Denver Parks | City Park, Sloan's Lake, Cheesman Park & More

Relax, Recharge in These Lush Spots

Denver may be a world-class metropolis with all the familiar urban sights and sounds, but no matter where you find yourself in the city, relaxing green spaces with stunning mountain views are likely only steps away.

Denver has nearly 20,000 acres of parkland, more than 250 individual urban parks and about 850 miles of paved and off-street bike trails. In addition to the city's most popular urban parks below, Denver has stunning mountain parks in the nearby foothills. If you want to experience a different side of the city, also check out these lesser-known, hidden-gem parks.

Skyline Park

Located along the 16th Street pedestrian promenade, Skyline Park (at 15th and Arapahoe streets) is always a fun place to spend a little time, especially during the summer, when visitors to the Skyline Beer Garden can enjoy brews on draft, street food, a family-friendly game area and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. And don't miss the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park every winter, offering free ice skating all season long.

Commons Park

Commons Park can be found on the banks of the South Platte River in a spot that just happens to be the city's birthplace. It's a pleasing mix of natural and urban influences: Close to 40 percent of the park is covered by native plants, a piece of reconstructed lush "sand prairie" reminiscent of what would have existed in the area originally. Meanwhile, the promenade along Little Raven Street is a tree-lined walkway dotted with many seating areas and entries to connect the park to downtown Denver. People often gather on the hill to enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Front Range.

Enjoy the soothing rapids at Confluence Park.

Confluence Park

Where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet and mingle, you'll find the unique and scenic Confluence Park. Watch kayakers brave the rapids on custom-designed chutes, sunbathe on the sandy banks and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Denver. The park is close to the Downtown Aquarium, the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus and Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. Hop on the Denver Trolley and take a 30-minute scenic ride along the river, plus learn about the area's history. Love a party? Join thousands of revelers at the South Platte RiverFest each June for water sports and live music.

Centennial Flower Gardens

Just steps away from Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park and the South Platte River, the Centennial Flower Gardens are a must-see for anyone with interest in gardening. The gardens are patterned after the Gardens of Versailles, with paths and patterned flowerbeds showcasing native species along with other flowers that grow well in Colorado's arid climate. This is a great spot for a refreshing afternoon stroll.

Washington Park

One of Denver's most popular spots year-round, Washington Park (nicknamed "Wash Park" by locals) features two lakes (boat rentals are available), flower gardens, innovative playgrounds and countless areas for outdoor recreation. Wash Park is also a favorite for its extensive sports and fitness options, including a recreation center with indoor pool, a bicycle/pedestrian pathway, a crushed granite jogging path, a fitness course, a horseshoe pit, a lawn bowling/croquet area, a soccer field and tennis courts. Read more about how to explore Washington Park.

Civic Center Park

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Civic Center Park is always bursting with life, as tourists and locals take advantage of the beautiful landscaping and vibrant atmosphere of this unique urban park. Many events, such as Cinco de Mayo, Civic Center EATS (a food truck festival Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the summer months), Denver PrideFest, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and A Taste of Colorado are traditionally held in Civic Center Park. This spacious plaza, surrounded by monumental government and public buildings, is a stone's throw from a number of Mile High City attractions, including Denver Art Museum, the Denver Public Library, the 16th Street pedestrian promenade and the Colorado State Capitol Building.

City Park features a public golf course.

City Park

This expansive, multifaceted park is Denver's version of New York City's Central Park. In City Park's 330 lovely, landscaped acres, you'll find a public golf course, colorful flower gardens, ornate fountains, placid lakes and rolling green lawns perfect for picnics. City Park is home to some of Denver's most popular attractions, including the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Martin Luther King Memorial and much more. From June through August, the park plays host to City Park Jazz, with free concerts each Sunday. It's also got unbeatable views of the Mile High City skyline and the Rocky Mountains beyond.

Cheesman Park

Joggers love Cheesman Park for the crushed granite jogging path that winds its way around the park. But it's also a popular spot for families, thanks to its large playground with swings, slides and everything else to delight your young ones. The park, located at Franklin Street and 8th Street, also offers incredible vistas stretching from the Cheesman Memorial Pavilion to the Front Range. Cheesman Park also has a fascinating haunted history.

Sloan's Lake Park

Sloan's Lake Park is an urban oasis with the enormous Sloan Lake taking center stage. In the summer, keep an eye out for water skiers zooming across the lake, framed by a stunning view of the Denver skyline. Bring some food to grill and spread out a picnic blanket or two — there's plenty of room at this 177-acre park. Sloan's Lake Park hosts the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, a celebration of Asian American culture and tradition featuring a host of ornate dragon boats on the lake. In the surrounding neighborhood, you'll find Joyride Brewing Company, Odell Brewing Sloan's Lake Brewhouse & Pizzeria and the Edgewater Public Market. See more fun things to do in Sloan's Lake Park.

Bear Creek Lake Park

Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life at nearby Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood. With 2,600 acres of unspoiled natural beauty, Bear Creek provides hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails; a swim beach and marina with boat rentals; picnic, playground and recreational facilities; and fishing and camping. You can also reserve a pet-friendly cabin or yurt for larger groups!