Game On! The Ultimate Guide to Adult Sports Leagues in Denver

Being an adult can be lonely. If you aren’t careful, life can very easily consist of waking up, going to work, driving home, mindlessly doomscrolling on your phone for a few hours, and going to bed. But here’s the thing: Life needs a little bit of excitement, which is why we highly recommend finding an adult sports league in Denver.

Whether you want to relive your high school glory days on the basketball court or ice hockey rink, or you just want to drink beer and play kickball in the summer sun, you’re sure to find amazing adult rec sports in Denver and beyond. It’s a healthy way to break up the monotony of the week with a little friendly competition thrown in for good measure.

Here’s a look at numerous leagues throughout the city, broken down by sport type (many leagues offer tons of options) and location. Be sure to check the websites for registration information, and start rounding up your friends to start a team!

Jump to:

• Adult Sports Leagues
• Pickleball Leagues
• Soccer Leagues

Where to Find an Adult Sports League in Denver and Beyond​

Photo: wavebreakmedia via Shutterstock.com

Apex Parks and Recreation District

Jefferson County

• Sports offered: Basketball, billiards, cornhole, ice hockey, karaoke, kickball, pickleball, racquetball, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball
• Location: The west metro area, with many games at the Apex Center in Arvada
• Seasons: Vary by sport; check out the full website for details

The Apex Parks and Recreational District is a hub for pretty much all the adult rec sports Denver has to offer. Many of the leagues have multiple levels, so whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find a good level of competition and hopefully make some new friends along the way.

Boulder Parks and Rec

Boulder

• Sports offered: Basketball, dodgeball, kickball, pickleball, softball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball
• Location: Parks and recreation centers throughout Boulder
• Seasons: Vary by sport, with registration opening up throughout the year

Boulder is a very athletic place, so it makes sense that the city will take its adult rec sports leagues very seriously. Whether you already have an established team or want to join one as an individual free agent, you’re sure to find an awesome league that’s either co-ed or grouped by gender. Since this is Boulder, don’t be shocked if there’s a former Olympian on your team!

Denver Citywide Sports

Denver

• Sports offered: Basketball, tennis and pickleball, volleyball, kickball, softball, and soccer
• Location: Various Denver parks and recreational centers
• Seasons: Vary by sport, with registration opening up throughout the year

This might be the OG adult sports league Denver has to offer. Get a team together and sign up for one of multiple sports leagues to see how you match up against athletes from across the city. The running ticker of games on the city’s rec sports league website shows the teams don’t take themselves too seriously, thanks to names like “Hoop There It Is” and the “Fighting Koalas.” If you’re in the city of Denver and are looking for adult rec sports near me, these leagues are a pretty safe bet.

Denver Tennis League

Locations Throughout the Region

• Sports offered: Tennis
• Location: Players can choose public courts across the region
• Seasons: The spring season is from March 11-May 10 or May 12-July 5, the summer season is from July 8-Aug. 30, and the fall season is from Sept. 2-Oct. 25.

If you’re looking for a tennis league in Denver, it’s hard to beat this one for flexibility and price (sessions run for $39.95). Players are matched with partners with similar skills, and they’ll work together to find dates and locations for each of their matches. At the end of the season, the best players are eligible for a single-elimination playoff tournament, with the winner eligible for a cash prize!

Glendale Sports Center

Glendale

• Sports offered: Co-ed soccer, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, and pickleball
• Location: Glendale Sports Center or Infinity Park’s outdoor fields
• Seasons: Adult soccer leagues run from June through August, volleyball has fall and winter sessions, basketball plays on Monday and Tuesday nights, and table tennis and pickleball times vary.

If you’re a Glendale resident wondering about club sports near me, look no further than the Glendale Sports Center. It’s home to numerous recreational sports leagues (some of which are co-ed!) with consistent schedules and plenty of competition. The basketball league even comes with contracted officials and a scorekeeper!

Rocky Mountain Hockey League

South Metro Denver

• Sports offered: Hockey
• Location: The Ice Ranch in Littleton or the South Suburban Sports Complex
• Seasons: The summer session runs from early May to mid-August, and the winter season runs from late September to mid-April.

If you’re looking for a hockey league in Denver, look no further than this fun, no-check, 18+ recreational experience with room for players of all abilities. During the winter session, they are grouped by ability and play a 20-game season that culminates in a double-elimination tournament. The summer session is shorter, at just 10 games with a single-elimination tournament.

South Suburban Parks and Recreation

South Metro Denver

• Sports offered: Basketball, BMX, flag football, hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, racquetball, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball
• Location: Varies by sport, but expect every event to take place at a South Suburban park or rec center
• Seasons: Registration is available throughout the year.

The South Suburban Parks and Recreation District is the perfect place to find adult rec sports in Littleton, Centennial, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to race BMX bikes on the sweet dirt track off County Line Road or you just want to join a recreational summer softball league, there are lots of opportunities to let out your competitive side and meet new people.

Volo Sports Denver

Throughout Metro Denver​

• Sports offered: Bar games, basketball, bocce, bowling, cornhole, dodgeball, flag football, golf, kickball, pickleball, skeeball, soccer, softball, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball
• Location: Parks throughout the city, as well as the Volo Sports Arena in RiNo and Club Volo off South Broadway
• Seasons: Vary by sport, with registration rolling throughout the year

This company has some of the best adult rec sports Denver has to offer for keeping up with old friends (after all, the games are a standing date!) or making new ones. Expect a very social experience as you meet up at various parks and different facilities to play a variety of sports at levels ranging from beginner to advanced. (The league also happens to offer team t-shirts and equipment.)

The Best Pickleball Leagues in and Around Denver

Photo: Unai Huizi Photography via Shutterstock.com

Sportskind Denver

South Denver

• Location: Racquet Social Club, 82 Inverness Dr. E. Ste. A2, Englewood
• Season: Spring play begins April 29

This is a way more intense pickleball experience than merely playing a quick game at the park. The league is open to players of all levels, and registration gets you 28 games over seven weeks, dri-fit jerseys, professional photography, and the option to compete in the playoffs and win prizes. Along the way, you’ll meet lots of new friends since it’s a “switch league,” meaning your partner and opponents are constantly changing.

YMCA of Metro Denver

Locations Vary

• Location: Find drop-in dates and leagues at each location
• Season: Rolling throughout the year

The YMCA recognizes that pickleball is a huge craze right now, and it’s opened its facilities to expert and beginner players looking to test their skills against fellow enthusiasts. These facilities have drop-in pickleball where you can practice against strangers as well as more formal leagues to see where you stack up. These games are indoors, making this the perfect place for winter pickleball, and largely informal. You just need a YMCA membership to take part.

Where to Find a Kickball or Dodgeball League Near Denver

Go Kickball

Throughout Denver

• Location: The Denver league’s “home bar” is Station 26 Brewing in Central Park
• Season: Spring and summer

This kickball league in Denver is all about the social experience. The teams are co-ed, and players are encouraged to meet new people and try a new sport in the Colorado sunshine, regardless of their athletic ability. Each league also has a “home bar” where Go has arranged for discounted food and drinks, which is always a fun plus.​

WASA Co-Ed Adult Kickball Leagues

Highlands Ranch​

• Location: Parks throughout Highlands Ranch
• Season: Games are played on Thursday nights, with the spring season beginning on April 23 and the summer season on July 16.

This adult kickball league in Highlands Ranch definitely brings back memories from your elementary school playground, but not the trauma. Expect some quirky rules, theme nights, and an opportunity to meet hundreds of other adults from throughout the city as you play an admittedly ridiculous (but very fun) game. Fees include an eight-week season, custom t-shirts, equipment, and a playoff tournament.​

Summit Sports League

Denver

• Location: Throughout the city
• Season: Varies by sport, with registration rolling throughout the year

This league has one of the best cost-inclusive adult rec sports environments Denver has to offer. It offers three types of dodgeball: a league called ABCD (which stands for anyone but cis dudes), which is centered around creating opportunities for female, nonbinary, and trans athletes; a foam dodgeball league; and no-sting dodgeball, which uses special balls that don’t hurt quite as much as the ones in gym class. Check out the registration form for league dates and times.

The Best Adult Soccer Leagues Denver Has to Offer

Photo: Davor Geber via Shutterstock.com

Denver Kickers

Golden

• Location: Four fields throughout the city of Golden
• Season: Spring and fall

This is the best adult sports league Denver has to offer for older adults. Founded in 2007, it now has three divisions: over 35, over 45, and over 60. All seasons are scheduled for eight games, weather permitting, and the games are played in four scenic parks throughout Golden.

Toca Football

Northeast Denver

• Location: Toca Soccer and Sports Complex, 2400 Central Park Blvd., Denver
• Season: Sessions are rolling throughout the year

If you’re a northeast Denver resident looking for a soccer league near me, then you’re in luck! This huge facility in Central Park is perfect for those who really love soccer, since you can sign up for as many teams per season as you’d like. From there, you can compete in leagues by gender or choose a co-ed option. The league is open to those 18 and up, and there’s a full bar with food and drinks to reward yourself for a job well done.

Metro Denver Women’s Soccer Club

North and West Metro Area

• Location: Parks in Lakewood, Arvada, and Northglenn
• Season: The spring session runs from March 15-June 7, and the fall session is from Aug. 30-Nov. 1

This women-only organization has been a top soccer league in Denver throughout its 40-year history. Open to women 25 and older, players can test their skills in everything from advanced leagues to the more recreational, and there’s a special test to help place players in the proper league. Games are on Sunday mornings, and the league typically lasts for about 10 weeks.

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Unleash Creativity at Denver’s 9 Best Kids Arts and Crafts Classes

The Centennial State is home to countless creatives, both young and old. Every artist has to begin somewhere, so it’s no surprise that Denver’s art scene caters to its youngest members — even those who have yet to take their first step.

Throughout the Denver metro and into its surrounding regions, you’ll find an art class for every age, skill level, and preferred medium. Whether your kiddos want to make masterpieces or memories, creating art is a truly joyful experience and can have a powerful impact on the young mind.

We curated a go-to list of the nine best arts and crafts classes for kids in and around Denver, so your budding artist can unleash their creativity and be on their way to becoming the next Picasso.

Jump to:

• Central
• West
• Northwest
• Northeast
• Southeast

Art Classes for Kids in Central Denver

Photo: via Art Garage

The Art Studio at Children’s Museum of Denver

2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver

• Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m Monday-Sunday; Clay: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday
• Fees: Under 1 year old: Free; Age 1 or over age 60: $17.75; Ages 2-59: $19.75 (Prices are for entry to the museum and include entry to The Art Studio.)
• Art type: Painting, clay, chalk

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and one of over 500 members of the Association of Children’s Museums, the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marisco Campus is an avenue for learning and growth. This museum, suitable for children from newborn to age 8, offers a hands-on art experience in The Art Studio. Here, kids can choose between painting their own piece on an easel, crafting with clay, and doodling with chalk on the studio’s chalk window. If you want a souvenir to remember your experience, you and your little one can head home with your own fired-and-glazed ceramic piece for a small fee.

The Art Studio offers workshops with the museum’s rotating artists-in-residence, where children can learn about not only their pieces but also their artistic process. And because the Children’s Museum of Denver believes strongly in community and inclusion, guests can even join in on the museum’s collaborative art project and add a fresh coat of paint to a vintage Volkswagen!

The Art Garage

6100 E. 23rd Ave., Denver

• Hours: Class times vary by class type; check the schedule to find the best time for you. Classes are held 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Fees: Starting at $40; fees vary by class type
• Art type: Drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, crafting, etc.

The Art Garage in Denver is a place where self-expression, creativity, and authenticity can flourish, no matter your age. With programs that range from summer camps and guided workshops to after-school clubs and Friday night classes, it’s the perfect spot for children of all ages to craft and create. It even offers classes for teens and adults, as well as an “Adult and Me” class every third Friday of the month, so you and your child can bond over your own creations. This class changes every month, so keep an eye on The Art Garage’s class schedule to see what’s in store.

For children who want to level up their skills, The Art Garage offers private, one-on-one lessons so they can practice technique in a supportive environment. Because The Art Garage prioritizes the learning artist’s needs, your child will be matched with an instructor based on the skill, medium, or topic they would like to learn. Private classes can also be designed for small groups, including for friends and families, and are open to children ages 3 and up, teens, and adults.

Everyone is welcome at The Art Garage, so don’t hesitate to find the class that fits your child or family! Plus, The Art Garage offers scholarships, because cost should never be a barrier to art education.

Art Students League of Denver

200 Grant St., Denver

• Hours: Building hours are 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Class times vary, so check the schedule to find the best time for you.
• Fees: Prices vary by class, but start at $15. Studio members receive a discount.
• Art type: Clay, painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, stop motion, sewing

Art can mean different things and evoke different feelings for different people. There’s no one way to express your artistic side, which is why The Art Students League of Denver has a mission of empowering people to experience the joy of art in their own way. To provide the tools and foundational skills for Denver’s youngest artists to create freely, the Art Students League offers youth programs for ages 6-13 and teen programs for ages 14-17.

Youth classes and camps at the Art Students League are for young learners to fully immerse themselves in creation without the pressure of competition or a heavy focus on the final product. Students can explore mixed media, printmaking, clay, painting, and even stop-motion animation!

Teen Studio classes are held every Friday night, providing a place for teens to gather, collaborate, and work with high-quality supplies under the guidance of professional faculty artists. Teen Studio is more than just an art class — it’s a place for students to build friendships and have meaningful experiences while learning what their own creative process looks like.

Art Classes for Kids in West Denver

Photo: via artSPARK Creative Studio

artSPARK Creative Studio

2630 W. Belleview Ave., Suite 160, Littleton

• Hours: Hours vary by class, so check the schedule to find a time best for you.
• Fees: Prices vary by class, workshop, and camp, but start at $10 per day.
• Art type: Sewing, fiber art, painting, drawing, collage

Situated in Littleton’s Riverside Downs shopping center, artSPARK Creative Studio is a place where young artists can go to nurture their creative thinking, personal expression, and confidence. Not only can art boost learning and self-esteem, but it also helps set a foundation for children’s critical thinking skills, which is why artSPARK believes “art is the new literacy.”

At artSPARK Creative Studio, your young creative can learn the ways of the artist with options that cater to every kind of schedule. For those looking for less commitment and wanting to experience artSPARK on their own time, the studio offers drop-in classes, which include one-time Open Studios, Kids Art Nites, seasonal workshops, and school break camps available by the day. To build a special skill, your child can enroll in a weekly art course that spans one to a few months. This studio also offers limited-time workshops with seasonal offerings, sessions for learning specific techniques, and sessions led by guest instructors.

Art Classes for Kids in Northwest Denver

Photo: via Art Students League of Denver

Tinker Art Studio

693B S. Broadway, Boulder

• Hours: Hours vary by class, workshop, and camp, so browse the course catalog to find the best time for you.
• Fees: Prices vary by activity, but start at $18.
• Art type: Sensory art/play, jewelry making, ceramics, digital art, drawing, painting

Attention Boulder parents! If your child needs a creative outlet for when the school day ends, Tinker Art Studio is the place to find it. Tinker is an inclusive community art studio for artists of all ages that holds classes, workshops, and camps to help children, teens, and adults grow their skills and inspire their creativity. Here, the three guiding pillars are community, connection, and creativity.

No matter your child’s age, Tinker has something that will immerse them completely in good, old-fashioned, hands-on creating. Toddlers and preschool-aged children can enjoy the Tinker Time: Art & Play class, featuring sensory-rich projects that nurture the growing mind. Or, early elementary-aged kids can drop in to the Art Lab, an after-school program with ample opportunities to try out painting, drawing, sculpting, and more.

Groundworks Art Lab

3750 Canfield St., Boulder

1010 Aurora Ave., Boulder

3063 Sterling Cir. # 1, Boulder

• Hours: Main location is open 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Class times and dates vary, so check the schedule to find the best time for you. Outside of regular class times, enrolled students may use the studio during open lab hours.
• Fees: Prices vary by activity. To keep art accessible, some programs offer a “Pay What You Can” model.
• Art type: Clay, printmaking, woodwork, metal

With three locations in Boulder, Groundworks Art Lab offers the city’s youth the chance to participate in exceptional art classes across a range of media, from printmaking to welding. Depending on the art form, Groundworks offers 4-week and 8-week classes for young and elementary-age children, teens, and families. You can also join seasonal family sessions, where attendees work with their family members (or friends) to craft a themed project.

Across all three locations, Groundworks also holds summer camps with a set curriculum, so children can leave with a new skill. Has your child always wanted to try wheel-throwing or sculpting? At Groundworks, they can choose from a variety of art forms to learn at one of the studio’s four- or five-day camps. Registration is open, so don’t miss the chance to secure a spot!

Firehouse Art Center

667 Fourth Ave., Longmont

• Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday (by appointment only), noon-5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Check the schedule for class times or view the camp schedule.
• Fees: Prices vary by activity, starting at $15 per class
• Art type: Sewing, paper crafting, woodworking, clay, drawing, painting

Longmont has a vibrant art scene, with installations spread across the city that catch the eye, even when you’re not looking for them. The Firehouse Art Center has long played a powerful role in Longmont’s creative identity, and through showing unique art exhibitions and providing the community with engaging art education opportunities, it aims to inspire cultural engagement and human connection.

The Firehouse Art Center in Longmont has classes of every type for children and teens; your child can get hands-on with the art center’s weekly Play With Clay class (open to everyone ages 7 and up) or avoid the mess by learning how to fold origami. There’s really no limit to what you can learn at this art center!

The Firehouse Art Center currently offers two teen programs. For teens who might see an art career in their future, it offers a Summer Teen Internship that lets them work with accomplished professionals and gain real-world skills.

Teens interested in expressing themselves through fashion might want to check out the Slay the Runway program, which offers classes in fashion design, performance, and sewing for LGBTQIA+ teens and allies. The session lasts two weeks and ends with a professionally produced runway show.

Applications for the internship open in March and are currently open for Slay the Runway.

Art Classes for Kids in Northeast Denver

Photo: via artSPARK Creative Studio

Neighborhood Art Studio

4890 Ironton St. #6l, Denver

• Hours: Hours vary; check the class schedule to find the best time for you. Summer camp times are available online.
• Fees: Prices vary by activity and duration, with some drop-in classes offering a free first class.
• Art type: Crafting, early childhood development play/art, sculpting, drawing, painting

Neighborhood Art Studio began as a way for owner Adriana Saurini to allow her son to explore various art techniques and develop his imagination. With no classes in the area at the time to offer what she was looking for, she put her own skills to work and began teaching classes herself.

Neighborhood Art Studio invites artists of all ages to open their minds and create without boundaries, emphasizing the importance of a safe, supportive environment. It holds plenty of art classes for kids, including an after-school program for 3-year-olds to 14-year-olds, drawing and art classes for tweens and teens, workshops, and even an Explore and Play program for the littlest of artists.

Art Classes for Kids in Southeast Denver

Photo: via Art Students League of Denver

Art Dome

12650 E. Briarwood Ave., Unit 207, Centennial

• Hours: Operating hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; Check the online schedule for class times.
• Fees: Prices vary based on activity and can be found by checking online, reaching out to Art Dome by email, or by calling 720-671-4485.
• Art type: Clay, textiles, drawing, painting, sewing

If you’re on the hunt for Centennial art classes for kids, Art Dome has everything your child needs to inspire creativity and grow their imagination. This art center offers camps year-round, no matter the season, as well as private and group classes to foster your child’s development.

At Art Dome, children can dive into a variety of creative forms and skills, whether it’s sewing, texture art, painting, or clay. Its classes are grouped by age, so your child will learn at a pace fitting for their level. For children ages 1.5 to 5 years old, Art Dome hosts an Early Childhood Development program that includes lesson-based arts and crafts and sensory play. Six- to 9-year-olds can participate in classes for art fundamentals, sculpture, textile art, and those a bit older can deepen their knowledge and skills to truly find their own style.

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Keep It Weird at These 14 Quirky Colorado Tourist Attractions

At this point, it’s pretty much a rite of passage to bring Colorado visitors to places like Red Rocks and Rocky Mountain National Park. These places are amazing, but there are plenty of quirky, off-the-beaten-path Colorado tourist attractions that also deserve their time to shine.

Whether you’re looking for tourist attractions in Estes Park, Colorado, where you could see a ghost, an underground mining museum, or you want to meet an alligator in a high alpine valley, there is no shortage of unique places to explore in Colorado.

Here’s our list of the most unique attractions in Colorado. Happy exploring!

Jump to:

• Within 2 Hrs. of Denver
• For Your Next Roadtrip
• Southern Colorado Attractions

Quirky Colorado Tourist Attractions Within Two Hours of Denver

Photo: Historic Stanley Hotel. Glenn Taylor via Shutterstock.com

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

Boulder

• Address: 1770 13th St., Boulder
• Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Distance from Denver: 40 minutes
• Best time to visit: A cold winter day when you could use some cozy tea
• Best for: Feeling like you’re in the Far East without paying for airfare

There is no shortage of tourist attractions in Boulder, Colorado, but this might be one of the most unique. This hand-carved, authentic Persian teahouse was a gift from Boulder’s sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan — and it’s the only such structure in the Western Hemisphere. While the teahouse is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, we recommend stopping by between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. for the daily afternoon tea. Here, you can try a curated selection of fine teas as well as a variety of finger food, the perfect antidote for a cold Colorado day. Make sure to pause and check out the intricate woodmark inside of what’s definitely one of the most unique attractions in Colorado. ​

The Breckenridge Troll

Breckenridge

• Address: Located a short hike from the Illinois Creek Trailhead in Breckenridge (please note that there’s no troll parking at this trailhead and that visitors should take public transportation or walk from where they’re staying in Breckenridge)
• Hours: Open 24/7, but you’ll probably want to see this in the daylight
• Distance from Denver: 1 hour and 40 minutes
• Best time to visit: Summer, since it’s not typically maintained in winter. The city recommends visiting before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid crowds.
• Best for: The perfect Instagram pic (and a fun place to bring the kids)

This whimsical forest troll might be one of the most popular quirky tourist attractions in Colorado. Find out why Isak Heartstone (the troll’s legal name) is such a popular dude by seeing him for yourself off the newly-constructed Trollstigen Trail. This 15-foot-tall art installation was originally built for the Breckenridge International Festival of the Arts in 2018, but after going viral on Instagram, it became a year-round display. Seeing the troll is free, but remember: Be courteous and leave no trace.  

Casa Bonita (Obviously)

Lakewood

• Address: 6715 W. Colfax Ave, Lakewood
• Hours: 4-10:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday
• Distance from Denver: 15 minutes
• Best time to visit: Whenever you can snag a reservation!
• Best for: Kids, South Park fans, and anyone who doesn’t question why there’s a waterfall in a Mexican restaurant

No list of Colorado tourist attractions is complete without perhaps the crown jewel of them all. This infamous pink building in the heart of Lakewood isn’t merely a Mexican restaurant — it’s an institution that has been entertaining generations with cliff divers, Black Bart’s Cave, puppet shows, ambiguous shows involving people in ape suits, and so much more. While the restaurant admittedly fell into disrepair during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now back and better than ever thanks to a more than $40 million renovation from the South Park guys (who once devoted an entire episode to the restaurant). The once-maligned food is now noticeably better, but the improvements come with one big consequence: Casa Bonita is reservation-only, so head to their website to reserve your slot. Eric Cartman would definitely call this one of the best tourist attractions in Colorado, and you will, too.

The Famous Mork and Mindy House

Boulder

• Address: 1619 Pine St., Boulder
• Hours: 24/7, but this is a private residence, so be courteous
• Distance from Denver: 45 minutes
• Best time to visit: Whenever you’re passing through the area!
• Best for: Fans of late 70s TV (your kids have no idea what this is)

This probably isn’t an obvious pick for tourist attractions in Boulder, Colorado, but if you’re of a certain generation, then this house just off the Pearl Street Mall is definitely worth a quick photo. It belonged to Mindy in the famous late 70s sitcom (which starred the late Robin Williams), and, aside from a new paint job and some changes to the shutters, it looks exactly the same. It’s a private residence, so you can’t go inside, but respectful visitors are welcome to take selfies, snap a pic, and say “nanu nanu” in Williams’ honor.

The Sasquatch Outpost

Bailey

• Address: 149 Main St., Bailey
• Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Distance from Denver: One hour
• Best time to visit: Whenever you need a break from US 285 traffic
• Best for: Believers in the unknown

Anything that involves the mysterious Bigfoot automatically makes the list of the best unique attractions in Colorado. This outpost in Bailey has a museum dedicated to the creature known as Sasquatch, as well as a very awesome gift shop. If you’re lucky, you might be able to stop by at the same time as one of this spot’s regular meetings, where Bigfoot believers share their sightings and theories.

The Stanley Hotel

Estes Park

• Address: 333 E. Wonderview Ave., Estes Park
• Hours: Parking is available from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, though the hotel is open 24/7
• Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
• Best time to visit: Around Halloween  
• Best for: Fans of “The Shining” (or just people who like creepy old hotels and mountain views)

Other than Rocky Mountain National Park, this might be known as one of the best tourist attractions in Estes Park, Colorado — and it’s definitely the quirkiest. This hotel was founded back in 1909, and in addition to being known for its opulence and views of the surrounding peaks, it also inspired one of the best horror stories of all time: “The Shining.” Don’t worry: There are plenty of real-life ghost sightings too, and the hotel offers special activities for those interested in the paranormal activities in the historic building.  

Tiny Town and Railroad

Morrison

• Address: 6249 S. Turkey Creek Rd., Morrison
• Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Distance from Denver: 30 minutes  
• Best time to visit: Summer
• Best for: Families

This historic spot, only a half hour from downtown Denver, is one of the best tourist attractions in Colorado for kids. It’s been around since 1915, and now has more than 100 miniature buildings that will delight visitors of all generations. Once you’re there, be sure to take at least one ride on the town’s steam locomotive. After, grab a yummy snack in the historic cafe. This is also one of the most affordable Colorado tourist attractions, with tickets costing $5 for adults and $4 for kids (train rides cost an extra $4).

Quirky Tourist Attractions in Colorado to Check Out on Your Next Road Trip

Photo: Creede, Colorado mine. B Norris via Shutterstock.com

Creede Underground Mining Museum

Creede​

• Address: 9 USFS Rd. #503, Creede
• Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
• Distance from Denver: 4.5 hours
• Best time to visit: Whenever you’re in the area, visit the museum’s underground!
• Best for: Anyone who’s fascinated by Colorado’s mining history

With its stunning view of the surrounding rock formations, you’ll definitely want to visit Creede, Colorado, with your arms wide open. An added bonus? Its mining museum is easily one of the best Colorado tourist attractions. It is completely underground, and the self-guided audio tour offers visitors a unique look at real mining equipment and the harsh working conditions of some of Colorado’s earliest settlers. It’s also pretty affordable, with visits starting at $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students and first responders, and free admission for kids five and under.

Museum of Colorado Prisons

Cañon City

• Address: 201 N. 1st St., Cañon City
• Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
• Distance from Denver: Two hours
• Best time to visit: After a day trip to the Royal Gorge
• Best for: Anyone with morbid curiosity (or who wants to scare their kids straight)

This might be one of the best tourist attractions in Colorado for deterring your kids from a life of crime. The Museum of Colorado Prisons is housed in the state’s original Women’s Correctional Facility and features 30 inmate cells (including the isolation room), kitchen, dining room, and more. In addition to offering a glimpse of what life was like for Colorado’s inmates and wardens (a highlight is information about the prison riots of 1929 and 1947), it also has exhibits about infamous Colorado inmates like convicted cannibal Alfred Packer and child murderer Antone Woode.

Petrified Wood Gas Station

Lamar

• Address: 501 N. Main St., Lamar
• Hours: You can see it from the outside 24/7
• Distance from Denver: 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Best time to visit: Whenever you find yourself passing through Lamar
• Best for: People who like really weird roadside attractions

Any place that dubs itself the world’s oldest gas station (for the record, that’s based on its material and not the actual opening date) automatically deserves a spot on the list of best Colorado tourist attractions. This very unique Colorado business has been around since 1932, when a local entrepreneur decided to build his structure out of petrified wood. The gimmick worked, and it was featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not, but time had other plans, and it’s now hidden behind used Ford 350s. It’s still worth a pic if you’re in the area!

Off-the-Beaten-Path Southern Colorado Tourist Attractions

Photo: via Paint Mines Interpretive Park

The Bishop Castle

Rye

• Address: 12705 CO-165, Rye
• Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• Distance from Denver: 2.5 hours
• Best time to visit: Summer and early fall
• Best for: Adventure seekers who aren’t too worried about building codes

John Bishop spent more than five decades building this now-160-foot-tall, three-story stone and iron castle in the heart of the San Isabel National Forest, and it’s now one of the wildest Colorado tourist attractions. See for yourself as you explore its Gothic windows, steel bridges that aren’t for those scared of heights, and “fire-breathing” dragons. The stairwells and passages are definitely not for the faint of heart, but it’s pretty impressive to think that this structure was the brainchild of one person. One thing to note? Bishop’s Castle operates under an “enter at your own risk” donation basis, so you alone are responsible for your own welfare and the safety of any kids or pets you bring along.

Colorado Gators Reptile Park

Mosca

• Address: 9162 Ln. 9 N., Mosca
• Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours
• Best time to visit: First thing in the morning during the summer
• Best for: Seeing animals you would not expect in Colorado

If you find yourself asking, “What are some tourist attractions in Colorado?”, a farm involving actual alligators is likely not the immediate answer. That’s what makes the Colorado Gators Reptile Park one of the most unique Colorado tourist attractions. This facility in the San Luis Valley is home to hundreds of rescued reptiles, including alligators (one of whom is albino and another is a legit movie star), as well as crocodiles, caiman,tortoises,and turtles. Brave visitors can even pet, hold, and take pictures with a small alligator! Admission is $30 for adults 16-64, $15 for kids 6-15, $15 for seniors 64-79, and free for reptile enthusiasts who are 80-plus.

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Calhan

• Address: 29950 Paint Mine Rd., Calhan
• Hours: 5 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
• Distance from Denver: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Best time to visit: Spring and fall
• Best for: A short hike and epic photos

These unique rock formations have been some of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado for nearly 9,000 years. See why for yourself as you hike through the Eastern Plains and are finally faced with the multi-colored Paint Mines, which are named for the colorful clays that the Native Americans who once lived here used to make paint. We recommend coming at sunrise or sunset for the best possible pictures. Take the long loop if you have time; there are lots of interesting interpretative displays, and there’s a quiet beauty to Colorado’s Eastern Plains.

UFO Watchtower

Hooper

• Address: 2502 Lane 12 N., Hooper
• Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday during the winter, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily from Labor Day to Memorial Day
• Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours
• Best time to visit: During the summer, so you can camp and optimize your alien searching time
• Best for: Those who don’t believe we are alone in the universe

This very quirky destination is perhaps the granddaddy of southern Colorado tourist attractions — and it’s definitely worth a stop on the way to Great Sand Dunes National Park or Taos, New Mexico. This watchtower in the heart of the San Luis Valley (an area known for its unparalleled views of the night sky) has had its share of UFO sightings over the years, and even if visitors don’t see an extraterrestrial themselves, there’s sure to be good people-watching. We recommend camping here, too. It’s $20 a night, and it gives you an entire evening to prove that we are not alone in the universe.

The post Keep It Weird at These 14 Quirky Colorado Tourist Attractions appeared first on Wundervue.

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