10 Cute & Fun Summer Date Ideas in Denver
Looking for fun summer date ideas in Denver? I’ve got you covered!
Summer is one of my favorite times to plan a date in Denver because the warm weather, longer days, and beautiful scenery give you so many more options than the typical dinner-and-a-movie date. From sunset picnics and rooftop drinks to tubing and exploring the city, there are plenty of ways to get outside and make your date a little more memorable.
Here are 10 of my personal favorite Denver date ideas, including a few unique date spots and activities you may not have heard about before.
1. Eat ice cream in Larimer Square
Taking a walk through Larimer Square is a must for a cute Denver date. The pedestrian-only street is lined with charming restaurants, boutiques, and twinkling lights, making it a great spot for a casual evening out.
If you’re craving something sweet, I recommend grabbing ice cream from Van Leeuwen. They have tons of unique flavors, so it’s the perfect excuse to try something new together.
Grab your ice cream, stroll down Larimer Square, and enjoy a little people-watching while you explore downtown Denver.
2. Car picnic off of highway 93
Looking for a romantic and budget-friendly date idea near Denver? This hidden gem makes for such a special evening.
Grab some blankets, cozy pillows, snacks, and maybe even some string lights, and turn the back of your car into a cozy little picnic spot. Then head to 2511–2923 S. Foothills Hwy in Boulder (listed as “Lookout Near Highway” on Google Maps) and watch the sunset over the mountains.
There’s something romantic about sitting together, enjoying snacks, and watching the sun disappear behind the Colorado mountains. You and your date are going to love this.
3. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens
Spend an afternoon wandering through the Denver Botanic Gardens, one of the prettiest places in the city for a date.
Take a leisurely walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens, have a conversation by the pond, or explore the tropical paradise inside the conservatory. It’s an easy way to slow down, enjoy nature, and spend quality time together.
When you’re ready for a bite to eat, stop at Hive Garden Bistro, located right inside the gardens.
This is a particularly great option if you’re looking for a cute daytime date in Denver.
4. Sunset drive through Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge
This drive through Rocky Mountain Wildlife Refuge is one of the highlights of the summer. My partner and I were truly in awe of how beautiful this preserve was and how great the mountain views were.
The drive took about 30 minutes and we saw deer, prairie dogs, and bison. This is a perfect option if you’re wanting to spend time in nature without getting out of your car.
The best part? It’s only 20 minutes away from Denver!
5. See a movie at the 88 Drive-In Theater
I can’t believe I just found out about the 88 Drive-In Theatre, especially since it’s only about 15 minutes from Denver!
A drive-in movie is about as classic as it gets when it comes to date night. Grab some snacks, get comfortable in your car, and enjoy a movie under the stars.
Even better, you get to see two movies for the price of one, making this a fun and relatively affordable Denver date night.
If you’ve never been to a drive-in movie before, this is definitely one to add to your summer bucket list.
6. Visit the Denver Zoo
Honestly, the zoo never gets old.
Even as an adult, I’m always down to visit the Denver Zoo and get up close to some of the most fascinating animals. Walking around the zoo gives you plenty of time to chat, explore, and find something interesting to look at around every corner.
Plus, it’s a great option for a fun daytime date in Denver if you want something more casual and interactive than dinner.
7. Date night at a rooftop bar
Summer is the season for outdoor dining and rooftop patios. Nothing beats sipping your favorite cocktail with a skyline view.
Some of my favorite rooftop bars and restaurants in Denver are:
Summer is the season for outdoor dining, rooftop patios, and enjoying a drink with a view.
Nothing beats sipping your favorite cocktail while looking out over the Denver skyline, especially around sunset. Rooftop bars are a great choice for a more traditional date night while still taking advantage of Denver’s beautiful summer weather.
A few of my favorite rooftop bars and restaurants in Denver include:
Grab a drink, enjoy some food, and soak up the city views for an easy romantic date night in Denver.
8. Go to a Rockies game
Baseball games are one of the best ways to spend a summer evening in Denver.
A Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field is casual, fun, and gives you plenty of opportunities to cheer together, grab some ballpark food, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
You don’t have to be a huge baseball fan to have a good time. There’s something about sitting outside on a warm summer night and watching a game that makes for a classic date.
9. Tube Clear Creek or the Platte River
Looking for a fun and adventurous experience to share with your partner? Then you have to go tubing near Denver this summer!
Grab a tube, hit the water, and spend a few hours floating together. It’s a great way to cool off on a hot Colorado day and create some fun memories together.
If you want to learn more about tubing around Denver, check out my guides:
Everything You Need to Know about Tubing Clear Creek in Golden, CO
How to River Tube to Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, CO
Tubing is definitely one of my favorite adventurous summer date ideas near Denver.
10. Explore 16th Street in downtown Denver
There’s so much fun to be had around 16th Street in downtown Denver.
Grab a drink, find something good to eat, pick up some ice cream, and take a stroll through the area. You can easily turn it into an entire evening by adding a few activities along the way.
Some other fun date-night activities nearby include:
Museum of Illusions
Lucky Strike
Flight Club
And if you get tired of walking, you can always hop on and off the FreeRide shuttle to get around downtown.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap date idea in Denver, a romantic night out, or something adventurous to do with your partner, there are so many ways to enjoy summer in the Mile High City.
Skip the standard dinner date every once in a while and take advantage of Denver’s warm weather, outdoor spaces, beautiful sunsets, and unique attractions. From floating down a river to watching a movie under the stars, these summer date ideas in Denver are a great way to make the most of the season with someone you love.
