I never thought I was a zoo person, but this completely changed my mind…read more I visited during the zoo's extended summer hours (Fridays and Saturdays until 9 p.m.--despite what Google Maps says!), and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. We practically had the zoo to ourselves! Google still lists the zoo as closing at 4 p.m. every day, and I don't think the zoo advertises these evening hours nearly enough. Going later in the day made the experience so much better. First, it was much cooler and more comfortable. Second, the animals were incredibly active because the heat had died down. And third, many of them were being fed their dinner near the viewing areas, so we got to watch them up close in a way you normally wouldn't. The staff and volunteers were another highlight. Everyone we talked to was friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely excited to answer questions and share stories about the animals. You can tell they're passionate about both the animals and the zoo's conservation efforts. I also learned how important it is to support AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited zoos. I came away really impressed by everything the Denver Zoo does for conservation, research, and animal care. If anything, I think they should do a better job of bragging about all the incredible work they're doing--it deserves more attention! One of my favorite moments was watching the tiger stroll across the overhead bridge directly above us. The elephants have a similar crossing, although they weren't using it while we were there. The habitats throughout the zoo were beautifully designed and created such an immersive, interactive experience. I can't recommend visiting during the extended summer hours enough. It felt like having a private zoo experience, and I'll absolutely be back!

We went on a Saturday. It was extremely hot... Very little shade and long walks to each bathroom. I…read morewas very overheated. I started feeling bad for the animals who looked overheated not an ideal zoo for me to return to... there needs to be more shade.... It was just a very uncomfortable experience. One of the exhibits at the end even had a stand-up fan on some of the birds.

I wandered in expecting a patch of grass downtown, but it turned out to be more than that--a little…read moreurban playground wedged between buildings, where something's always happening. In the summer, kids are running through splash pads and people lounge with iced coffees like it's their personal terrace. Winter? There's an ice rink and a cozy little vibe that makes downtown feel like a Hallmark movie. It's not huge, but it packs in charm--ping pong tables, food trucks, random art, and the kind of people-watching you only get in a place that never really quiets down. It's one of those spots you don't plan on staying long in... but somehow, you do.

I visit this park from time to time when I can. When visiting this park, it always makes my outings…read moreworth it. The security are always happy to greet people that are visiting (when they are doing there rounds), the restrooms are always clean whenever they are open, and even on hot days, they provide ice cold water. Even if you visit this park for an hour, or even for five minutes passing through, you will love that you did. It is a beautiful park to see on your way to work or on your outting. Make sure you bring your family the next time you visit.or pass through, even bring your pets!!!

This was really cool and we saw a few sculptures and the painted bridges/passages. There were some…read morereally cool things like the chrome couple and several other sculptures. The only complaint, and I like to hike and walk, is that the parking is only close to Umi and everything else is like a quarter mile one way walk to each item. It would be better to have them closer together because you can be there for a few hours trying to see a handful of sculptures.

The artwork in this park is a must see. First off Broken but Together by Michael Benisty. Two…read morefigures in an embrace reflecting light and its surroundings. Symbolizing unity and healing. So beautiful. As we pulled up we were drawn to it. And the sky above just made it epic. We walked through the tunnel with Snyder's art piece and Olivia Steele's neon sign. What a message! The only way out is through. A message of resilience and hope as it casts a luminous glow day and night. Then we came through the tunnel and saw her. Umi. Gaia as imagined by John Lovelock and brought to like by Daniel Popper. A merger of humanity and the natural world. A woman's form merged with a tree. Her expression is serene and captivating. The details of the 'wood grain' and the way her eyebrows are the branches of the tree. So beautiful. It's hard to capture the feeling it evoked but I tried. Definitely a must see.

They were having a special with a 30% off coupon code so I decided to try it. Very glad I did. My…read morefriend and I really liked the Wizards Alley based on Harry Potter. It was well decorated and there were three rooms to unlock. I would say the first task was too ambiguous and hard and you really needed a clue to get it but then all the other tasks flowed. We were close to getting out but time ran out. It was an awesome time.

Kylie was amazing!! We had such a fantastic time! The Wizards Alley room was challenging & fun.read more

We wandered through soft trails that wind alongside the river, stopping at spots where you can sit…read moreand listen to the water or watch ducks float by. The park has these cool, hands-on areas where kids can climb on boulders, balance on logs, and explore natural play zones designed to look like they were always part of the land. There's an outdoor classroom setup with a fire ring and amphitheater, which we heard is used for environmental education programs. You can tell there's a real effort here to make this space not just fun, but meaningful--teaching people about ecology and conservation without it feeling like a lecture. Even though we were still technically in the city, it felt quiet and peaceful. Families were out enjoying the space, and a few kids were running around barefoot in the grassy areas. The solar shade structures and benches made it easy to relax while the kids played. Johnson Habitat Park is a great reminder of what can happen when a city invests in green spaces. It's not flashy or touristy--but it's authentic, creative, and refreshingly grounded in nature.

Johnson Habitat Park is a medium sized park on the south of Denver on the South Platte River bike…read moretrail. It serves the Baker neighborhood and it also functions as a wildlife habitat for all the little critters that live around the river. There is a pavilion and a playground for the kids as well as educational signs throughout the park explaining the history of the park and of the animals one might see and the wildflowers that grow in the area. I like to stop here and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Be a member like me and join the Botanical Gardens! Many benefits like being able to use your…read moremembership at other botanical gardens in different states! The rare beauty of Mother Nature and the landscapers and keepers of this facility is a wonderful collaboration! The water features, flowers and colorful flower palate and scents and smells will touch all of your senses!

Wow, how have I overlooked this review?…read more The botanic gardens are a staple for us when we need to get some exercise and enjoy nature but don't have time to drive into the mountains. We have been members for years and make the most of it. Every season offers a unique beauty and new aspects of natural wonders to enjoy. These gardens are well maintained and very affordable. Lots to see and smell regardless of season. I applaud the expertise and hard work that goes into creating an enjoyable experience that is often shared by 1000's on a summer weekend. Get your tickets online and cruise thru the main entrance. Certain times of the year it's very busy and time slots sell out in advance. Food in the garden is always good and ranges from coffee and pastries to a healthy lunch or dinner. Routine art installations complement the gardens and the indoor, temperature controlled environments offer color year round. We go early whenever we can to beat the crowds but sometimes and afternoon stroll is just as nice. Holidays bring special light installations and a new opportunity to see the garden even when it's cold and snowy. I recommend this all the time.

I went to the Civic Center STARGAZE event with my mother-in-law, and we had the best time. It's…read moresuch a neat way to see the city in a different light! Atmosphere: Super easy to get to. We parked on Bannock for $2/hour and it was a very short walk. It's family-friendly but also makes for a unique date night. The Food Truck: They have food on site separate cost and the ginger tea and empanada I had were the perfect waiting for my turn snacks. The Guides: This was my favorite part. The people running the telescopes are so friendly and informed. They aren't just reciting facts; they are genuinely passionate about what they do. They explained how Jupiter has 70+ moons and showed us four of them. I'll never forget the rotten egg moon the one that smells like sulfur! Price & Timing: It's only $5 per person. You get a 30 minute timeslot, which is plenty of time to rotate through all 8 or 9 telescopes and see the Moon's craters and the planets. Overall: If you're visiting or just live nearby, go check this out! It's cheap, fun, and you learn so much without having to drive far out of the city. Check their website for their next event locations!

The romanesque gem is actually laid out similar to Rome's forum. Civic Center Park is a great…read moreneoclassical style setting with a wonderful list of civic landmarks bounding it in. The majestic Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum, State Capitol, Supreme Court, City Hall, city buildings as well as various monuments. Continued efforts to clean up its unsavory elements will be beneficial to the city's upright citizens and visitors.

This is a beautiful park along the water and next to an amusement park. Parking is not the easiest…read moreas it's street parking. It also can get busy. It's a rather small park.

Centennial Gardens is a tranquil spot in the city of Denver to relax while breathing in the aroma…read moreof colorful flowers, overhearing the songs of birds, and seeing the sights of a picturesque garden spot. It is a five acre garden spot inspired by the Gardens of Versailles. The gardens is a marriage of France and Colorado where native drought tolerant plants grow in a France inspired Botanical garden. From my experience, Centennial Gardens is worth the visit when it is combined with another point of interest. It's downtown location makes this simple. It is located off the South Platte River Trail. This garden spot borders Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. Pepsi Center stands a couple hundred feet south to the south. It was the South Platte River Trail that led us here. It was a short walk across the river from the REI Starbuck's where we were chillaxing. Approaching the gardens from the trail, I saw a cast iron black fence. The first time we hiked on the South Platte River Trail we passed over stopping by. If I decided to have passed over stepping inside the gardens, I would have seen the whole park from the Platte River Trail. In want of an entrance at the South Platte River Trail, we walked along the edge of the east periphery to the south where a sidewalk led into the columns that bordered the entrance. We had the gardens to ourselves. The majority of my visit was spent chillaxing on a bench near by a water feature and touring the walking paths while taking pictures. If you are into photography as I am, Botanical gardens are photo magic. As the picture collection below shows, I enjoyed photographing the urban landmarks that blended in with the picturesque flowers. The nearby Elitch Gardens Observation Tower truly captured the photo magic of Centennial Gardens. The 200 foot tall landmark blended in magnificently with the water feature. It blended even nicer with a bed of blooming flowers that created the illusion that the Observation Tower grew out of the flower bed. In the heart of this five acre Gardens of Versailles-inspired Botanical Gardens , the patterns of walkways and flowerbeds captured the architecture of the nearby Speer Boulevard Bridge. Then by the north periphery facing south the gardens shared a sensational vista with the Denver skyline and Pepsi Center. In the closing paragraph, I would like to reemphasize that Centennial Gardens is worth a visit with another point of interest. From the perspective of somebody who loves the great outdoors I suggest combining it with Denver's Great outdoors as a stopover off the South Platte River Trail. Finally, please bring your camera.