Have a long layover or flight delay at Denver International Airport (DEN)? Turn your layover into an adventure instead of just sitting around with endless opportunities in the wonderful city.
Denver offers lots of things to do close to DEN Airport, whether you’re on a layover, waiting for a flight, or just exploring the area to make your trip more enjoyable. In addition to the typical “shopping, eating, and drinking” options, you can enjoy the stunning Denver gardens, museums, and more.
This guide will take you through the top 10 Denver attractions, from amazing museums and outdoor adventures to unique local experiences. It also contains transit alternatives, locations, and other important information to help you organize your trip efficiently.
List of 10 Unique Things to Do Near Denver Airport (DIA)
Here, we’ve compiled a list of unique things to do close to DEN Airport to make your layover exciting. Denver offers endless options to make the most of your time during a layover, from seeing nearby attractions to dining at outstanding restaurants at Denver Airport.
1. Denver Museum of Nature & Science (30-40 minutes)
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a place you cannot miss, regardless of whether you are a curious individual or a family. Just 25 miles away from the Denver Airport, the museum has a range of exciting exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
IMAX theater and planetarium further enhance the thrill of your journey. Furthermore, the museum offers educational activities and seminars for children of all ages, making it an ideal family vacation destination.
- Accessibility: Approximately 25 miles
- By Car/Taxi: 30 min
- By Train: 52 min
- By Bus: 1 hour, 10 min
- Location: 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205
- Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2. Explore Wildlife at the Denver Zoo (20-25 min.)
The Denver Zoo offers special programs that allow visitors to interact closely with some of the zoo’s residents and form connections with wildlife.
Over 3000 animals from over 450 species may be seen in the zoo, which is also actively involved in conservation initiatives to save endangered species and their ecosystems.
- Accessibility to Denver International Airport: Approximately 19 miles
- By Taxi/Car: 27 min
- By Train: 56 min
- Location: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, United States
- Operating Hours: Open daily 10 AM to 4 PM.
3. Denver Botanic Gardens (30-40 min)
Located right in the middle of the city, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a spiritual haven for visitors. With each step, you wander through the beautiful works of nature, each garden a canvas painted with a variety of flowers.
With its varied plant collections and themed landscapes, the Denver Botanic Gardens provides a soothing retreat. In addition to activities like concerts, yoga, and art exhibits, visitors can take advantage of butterfly gardens, historic farms, and nature walks.
A short drive from the airport, Chatfield Farms offers a picturesque location for picnics and leisurely walks.
- Accessibility: Approximately 30 miles
- By Car/Taxi: 31 min
- By Train: 1 hour, 25 min
- By Bus: 2 hours
- Location: 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton, CO 80128
- Operating Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
4. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum (25-30 min)
The Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, a short drive from Denver International Airport (DEN), provides a fascinating insight into the history of aviation.
Situated within a historic hangar at the former Lowry Air Force Base, it boasts an amazing collection of historical spacecraft. It includes aircraft and spaceships, together with interactive exhibits that show how flying has evolved throughout time.
Perfect for both children and adults, the museum’s engaging attractions and interactive experiences inspire aspiring adventurers and aviation lovers. It’s one of the must-see things to do near Denver Airport, an ideal spot to visit where history comes alive and the promise of the stars above captures the imagination.
- Accessibility: Approximately 20 miles (25-30 minutes by car)
- By Car/Taxi: 25 min
- By Train: 1 hour, 11 min
- By Bus: 35 hours
- Location: 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
5. The Stanley Marketplace: A Hub of Local Culture and Cuisine (15 minutes)
The Stanley Marketplace is a bustling community center that houses eateries, shops, and craftspeople. It is a wonderful spot to spend a few hours, whether you want to indulge in a fine dining experience, browse for unusual presents, or just take in the vibrant environment.
Stanley Marketplace, located just 15 minutes from Hyatt Place Denver Airport, is home to over 50 locally owned companies that provide a varied range of food and retail options in a dynamic surrounding area.
Here, you can enjoy artisanal cuisine, craft drinks, and more to enjoy your trip while experiencing Denver’s culture. It is one of the best things to do during a layover near DEN Airport.
- Accessibility: Approximately 12 miles
- By Car/Taxi: 15-20 min
- By Train: 35 min
- By Bus: 45 min
- Location: 2501 Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80010
- Operating Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
6. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (30-35 minutes)
A short drive from Denver International Airport (DEN) is the 15,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a home for bald eagles, deer, bison, and other wildlife.
In addition to hiking routes and wildlife viewing, visitors can participate in educational programs highlighting the region’s distinctive ecosystem.
In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, this relaxed shelter transports you to Colorado’s breathtaking natural setting, where buffalo wander freely beneath the magnificent skyline. More than 330 animal species may be found at the shelter, which is less than 20 minutes from the hotel.
- Accessibility: Approximately 35 miles
- By Taxi/Car: 39 min
- By Train: 56 min
- Location: 6550 Gateway Rd., Commerce City, CO 80022
- Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
7. Shop, Eat, and Play at Northfield Stapleton
More than just a mall, Northfield Stapleton offers a lively blend of restaurants, entertainment, and retail in a welcoming outdoor environment. It offers a varied shopping experience with a mix of major retailers and boutiques.
The vibrant eateries offer a wide range of flavors to satisfy any need when you need a break. Fashion, food, and fun all come together beneath the Colorado sky, making it the ideal place to shop, eat, and relax in a laid-back and lively ambiance.
Savor a filling dinner, explore charming local shops, and enjoy the fresh atmosphere at DEN to make a memorable trip.
- Accessibility: Approximately 15 miles
- By Taxi/Car: 20 min
- By Train: 56 min
- Location: 8340 Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238
- Operating Hours:
- Monday- Saturday: 10:00 AM- 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
8. Elitch Garden
Only a 20-minute drive from the Denver Airport hotel, Elitch Gardens was a family-owned seasonal amusement park, theater, and botanic garden in northwest Denver’s West Highland neighborhood.
This seasonal park features thrilling attractions, including the seven-story looping Brain Drain Coaster and the classic wooden Twister II. Families can enjoy the Big Wheel, which offers spectacular views of the Denver cityscape, as well as water slides, a wave pool, and other attractions.
Elitch Gardens is an excellent choice for visitors with a short layover, offering a variety of roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and a refreshing water park.
- Accessibility: Approximately 25 miles
- By Car/Taxi: 34 min
- By Train: 53 min
- By Bus: 1 hour, 32 min
- Location: 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
- Operating Hours: Daily 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM
9. Green Valley Ranch Golf Club
The Green Valley Ranch Golf Club is a beautiful retreat within the urban collapse, conveniently located near DEN. This golf club provides a welcoming mix of difficulty and enjoyment, regardless of your skill set or experience.
The friendly clubhouse is the ideal place to have an enjoyable meal and reflect on the day’s events after the game. More than just a golf course, the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club serves as a gateway to Denver’s peaceful outdoor way of life and provides a window into the city’s passion for sports and the outdoors.
- Accessibility: Approximately 12 miles
- By Car/Taxi: 17 min
- By Train: 30 min
- By Bus: 58 min
- Location: 4900 Himalaya Rd., Denver, CO 80249, United States
- Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
10. Relax at an Airport Lounge
Denver Airport provides first-rate lounges that are perfect for working remotely, holding business meetings, or just relaxing during a layover. Savor free food, cozy seating, and entertainment options, including Netflix streaming, during a layover at DIA Airport.
The Centurion Lounge by American Express, United Club, and Capital One Lounge are excellent work-friendly clubs that are ideal for unwinding before your trip.
Although some lounges are accessible 24/7, others are open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, giving passengers a cozy place to unwind before departure. To get complete details visit the main page of lounges available at Denver Airport.
Denver International Airport (DEN) has a lot to offer, whether you’re searching for entertainment or a peaceful location for business meetings. From touring museums and art exhibits to taking a leisurely walk through natural areas or savoring regional cuisine, there is something for everyone.
Go out and enjoy the exciting activities this area has to offer the next time you’re close to DEN! Convenient transportation options, such as trains, buses, and taxis, make it simple to visit Denver’s ideal attractions.
FAQs
Denver International Airport (DEN) is located 25 miles (40 km) northeast of downtown Denver, and it takes half an hour to cover the distance.
Travelers can explore the art exhibitions, nearby museums, and parks around 20 miles away from the airport during a 4-hour layover at Denver Airport. However, the airport itself has many things to entertain you, such as shopping and dining options.
A longer layover at DEN provides the opportunity to explore downtown Denver. Visit City Park for picturesque walks and entertainment, or go to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo. These sites provide an excellent opportunity to see the city’s culture and nature before returning to the airport.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is 10 miles away from the Denver Airport. It takes approximately 20–25 minutes to cover the distance, and the best place to visit during a short layover at DEN Airport.
Two popular museums near Denver International Airport (DEN) are the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, both located 20–25 miles away. It takes approximately 25-30 minutes to get to the museums from DEN Airport.
Yes, you can visit the Denver Zoo during a layover at DEN. It’s a 30-minute trip from City Park, which is around 23 miles distant. It is a fantastic place for wildlife fans, with over 3,000 species, including lions and elephants.
The airport itself has a variety of food and shopping choices within its terminals. For extra diversity, visit Stanley Marketplace (15 minutes by car), which houses over 50 local restaurants, pubs, and stores.