Boating, swimming, camping, drive-in movie theaters, and rooftop happy hours — a few classic pastimes for a great summer. But there are certain activities this time of year that are just quintessentially Denver; some Mile High summer must-dos, if you will. So taking suggestions from our very own Hey Denver readers, I’ve collected some favorites to make an official City Cast Denver bucket list for your summer. Enjoy!
🔲 Watch a Mile High Summer Sunrise or Sunset
You haven’t truly appreciated the Denver skyline until you’ve admired it under the pink glow of a watercolor sunset. I enjoy the view from City Park or one of our many rooftop bars. Looking for more expansive landscapes outside of the city? Alisha M. suggests driving up to Lookout Mountain near Golden with some ice cream or hot chocolate.
🔲 Get On the Water
What’s summer without water sports? Boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, wakeboarding — you can try it all without even leaving city limits! Or if you’re looking to simulate those beachy vibes, venture to any one of Denver’s nearby lakes or reservoirs. Gabrielle D. says paddle board equipment is available for rent at most of those spots as well.
🔲 Go Patio Hopping Downtown
Does anything give summertime vibes like a cold drink on a cushy patio? Kathy L. says the patio at Recess Beer Garden is shady, dog-friendly, and serves up good brews and bites. Ned D. recommends chips, salsa, and an ice cold beer at The Rio’s new downtown location. I say hit them all!
🔲 Indulge at an Adults-Only Night
Summer break isn’t just for the kids — treat yourself to some kiddo-free fun! Tara K. likes Adult Night at Pirates Cove Water Park in Englewood, complete with concessions, libations, and live music. Meow Wolf also hosts regular adults-only evenings. Plus, keep your eye out for occasional adults-only programming at the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Can you get a bingo on our summer bucket list bingo card? (Peyton Garcia / City Cast Denver)
🔲 Bike, Bike, and Bike Some More
Get out and explore the Mile High on two wheels instead of four. Challenge yourself to learn how to navigate the city by bicycle. As Hey Denver reader Lewis S. puts it, biking is “good for the soul.”
🔲 Visit Both Lakeside AND Elitches
Both Lakeside and Elitch Gardens amusement parks are long-standing local faves, chock-full of Denver history and family fun. An evening of funnel cakes and loop-the-loops at each is a Mile High summer must.
- 👉 And by the way, are you team Elitches or team Lakeside?
🔲 Try a Fourteener
It’s perfect hiking weather! If you’ve been noodling on the idea of tackling a fourteener, now is a good time to try, and Colorado has plenty. Reader Peter M. gives us this advice: “For every 1,000 feet in altitude you gain, you lose 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit. [Fourteeners] are natural air conditioners. Just point yourself uphill and cool the hell down.”
🔲 Take a Mountain Town Getaway
My favorite way to escape the heat is heading to higher elevations and visiting one of Colorado’s charming little tucked-away mountain towns, usually complete with a shop-lined main street and outdoor recreation all around you.
- 👉 See our recent guides to Vail, Frisco, and Estes Park.
