Summer fun isn’t done

10 Things to Do in Denver While It’s Still Warm

One of the best parts of going to school at CU Denver is all of the activities that students can take advantage of during the last of the warm weather.

Head to a farmer’s market! Denver has plenty of markets where people can buy fresh and local produce to fuel people’s week. Take advantage of the large variety of in-season foods while it’s still warm.

Go tubing at Clear Creek Canyon! Head 20 minutes from campus to Golden and rent a tube from Golden River Sports. There are boulders and drops for adventurers to enjoy throughout the creek, creating an exciting ride down on a hot day.

Try local ice cream! Denver has a lot of really good local ice cream, such as the iconic Little Man Ice Cream or Broadway classic Sweet Action Ice Cream. But there are plenty more for people to explore and compare.

Head up to Water World or go to Elitches! Going to an amusement park is always a fun summer activity that park goers may want to squeeze in before it gets too cold. If it’s really hot out, cooling off at a water park may be the way to go.

Go to a Drive In! Go to Denver Mart Drive In and catch a movie under the stars. Summer time always comes with a number of new releases as well as some returning classic movie theater staples. Grab a friend with a truck or some cozy camping gear and have fun.

Climb a 14er! Do some research, get up early, and climb some of the 14ers in the area. Check out Quandary Peak, Mount Bierstadt, and Gray’s peak for some beginner climbs that are not too far from Denver.

Hike Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes! Reach this 3.6-mile trail from the Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a moderate climb and has gorgeous views of mountain lakes.

Rent a paddleboard or kayak at Cherry Creek Reservoir! Check out this beautiful state park and spend some time on the water. REI offers rentals and classes about kayaking and paddle boarding. Similarly, the CU Denver Wellness Center has plenty of outdoor trips and rental programs for students to check out paddle boarding with.

Check out the First Friday Art Walks! Every first Friday of the month from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Santa Fe turns into a fun display of art, activities, and food.

Go berry picking! Head on out to Berry Patch Farms in Brighton, CO and get some delicious berries. Strawberries and raspberries are in season starting mid-August, making a super fun group activity for the first couple weekends of the school year.

Even if students aren’t able to get to everything in this list, it’s always worth getting out of the hustle and bustle of campus life and into the sun before it gets too cold.