If summer weather leaves you itching to spend time outdoors, look no further than our list of top ten outdoor events in Denver. From concerts at Red Rocks to visiting the Denver Zoo, there's no shortage of ways to find fun in the sun this summer.
1. Attend a Concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Located 15 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre boasts natural acoustics for outdoor concerts. Highlights of the 2009 concert schedule include Phish, Depeche Mode and Crosby, Stills & Nash. The natural setting makes for a memorable musical experience, and the park also features numerous hiking trails.
2. Watch Outdoor Movies at Film on the Rocks
Film on the Rocks features outdoor showings of second-run films at the outdoor amphitheatre of Red Rocks. The 2009 line-up includes "Jaws" and "Top Gun."3. Enjoy Free Jazz Concerts Outdoors in City Park
Smooth jazz and sultry nights make the perfect combination for summer concerts. Free jazz concerts from City Park Jazz are held every Sunday at 6 p.m. in Denver's City Park from June 7 - August 9, 2009.4. Delight in Denver Summer Festivals
Summertime, when the living is easy, and summer festivals abound in the Denver area. From the Colorado Renaissance Fesival to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, there's something for everyone. The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, pictured at left, celebrates Asian culture every July at Sloan's Lake.
5. Splash into Summer at Denver Outdoor Pools
Splash into summer at one of Denver's fifteen outdoor pools. Daily admission for children 2 - 17 is $2, and adults are $3. Swimming pool season is June 1 - August 15, 2009.6. Go Hiking on Trails Near Denver
If the city is stifling your inner hiker, head out of town for these five hikes within a short drive of Denver. The terrain ranges from paved trails to rugged climbs, but all make for scenic day hikes.7. Visit the Outdoor Habitats at the Denver Zoo
Take a walk on the wild side at the Denver Zoo, which houses more than 4,000 animals. The zoo is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer, and 2009 admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children. The Denver Zoo is located on 80 acres in City Park at 2300 Steele St.
8. Take a Walking Tour of Capitol Hill
Sneak a peek at the new Denver Art Museum, or take a tour of the Colorado State Capitol with our walking tour. Denver's historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill features a mix of the old and new. Bask in the 19th-century charm of the Byers-Evans House or admire the modernism of the new wing of the Denver Art Museum.9. Hit the Greens at Denver Public Golf Courses
Ah, a gorgeous summer day. Who wants to be toiling away in a dim cubicle when you could be playing golf? The City of Denver runs seven public golf courses across the metro area. From the 18 holes at City Park to the 9 holes at Harvard Gulch, golfers of all levels can appreciate the fairest fairways in town.10. Admire the Denver Botanic Gardens
Colorado's dry climate challenges gardeners across the state, but the Denver Botanic Gardens always provide inspiration. The gardens contain more than 32,000 types of plants, as well as xeriscape gardens that require little water. The Denver Botanic Gardens' summer hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat. - Tues. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed.- Fri.
All photos (c) 2007 Nina Davidson licensed to About.com, Inc.
