Explore Denver’s Historic City Park
Spend a day in Denver’s historic City Park neighborhood. Visit the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, or the City Park Golf Course. Moreover, refuel at neighborhood restaurants such as Annie’s Cafe and Pete’s Greek Town Cafe before renting a paddleboat at Ferril Lake or enjoying a free City Park Jazz concert in the summer.
Denver Zoo
Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Phone: +1 720-337-1400
Website: Visit website
The Denver Zoo spans 80 acres within City Park and is home to over 3,500 types of animals. Established in 1896 and open year-round, it offers various attractions including the Giraffe Encounter. Consequently, visitors can engage in programs featuring interactive talks with zookeepers alongside sea lion feeding experiences.
City Park Jazz
Address: City Park, Denver, CO, USA
During the summer months, City Park Jazz hosts free jazz concerts every Sunday at 6 p.m. This popular series, running from June to August, offers an ideal setting for outdoor dining, primarily held at the bandstand near Ferril Lake.
Annie’s Cafe
Annie’s Cafe, a long-standing Denver establishment since 1981, moved to the City Park neighborhood in 2008. The retro 1950s diner serves classic dishes like chicken pot pies and meatloaf, while its handmade milkshakes remain a favorite.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Address: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Phone: +1 303-370-6000
Website: Visit website
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, open seven days a week, was established in 1900. Visitors can expect to see an array of dioramas, Egyptian mummies, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater. Special exhibits, like the El Alebrije showcasing vibrant Mexican folk art sculptures, provide unique experiences year-round.
City Park Golf Course
Address: 3181 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80205, USA
Phone: +1 720-865-3410
Website: Visit website
This public 18-hole golf course provides stunning views of downtown Denver’s skyline. It also features a pro shop and restaurant, enhancing the golfing experience for visitors.
Tattered Cover
Address: 2526 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206, USA
Phone: +1 303-322-7727
Website: Visit website
Tattered Cover, located near Denver’s East High School, features over 150,000 titles and cozy reading nooks. Notably, it renovated the historic Lowenstein Theater into a vibrant retail space, maintaining its classic facade.
Paddle Boat on Ferril Lake
Address: 691 S Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80209, USA
Phone: +1 303-505-3695
Website: Visit website
Visitors can glide across the 24-acre Ferril Lake in City Park by renting paddle boats or kayaks. Rentals are available from March through October, offering options for traditional paddles or pedal kayaks, thus catering to various preferences.
East High School
Address: 1600 City Park Esplanade, Denver, CO 80206-1429, USA
Phone: +1 720-423-8300
Website: Visit website
East High School, built as part of the “City Beautiful” campaign in 1925, is one of Denver’s original landmark schools. Famous alumni include notable figures such as Judy Collins and Don Cheadle.
Pete’s Greek Town Cafe
Address: 2910 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206-1605, USA
Phone: +1 303-321-1104
The City Park neighborhood features Denver’s Greek Town, where visitors can try delectable offerings such as gyros sandwiches and souvlaki plates at Pete’s Greek Town Cafe.
Atomic Cowboy
Address: 141 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, USA
Phone: +1 720-782-0809
Website: Visit website
Experience Denver’s trendiest cowboy lounge, Atomic Cowboy, offering drinks, pool, and delicious Fat Sully’s pizza. Guests can also partake in various board games while enjoying breakfast from the Denver Biscuit Company, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Nina Snyder is the author of “Good Day, Broncos,” a children’s e-book, and “ABCs of Balls,” a children’s picture book. Visit her website at ninasnyder.com.