The Best Parks in Denver, Colorado

There’s no shortage of beautiful parks in Denver, Colorado. Whether you’re planning a day outdoors with your kids, pets, partner, or just yourself, the city has green spaces for every kind of outing. You’ll find everything from peaceful lakeside walks to adventurous outdoor activities, dog parks, and scenic picnic spots.

With so many options, plus a few amusement and water parks mixed in, choosing just one spot might not be so easy. That’s why we’ve created this go-to list of parks in Denver, including the location, hours, and what it’s best for, to help you find the perfect place.

City Park

Location: 1700 York St., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Multiple landmarks and activities

City Park is one of the most iconic parks in Denver, Colorado. It’s home to some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The park is surrounded by playgrounds, lakes, picnic areas, and sports courts. You can also rent swan pedal boats for a fun lake adventure.

Confluence Park

Location: 2250 15th St., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Kayaking and paddleboarding

Confluence Park is at the intersection of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River in the heart of downtown. Locals love it for kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking along the trails. It’s also a popular spot for summer picnics and watching the sunset.

Sloan’s Lake Park

Location: 1700 N Sheridan Blvd., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Outdoor activities

Sloan’s Lake is Denver’s second-largest park and the perfect place to spend time outdoors. Enjoy stunning mountain views, a large boat-friendly lake, and miles of walking paths. There are also tennis courts, two playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a go-to for families and anyone who wants to get active.

Washington Park

Location: 701 S Franklin St., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Walking, jogging, and biking

Known to locals as Wash Park, this large, tree-lined space has two scenic lakes, flower gardens, and paved and gravel trails. It’s one of the best parks in Denver for outdoor movement — ideal for a peaceful walk, jog, or bike ride. There are also sports fields and boat, bike, and kayak rentals. 

Cheesman Park

Location: 1599 E 8th Ave., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: A peaceful escape from the city

Nestled in a quiet residential area, Cheesman Park is a peaceful green space with large lawns, flower gardens, and shaded walking paths. It’s a favorite among locals for yoga, reading, or a peaceful stroll. The surrounding neighborhood is one of the most family-friendly areas in Denver.

Civic Center Park

Location: 101 W 14th Ave., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Spending the day sightseeing

Civic Center Park is a cultural hub surrounded by notable attractions like the Colorado State Capitol, Denver Art Museum, and City and County Building. The park itself has fountains, flower gardens, and a central plaza that often hosts festivals and events. 

During summer, the park also has Civic Center EATS, where you can enjoy lunch from local food trucks on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Paco Sánchez Park

Location: 1290 Knox Ct., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Toddlers and young kids

Paco Sánchez Park is one of the most vibrant playgrounds in Denver. With colorful climbing structures, tunnels, musical play features, and shaded areas, it’s a favorite for families with toddlers and young children. There’s also a bike and walking path, a basketball court, and picnic tables.

Mestizo-Curtis Park

Location: 3181 Champa St., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: History and play

As Denver’s oldest park, Mestizo-Curtis Park has deep historical roots and a strong community vibe. There’s a large playground, basketball courts, and an outdoor pool during summer. It’s a great spot to enjoy local culture and fun activities.

Bear Creek Park

Location: 3550 S Raleigh St., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Families

Bear Creek Park is a quiet area with scenic views, grassy play areas, playgrounds, and trails. There’s also a splash pad during summer. This is one of the best parks in Denver for families looking to hike, bike, play, or picnic.

Huston Lake Park

Location: 850 S Bryant St., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Pickleball

Huston Lake Park is one of our go-to spots for playing pickleball in Denver. It’s a laid-back park in southwest Denver with a tranquil lake, walking paths, and newly renovated pickleball courts. This is a great place to get active without the crowds, and it’s surrounded by large shady trees and scenic views.

Lowry Dog Park

Location: 101 Yosemite St., Denver
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Pets

Lowry Dog Park is a spacious off-leash area with separate spaces for large and small dogs. There's an agility course with obstacles and plenty of room to run. The park has beautiful mountain views and sunset scenery, making it a favorite for pet parents.

Lakeside Amusement Park

Location: 4601 Sheridan Blvd., Denver
Hours: Vary seasonally
Best for: A fun day date

Lakeside Amusement Park is one of the most nostalgic amusement parks in the area, dating back to 1908. It’s one of the best places for a day date in Denver or a fun experience for families or friends. Enjoy vintage rides, carnival games, lakeside views, and a retro vibe.

Elitch Gardens

Location: 2000 Elitch Cir., Denver
Hours: Varies by season and day
Best for: Classic theme park fun

Elitch Gardens is one of the best-known amusement parks in the area, located in downtown Denver. Enjoy roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and live entertainment. This is one of the best attractions if you’re visiting Denver or a local looking for a fun experience.

Island Kingdom Waterpark

Location: Inside Elitch Gardens
Hours: Varies by season and day
Best for: Cooling off in summer

Island Kingdom is a seasonal water park at Elitch Gardens with wave pools, water slides, and lazy rivers. It’s a must-visit during Denver’s hot summer months, especially if you’re looking to enjoy both thrill rides and refreshing water activities.

Cherry Creek State Park 

Location: 4201 S Parker Rd., Aurora
Hours: 5 AM – 10 PM
Best for: Nature and lake activities

About 30 minutes from downtown Denver, Cherry Creek State Park is a scenic escape with a large reservoir, beaches, boat rentals, and miles of trails. Whether you're paddleboarding, biking, or simply relaxing, this is one of the best and most beautiful state parks near Denver.

Red Rocks Park

Location: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Best for: Hiking and beautiful scenery

Famous for its outdoor amphitheater, Red Rocks Park also offers hiking trails with panoramic views of red rock formations and the Denver skyline. It’s a stunning location for sunrise hikes, daytime exploration, and live music at night. There’s also a trading post, visitor center, and hall of fame worth checking out.

Best Parks in Denver, Colorado: FAQs

Does Denver have good parks?

Denver has many good parks, whether you’re looking to get active, relax, enjoy a date, or let the kids play. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there's something for everyone.

What is the biggest park in Denver?

City Park is the biggest park in Denver, covering more than 330 acres. It includes two lakes, museums, and plenty of space for walking, biking, and picnicking.

What is the oldest park in Denver?

Mestizo-Curtis Park is Denver’s oldest park. It was established in the 1860s and continues to offer a vibrant community space today.

What is the best national park near Denver?

Rocky Mountain National Park is the best national park near Denver. Located about two hours away, it’s a great place for hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and alpine lakes. 

What is the most beautiful state park in Colorado?

Cherry Creek State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in Colorado. Its 4,200-acre space features a reservoir, beautiful views, fun activities, and a peaceful campground.

Best Parks in Denver, Colorado: Conclusion

From lakeside trails to urban green areas and classic amusement parks, Denver offers ample outdoor activities and natural spaces. No matter the vibe you’re looking for or who you’re spending time with, there’s a perfect park for every experience.
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