Water World Denver, Colorado

Water World Denver claims to be the biggest water park in the United States. It also claims to be the best. Covering 67 acres, this wet and wild park is certainly large, and on hot days, it is the area destination of choice for beating the heat. Family fun is what Water World Denver is all about, and there are a few special kids' areas where youngsters can splash around. As for older visitors who are looking to enjoy thrills and spills, the impressive water slides aim to please. Two huge wave pools also figure among the park's 40-plus attractions, and a trip down the Lazy River can be the way to go when a break from the more exciting rides is in order.

Of all the water parks in Denver, Water World is the most renowned, and for good reason. Located in Thornton, between Downtown Denver and Boulder, this is the most complete water park in the land, and it has everything that you would expect to find. The Voyage to the Center of the Earth ride is one of the best main attractions. On this ride, visitors pass through an indoor cavern on a raft, and there are a few drop offs to keep things interesting. Also interesting is the cavern's prehistoric appeal.

Other attraction highlights at Water World Denver include Screamin' Mimi and Big Top. The former is a rather rambunctious little water slide that is more steep than it is high, while the latter is a designated "family fun zone" where the park's iconic FunHouse can be found. The FunHouse was the first amusement park attraction of its kind, and most kids love climbing its different levels and using the water guns. The family-friendly Big Top zone also features kid-appropriate slides and splashing pools, as well as a limited number of cabanas that can be rented out.

Cabanas are also available for rent at the Thunder Bay wave pool, and these cabanas feature Wi-Fi and food menus. Those who book the King of the Beach Cabana Package will enjoy an increased amount of amenities in their cabana, such as special food and ride vouchers. The cabana rentals aren't exactly cheap at Water World Denver, but they are definitely worth the extra money should the budget allow.

In addition to the Water World tickets themselves and the attractive cabana rentals, other things that visitors can interest themselves in are locker rentals and tube rentals. The tube rentals allow park guests to bypass the sometimes long tube rental lines at the various attractions. Life jackets are also available for rent. As for the Water World tickets, it's worth noting that kids under 40 inches tall won't have to worry about them. They get in for free!

Discounted tickets are often available for the various water parks in Denver, and there are ways to go about saving money when it comes to Water World. For starters, those who don't plan on spending the entire day at the park can visit between the hours of 1:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. That's when the special mid-day rates kick in. All-day Water World tickets allow visitors to enjoy the park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As is true at some of the other Denver area attractions, such as the Denver Botanic Gardens, locals can enjoy discounted rates at Water World. To get the special residents discount on Water World tickets, a Highland Hills or Westminster Recreation ID Card must be shown.

When it comes to family fun in Denver, Water World can make for an excellent addition to the summer itinerary. The other water parks in Denver are also worth keeping in mind during the warmer months. Pirates Cove Family Fun Aquatic Center is just one of the other area water parks worth keeping in mind. It too boasts some great water-related attractions, including a lazy river and a beach area where sandcastle building figures among the top activities.

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Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado

Nature carved out a natural theater among the red rocks of central Colorado. For the last century, the natural theater has been used for concerts and other outdoor gatherings. Today, Red Rocks Amphitheater continues to be one of the most amazing places to catch a concert. With a full calendar of special events, Red Rock concerts and tours are some of the premiere things to do in Denver.

At the foot of Mount Morrison, the 868-acre park includes the sandstone monoliths that create the theater, rocky outcroppings, a large visitor center, and miles of trails. With a summer concert series and behind-the-scenes tours, travelers will find something that suits their fancy. Whether they're coming to enjoy Red Rocks concerts or soak in the scenery, travelers will be treated to amazing views and memorable experiences.

Red Rocks concerts bring some of the biggest names to the Rocky Mountains region. Rockers, singer-songwriters, pop princesses, and other performers bring their brands of entertainment to the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the Global Dance Festival also appear on stage on a regular basis.

Red Rocks tickets are available online and at the box office onsite. The concert season typical lasts from May through October, and all of the seats offer clear views of the stage. After they've booked their Red Rock tickets and arrived at the outdoor venue, concert-goers will be treated to an amazing experience. No matter who is putting on Red Rocks concerts, the sound will be amazing. The one-of-a-kind acoustics are due to the two rock towers cradling the stage and other geologic features. Ship Rock and Creation Rock, sandstone towers carved over a vast stretch of time, are taller than Niagara Falls.

Every year, the Colorado Council of Churches plans an Easter Sunrise service. More than 10,000 people come every year to experience one of the largest events at Red Rocks. No tickets are required, but participants are encouraged to donate food and money to help families in need.

In the summer, Red Rocks Amphitheater is transformed into one of the most unique movie theaters found anywhere. With Film on the Rocks, several films are shown over the course of the season and comedians and bands perform before the shows. These Red Rocks tickets cost the same as seeing a movie at the local multiplex, the parking is free, and the setting is spectacular.

In addition to the special events and concerts, Red Rocks is also a park, where hiking and sightseeing are popular all year. The Red Rocks visitor center features interesting exhibits and a short film documenting how this amazing place was formed over time, and the Performer's Hall of Fame. Visitors also can sign up for guided tours and stop for a bite to eat at the Ship Rock Grille.

In the Trading Post Building, travelers will find an official Colorado Welcome Center, where they can learn about other interesting places to explore in the mountains and other places around the state. There's also a gift shop, coffee bar, and meeting space.

Visitors can admire this natural wonder on foot. The Trading Post loop winds trough the spectacular scenery, by the rock formations, through a natural meadow, and through the canyons. Because the trail is narrow and 6,280 feet above sea level, those with health concerns should be cautious. Whether on the trail or hanging out by the Trading Post, visitors can watch for wildlife. Even though it's tempting, rock climbing is not allowed in Red Rocks Amphitheater. But don't despair, plenty of places nearby do allow climbing.

The park stays open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. unless a concert is taking place. Those without Red Rocks tickets will have to leave in the afternoon, and the visitor amenities have limited hours in the winter.

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Denver Center for the Performing Arts

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts covers four blocks in the heart of the Downtown District, making it one of the largest venues of its kind in the country. For those who are hoping to catch some Denver shows, this is the top venue in town, offering more than 10,000 seats in its ten different performance spaces. The shows range from traveling Broadway productions and ballet performances to operas and symphonies, and it's worth noting that the center's theater company won a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1998. This award-winning company continues to enjoy an excellent status, and anyone who needs acting tips should know that the center also boasts an excellent acting academy.

In addition to the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is also home to the Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Opera, and the Colorado Symphony. The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is where both the Colorado Ballet and the Colorado Opera perform, and this elegant venue can seat up to 2,225 people. All 2,225 seats are relatively unique, as they tilt back, providing added comfort over the standard theater seat. Due to the "lyric style" design of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the acoustics are top notch. For those who are interested in catching the Colorado Symphony, the beautiful Boettcher Concert Hall will be the venue of choice. This theater underwent major renovations in 1993 to solve some acoustical issues, and it is renowned for its seating design. Due to the unique seating design, the audience is very close to the stage, lending to the quality of the experience.

A Denver ballet, opera, or symphony performance can be an ideal follow up to a satisfying meal at one of the Denver restaurants, and there are other performances to consider when planning a cultural night out in the Mile High City.

For visitors who have Denver shows of the theater variety in mind, consulting the schedule of events at the Performing Arts Center is a good idea. When a touring Broadway company isn't in town, the center's theater company is likely to be putting on a show. The larger productions are held in the dazzling Buell Theatre, which has earned a lot of praise for its overall quality. In addition to Broadway shows, musicals, and plays, the Buell Theatre also hosts various comedy acts, and regardless of the genre, the performances often sell out fast. As such, anyone hoping to see a show at the Buell Theatre will want to get their Denver Center for the Performing Arts tickets in advance when possible.

Denver Center for the Performing Arts tickets can be purchased for all kinds of performances, and some of the other venues that are used include the 778-seat Stage Theatre, the 450-seat Space Theatre, and the rather sultry Garner Galleria Theatre. The former hosts Denver shows of the cabaret variety and can be of special interest to those who are interested in adding a little spice to their Denver nightlife. Also found at the center is the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom. This elegant venue is used for an array of special events, including civic functions.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is close to an array of shops, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to combine a show with any number of other experiences. Both Larimer Square and the 16th Street Mall are within walking distance, and attractions such as the U.S. Mint and the Capitol Building aren't far off either. Also close to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts are some very tantalizing downtown hotels, such as the Magnolia Hotel and the Brown Palace Hotel, among others. Those who secure Denver Center for the Performing Arts tickets will have little trouble finding a great hotel room close to the complex.

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Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado

The Pepsi Center brings thrilling sports, music, and more to Denver, Colorado. Unlike other arenas that may be built for one purpose, there are multiple teams that call this stadium home. The Denver Nuggets basketball team, the Colorado Avalanche hockey team, the Colorado Mammoth lacrosse team, and the Colorado Crush arena football team all face their opponents at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Big name performers including Celine Dion, Elton John, and Billy Joel have all played to sold-out audiences here, so if you're planning to attend a show during your vacation in the Mile High City, be sure to get your Pepsi Center tickets fast—you won’t want to miss out on seeing this state-of-the-art arena.


The Pepsi Center opened in 1999 and fans are spread throughout five levels of seating. The seating capacity depends on the event, ranging from 17,000 to 21,000, and 95 luxury suites are also available throughout the arena. If you’re traveling to Denver, the odds are there will be multiple events taking place during your trip. With more than 200 scheduled events each year, visitors can choose from a range of performances including sports, concerts, family shows, and events on ice. With many hotels near the Pepsi Center, attending any one (or more) of these events is simple to combine with visiting the city's restaurants and major attractions.

Pepsi Center tickets are a hot commodity in Denver, so if you’re lucky enough to secure them, come along early to the arena for the full experience. Quality meals are available on-site; for instance, The Blue Sky Grill is a popular restaurant that holds more than 300 people. Resembling a mountain lodge, this restaurant serves proper western fare. The stonework, fireplaces, and wood floors will all feel like a Colorado ranch, and be prepared for some unique menu items including elk, buffalo carpaccio, and ribs marinated in special spices. To ensure that you are able to enjoy the restaurant before the game begins, it is advised to make reservations and leave well in advance in case of traffic, unless you're staying at one of the many hotels near the Pepsi Center.

All sports fans have wondered how arenas transform to serve different sports. Tours of this stadium offer the chance to find this out, as well as other behind -the-scenes aspects of the arena. A separate purchase than your Pepsi Center tickets, tours are still relatively cheap and last 75 minutes. There are no tours on Sundays, but otherwise, the availability of tours varies seasonally, and to confirm availability you should phone ahead or consult the arena’s web site. Sights to see during your tour of the Pepsi Center include the luxury suites, club level, and dressing rooms.

While some fans choose to drive to the stadium, public transportation is also an option. Both buses and trains will bring fans to the Pepsi Center, and both will have increased services during arena events. If you're looking for hotels near the Pepsi Center, there are options for all price ranges including a Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, Westin, the Oxford Hotel, Hotel Teatro, and Jet Hotel. If you’re traveling to Denver in the winter, it is possible to combine a skiing vacation with an exploration of this Colorado city. Whether you love basketball, hockey, or live music, the Pepsi Center is sure to satisfy your craving for big entertainment during your visit to Denver.

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Museums of Denver, Colorado

Museums of Denver offer something for everyone, and they can make excellent places to spend some time when a break from shopping or the great outdoors is in order. For art enthusiasts, some of the best Denver museums are art museums, and it's also worth noting that the city is home to a plethora of art galleries. For history buffs, a stop at the Colorado History Museum and a visit to the Molly Brown House Museum can offer tremendous insight into the past.

These are just some of the museums of Denver that warrant consideration when building a Mile High City travel itinerary, and visitors are encouraged to also keep the regional museums in mind. In Lakewood, for example, The Lakewood Heritage Center offers plenty for the visitor to enjoy, including more than ten structures of historical significance.

When it comes to the best Denver museums, the Denver Art Museum deserves mention. The most renowned Denver Art Museum exhibitions are those that revolve around Western and regional art, but these aren't the only exhibitions worth checking out. Nearly 70,000 works are on display between the two buildings, and a couple of hours are generally needed if you want to see all of them. The best time to visit is on one of the Denver Art Museum Free Days, as you won't have to pay a penny to enjoy all of the fantastic works.

In addition to visiting the Denver Art Museum, art enthusiasts who are exploring the Denver area can also drop by the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art to see what it has to offer. Found in trendy Lodo, this art museum showcases the work of different artists at different times, and it has a fine library where visitors can find out what influenced the works on display. There are five main galleries at the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, and the museum also has space for educational projects, as well as a lecture hall for special events. When guests aren't taking in the exhibits, enjoying a lecture, or inspecting an educational side exhibit, they can visit the onsite café and take their beverage up to the rooftop garden.

When trying to decide which museums of Denver to visit, anyone who likes learning about history should enjoy the Colorado History Museum. This excellent Denver history museum offers some fantastic exhibits that chronicle the history of both Denver and the state that it calls home. Of significant interest is the timeline exhibit, which takes a look at the history of Colorado between the years of 1800 and 1949. Visitors can also check out the model of Denver as it would have looked in the nineteenth century. It is worth noting that the Colorado history museum can be found in the heart of Downtown Denver near the Denver Art Museum, the State Capitol, and the U.S. Mint, among other top attractions. Both the State Capitol and the U.S. Mint can also be worthy destinations for historical buffs who want to learn about Denver's past.

Naming the best Denver museums can be difficult, as there are many excellent ones to choose from. When it comes to history, for example, the 1889 Molly Brown House Museum on Pennsylvania Avenue deserves a nod, while science enthusiasts won't want to miss the Museum of Nature and Science at City Park. The latter is just a short walk from the Denver Zoo, and it offers a wide variety of exhibits that cover any number of topics, including mummies from Egypt and priceless gems and fossils. If nothing else, Denver visitors can drop by the Museum of Nature and Science to see a show in the planetarium or the onsite IMAX Theater.

Between the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art and the other Denver museums, visitors could satisfy hours on end. The Children's Museum and the Wings Over the Rockies are just two more Denver museums that are worth adding to the list, and visitors can also branch out into the surrounding area to satisfy their cultural needs. Over in Golden, for example, a tour of the historic and still functioning Coors Brewery can be complemented by a Colorado Railroad Museum visit.

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Larimer Square, Denver

Larimer Square is one of the top places to hang out in Downtown Denver, thanks in part to its historic charm. Whereas most of old Denver was laid to waste by wrecking balls to make way for more modern buildings, this attractive square was spared. There was good reason for this. Larimer Square was where the city's first bank took up residence, and it was also where Denver's first dry goods store and bookstore opened. Many of the square's structures were built back in the late 1800s, and thanks to renovations, they are as beautiful as ever. This is one city block that is tailor made for walking tours, and there are other things to do while you enjoy your tour. Perhaps you'll catch the Cherry Blossom Festival in Larimer Square, or one of the other annual events that is held here.

The Larimer Square restaurants and shops help to attract visitors as much as the square's historic architecture does. There are more than one dozen restaurants to choose from at Larimer Square, and save for the chain brand cafe, they are all chef owned and offer an exclusive regional approach. More restaurants can spring up at any time along the square's attractive streets, so visitors are encouraged to make repeat visits. In addition to dining at the excellent Larimer Square restaurants on any given day, those who enjoy good food can always try to plan a visit to the square during the Denver Restaurant Week celebrations. This annual food festival is actually held over the period of two weeks between the months of February and March, and it showcases some of the city's best chefs and restaurants.

The Cherry Blossom Festival in Larimer Square is another annual event worth keeping in mind when planning a Denver trip. Held in June, this festival celebrates Japanese-American culture, and live musical performances are part of the fun. The Cherry Blossom Festival in Larimer Square also features dancing performances, arts and crafts displays, and plenty of food for visitors to sample.

Between the Larimer Square restaurants and the various events, Denver visitors already have reason enough to pay the square a visit, but there is more here to do. The square also has a collection of bars and clubs for nightlife enthusiasts, as well as some good shops. The shops include some of the most tantalizing boutiques in town, while the bars and clubs include a comedy club, a hedonistic dance club, a sophisticated wine bar, and a friendly, neighborhood pub, among other establishments.

There are many reasons why a visit to Larimer Square is a must when in Denver. If nothing else, enjoying a languid stroll around the block can be enjoyable, and since there are so many great attractions close by, it's possible to pair a visit to the square with any number of other fun pursuits. For shopping enthusiasts, spending the day between Larimer Square and the nearby 16th Street Pedestrian Mall can make for an excellent day, while families might venture over to the Children's Museum before or after they enjoy the city's oldest square. Also close by is the vibrant Lodo District, where even more shops, restaurants, and attractions await.

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Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver, Colorado

Lakeside Amusement Park opened way back in 1908, and in the early days, it was deemed The Coney Island of the West. This historic amusement park in Denver continues to be a top local attraction to this day, and it boasts about 40 total rides for visitors to enjoy. Sixteen of these rides cater to small children, helping to make this excellent park a family favorite, and plenty of concessions are on offer as well. It is also possible to pack a basket full of goodies and take advantage of the park's picnic facilities.

The Lakeside Amusement Park enjoys an excellent lakefront location in the small Denver community of Lakeside. The majestic Rocky Mountains rise up to the near west, adding to the beauty of the location, and the best mountain views are arguably enjoyed from the tops of some of the rides. One of the newer attractions that can be found at this large amusement park in Denver is called Zoom, and it definitely offers some stunning area views from the top of its 140-foot tower. It might be hard to enjoy the views, however, as the quick drop that follows is likely to be weighing heavily on your mind. Another ride that provides good area viewing opportunities is the Cyclone. This historic roller coaster was erected in 1940, and thanks to its landmark appeal, it is very popular with visitors.

The rides at the Lakeside Amusement Park come in many shapes and sizes, and while some are suited for thrill-seeking adults, others are less intense and cater to all ages. One of the best low-thrill rides that is safe for all ages is the Merry-Go-Round, which has been in place ever since the park opened. There is a lot of history and charm to this amusement park in Denver, and historical buffs won't want to pass on a chance to ride the miniature train. This steam-powered relic is an early twentieth-century gem, and it executes a picturesque route around the park's lake. It is worth noting that the train's steam locomotives were employed at the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.

While the rides get most of the attention at the Lakeside Amusement Park, they aren't the only things that can be enjoyed on a visit. Visitors can also enjoy the park's midway area, where an arcade and a number of fun carnival games are found. As far as the concessions are concerned, most of the food stands specialize in quick and casual eats, with pizza, hamburgers, and ice cream figuring among the options. For those who are planning on bringing a picnic basket along, alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The same goes for barbecue grills and glass bottles. Pavilion rentals are available for special events, such as birthday parties or family reunions.

The Lakeside Amusement Park opens on Memorial Day weekend and closes the day after Labor Day. There are a few options for Lakeside Amusement Park tickets. Visitors can opt to pay the low admission fee and then purchase ride tickets as they go, or they can purchase a bracelet that includes admission to the park and unlimited rides. Lakeside Amusement Park tickets are more expensive on the weekends and on special holidays like the 4th of July. Regardless of the day, parking is free, and since the hours of operation vary considerably according to day and month, planning the whole visit in advance is recommended.

It is possible to purchase Lakeside Amusement Park tickets in advance, and for groups that purchase ten or more unlimited ride bracelets prior to arrival, special discounts apply. In addition to ordering in advance, those who want to get the group discount will also have to pick their tickets up at the park at least one full day before their intended visit. The park is one of the best attractions in the Denver area, particularly if you're traveling with kids, and it's not far from downtown, as it's between Lakewood and Westminster on the west side of the metro area.

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