When the summer sun blazes over Denver, finding enjoyable and refreshing activities becomes essential. If you’re seeking things to do on a hot day, Denver offers a plethora of options to help you stay cool while still having a blast. From indoor adventures to evening escapades, here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of those scorching days in the Mile High City.
Activities to Cool Down
When the temperature rises, these indoor venues provide the perfect refuge to relax and rejuvenate.
- Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Step into the air-conditioned halls of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where you can immerse yourself in exhibits ranging from dinosaur skeletons to space odysseys. It’s an educational escape that keeps you cool while expanding your horizons.
- Unwind at Denver Union Station
Denver Union Station isn’t just a transit hub; it’s a vibrant gathering place filled with shops, restaurants, and cozy seating areas. Enjoy a coffee, read a book, or simply people-watch in this historic, air-conditioned setting.
- Visit the International Church of Cannabis
Experience a unique blend of art and spirituality at the International Church of Cannabis. The vibrant murals and serene atmosphere provide a cool and contemplative retreat from the heat.
- Dive into Aquatic Fun at Water World
For those wondering what to do when it’s hot outside, Water World offers a refreshing answer. As one of the nation’s largest water parks, it boasts a variety of slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, ensuring a splashing good time for all ages.
Creative and Calm Indoor Fun
Engage your mind and senses with these indoor activities that offer both relaxation and inspiration.
- Challenge Yourself at EscapeWorks Denver
Engage in a thrilling adventure by solving puzzles and riddles with Denver escape rooms. Their themed escape rooms provide an exciting indoor activity, perfect for groups seeking a cool and challenging experience.
- Participate in a Puff, Pass, and Paint Class
Combine creativity with relaxation in a Puff, Pass, and Paint class. This unique experience allows you to explore your artistic side in a laid-back, air-conditioned environment.
- Explore the Children’s Museum of Denver
Ideal for families, the Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits that engage and educate. It’s a cool place for kids to learn and play, from hands-on art projects to scientific experiments.
- Enjoy a Self-Guided Tour of the Molly Brown House Museum
Step back in time and explore the historic home of Molly Brown, a Titanic survivor and philanthropist. The well-preserved interiors offer a glimpse into Denver’s past, all within a cool indoor setting.
Move and Groove with Minimal Sweat
Stay active indoors with these enjoyable activities that keep you moving without the heat.
- Roller Skate at Skate City
Lace-up your skates and glide around the rink at Skate City. It’s a fun way to stay active indoors, with music and lights enhancing the experience.
- Attend a Comedy Show at Denver’s Dangerous Theatre
Laugh the night away at Denver’s Dangerous Theatre, known for its edgy and original performances. It’s an intimate venue where you can enjoy comedy in a cool environment.
- Challenge Friends at Punch Bowl Social
Combine gaming with dining at Punch Bowl Social, where you can enjoy activities like darts, bowling, and arcade games, all within a lively indoor space.
Mindful and Unique Retreats
Find peace and unique experiences with these indoor retreats designed for relaxation and novelty.
Treat yourself to a spa day, enjoying massages and other treatments that rejuvenate both body and mind. It’s a serene way to escape the heat and indulge in self-care.
- Discover the Joy of Indoor Gardening at Enchanted Grounds
Combine your love for coffee and greenery at Enchanted Grounds, a café that doubles as a gaming haven. Enjoy a cup of joe while engaging in board games or exploring their indoor plant selection.
- Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
Explore a variety of plant species in climate-controlled environments at the Denver Botanic Gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat that offers both beauty and respite from the heat.
Quirky and Unexpected Picks
Embrace creativity and comfort with these indoor activities that offer a twist to your typical day.
Get ready for an immersive gaming experience at Beat The Bomb, where you and your friends work together to disarm a “bomb” filled with paint, foam, or slime. It’s a thrilling indoor activity coming soon to Denver.
- Attend a Puff, Pass, and Paint Class
Combine art and relaxation in a unique setting where you can create your own masterpiece while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.
- Explore the Wizard’s Chest
Dive into a world of costumes, magic tricks, and games at the Wizard’s Chest. It’s a whimsical store that offers entertainment for all ages, providing a cool escape from the heat.
Evening Cool-Off Adventures
As the sun sets and temperatures drop, these outdoor activities become more enjoyable.
- Enjoy Drinks at 54thirty Rooftop Bar
Experience Denver’s highest open-air rooftop bar, 54thirty, where you can sip craft cocktails while taking in panoramic views of the city skyline. It’s a perfect spot to unwind as the evening cools down.
- Stroll Through a Night Market or First Friday Art Walk
Denver’s art and street culture come alive after sunset. Head to Santa Fe Drive during the First Friday Art Walk to explore galleries, food trucks, street musicians, and pop-up vendors. It’s a vibrant way to experience the city without the sun beating down and a prime answer if you’re hunting for things to do when it’s hot outside but still want to be outdoors.
- Take a Scenic Nighttime Bike Ride
Denver’s many bike trails, like the Cherry Creek and South Platte River paths, offer peaceful and scenic routes best enjoyed after the sun sets. With fewer crowds and cooler air, it’s a refreshing way to explore the city on two wheels—no sunburn necessary!
Even More Cool Things to Do in Denver on a Hot Day
Still, wondering what to do when it’s hot outside and need more inspiration? These extra 15 ideas will keep the good times rolling—without breaking a sweat.
Yes, it’s a thing—and it’s air-conditioned. Try your hand at axe throwing at places like Bad Axe or Axe Whooping for a fun, safe, and surprisingly satisfying experience.
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA)
This sleek, modern museum features ever-changing exhibits in a minimalist, cool space that’s a favorite for creative thinkers and curious minds.
- Enjoy a Cocktail in a Speakeasy
Sip something chilled in one of Denver’s hidden bars like Retrograde or Williams & Graham. It’s cozy, dark, and wonderfully cool inside—plus, the drinks are top-tier.
- Play Arcade Games at The 1Up
Get nostalgic with pinball, Pac-Man, and more. The 1Up barcade combines old-school gaming with cold drinks and an easygoing vibe.
Beat the heat while learning how to craft your own refreshing cocktails or mocktails. Great for date nights or a girls’ weekend activity.
Explore where real U.S. coins are made, all in the comfort of a fully air-conditioned historic building. Educational and impressive!
- Sign Up for a Cooking Demo at Stir Cooking School
Watch and learn from Denver chefs in this immersive, hands-on cooking space. Cool (literally) and delicious.
- Chill at a Board Game Café
Gather some friends and head to places like Enchanted Grounds to spend hours playing strategy games or classics, with snacks and cold brews within arm’s reach.
- Paint Pottery at Ceramics in the City
No experience is needed! Paint, sip, and enjoy a calming indoor environment while crafting your own ceramic masterpiece.
- Catch a Planetarium Show at DMNS
Sit back, cool down, and take a cosmic trip to the Gates Planetarium. The visuals, sound, and storytelling are out of this world.
- Go for Bubble Tea and Books
Head to a cozy boba shop like Tea Street and pair your sweet sip with a good read or journal time. Chill vibes are guaranteed.
- Do a DIY Ice Cream Sandwich Crawl
Pick three spots with homemade cookies and ice cream—like Little Man or High Point Creamery—and crown your own “best bite” winner.
- Join an Indoor Trivia Night
From breweries to bookshops, indoor trivia events pop up all over Denver weekly. Brain games + cold drinks = perfect pairing.
- Take a Yoga Class in a Cold Room
Skip the hot yoga—opt for a studio that’s blissfully air-conditioned, offering gentle flows or restorative sessions to keep your body moving and mind calm.
Keep Cool and Keep It Fun in Denver
Denver knows how to do summer right, and these 30+ activities prove you don’t have to stay stuck at home wondering what to do when it’s hot outside. Whether you’re indoors solving puzzles, enjoying art, sipping something cold, or heading out after dark, there are endless ways to keep your weekend cool, creative, and memorable.
Regarding fun, team-friendly indoor adventures, look no further than EscapeWorks Denver. Our themed escape rooms are air-conditioned sanctuaries and perfect for group outings, birthday parties, and team-building activities. With unique experiences and adjustable difficulty levels, EscapeWorks offers something thrilling for everyone—from curious newcomers to escape room pros.
