As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, Denver, CO transforms into a vibrant autumn playground. From stunning parks adorned with fiery foliage to local festivals celebrating the season, there’s no shortage of hidden gems to enjoy in the Mile High City. From nature lovers to foodies, to arts enthusiasts, Denver offers many fun-filled things to do that capture the ever-so-stunning spirit of fall.
Whether you’ve just settled into your new home in Denver, CO, are on the hunt for the perfect apartment, or are seeking a rental to experience your first Colorado fall, join us as we discover the beauty and excitement of fall activities in Denver.
1. Explore fall farms
As the vibrant autumn colors create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities, exploring a fall farm in Denver is a delightful way to experience the season come alive. Visitors can wander through pumpkin patches, enjoy hayrides, and participate in apple picking, all while soaking in the crisp, refreshing air. Many farms also offer seasonal events like corn mazes and craft markets, making it one of the perfect fall activities in Denver for families and friends.
Take a holiday wreath workshop
Making a holiday wreath at Yetman Farms is a charming way to embrace the festive spirit while enjoying the beauty of nature. Backed up to Bear Creek Trail, the farm makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside, enjoying an evening in the fields.
To create your own wreath, they use flowers grown right on the farm to celebrate the season. Each personal arrangement reflects the vibrant colors and textures of nature, making your creation truly unique.
Meet the farm animals
With the fields alive with the vibrant colors of autumn, the farm animals roam happily, their coats thickening for the colder months. Chickens cluck around, pecking at fallen leaves, while goats playfully butt heads amid the pumpkin patches.
Home to 175 animals, The Urban Farm is the ideal destination for those looking for a place to see them in their habitat. It’s a perfect time to watch the animals interact, enjoying the bounty of the season together.
Learn about sustainable farming
As harvest time approaches, learning about sustainable farming at SustainEd Farms is a fascinating way to see how farms utilize eco-friendly practices to enrich the soil and conserve water. The vibrant autumn landscape serves as a reminder of how sustainable methods not only benefit the environment but also produce healthy, delicious food for the community. Each lesson learned under the golden hues of fall deepens appreciation for the balance between agriculture and nature.
Celebrate harvest
Ekar Farm’s Sukkot and Harvest Festival is a vibrant celebration of community, sustainability, and the bounty of the season. With pumpkin carving, apple cider making, and activities for all ages, the festival highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of supporting local agriculture. With its sustainably grown fruits and vegetables, it’s the perfect fall destination to connect with the local community.
2. Cozy up with a cocktail at La Forêt
Cozying up with a cocktail at a French restaurant in Denver is the perfect way to escape the chill of fall. The warm ambiance at La Forêt invites you to unwind as you warm up with a bowl of their French Onion Soup or savor their rich Stag au Poivre. Indulge in the cozy forest atmosphere during their ‘Pastis Hour’ and enjoy discounted drinks inspired by the French pastis tradition.
3. Unleash your creativity
A fall art class is a wonderful way to embrace the season’s creativity and warmth. Surrounded by vibrant autumn hues, you can explore new techniques while drawing inspiration from the changing landscape outside. It’s a chance not only to hone your skills but also to connect with others who share a passion for art, all while enjoying the cozy atmosphere that this time of year brings.
Take a watercolor and acrylic class
One of the top fall activities in Denver is attending a fall-themed watercolor and acrylic art class for adults at RemainReal Fine Art Gallery. It’s a perfect way to get creative with friends or as a unique date night. After class, explore the vibrant Santa Fe Arts District, one of the many Denver neighborhoods, where you can peruse local galleries, grab a bite at a nearby restaurant, or enjoy a cozy coffee from a local café surrounded by the district’s artistic energy.
Create your own immersive piece
Located in the walkable neighborhood of Baker, Fleur is a creative space that offers art classes and workshops led by local makers. A woman-owned and operated studio, Fleur curates immersive experiences where participants can dive into a wide range of creative projects from jewelry making to textile arts, stained glass making to natural dyeing. Known for its inclusive and welcoming space, Fleur is the perfect spot to explore new skills and craft something special this fall.
4. Find fall treasures
Thrifting for cozy sweaters at Gone for Good Thrift Store in Denver is a delightful way to embrace the season’s warmth and style. As you sift through racks of gently used garments, the thrill of discovering a unique, oversized knit or a vintage cardigan adds to the excitement.
The soft textures and rich autumn colors invite you to imagine all the cozy outings ahead, from pumpkin patch visits to evening bonfires. Each find feels like a treasure, perfect for layering on chilly days while enjoying the charm of fall fashion.
5. Savor autumnal brews
Denver is known for its vibrant coffee scene, boasting a diverse array of artisanal roasters and cozy cafes that cater to both connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. Start your morning at Nixon’s Coffee House and a latte to fuel up before heading to Washington Park. With the trees turning golden and the crisp air energizing your walk, fall is the perfect time to take a stroll through the park with a warm apple chai in hand.
Just a short distance from the park, an inviting coffee shop such as Nixon’s Coffee House offers a comforting spot to warm up, study, or relax after enjoying some fall activities in Denver.
6. Bike ride to see the fall foliage
Taking a bike ride to see the fall foliage in Denver is a refreshing way to soak in the season’s beauty. The crunch of leaves under your tires adds to the experience, making each turn feel like an autumn adventure. Pausing to take in the breathtaking views, you can truly appreciate the magic of nature’s transformation during this enchanting time of year.
Lindsey Sozio, founder of Lavender Coffee Boutique, recommends, “One of our favorite fall activities in Denver is to go for a bike ride along the scenic Highline Canal Trail to take in the stunning autumn foliage.
Sozio continues, “Afterward, we look forward to unwinding and cozying up at the Lavender Coffee Boutique’s outdoor patio, where we sip on the warm fall drinks while reminiscing about our ride.”
7. Shop local harvests at a farmers market
A farmers market in the fall is an amazing way to experience the sights and scents of the season. With the aroma of fresh baked goods and spices, it’s a perfect opportunity to connect with local farmers and taste seasonal produce.
“Fall Sundays at the South Pearl Street Farmers Market are a true Denver delight. The crisp air, vibrant produce, and warm community vibes make for the perfect autumn outing,” says Alexandra Eitel, operations manager at Sanctuary Chai.
Eitel also recommends heading over to the patio at Steam Espresso Bar after meandering through the market to warm up with a delicious spiced chai.
Go apple picking
Apples are quintessentially tied to fall, embodying the season’s spirit with their vibrant hues and crisp textures. To dive into this ripe fruit of the season, go “apple picking” with Ela Family Farms at many of the local farmers markets. With varieties such as Swiss Gourmet, Honeycrisp, and Hubbardston Nonesuch, there’s something to delight every palate.
8. Experience haunted thrills
Visiting a haunted attraction during fall is a thrilling experience that ignites the spirit of the season. As you step into the eerie atmosphere, the suspense builds with every creaking door and flickering light. Scares in spine-chilling costumes jump out from dark corners, sending shivers down your spine. The adrenaline rush of navigating through haunted mazes and chilling encounters makes for unforgettable memories, wrapping you in the excitement and spookiness that the spooky season brings.
Swamp scares
Stepping into The Ritual Haunted House feels like crossing into another realm. The dimly lit paths wind through wooden beams as you walk through the swamp. Each corner reveals scenes of shadowy figures and eerie artifacts, immersing you in a nightmarish tale that keeps your heart racing until the very end. It’s a haunting journey that lingers long after you escape the depths of the swamp.
Haunted house
Named one of the scariest haunted houses in the country, 13th Floor has haunts that will leave you shaking in your boots. With Mini Escape Games, secret bars, and a Zombie Shooting Gallery, the scares at this spooky experience are sure to leave you with nightmares. Each attraction unveils a new horror, from ghostly apparitions to sinister surprises that leap out when you least expect them. As you navigate the twisting passages, the tension builds with every step, making you wonder what awaits around the next corner in this heart-pounding descent into darkness.
9. Do as the lumberjacks do
Take on a thrilling twist to the season and channel your inner lumberjack at American Paintball Coliseum with axe throwing and paintball adventures, perfect for those looking to add some excitement to their fall activities in Denver. Perfect your aim while hurling axes at wooden targets, feeling the rush of each successful throw. Afterward, diving into a paintball match adds an exciting layer of competition, where strategy and teamwork come into play.
Together, these activities offer a unique blend of skill, camaraderie, and a taste of rugged outdoor fun that’s sure to create lasting fall memories.
10. Take in the views at a park
As the landscape of the parks in Denver transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors, the cool, crisp air invites leisurely strolls along tree-lined paths, where golden leaves crunch underfoot.
“One of our favorite activities is a fall goodie picnic at Cheeseman or City Park,” shares Jocasta Hanson with Honey Elixir Bar. “Grab a tasty tea or coffee, some fall-flavored snacks, a cozy blanket, some of your besties, and spend the day soaking up the sun before the rain starts.”
It’s the perfect time to enjoy a picnic, take in the serene beauty, or simply relax on a bench while soaking up the autumn sunshine.
11. Illuminate the night at Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is the perfect way to usher in the fall season, offering a captivating experience that celebrates the beauty of autumn. With thousands of hand-carved pumpkins lighting up the garden, it’s a magical experience for families, couples, and friends to enjoy.
The walk-through display is filled with intricate designs, spooky scenes, and creative lighting that make every turn feel like a new discovery. It’s the kind of event that gets everyone into the festive spirit while enjoying the beauty of the autumn season outdoors.
12. Craft with the seasonal materials
Engaging your loved ones in the fall season by using seasonal materials to create home crafts is a fantastic way to help kids embrace the festivities.
Julia Grace Yusuf, president of MOMS Club of Denver shares one of her family’s favorite fall activities in Denver, “We grab a cozy cup of coffee and walk over to the park to let the kids play at the playground. Afterwards, we collect the changing fallen leaves for a handprint leaf collage art project.”
Gathering a variety of leaves becomes a fun adventure, as you search for unique shapes and textures to use in your creations. Once home, the possibilities are endless—whether you’re making leaf rubbings, wreaths, or decorations, each craft serves as a beautiful reminder of the enchanting fall days spent outdoors.
Must-do fall activities in Denver: Final thoughts
As the vibrant colors of fall paint the Colorado landscape, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the season’s unique charm by adding to your Denver bucket list. From scenic hikes and cozy festivals to bright fall foliage, Denver offers a wealth of activities to enjoy. Embrace the crisp air, gather with loved ones, and make unforgettable memories as you explore all that autumn in the Mile High City has to offer.
Source: rent.com