One of the best things you can do this summer is turn your Family Conference trip into a family vacation! Colorado is a beautiful place to explore and has something for everyone. Tack on a few days before or after the Conference for the perfect summer getaway.
Our Conference will take place in Broomfield, Colorado, which is a suburb halfway between Denver and Boulder. This ideal location gives you lots of options to explore. Whether you are a mountain lover anxious to get your fix or a foodie who wants to indulge in Colorado cuisine, you are going to enjoy Denver!
Here are some of the top things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mile High City.
Family-Oriented Fun
You will have a hard time choosing which kid-friendly activities to try. Explore wildlife at the Denver Zoo or see bison, raptors and prairie dogs at the free Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. There are 200 parks around Denver where you can walk or have a picnic. The little ones will love the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marisco Campus, the Downtown Aquarium, or Dinosaur Ridge. Whether you are big or little, you will be fascinated to see how they make lollipops, candy canes and more at Hammond’s Candies on your free tour. Explore more family-friendly things to do in Denver.
Denver’s Food and Drink Scene
Every city has food it’s known for and Denver is no exception. Try a smothered burrito for any meal of the day or even dessert. Check out Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant for its breakfast burritos, which are a staple for Denverites. Green chile is another yummy fave. It’s a stew that is typically cooked with beef, tomatoes onions and spices. Find out where to get the best green chile in Denver.
If you are adventurous, you might try the Rocky Mountain oysters! In case you don’t know, they don’t come from the sea. Oh no, this dish is made from bull testicles and is deep fried. We’ll let you try them and tell us if you like them! Denver is also known for its taco joints, Fools Gold Loaf sandwich, and Palisade peaches. For plant-lovers, you will easily find vegetarian and vegan restaurants around Denver like City, O’City or The Corner Beet.
Beer lovers will enjoy the brewery scene in Denver. Colorado is home to Coors and Blue Moon beers. But if you like craft beer, explore some of the breweries in Denver whether it’s to taste or tour, or both!
Back to Nature
Denver enjoys sunshine 300 days a year! Family Conference is all indoors so you will want to head outside to see the beautiful state. Rocky Mountain National Park is a short drive a way but a must! Stop at the visitor center for a map to find both hiking and driving trails. Take Trail Ridge Road which is the “highway to the sky.” The view at the top–12,183 feet in elevation–is magnificent and one you will never forget! You might tour Denver by bicycle, since it’s one of the top cities in the U.S. for cycling. It has many bike parks and 80 miles of trails. Plus, there are endless places to fish, hike, and enjoy nature!
Cool Water
Since many of you don’t sweat, you might love any activity that involves water! Whether you want a tame or thrilling adventure, you will find all kinds of water slides at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park or Water World. If you are adventurous, try white water rafting on the Arkansas or Colorado River! For a calmer ride, rent tubes near Boulder.
There are just too many things to do to list them all here! You can catch the Colorado Rockies playing the Yankees, see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater or explore the Arts of Africa Gallery at the Denver Art Museum.
NFED Family Conference
The best sight-seeing will be at the Family Conference where we will get to see you! Start your trip planning by registering today for the NFED must-attend event of the year.
What are your favorite things to do around Denver? Share your best tips below.