Best Free Parks Denver Near Me

Review
"Free fun what's more to ask for"

Business: No matter where you find yourself in Denver, you're likely to be only a few steps away from a lush and relaxing green space. Find your oasis.

4worldlovers: 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, you’re likely to be only a few steps away from a lush and relaxing green space.

The Mile High City boasts more than 5,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, which include 2,500 urban natural acres and over 300 acres of parks designated Rivers & Trails, plus an additional 14,000 acres of spectacular mountain parks in Clear Creek, Douglas, Grand and Jefferson County that are maintained by the City and County of Denver. Here’s a look at a few favorite parks in Denver.


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 , 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.

Adjacent to the 16th Street Mall, Skyline Park offers an easy getaway for the more than 120,000 people who spend their workday in downtown Denver. Located at 15th and Arapahoe streets, Skyline Park 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.


Click on the image below to take a virtual tour of Civic Center Park via Google Street View.

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), the Capitol Hill People's Fair, 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 the Denver Art Museum , the Denver Public Library , the 16th Street Mall and the Colorado State Capitol Building .

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.

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.

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.

Click on the image below to take a virtual tour of Washington Park via Google Street View.

Review
"They free Sunday concert was wonderful"

Business: Denver's premier regional park contains the Denver Zoo; the Denver Museum of Nature and Science; tennis courts; horseshoes; baseball, football and soccer fields; two lakes; historical monuments and st

Business: The City & County of Denver Department of Parks & Recreation maintains 250+ urban parks, 80+ miles of trails, 14,000 acres of mountain parks, 30 recreation centers, and 31 swimming pools.

Business: Denver's park system includes more than 250 urban parks along with off-street trails, historic parkways, natural areas and more. Find all park-related information such as rules and regulations, amenit

4worldlovers:
Find a City and County Denver park with our interactive map.


Find rules and policies for park and facility use, along with frequently asked questions.


Denver's trail system connects neighborhoods throughout the city. Many follow scenic waterways, offering a pleasant route for both cyclists and pedestrians.


Denver Parks and Recreation recently completed a Strategic Acquisition Plan which provides a framework for decision-making when completing and funding future parkland acquisitions. Learn about recent and current acquisition projects.


Learn more about the types of amenities that can be found in Denver parks such as pickleball courts, fountains, disc golf and more.


DPR's Dog Park page offers useful information regarding dog parks around the city, rules and regulations, maintenance and closures, as well as technical updates.


The mission of Denver Park Rangers is to maximize public safety, protect park resources and provide service to visitors.


Several bike parks are available for riders of all ages and skill levels.


DPR uses a multi-strategy approach to reduce damage while assessing environmental resiliency, cost, and most importantly, staff and public safety.

Review
"We were there for annual art show which was free."

Review
"Excellent place to enjoy your free time"

Review
"Pretty dope it was free"

Business: Bordered by the State Capitol, the City and County Building, and the Denver Art Museum, Civic Center Park is the centerpiece of Denver's green space. The park blooms with 25,000 square feet of flower

Review
"... walking trails, playgrounds, a FREE OUTDOOR GYM, and some ..."

Review
"There are several bowls laying around, so feel free to just bring ..."

Business: Find a City and County Denver park with our interactive map.

4worldlovers:
Find a City and County Denver park with our interactive map.


Find rules and policies for park and facility use, along with frequently asked questions.


Denver's trail system connects neighborhoods throughout the city. Many follow scenic waterways, offering a pleasant route for both cyclists and pedestrians.


Denver Parks and Recreation recently completed a Strategic Acquisition Plan which provides a framework for decision-making when completing and funding future parkland acquisitions. Learn about recent and current acquisition projects.


Learn more about the types of amenities that can be found in Denver parks such as pickleball courts, fountains, disc golf and more.


DPR's Dog Park page offers useful information regarding dog parks around the city, rules and regulations, maintenance and closures, as well as technical updates.


The mission of Denver Park Rangers is to maximize public safety, protect park resources and provide service to visitors.


Several bike parks are available for riders of all ages and skill levels.


DPR uses a multi-strategy approach to reduce damage while assessing environmental resiliency, cost, and most importantly, staff and public safety.

Review
"Free music in the park it was great."

Review
"Love the play ground and hassle-free of the bad element"

Review
"Dragon Boat Festival is a free, family-friendly event."