Beat the Heat
Some Tips On How To Chill Out This Summer In Denver
Summer is almost here – and that means that the Mile High City’s temperature is rising! While Denver doesn’t suffer from the stifling heat that other big cities do – just one of the advantages of being situated literally a mile high – there are bound to be a few days in June, July and August, where you’ll be ready for a cool and refreshing activity. When those days roll around, keep this feature in mind. Here you’ll find some helpful hints to help you beat the heat.
Water World & Island Kingdom
Denver is home to two world-class water parks: Water World and Island Kingdom. Every summer, thousands of Colorado residents flock to Water World, looking to beat the heat, relax in the park’s beautifully landscaped 64 acres – and ride some serious waterslides. The Zoomerang is a gigantic half pipe water slide almost four stories high. You’ll climb into a single-, double- or triple-person inner tube, take a deep breath and plunge over the edge for a free-falling sensation. There are also plenty of family-friendly rides and chilled out pools to laze about in. Island Kingdom, meanwhile, is part of the famed Elitch Gardens Amusement Park, located in downtown Denver. One admission price will get you into the Elitch’s, where you can work up a sweat riding dozens of wild roller coasters, and then cool off by going for a swim, and hurtling down a number of wet and wild water slides. With the Denver skyline as your backdrop, it’s a perfect way to spend a Mile High summer day.
Denver Museums
Denver’s museums are becoming more and more well known the world over, thanks to a diverse offering of classic art, innovative new works and groundbreaking exhibits. But beyond the cultural treasures you’ll discover, every one is fully air conditioned, making a trip to the museum a refreshing experience for the body and the mind. Take a few hours to check out the masterpieces at the Denver Art Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art/Denver, or wander through the incredible Denver Museum of Nature & Science or Colorado History Museum. Escape the sun and expand your mind!
City Parks & Lakes
Denver may not be anywhere near a beach, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of places to kick back by a shimmering body of water. Confluence Park, located within walking distance of downtown, is so named because the South Platte River and Cherry Creek meet up here. There are sandy shores for sunbathing and wading, a kayak practice route, bike paths and a Thursday evening concert series throughout the summer. And if you’re feeling the need to get out of the sun for a little while, the outdoor recreation Mecca known as the REI Flagship Store is nearby, as is the fascinating Downtown Aquarium. Up in the Highlands neighborhood, you’ll find the sprawling Sloan’s Lake Park, an urban oasis, with the enormous Sloan’s Lake taking center stage. In the summer be sure to keep an eye out for water skiers zooming across the lake, framed by a stunning view of the Denver skyline. Bring some food to grill and spread out a picnic blanket or two – there’s plenty of room at this 177-acre park. Washington Park and City Park also offer great waterfront options. Get more info on Denver’s city parks here.
Denver Botanic Garden
Another urban oasis perfect for a hot summer afternoon is the Denver Botanic Garden, a lush and lovely green space that’s fun for all ages. Located in the middle of the Mile High City, Denver Botanic Gardens was one of the first gardens in the country to emphasize native plants and to champion environmentally responsible practices, such as water conservation and biological control of pests. The attraction offers spectacular plant displays, unlimited opportunities for lifelong learning and research that help preserve Colorado's precious natural resources. Spend a few hours exploring this leafy, shady paradise.
Head for the Hills
As you head into the foothills of the Rocky Mountain Front Range, just a short drive from downtown Denver, you’ll notice that the air is crisper, the temperature is cooler and the views are positively breathtaking. During the summer months, Denverites literally head for the hills for unbeatable hiking, biking, rock-climbing and more. Red Rocks Amphitheatre and State Park is always a popular destination, with its massive red sandstone rock formations, and trails that wind their way around the amphitheatre. Another great way to enjoy the mountains is to hop aboard the Ski Train, which offers same-day round trips from historic Denver Union Station to Winter Park, a popular ski destination in the winter and a lovely alpine getaway in the summer. This is an amazing ride, as the train travels 56 miles up into the Rockies, burrowing through 34 tunnels as it climbs 4,000 feet to the Moffat Tunnel -- the sixth longest tunnel in the world. You can spend the day in Winter Park and then catch the 4 p.m. train back to Denver. You’ll be home in time for supper.
