There’s nothing quite like visiting Denver when it snows—it’s such a magical experience! During our last trip over Veterans Day weekend, we were lucky enough to catch a big snowstorm. It gave us a great mix of fun indoor and outdoor activities to keep us cozy while enjoying the stunning winter wonderland around us. And if you don’t happen to see snow when you visit, don’t worry! All of these spots are just as awesome, no matter the weather. So, let’s jump in and check them out!
Holey Moley Golf Club Denver
While we were hanging out at our hotel and checking out Google Maps for some fun things to do in Denver, I stumbled upon an indoor miniature golf spot just a block away from The Westin Denver Downtown (which I highly recommend!). My son had never tried mini golfing before, so he was super excited to give it a go, and I couldn’t wait to see what an indoor course was all about!
Holey Moley Golf Club Denver is such a fun place, bursting with neon lights, quirky themes, and creative holes that will keep you smiling the whole time. They have three different courses, so you can choose to play 9, 18, or even 27 holes. As you putt through the wild obstacles, you can sip on a delicious drink like a hot toddy or a hot cocoa. You can also grab a bite to eat at their restaurant.
It’s warm and the perfect way to spend a snow day! It was pretty quiet when we arrived, but soon enough, it filled up with other people looking to escape the cold.
Butterfly Pavilion
Just 15 miles northwest of Denver in Westminster, the Butterfly Pavilion feels like a snow-free paradise. On a chilly day, there’s nothing quite like wandering through their tropical conservatory, where hundreds of butterflies flit around in a balmy, 80-degree oasis.
This was our second time visiting, and I loved it just as much as the first! It’s tranquil and truly mesmerizing. There are also cool exhibits with fascinating creatures like tarantulas and sea stars to check out! Toward the end of our adventure, my son stumbled upon a station with virtual reality goggles and was captivated for a while. Of course, he couldn’t resist asking for a slap bracelet stuffy from the gift shop before we left!
It’s an ideal place to enjoy nature without dealing with the cold. Just remember to wear layers that you can easily take off once you’re inside, and you’ll be all set.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Bison, prairie dogs, and elk—oh my! These are just a few of the incredible animals you’ll encounter at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Only 10 miles northeast of Denver, this 15,000-acre refuge is magnificent, especially with a fresh blanket of snow. And the cherry on top? It’s totally free!
We were in awe during the whole 11-mile Wildlife Drive while appreciating the seat warmers in our car! The road is easy to navigate, and there are places to pull over and take pictures. We spotted bison, deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, and even elk! Make sure to download and listen to the podcast to enhance your experience.
After our drive, we stopped by the Visitor Center, where we checked out some exhibits and learned more about the wildlife in the area. It also offers more gorgeous views of the park, the mountains, and downtown Denver. It’s a nice way to wrap up your adventure.
Downtown Aquarium
Whenever someone tells me they’re going to Denver, I recommend adding the Downtown Aquarium to their itinerary. It’s AMAZING! The first time we took our son, he was 14 months old, and while he was intrigued then, I was excited to see him experience it now that he was a bit older.
While the snow was coming down, we took a short Uber from our hotel to the Downtown Aquarium. It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth every penny! As you walk through this enormous aquarium, you see massive glowing tanks of sharks, stingrays, eels, fish, and many other sea creatures. One of the best highlights is the underwater tunnel.
Now for the icing on top! I almost don’t want to tell you, so it’s a surprise! LOL! Ok, I’ll spill it—there’s a tiger exhibit!! One of the two tigers was highly active and playful and was hanging out right by the glass partition. My son loved it, and we ended up spending quite a bit of time observing this area.
At the end, you’ll come to some hands-on activities like petting sting rays. It’s a fun way to end the visit.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Get ready for some outdoor magic! Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre—15 miles west of Denver in Morrison—is jaw-dropping after a snowfall. Seeing those iconic red rock formations dusted in white is perfection.
When it stopped snowing and the sun came out, we decided to check this place out. The road up to the amphitheater has impressive views, and you get to drive through The Tunnel!
When you reach the top, you have a couple of parking options. First, give the small circular parking lot at the very top a shot. If it’s full, no worries! Just head back down a little, and you’ll find a bigger parking lot on the right. There are also more parking lots below the amphitheater if you turn onto Trading Post Road.
Once we got there, we enjoyed wandering around the upper level of the amphitheater. Then, we made our way down the stairs a bit and admired the surroundings while trying not to freeze in the shade. I would love to catch a concert there someday when it’s nice and warm!
Aside from the views, you can also check out the Visitor Center and Trading Post during your visit. Plus, if the weather is nice and you’re up for some adventure, there are several trails to explore!
Pearl Street Mall in Boulder
Boulder is such an adorable town, and it’s also stunning when it’s covered in snow. We headed here after stopping by the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. There are a ton of shops and restaurants to check out at Pearl Street and neighboring streets.
Make sure you walk into the Hotel Boulderado to get a glimpse of the extraordinary architecture, and then go downstairs to see their speakeasy! I’m interested in staying there next time we head to Colorado. And if you’re a person who prefers staying at Marriotts like we do, there’s the Boulder Marriott, too! It’s on my long list of places to stay! LOL!
We enjoyed some delicious fajitas and margaritas at Pedro’s Tacos and Tequila Bar on Pearl Street before heading back towards our hotel in Denver.
Avery Brewing Company
If you’re a beer lover, another great stop in Boulder is Avery Brewing Company. They have a tasting room, restaurant, and a large patio with spectacular views of the mountains.
It’s kid-friendly, and there’s lots of space for them to run around outside. You can also learn more about their beer and brewing process by signing up for their brewery tour. Cheers!
Time for fun!
There you go—five fun places near Denver! Whether you’re warming up with mini-golf at Holey Moley, fluttering with butterflies, cruising through a wildlife refuge, diving into the aquarium, or soaking in Red Rocks’ beauty, there’s something for every mood. Which one’s calling your name?! Hope you have a blast!