Things to do in Central Colorado

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A wooden boardwalk with shops on one side and trees on the other.
A wooden pier with benches and potted plants, a wooden building with a green roof, and a mountain range in the background.
An indoor museum with exhibits, including a large rock formation and informational displays.
A wooden boardwalk with shops, American flags, and a sign for 'FYS'.
A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by rocky terrain and lush greenery.

Central Colorado Attractions

If you're ready to discover the best of Central Colorado, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you some of the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {175 fun activities in Central Colorado fun activities in Central Colorado} are also worth looking into.

Things to do



Central Colorado must see attractions

1. Red Rocks Amphitheater

Everyone who’s anyone has played here, from opera singers and orchestras to The Beatles, U2, Neil Young, Coldplay and Jimi Hendrix. Musicians consider the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of Denver, to be one of the best venues in the world to play at, with its magical, almost spiritual, atmosphere.
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A snow-covered amphitheater with a red roof, set against a backdrop of red rock formations and distant mountains.

2. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful in the spring with slopes of wildflowers and in the winter with a blanket of pure, white snow. Come here to hike, look for wildlife, see the Continental Divide and appreciate nature.
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A lake surrounded by mountains and trees.

3. Union Station

Denver Union Station opened in 1914 to serve train passengers traveling across the country. Today, it continues that role, with significant additions of restaurants, shopping and special events geared toward Denver visitors and residents. Admire the building’s glorious Beaux Arts details and enjoy a meal with friends.
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Union Station with a clock, American flag, and a street view with cars and pedestrians.

4. Garden of the Gods

The rugged landscape of the western states of America has long been central to the region’s reputation as the Wild West and the Garden of the Gods is a stunning example of this terrain. As the low, grassy plains around Denver give way to dense woodlands, a series of rock formations rise dramatically upwards. These phenomenal red rocks are the centerpieces of the 1,367-acre (553-hectare) Garden of the Gods park, a favorite destination for hikers, mountain bikers and other lovers of the great outdoors.
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A landscape with red rock formations, snow patches, and a distant mountain range.

5. US Air Force Academy

Step onto the campus of the US Air Force Academy to discover what goes into the training of the country's elite air force personnel. Every year, the military institution puts hundreds of cadets through a rigorous 4-year academic program.
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A modern skyscraper with a unique triangular design and large glass windows.

6. Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain is a 14,000-foot (4,300-meter) high mountain famed for its incredible vistas, high-altitude railroad and opportunities for adventure. It was named after explorer Zebulon Pike, who led an expedition to the area in 1806. Visit the summit of Pikes Peak at any time of the year to gaze across the spectacular Rocky Mountains. The view from here was the inspiration for Katherine Lee Bates' famed poem, America the Beautiful.
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A snow-covered mountain road winding through a rugged landscape with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation.

What to do in Central Colorado

Free Things to Do in Central Colorado

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Central Colorado:

Colorado Sports Hall of Fame - Approach the friendly staff and learn about the fascinating collections on display here.

Yearling - Feed your passion for arts and culture here and see creativity at work.

Denver Mountain Parks - Loads of fun and action is in store for you at this unmissable place.

Sakura Square - This popular local landmark is a great backdrop for that vacation profile pic.

Denver City and County Building - Drop by this historic site and learn a bit about the region's cultural heritage.

Wells Fargo Center - Strike up a conversation with a few locals and learn why many sightseers drop by this place.

Shorter African Methodist Episcopal Church - Connect with your spiritual side or simply get lost in the tranquil ambiance at this site of worship.

Civic Center Park - If you take pleasure in nurturing your garden, this place will appeal to your green thumb.

Things to Do in Central Colorado with Kids

There's fun for the whole family no matter where you go in Central Colorado. Here are some family friendly experiences you can try together that are bound to make your trip unforgettable:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Central Colorado? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Stay near popular Central Colorado attractions


 

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Popular day trips from Central Colorado

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Central Colorado on a sunny day?
What to do in Central Colorado on a rainy day?
What should I not miss in Central Colorado?
Put these attractions high on your must-see list to get the most out of your visit:

  • Ball Arena
  • Red Rocks Amphitheater
  • Garden of the Gods
  • Coors Field

Are there cheap things to do in Central Colorado?
What can you do in Central Colorado for free?
You could even leave your credit card in the hotel safe for the day, because these great attractions won't cost you a penny:

  • Garden of the Gods
  • US Air Force Academy
  • University of Colorado-Boulder
  • Colorado State University

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