1. Cheeseman Park (Capital Hill)
While driving home from work, I often take a detour and drive through Cheeseman Park. In the summertime this park is the perfect 5:00pm sunbathing destination. In the winter, after a snow storm, we bust out the snow shoes and trek on through this Denver park.
Being located next to some amazing eateries, this park is the perfect lunch/dessert location. Liks is a favorite on 13th and Vine, being one of the best ice cream shops around. Snarf’s Sub Shop is an amazing deli on 11th Avenue. Recommended sub: Artichoke, feta and provolone. Also, Whole Foods is located on 11th for picnic munchies.
Beware: There is one common occurrence that only happens in this park, and this park alone. What could it be? (Drum roll please) … Techno! You heard me, techno. Loud, booty house techno being blasted from white Jeeps and red convertibles driving around the park. My friend hates it, but I personal love it! Adds a little ghey touch to this amazing park. Fear not, if you want a quite park experience, then set up camp in the middle of the park. This rare treat of music can only be heard near the road.
Google Map of Cheeseman Park
2. City Park
This intercity park always reminds me of the famous Hyde Park in London. It’s huge! If you start to get bored in the park – as if – make your way to one of their other attractions. What else could possibly be inside this park? Well, the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, City Park Municipal Golf Course, Ferril and Duck Lakes, and a boathouse.
Other events happening in the park during the summer are kickball games, soccer matches, huge red rover games, Ultimate Frisbee, and much, much more. Every Sunday in the summer, live music fans flock to the boathouse for City Park Jazz.
Google Map of City Park
3. Washington Park (Wash Park)
Talk about a runner’s paradise. This park is crawling with runners all year long. Not a runner? Fear not, this park is also great for checking out runners. The hottest guys and girls call this place work out central. Sit back in your lawn chair, open up your picnic basket and watch as pure male/female beauty runs by.
Still not interested? Well this park is also home to two lakes, a bunch of tennis courts, bocce ball fields, and plenty of grass and tables for the perfect weekend picnic. In the fall, Washington Park is a great place to view autumn colors. The inner trail is perfect for walking near the lakes, and watching the changing of the leaves.
Need a relaxing park experience? Then stop by Trompeau Bakery on Evans early in the morning, grab a couple of French Danishes and coffee to-go, and make your way to Washington Park. Behold, the park will be empty, the one bench you love will be waiting for you and the sun will be rising, reflecting off the lake. It’s absolutely the perfect place to eat breakfast with a friend.
In addition to all these amazing Wash Park activities, located at the center is the Washington Park Recreation Center. Come in for a swim in their indoor pool or take an early risers yoga class outdoors next to the lake.
Google Map of Washington Park
4. Civic Center Park (Downtown)
Located right next to the State Capital, Court House, downtown Denver and the Art Museum, this park is a popular Denver destination. Late summer Wednesday nights the park is crawling with cruiser bikes making their way to the Circle of Death for the weekly Denver Cruisers bike ride.
The state known Capital Hill’s People’s Fair is held here every June, as well as other festivals throughout the year, including the Cinco De Mayo festival, the Columbus Day parade and a beautiful Christmas lights display on the City Court House. Being right next to many government buildings, this park is also home to many parades and protest.
In addition, this park is littered with beautiful structures including fountains, status and gardens, as well as a Greek amphitheater, a war memorial and the Voorhees Memorial Seal Pond.
Google Map of Civic Center Park
5. Veterans Park
Summer equals kickball, softball and soccer fun at Vet’s Park. Come out on a Sunday afternoon with a 6-pack of PBR to watch local DKBC (Denver Kickball Collation) league kicking, running and drinking on the softball diamonds.
Late night softball games under the lights can be a good time. If you’re neither a kickball or softball fan, then make it to a local soccer pickup game on the fields Wednesday nights after work.
Google Map of Veterans Park
More Denver Parks:
Confluence Park
Sloan’s Lake Park
Commons Park
Skyline Park
Four Mile Historic Park
