Denver is one of the idyllic locations to spend your golden years. It offers just about everything to keep you entertained and energized, from warm summers, breathtaking mountain views, extensive parks, and magical snowy winters.
We’ve rounded up the top 10 activities for 55 + adults living in Denver, Colorado.
1. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty
Colorado is packed with parks and hikes that are perfect for the 55 + community. Here are some of the top locations to soak in Denver’s unique beauty.
Red Rocks Park
Just west of Denver is the world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The dramatic and rugged sandstone formations have made Red Rocks a one-of-a-king concert venue since 1941. Take a short hike around the beautiful red rocks to see the area’s natural beauty.
Denver Botanical Gardens
The beautifully curated Botanical Gardens is an oasis in the Mile High City. Famous for the colorful displays of flowers and plants from all over the world, the garden spans 23-acres and contains a conservatory, several theme gardens, and a sunken amphitheater.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Only an hour drive away from Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a slice of heaven. It offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails, several of which are rated easy.
2. Explore Museums
When you can’t escape to the Rocky Mountains, head to Denver’s museums to feed your curiosity and explore your creativity. Here are two of our favorite Denver museums.
Denver Art Museum
The DAM is one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago, showcasing more than 70,000 diverse works of art worldwide, including European and American painting, sculpture, design, textiles, and a world-famous American Indian art collection.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers various exhibitions and programs to help visitors discover the natural history of the Centennial State, our planet, and the universe. You’ll learn about anthropology, geology, health science, paleontology, space science, and zoology. Take your grandkids for a day full of fun activities and educational programs.
3. Go Camping
Colorado is full of secluded camping spots found in national and state parks. If you have an RV that you’re eager to take out, head to Baby Doe Campground in Leadville, Colorado. Other camping getaways include Eleven Mile Reservoir, St. Vrain State Park, Jackson Lake State Park, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
4. Catch a Baseball Game
Sports fans will enjoy catching a Colorado Rockies game at the 76-acre Coors Field, located in the heart of downtown Denver. With sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, Coors Field is a must-see for locals and tourists alike. Keep an eye out for an entire row of purple seats in the third level. These seats represent 5,280 feet above sea level, exactly one mile.
5. Try New Hobbies
If you’re interested in picking up a new hobby, Denver offers plenty of opportunities to try new activities and meet new people.
Sip and Paint
Who says you have to be an experienced painter to pick up a paintbrush? Denver offers several safe spaces to explore your creativity while sipping on artisan cocktails, wine, and craft beer. Remember, there are no mistakes…only happy little accidents.
Cooking Classes
Are you looking to plan your next date night? Or maybe you’re eager to connect with your neighbors. Some of the best connections and memories are made in the kitchen. Cooking and eating together is a quintessential human experience that expresses how we care for the people we love. Whether you’re a foodie or first-timer, a cooking class will help you chop, grill, and saute sauté your way to a delicious meal.
Dance Classes
Ready to cut a rug? Learning how to dance is not only about having fun, but it also keeps you healthy and active. Ballroom dancing is relatively low-impact, so it’s a great way for 55 and better adults to stay in shape.
6. Ride The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Known as the world’s highest cog railroad, The Broadmoor Manitou, and Pikes Peak Cog Railway allows you to experience the beauty of the American West. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Pikes Peak region, from the far eastern plains to the Continental Divide along the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
7. Have a Spa Day
Self-care is often neglected, so having an occasional spa day can help you re-center, re-energize, and re-connect. Whether you prefer sitting in the sauna or hot tub or need a deep tissue massage, you’ll be thankful you took some time to care for your body.
8. Hit the Greens
As an outdoor-lover’s playground, Denver is a great place to be if you’re a golfer. From the crisp air, stunning mountain views, and high altitude, it’s a golfer’s paradise. Here’s a look at the top golf courses in the Mile High City.
- Arrowhead Golf Club
- TPC Colorado
- Fossil Trace Golf Club
- Bear Dance Golf Club
- The Ridge at Castle Pines Golf Club
Looking to improve your golf swing? Head into the amenity center at The Reserve to try out a golf simulator. The simulator tracks your exact movements as you practice your swing on a virtual driving range, so you can see what you need to tweak to improve your golf game.
9. Satisfy Your Powder Cravings
Denver boasts some of the world’s best ski resorts that are roughly an hour’s drive from downtown. Snow is plentiful in the Rocky Mountains, typically averaging 30 feet each season.
The ski resorts near Denver are spread out in three main geographical groupings. The first group includes Winter Park, Echo, and Eldora and is found in the front range. The next group includes Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper, and Loveland. Beyond the Vail Pass, the third grouping includes Vail and Beaver Creek.
10. Explore Denver Businesses
What better way to show Denver some love than supporting local businesses? It can make a real difference in the community. Plus, it’s a great way to get out of the house and connect with your town. Make your way downtown to explore art galleries, restaurants, clothing stores, and more.