15+ Denver Indoor Activities for Rainy or Cold Days (Adults & Kids)

Whether it's cold, rainy, or you simply want to stay inside, Denver has many fun things to do indoors. Some of the best Denver indoor activities include breaking out of an escape room, relaxing at a beer spa, and visiting a local museum. Below, we'll share something fun for everyone, including adults, couples, and families.

Get Crafty at Upstairs Circus

Get creative at Upstairs Circus, where you can make your own DIY projects. Choose from different crafts, like pet supplies, home decor, and food and drink accessories.

Upstairs Circus also has a full bar, so you can enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages while creating your project. There are also happy hour specials with discounts on drinks and crafts.

Break Out of an Escape Room

One of our favorite indoor activities in Denver, especially on a rainy day, is breaking out of an escape room. There are a few places to choose from, including EscapeWorks and Room 5280.

Grab your friends, family, or coworkers for a unique experience of finding clues and codes to solve puzzles. Most escape rooms have various options, which last for about an hour and welcome anyone 12 years or older.

Unwind at Oakwell Beer Spa

If you're looking for adult-only Denver indoor activities, you'll love Oakwell Beer Spa. Spend a few hours unwinding at one of Denver's most unique day spas.

Oakwell Beer Spa is a beer-inspired spa that combines a craft beer taproom and day spa into one. And if you don’t like beer, no problem! Oakwell also serves wine, kombucha, cider, and tea.

At Oakwell Beer Spa, you can treat yourself to rejuvenating spa services, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, Infrared Sauna, and Zero Gravity Massage. This is the perfect date idea or activity for friends. You can also book a party package if you have a larger group.

Play Indoor Mini Golf

Spend a rainy or cold day in Denver playing indoor mini-golf at Puttshack or Monster Mini Golf.

Puttshack is a tech-infused indoor mini golf course in the popular River North Art District (RiNo). It's ideal for families, friends, and parties. Puttshack also has a bar and kitchen and DJs on the weekends. While children are welcome during the day, Puttshack is 21+ after 8 PM.

Monster Mini Golf is a family-friendly, glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf course. It’s just outside of the city in Centennial. Monster Mini Golf is alcohol-free and welcomes everyone of all ages. There’s also a cafe, an arcade, and bowling.

Shop & Dine at Denver Union Station

Denver Union Station is one of the best places to spend a few hours indoors, shopping and dining. This historic train station is also known as Denver’s living room. It’s a lively space with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

There’s cozy seating, and Denver Union Station is the perfect place to hang out while reading, socializing, or people-watching. If you want to explore the city afterward, Denver Union Station is conveniently located in the popular downtown area.

Visit a Denver Museum

Stay indoors while appreciating Denver’s culture and history at a local museum. 

Several notable museums in Denver worth checking out include:

• Denver Art Museum - An iconic art museum with more than 70,000 unique pieces from around the world
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science - A natural history and science museum with various exhibitions, a planetarium, and lectures
• Molly Brown House - The former home of Molly Brown, an American philanthropist, activist, and socialite, with Victorian-era decor and architecture and Titanic memorabilia
• Denver Firefighters Museum - A kid-friendly museum with four galleries that feature firefighter artifacts, photos, and documents dating back to the 1800s 

Go to the Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium offers one of the best Denver indoor activities for all ages. Enjoy an underwater experience with a 50,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium with floor-to-ceiling viewing. 

The aquarium has more than 500 species to see, a restaurant, various exhibits, and a 4-D theater. Whether it's cold or rainy or you want to enjoy a unique indoor experience, you can easily spend a few hours or more at the Downtown Aquarium. 

Visit the International Church of Cannabis

One of the most unique indoor activities for adults in Denver is a trip to the International Church of Cannabis. This is one of Denver’s most colorful and unexpected indoor spaces. The building’s interior murals are painted by world-renowned artists and are absolutely incredible. You can stop in to explore the space or book a ticket for the “BEYOND” experience, which includes a meditative light and sound show.

The church is located in a renovated historic building and offers a mix of spirituality, creativity, and community. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something indoors that’s visually striking and unlike anything else in Denver. Cannabis use isn’t allowed during public hours, making it a safe and welcoming space for curious visitors of all kinds.

Play Indoor Pickleball

If you're looking for activities indoor activities in Denver, pickleball is a great option. There are several indoor pickleball courts where you can play year-round, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player. Places like Pickleball Food Pub or 3rd Shot Pickleball offer indoor facilities with open play sessions, leagues, and even lessons.

This is a fun way to get moving indoors, especially on snowy or rainy days. Most spots have equipment rentals available and a social atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new people.

Hang Out at the Denver Public Library

The Denver Public Library offers a cozy, welcoming space to spend time inside. This is the ideal free activity to enjoy solo or with with kids. , whether you’re on your own or with kids.

There are several libraries throughout Denver with the Central Library being the main one. There's plenty of seating, where you can read or get work done. There are also regular adult and kid-friendly events and book clubs.

Tour the Colorado State Capitol

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to experience Colorado history, the Colorado State Capitol is a must-see. The building itself is rich in architectural details and fun facts, like the marker showing exactly one mile above sea level. See the building’s historic chambers, beautiful stained glass, and famous gold dome. The 360-degree view from the dome’s observation area is especially worth the climb.

You can explore on your own or enjoy a free guided tour Monday through Friday, which lasts about 45 minutes. Walk-ins are welcome for small groups, so it’s easy to fit into your day.

See Live Music or Comedy

Watching live music or comedy is one of the most fun things to do for adults without children in Denver.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex has three iconic theaters: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, and Boettcher Concert Hall. These are some of the best places in Denver to see live concerts and shows. For a special night out, you can also enjoy dinner and cocktails at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

If you enjoy comedy, Comedy Works and the Denver Comedy Lounge are great places to watch stand-up and enjoy drinks.

Enjoy a Whiskey Tasting

Warm up indoors with a whiskey tasting at one of Denver’s best distilleries. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just curious to try something new, a whiskey tasting is one of the best Denver indoor activities for a fun experience.

Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery & Cocktail Bar offers guided tours that walk you through their small-batch distilling process, followed by a tasting of their signature American single malt. You can also relax in the cocktail lounge and enjoy drinks in a cozy, laid-back space.

Another great option is Laws Whiskey House, known for its grain-to-glass philosophy and locally sourced ingredients. Their tours and tasting room experiences dive deep into how their award-winning bourbon and rye are made.

Drink Beer at a Local Brewery

Denver’s beer scene is one of the most lively in the US, and hanging out at a brewery is one of the most tourist and local-friendly indoor activities in Denver.

With over a hundred breweries and taprooms in the metro Denver area, there are many options. A few with great indoor spaces are Wynkoop, Woods Boss, and Novel Strand.

If you’re looking to explore a few breweries near each other, we recommend checking out RiNo, where you can find several breweries within a short walk of each other.

Enjoy Cocktails at a Speakeasy

Denver has several cool speakeasies where you can hang out inside and enjoy a delicious cocktail or mocktail. 

We enjoy the cozy atmosphere at Williams & Graham, where you can choose from a list of more than 60 cocktails and a delicious food menu. Reservations are recommended.

Millers & Rossi is a trendy, dimly-lit space with unique drinks and tasty small bites. There’s also regular karaoke and live music. Reservations are optional.

Denver Indoor Activities: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to explore the best indoor activities in Denver, Colorado. Whether you’re hanging out with family or friends or planning a date, there’s something for everyone.

To enjoy a unique and relaxing spa experience in Denver, book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa.