout the year. Fall and winter festivals start in October. Keep in mind that Denver usually gets snow by the end of October. Here are a few you just have to see!
Halloween Hoopla
Although still technically Fall, the Halloween Hoopla is a spectacular festival for kids. Head to the Centennial for a spooky good time. This event features entertainment, costume parades, and a street for trick or treating. Kids should come in their best costumes for a spooktacular time.
Denver Film Festival
The Denver Film Festival is a highlight of winter in Denver and is only available during November. Here you will experience some of the best storytelling from around the world. It’s packed with high-profile international guests and acclaimed films from around the world. Not to mention, food, activities, and fun for everyone. Enjoy talks, movies, and fun.
Denver Arts Week
Enjoy a celebration of the cities’ vibrant culture and arts with Denver Arts Week. Held annually in November, you can explore outdoor sculptures, indulge in performing arts, and even buy some art for your home.
Things to Do in Denver in the Winter – Museums
If you are looking for some warm indoor activities, Colorado has a variety of museums to check out. And, many of them have free days, so you wouldn’t have to spend anything for a day of learning and fun.
MCA Denver Museum
With penny days the first Saturday of every month, the MCA Denver Museum is an incredible art museum where you can literally see, hear, and connect with the art. It’s perfect for teens and adults alike.
The museum aims to tackle important subject matters with its exhibits such as the Jason Moran: Bathing the Room With Blues and Deborah Robert or the Nari Ward: We the People exhibit.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Adults and kids alike will love the incredible experience at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Discover remarkably preserved fossils, fly with the birds in an incredible virtual reality exhibit, and find out the answers to your questions about space. Here are a few of the exhibits you’ll encounter:
- Space Odyssey
- Egyptian mummies
- Expedition health
- Gems and minerals
- Prehistoric journey
If you pay a one-time membership fee, you can get into this museum free any day of the week. Additionally, they do offer free days from time to time, so keep an eye on their website for upcoming free days here.
Children’s Museum of Denver
The Children’s Museum of Denver is open Wednesday through Sunday and boasts a plethora of kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits. Kids can investigate bubbles, water, and kinetics, explore a fire station, or scramble through an adventure forest.
You can pay a one-time membership fee for the whole family and get in free any day they are open. They don’t seem to offer free days, but you can keep an eye on their Facebook pages for special promotions.
Things to Do in Denver in the Winter – Outdoor Activities
Denver has 4 seasons and snowy weather usually finds its way there by the end of October! With that being said, Denver is the largest ski town in the world. So, you will never run out of outdoor winter activities to enjoy!
Camp Christmas
Camp Christmas is an over-the-top outdoor extravaganza. You’ll journey through a wonderland of shimmering lights, dazzling decorations, music, and yuletide scenes. Kids can visit Santa’s Glampsite while you sit on festive cocktails and snag those perfect holiday photos.
Denver Zoo Lights
Transformed into a winter wonderland, the Denver Zoo lights are a spectacular display you just don’t want to miss. This annual event has been bringing magic, memories, and even marriages for 30 years. With over 2 million LED lights sparkling across the 80 acres at the zoo, there are delights around every corner bringing you the wildest holiday gathering.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountain National Park is located just an hour outside of the city. During the winter months, the National Park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing that will take you to some of the most scenic and serene spots in all of Denver.
Ski Slopes
In addition to the National Park, there are several ski slopes located around Denver. All of which get you away from the hustle and bustle of city life to picturesque views the whole family will love. Here are a few slopes you can visit:
- Keystone Resort – This resort is one of our favorites because of all the family-friendly fun there. From skiing to snow tubing to ice castles, this place has it all.
- Winter Park – Stay at the resort and enjoy sunset guided skiing, moonlit uphill events, an astronomy tour, the tube park, or dinner on the mountain top.
- Vail Resort – You can stay at this luxurious resort and enjoy skiing, lodging, and picturesque views.
- Echo Mountain – Not only can you enjoy a day of skiing at Echo Mountain, but you can also have fun snowboarding and tubing 2-miles high.
- Loveland Ski Area – With mountain cabins, you can stay and play. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, childcare, and mountain dining.
Not sure which one is a good fit? Take a Winter Ski Tour with a professional guide who will take care of all the details (and the driving!)
Sledding Hill Park
Get out on the hills and enjoy a day of fast-paced sledding. Sledding Hill Park is preserved just to make a good sledding hill for kids and adults alike. The best part is that it’s FREE! Take advantage of this free adventure starting in January.
Skyline Park
The downtown Denver rink at Skyline Park offers free ice skating 7-days a week. While it’s free to skate, you will have to pay a small fee for ice skate rentals. This is a great option for families looking for things to do in Denver in the winter.
With so many fun activities to do in Denver, there’s no need to stay cooped up on your electronics all winter. Go sledding, ice skating, skiing to the museum, or enjoy one of the many festivals.
Coming from out of town or even considering a staycation nearby? Consider a winter vacay at Keystone Resort within driving distance from Denver.
What was your favorite activity?
