Experience the great outdoors at Denver Botanic Gardens. Sprawling over three acres (nine hectares), this natural oasis is replete with several themed gardens. Stroll along bonsais at the Japanese Garden, or enjoy a fairytale-like experience with Winnie the Pooh and friends at the Storybook Gardens. Xeriscape Demo Garden is great to gather tips on home gardening and horticulture, while the Rock Alpine Garden showcases a unique topography. Take a guided tour and marvel at the verdant landscape dotted with exotic flora, lawns, waterfalls and ponds. In addition, these gardens offer several botanical exhibitions, illustrations and workshops that are both fun and interesting.
This museum is one of the city's most popular attractions, drawing almost two million visitors a year. There are permanent displays on North American Tribes, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and minerals, all stunningly detailed and vast. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits such as Ramses II and Imperial Tombs of China. An IMAX cinema, gift shop and cafe are also on-site.
Nestled in historical lower downtown Denver, Larimer Square occupies a one-block strip of the city's oldest street, dating back to the 1860s. Lined with Victorian brownstones, the area is a thriving shopping and entertainment district, flowing with activity. Spend the morning combing the ever-changing boutiques and clothing stores; then head over to Tamayo for lunch. For the afternoon, take a self-guided walking tour of the historical district (brochures are located at the information gazebo). In the evening, dine at the Little Russian Café, Josephina's, or the Del Mar Crab House. Then, dance until the wee hours at Lucky Star.
The Flatirons are a unique geological feature that are by far the most famous attraction in Boulder. Accessible through Chautauqua park and visible anywhere in the city, the Flatirons are a completely natural formation that occurred when a glacier pushed the mountains onto their sides, leaving the flattened undersides and layers of sediment visible in a way they usually aren't. The Flatirons take their name from their shape, which resembles three irons set down on the ground. A popular hiking spot, rappelling destination and visual treat in one, the Flatirons must be seen to be believed. Hidden under the cover of white snow or blazing red in the summer heat, Flatirons and its meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers, are a picturesque getaway and ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visit this unique museum and visitor's center to see dinosaur bones from the Jurassic period and more than 300 dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period. Plus, discover the secrets of how the Rocky Mountains were formed more than 70-million years ago. This two-mile long excursion into the past is a perfect outing for the entire family. Free maps for self guided tours are available at the visitor center. Guided tours are also available.
More than 25,000 visitors a year show up to gander at the stars and peek at other planets in this popular planetarium on the University of Colorado campus. The heavens are on display beneath the funky dome most Friday nights during the spring semester, January to May, and are open to the public. Twice a month the planetarium goes psychedelic, performing fancy laser shows to a variety of music, including U2 and Led Zeppelin.
The Connection is the student spot for bowling and shooting pool. It is open to the general public and it has recreational as well as competitive leagues. The prices are perfect for students at 3USD and shoe rental is only 2.50USD per pair. In addition to pool and roll, there are arcade games, poker nights and of course plenty of snacks. The Connection is also a fun spot to host events like birthday parties, college gatherings, etc.
Tired of the usual gift shop fare of mass-produced ceramic mugs and gemstones by the pound? This store carries over 10,000 unique hand-crafted items made by local, national and international artists. Browse Celtic jewelry, blown glass, Native American pottery, paintings, candles and photographs. It is a great stop for those looking for a gift that is different. And do not worry about strolling in from the Pearl Street Mall with food, drink or rambunctious kids, because everybody is welcome.