When summer is here we are always on the lookout for fun activities and day trips in and around the Denver area. It’s especially important when you have kids and need to keep them entertained all summer long. With the warm temperatures and the kids out on break, it’s time to get out and explore! Not sure where to begin? Start by taking one of these 11 best day trips near Denver:

1. Frisco
Frisco, CO, USA
Garth Weals/Wikimedia Commons
Located a mere 70 miles from Denver lies the enchanting mountain town of Frisco. Not only does this town feature incredible mountain scenery, but also a number of museums, shops, and tasty restaurants. (As you probably guessed from this photo of Dillon Reservoir, the area also boasts ample fishing and other various water sports as well!) It's one of the best getaway spots near Denver.
2. St. Mary's Glacier
St. Mary's Glacier, Colorado 80452, USA
Yelp/Erin M.
Are the great outdoors calling your name? Answer the call by hiking the stunning St. Mary's Glacier. This is Idaho Springs' premiere hiking destination that -- despite being less than a mile long -- comes complete with these jaw-dropping views! It's certainly one of the most unique things to do around Denver.
3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 92 Crawford Gulch Rd, Golden, CO 80403, USA
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Do you think the scenery in this picture looks amazing? Just wait until you experience Golden Gate Canyon State Park's lush meadows, forests, and dainty wildflowers for yourself. If you'd like to spend longer than a day here, consider spending the night at the Base Camp at Golden Gate Canyon.
4. Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
Mount Princeton Hot Springs, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, Colorado 81236, USA
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort Facebook
Okay, so Mount Princeton Hot Springs *may* take close to 2.5 hours to drive to... BUT, they do offer world-class accommodations in addition to their all-natural hot springs, making for the PERFECT weekend getaway! It's truly one of the most incredible getaway spots near Denver.
5. Boulder Flatirons
Flatirons, Colorado 80302, USA
Flickr/brent flanders
Sure, you have visited Boulder time and again for the Pearl Street Mall, iconic breweries, and more. But until you have visited Boulder strictly for their dramatic rock formations, you have yet to really experience this gem of a town!

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6. Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Dr, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Wikimedia Commons
What? You didn't think that all of our beautiful rock formations were just outside of Boulder, did you? Welcome to Roxborough State Park; a stunning 3,339-acre park that features a series of jaw-dropping rock formations that are estimated to be a whopping 300 million years old! It's one of the most incredible day trips near Denver.
7. Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek, CO, USA
Flickr/Jasperdo
Gold may not be as ample as it once was in this historic mining town but there is still no shortage of things to see and do around Cripple Creek. This includes shopping and eating along the historic main street, museum hopping, and touring the famous Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine. There is so much to do in and explore around Cripple Creek.
8. Creekside Cellars
28036 CO-74, Evergreen, CO 80439, USA
Yelp/Creekside Cellars
Located in the small and scenic suburb of Evergreen, Creekside Cellars is a hobby-turned-full-blown-family business that is nestled amidst the town's namesake trees. Opened to the public in 2000, Creekside serves delicious, one-of-a-kind wines with grapes harvested from their vineyard in Palisade! If you love wine and gorgeous scenery, this is one of the best day trips near Denver.
9. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA
Yelp/Cheyenne P.
Are you sick and tired of the same old rides at Elitch Gardens and Lakeside? Plan a trip to the exciting Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, which is home to the one-of-a-kind Alpine Coaster (pictured), Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, and Giant Canyon Swing. This is one of the best day trips near Denver to take the whole family.
10. Nederland
Nederland, CO 80466, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Nicknamed "Ned" and given the apt motto of "Life Is Better Up Here," Nederland features not only a number of shops and restaurants, but also large and blue bodies of water, vibrant and mature trees, and majestic mountains as far as the eye can see.
11. Lawson Adventure Park
3440 Alvarado Rd, Dumont, CO 80436
Lawson Adventure Park Facebook
Do you crave a little more adventure in your life? Look no further than Lawson Adventure Park which is located a mere 37 miles from Denver. It offers a number of epic adventures like challenge courses, ACTUAL rock climbing on Colorado's only Via Ferrata, and even the chance to walk on water via a giant bubble!

What other best day trips around Denver can you think of? Let us know in the comments! Need even more to do? Check out these amazing state parks in and around Denver.

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Best Day Trips Near Denver

Melissa M. | July 06, 2022

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