Things to do in Denver with teenagers includes skateboarding, golfing, jumping on a trampoline, or pretending to skydive. Outdoorsy teens will want to check out Colorado's beautiful scenery on a whitewater, zipline, or ski adventure. If your teens are the inquisitive type, take them to an IMAX film, Puzzah, the Wildlife Experience, or the Museum of Nature & Science.
There are so many fun options, but we've narrowed it down to these 24 best things to do in Denver with teenagers.
1. Sporting Events & Venue Tours
Things to Do in Denver With Teenagers 24 Entertaining Ideas Things to do in Denver with teenagers includes skateboarding, golfing, jumping on a trampoline, or pretending to skydive. Outdoorsy teens will want to check out Colorado's beautiful scenery on a whitewater, zipline, or ski adventure. As much as there is to do in Denver itself, escaping to the Rockies is one of the best ways to spend your time and options for day trips are plentiful. One five hour loop that packs in all the.
If you are a sport's fan, and want to see some of the best sports around, you will be happy you decided to visit the Mile High City. There are seven different professional sports teams in Denver so you can see the Denver Broncos of the NFL, the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, The Colorado Rockies of MLB and other teams that play professional soccer and also professional lacrosse.
If you don't want to see a team, you can also go to a tour of the different stadiums in the Mile High City. Some of the locations include Mile High Stadium, Coors Field, the Pepsi Center and more. Make sure to plan your trip so you can see one of the numerous sporting events, or take a tour, or do both!
If you don't want to see a team, you can also go to a tour of the different stadiums in the Mile High City. Some of the locations include Mile High Stadium, Coors Field, the Pepsi Center and more. Make sure to plan your trip so you can see one of the numerous sporting events, or take a tour, or do both!
>>More information on these venue tours and attending a game
2. Aqua Golf (Mini-Golf)
Miniature golf is always a fun family activity and, as one of the things to do in Denver with teenagers, everyone can have a great time. Aqua Golf at Overland Golf Course is a great place to take everyone for a game or two. The 36-hole course features a water-driving range, water hazards, and sand traps to make the game more challenging and competitive. Off the course, you and your teenagers can try your hand at table tennis.
Kids' ages and how many balls you want to buy determine rates. Adults can also take lessons.
3. Shows & Theater
You may not think of Denver as a city with lots of shows and theater options, but you'll be surprised to know that there are lots to choose from in the Mile High City.
There are many traveling Broadway shows that come through Denver and there are also local shows in some of the smaller theaters in the city. You could also try going to a comedy show as one of the things to do in Denver with teenagers. They might enjoy having a laugh or two along with you.
There are also festival and many shows that go outside during the spring and summer, and other that go on inside when the weather isn't quite as nice.
There are many traveling Broadway shows that come through Denver and there are also local shows in some of the smaller theaters in the city. You could also try going to a comedy show as one of the things to do in Denver with teenagers. They might enjoy having a laugh or two along with you.
There are also festival and many shows that go outside during the spring and summer, and other that go on inside when the weather isn't quite as nice.
>>Calendar of upcoming theater performances
4. Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
Head to the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to learn about some of the state's most accomplished athletes. Exhibits highlight the achievements of women, Special Olympics athletes, and other inspiring Colorado sports figures. The 2015 Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos also have a special exhibit.
In the interactive kids' zone, kids can dress up in sports gear and pretend what it's like to be a pro player.
The Hall of Fame is free, but for a fee you can tour Sports Authority Field at Mile High, where the hall is located. During the tour, you'll get a look at the end zone, locker room, and executive suites. Meet at Gate 1 on the stadium's west side.
>>More free things to do with the family
5. Whitewater Rafting
Not far from Denver, Outdoor adventurers can experience the thrill of whitewater rafting. Several rafting companies are within a couple hours of the city, with the closest, Clear Creek Rafting, just 30 minutes away.
This rafting outfitter takes families on guided trips down the steep and narrow Clear Creek. Ride through Class II to Class V rapids that will help you cool off on a warm summer day.
The trips run daily from May through Labor Day and are suitable for beginners and even younger children. The outfitter provides a wetsuit, life vest, and helmet. Neoprene booties are available to rent. You'll also get some digital photos as a souvenir.
6. Colorado State Capitol
Among the historic buildings in Civic Center Park, one stands out among all the others — the Colorado State Capitol building with its dome covered in real gold.
Step inside this building that opened in 1901 and admire features made from marble, brass, and the rare rose onyx. You'll also see colorful murals and stained glass, along with a gorgeous grand staircase.
Explore the building on your own, or if you want to go inside the dome, take the guided tour. Tours are free and are on weekdays, excluding major holidays.
>>Get the tour schedule and more details to visit
7. Zipline Tours
One of the favorite things to do in Denver with teenagers are Zipline tours. Soar through the fresh mountain air and scenic forests on a zipline adventure with your family. You can choose from different tour times and track lengths — from 850 to 1,900-feet.
No experience is necessary, because a certified guide will show you how to zipline. You'll be provided with all the equipment, plus some snacks.
The outfitter is just 30 minutes from downtown Denver and can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel if you make arrangements while booking.
8. Museum of Nature & Science
If you want to geek out a little bit, then going to the Museum of Nature & Science will be the perfect choice of things to do in Denver with teenagers.
Learn about wildlife from its world-famous dioramas and from exhibits ranging from mummies, geology, space, to Native American culture, and more. You can also check out high-tech education studios, the Discovery Zone. For an additional fee you can visit the planetarium and IMAX theater.
Visit the museum's website for info on ticket prices and admission packages. Plus you can also find out what days the museum is open for free.
>>Find my list of other top museums to visit with the family
9. IMAX at the Museum of Nature & Science
You don't need to pay museum admission to check out an IMAX show at the Museum of Nature and Science. Just purchase a separate IMAX ticket and you can see educational films such as 'National Parks Adventure 3D,' 'Wild Africa 3D,' and 'A Beautiful Planet 3D.'
The films change every so often, so check the museum's website for films and times. The theater is open during museum hours. There's no late seating in the theater, so be sure to allow enough time to get your ticket.
10. Day Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are looking for things to do in with teenagers, but want to enjoy fresh air and beautiful skies, make sure to take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Situated close enough to Denver, you can easily get to the Rocky Mountain National Park, have a great time, and get back in time for dinner. Some of the events you will enjoy many different hiking paths, whitewater rafting, fishing and horseback riding. You can even spend the night there if you want to have a little more time in this gorgeous national park.
There are entrance fees so make sure to check out the site and find out everything you'll need to know in advance of your trip.
Situated close enough to Denver, you can easily get to the Rocky Mountain National Park, have a great time, and get back in time for dinner. Some of the events you will enjoy many different hiking paths, whitewater rafting, fishing and horseback riding. You can even spend the night there if you want to have a little more time in this gorgeous national park.
There are entrance fees so make sure to check out the site and find out everything you'll need to know in advance of your trip.
11. Skateparks
Are you looking for things to do in Denver with teenagers who love to skateboard? Then take them to the skatepark near Commons Park in downtown. This 60,000-square foot park has skyline views and is open to skaters, rollerbladers, and cyclists of all skill levels and ages.
The free park is open everyday until 11 p.m. Snack and drink vendors may be onsite. Bring your own equipment.
12. Elitch Gardens
If you want to have a little fun in the sun, and in the water, then Elitch Gardens is definitely one of the things to do in Denver with teenagers that needs to be experienced. This massive park is located in downtown Denver so it is easy to get to visit whenever you choose to go.
If you, and your teens, want to do more than take the water rides, there are a number of different rollercoasters, arcade games, food stands, and even stores to do some shopping.
Make sure to check when you will be attending Elitch Gardens as there may be concerts, movies, pet parades, and, if your teen wants to have a little scare, there is even a Halloween Fright Fest!
If you, and your teens, want to do more than take the water rides, there are a number of different rollercoasters, arcade games, food stands, and even stores to do some shopping.
Make sure to check when you will be attending Elitch Gardens as there may be concerts, movies, pet parades, and, if your teen wants to have a little scare, there is even a Halloween Fright Fest!
13. Evolve Action Sports Park
If you enjoy action sports on wheels, and need an energy burning things to do in Denver with teenagers, you'll be in heaven at this 13,500-square foot indoor sports park. Skateboards, roller blades, scooters, and cycles are welcome in this state-of-the-art park. Every week, special nights are dedicated to BMX, skateboards, and cycles.
The park is open everyday and offers private lessons, camps, and clinics. On the first Friday of the month, kids 6 to 14 can attend chaperoned overnight lock-ins.
14. Day Trip to Colorado Springs
Don't just stick to city sights, take a day trip out to Colorado Springs, about 70 miles south of Denver.
On this 10-hour coach bus tour, you'll make stops at the U.S. Air Force Academy and Garden of the Gods park, where you can see its beautiful red sandstone rocks. You'll also drive the historic Pikes Peak Highway up to a vista where you can see the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak.
The tour includes a professional guide, lunch at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, and pickup at your hotel or Cherry Creek Shopping Center. The tour drops off at the shopping center, so you'll need to make your own transportation arrangements back to your hotel.
15. Urban Adventure rAce
Spend a few hours with your teens on an urban adventure race (similar to the challenges in the Amazing Race). Your family will read through several clues, and the answer to each one will lead you to the next location on your scavenger hunt.
You will find two fun options through Urban Adventure Quest in Denver. One will take you through Civic Center Park and downtown along the 16th Street Mall. The second takes you on a hunt through Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) District.
The best part is that you can start your adventure at anytime. Simply download their app to access the adventure race clues and get started whenever your family is ready.
>> Visit their site for details
16. Unser Karting & Events
Your teenagers may not have a license to drive yet, but they won't need one at this indoor go-kart racing facility. Drivers will put on safety gear and take a training session before getting behind the wheel of the high-performance karts. Then the race is on! Being that your kid will probably want to pretend to be a racetrack star, this is a great choice for things to do in Denver with teenagers.
Where you're done racing, check out the trackside tavern. Kids can hang out in the game room that has table tennis, pool, and mini-bowling, while parents can have a drink from the bar and watch the races. Recommended for kids six and older.
17. Skiing
If you are looking for fun, and want to do something that lets you enjoy the outdoors, then skiing is definitely one of the top things to do in Denver with teenagers.
There are many ski resorts close to the city of Denver. There are also more surrounding the city and you can get to those with just a short ride in your car. Some of these resorts include Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Crested Butte. There are also many less known resorts around Denver in case you want a little more secluded skiing with your family.
Some of these resorts have night skiing. Equipment is usually available at the resorts, and if not, you can rent them on the way.
There are many ski resorts close to the city of Denver. There are also more surrounding the city and you can get to those with just a short ride in your car. Some of these resorts include Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Crested Butte. There are also many less known resorts around Denver in case you want a little more secluded skiing with your family.
Some of these resorts have night skiing. Equipment is usually available at the resorts, and if not, you can rent them on the way.
18. Hiking
Depending on what the weather is like, you might want to try some hiking as one of the things to do in Denver with teenagers. Since Denver is located in the Rocky Mountain range, there is always great hikes all around the city.
One of the benefits of Denver is that there are many hikes within just a short 30 minute drive of the city. Some are easy, some are more difficult and some are very strenuous and only for the most athletic. There are also waterfalls on some of the hikes and they all have great views.
There are also trails that are specifically designed for dogs so you can hike with Fido as well. Lastly, many of the hikes are handicap accessible so you can have a lot of freedom to roam around the area and enjoy yourself.
One of the benefits of Denver is that there are many hikes within just a short 30 minute drive of the city. Some are easy, some are more difficult and some are very strenuous and only for the most athletic. There are also waterfalls on some of the hikes and they all have great views.
There are also trails that are specifically designed for dogs so you can hike with Fido as well. Lastly, many of the hikes are handicap accessible so you can have a lot of freedom to roam around the area and enjoy yourself.
19. Jumpstreet in the Colorado Mills
If your teens have a lot of energy, bring them to Jumpstreet — a fun trampoline complex that will make them flip out and over. This indoor park houses more than 20,000 square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines where you can literally bounce off the walls.
Kids (and parents!) can also play dodgeball and basketball, tackle an obstacle course, jump in the bounce houses, and more.
20. iFly Denver
If your teenagers are interested in skydiving, but you don't want them jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, compromise by taking them to iFLY.
This indoor skydiving facility lets you feel what it's like to freefall without the risk that comes with skydiving. You'll enter a wind tunnel that simulates a 60-second freefall — longer than what you'd experience while skydiving.
iFLY provides training, gear, and a flight certificate. You can also take home photos or DVDs as souvenirs.
21. The Wildlife Experience at CU South Denver
On the south Denver campus of Colorado University, you'll find the Wildlife Experience, an art and natural history museum with programs for kids K-12. Permanent exhibits include Globeology (provides an astronaut's view of Earth), Science on a Sphere (explains storms and climate change), and Discovery Den (offers hands-on activities).
This is one of the more fun, and educational, of the things to do in Denver with teenagers. And, the best part is that they won't even realize they are learning, since they are having so much fun at the same time!
The museum also features a playground, movie theater, cafe, and bookstore.
22. Adventure Golf & Raceway
Your teens won't get bored at Adventure Golf & Raceway. Here they can drive bumper cars and go-karts, conquer a maze, swing through a rope course, and more. If you want a rock'em sock'em good time, you must make sure to add this to your list of things to do in Denver with teenagers.
The main attractions are the 18-hole miniature golf courses that have many different themes. Pick whether you want to play on the Lost Continent, Buccaneer Bay, or Adventure Cove themed courses. Being that there are so many options, it is a great way to spend some time indoors, and outdoors, as there.
After all the fun, refuel with some refreshments at the outdoor beer garden or NASCAR-themed concession stand.
23. Water World
Pack your swimwear and sunscreen and bring the family to Water World, an enormous water park that's the perfect place to spend a summer day. The park has several dozen water attractions such as whitewater rafting, lazy rivers, a warming pool, boogie boarding, and waterslides.
You could easily spend most of the day here, so plan to pack a picnic or get something to eat at the restaurant or concession stands. If you forgot to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, there are stores onsite.
24. Topgolf
Another one of the many things to do in Denver with teenagers is Topgolf. This is a fun, new form of golf where players get points by hitting microchipped balls at different targets. Those who hit the farthest and most accurately rack up the most points and win the game.
After your golf match, play some pool or video games, watch the more than 200 HDTVs, or relax outside on the rooftop.