Destination attractions things to do in denver

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

With the framework of the splendid Rocky Mountains in the backdrop, one can see the picturesque skyline of the Mile High City, Denver, which has stripped off its western cowboy image, perfected the most modern outlook and now stands tall and proud attracting millions of visitors each year. Folks of every age are lured to its historic architecture, outdoor charisma, impressive museums, charming parks, a world class airport, business prospects, festive nightlife, shopping bazaars, cultural activities, recreational and educational pursuits, not to mention the fabulous hotels and restaurants. The exotic locale with a tapestry of colors, the welcoming and friendly nature of the residents, unlimited outdoor adventure scopes including hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking, backpacking and jogging pleasantly surprise the visitors. The natural beauty of the mountains, the nature lovers paradise, the azure sky and year round sunshine with a warm climate that can be enjoyed to the fullest in any season add to the glamour of the city.

Things to Do and Places to Visit

Denver is a city for the young and the old. Places not to be missed are:

1. The Childrens Museum:

This is one of the finest hands-on museums in America for children and families engaging them to learn in a playful manner. It has an array of captivating participatory interactive exhibits and activities. Children can acquire knowledge to shop in stores, ski down slopes, measure sizes, aim targets, be a fireman, assemble car parts and test it, paint, sing and dance. There are different divisions like arts, inventions, computer lab etc. One of the major attractions in the museum is a huge plays cape designed for newborns to eight-year-olds and their caregivers.

2. Denver Art Museum:

This has the largest Native American art collection of the country covering all the tribes extending almost 2000 years back. Other display items include art pieces from Europe, Asia, Pacific and Africa. Changing exhibits of historical and contemporary art also are presented.

3. Butterfly Pavilion:

Over a thousand free-flying butterflies fill up this luxurious tropical rain forest. Visitors can touch and hold the butterflies amidst the greens and the insects at the insect center. The lively atmosphere is fun, playful, amusing and educational. There is also an outdoor garden and a gift shop.

4. Hyland Hills Water World:

Kids will have loads of fun in this water park that hosts quite a number of thrill rides including water slides to dark animated adventure rides, dare devil rides of steep or twisted speed slides with roller-coaster feeling, simulated waves that challenge surfing skills and much more.

5. Denver Zoo:

Open 365 days of the year, this zoo is the home to more than 4000 animals covering varied species. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1996. Because of the diverse animal collection, this zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the country. Visitors get a tropical feel while touring the rain forest under glass bustling with wildlife. The zoo is embellished with a jungle river, temple ruins, streams and waterfalls, caves and a coral reef with some rare animal types not found in other parts of the world.

6. Denver Botanic Gardens:

Tourists with botanical interests are drawn to these spectacular gardens all through the year. Curious visitors explore and admire the beauties of the plants collected from different parts of the globe including the mountaintops of the far east and the dense jungles of Africa. Goldfish swimming in the ponds and magnificent bonsai adorn the Japanese Tea Garden. The Water Garden has big smiling lilies while the Alpine Garden displays rare miniature flowers. The gardens are the right places to soothe all the five senses.

7. Six Flags Elitch Gardens Theme Park:

Gear up for some high-tech excitement and ceaseless merriment in this hundred-year old theme park that is constantly adding new recreational rides, glamorous concerts, lovely restaurants, charming gardens, careening lagoons, brilliant shows and dazzling carnivals. It is a fun place for the whole family. The little ones can get nose to nose with their favorite Looney Tunes characters in the Looney Tunes Movie Town. There are mini rides for the small kids while the slightly older ones can have a blast in the heart stopping Flying Coaster, Boomerang, Mind Eraser and the Tower of Doom. Soak up in the sun by the Wave Pool in the Island Kingdom Water Park. Children can explore the Tree House and the Hooks Island while the rest of the family can have limitless fun in the water slides.

8. Colorado History Museum:

Life in early Denver has been beautifully highlighted here through descriptive dioramas, historic paintings and photographs, newspaper clippings, outstanding exhibits of wagons, railroads, old touring cars, rifles and hundreds of artifacts used by the gold miners, gunfighters, Native Americans, cowboys, buffalo hunters and explorers of the bygone days all of which is an important part of Colorados history. In addition, the museum holds educational programs, has a gift shop with unique western souvenirs, a book shop and a gallery with changing exhibits of the modern day Colorado and the American West.

9. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater:

A must see while in Denver, this naturally occurring open air amphitheater is located west of Denver near Morrison in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The geological marvels of the monumental red sandstone cliffs attract renowned musical performers, professional photographers and thousands of tourists each year. Considered as the eighth wonder of the world, the amphitheaters exceptional beauty is simply awe-inspiring.

10. Colorado Ocean Journey:

This world class aquarium is a fun-packed family place featuring more than 15,000 plants and water animals thriving merrily in huge tanks filled with millions of gallons of water. Hundreds of exhibits shed light on the queer creatures of the salt and fresh waters of the different parts of the planet. Visitors can enjoy two adventurous river journeys, the Colorado River journey with waterfalls and flash floods and the Kampar River journey of Indonesia through a mangrove forest.

11. Tiny Town:

Positioned in a picturesque mountain canyon, Tiny Town is an unforgettable place for kids where they explore the 1/6 scale village with its Victorian buildings all built kid-sized. They can have fun in the authentic toy steam locomotive circling the park on tracks.

The numerous places of interest, over a hundred of cinemas and theaters, thousands of restaurants serving delicious cuisine, everyday concerts, abundant shopping emporiums, infinite sports opportunities under the sun, a hot spot for small trips and excursions, breathtaking natural beauty and a rich history- all have bewitched tourists from all over the country for many years. Denver is a perfect place both for the young and the adult.