15 First Date Ideas in Denver: A Fun & Memorable Experience

Denver is one of the most fun places to have a first date! In this article, we’ll share the best first date ideas in Denver that make it easy to have an enjoyable experience and impress a new love interest.

From laid-back activities like relaxing at a beer spa or watching the sunset to adventurous dates like rock climbing and axe throwing, the suggestions below each offer a memorable experience.

1. Join the Denver Cruiser Ride

The Denver Cruiser Ride is one of the most unique, laid-back date ideas in Denver. Every summer, Denver Cruiser Ride hosts a monthly organized social bike ride, usually in June, July, and September. 

The social setting takes the pressure off, and it’s easy to have fun hanging out with your date while exploring the city.

2. Go Indoor Rock Climbing

There are a couple of rock climbing gyms in Denver, which are great for getting active together and potentially trying something new. 

Two popular spots are Übergrippen Indoor Climbing Crag and The Spot Bouldering Gym, both of which offer opportunities for climbers of all levels. Whether you’re new to climbing or you’re a pro, this is a fun way to spend time together on a date.

3. Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens

One of our favorite Denver first date ideas for getting to know each other is strolling around the Denver Botanic Gardens and chatting. It’s casual yet fun and relaxing.

The Denver Botanic Gardens covers 32 acres and has various themed gardens, a sunken amphitheater, and a conservatory, so it’s easy to spend a few hours here. There are also regular events like yoga in the gardens and plant shows.

4. Relax at Oakwell Beer Spa

If you’re looking for romantic first date ideas in Denver, where you can also enjoy the craft beer scene, Oakwell Beer Spa is perfect.

Oakwell Beer Spa is an award-winning, beer-inspired spa unlike any other. You and your date can hang out in the taproom and enjoy a cozy setting with local craft beer or other beverages. Then, relax in your private Beer Therapy™ Room, where you can detox in the sauna and take a beer bath. You can also add on a Zero Gravity Massage experience.

The Date Night Package at Oakwell Beer Spa lets you enjoy spa treatments with a touch of romance, including candles, rose petals, and gourmet chocolates.

5. Take a Cooking Class

One of the best ways to connect with someone is by cooking together! We love guided activities like this because they can take away from potentially awkward moments that can happen on first dates.

Denver Cooking Classes offers in-home cooking classes led by a professional chef. Or you can go to Stir Cooking School for guided cooking classes.

6. Hang Out at Lakeside Amusement Park

Having fun at an amusement Park is the classic date idea, and Lakeside Amusement Park is the perfect place for this in Denver. Enjoy games and food while you have a good time hanging out and getting to know each other.

Lakeside Amusement Park is generally open from early May through mid-August.

7. Go on a Coffee Date

Coffee dates are one of the easiest and best ways to spend time with someone new. Denver makes this easy with so many great coffee shops all over the city.

Some of our favorites are:

• Dandy Lion Coffee Co. - A trendy coffee shop with a plant shop in the Park Hill Neighborhood
• Steam Espresso Bar - A spacious cafe with indoor and outdoor seating in the Sunnyside Neighborhood
• Queens Eleven - A dark and moody cafe with coffee, cocktails, and speak-easy vibes in River North Art District (RiNo)

8. See a Show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

One of the coolest first date ideas in Denver is seeing a live show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This iconic open-air amphitheatre is built into a rock structure and offers an incredible setting.

There are live shows most nights during spring and summer. But if you want to visit during fall or winter, exploring the park and checking out the amphitheatre is also super fun.

9. Play Games at The 1UP Arcade Bar

Wow your first date with a fun date night at The 1Up Arcade Bar. This retro arcade in Lower Downtown (LoDo) has fun arcade games, a jukebox, pub food, and cocktails for a low-key experience, likely filled with lots of laughs.

10. Enjoy Brunch Together

Who doesn’t love a good brunch? Change up the traditional dinner date and have a brunch first  date instead. Denver has endless delicious brunch spots, including these incredible options:

• Bacon Social House - a popular spot with a bacon-inspired menu
• Snooze, an A.M. Eatery - Denver’s iconic brunch spot in a retro setting
• FIRE at the ART Hotel - A trendy restaurant for a fancier bunch date

11. Drink Wine at The Infinite Monkey Theorem

It’s easy to impress your date with a delicious wine tasting, and The Infinite Monkey Theorem is Denver is a great place for it! 

The Infinite Monkey Theorem is a vibrant industrial-chic winery and taproom that serves local wine and regularly hosts food trucks, social gatherings, and comedy shows. You can also sign up for a winery tour for a fun experience.

12. Have Beers at a Local Brewery

With more than 150 breweries, enjoying beers together is one of our favorite first date ideas in Denver. There are many options for a brewery date, including a relaxing atmosphere at Left Hand Brewing Company or one that’s more lively at Great Divide Brewing Company. 

You can also take a self-guided tour of Denver’s best beer or join a guided tour with Denver Microbrew Tour.

13. Explore Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe

Denver's Art District on Santa Fe is a hidden gem and one of the most unique first date ideas. 

This vibrant area has galleries, studies, and some of Denver’s best street art. It’s fun to walk around and explore the area while taking pictures, hanging out, and appreciating art.

14. Go Axe Throwing at Axe Whooping

A first date favorite in Denver in axe throwing at Axe Whooping, the largest indoor axe throwing spot in Colorado. Enjoy beer on tap and go axe-throwing for a memorable experience.

15. Watch the Sunset at City Park

Not only is City Park beautiful all day and the perfect place to hang out, but it offers gorgeous sunset views for a romantic first date.

You can head to the park early to walk around the lakeside trails and visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Take the date up a notch, and bring a picnic or drinks to enjoy during sunset.

The Best First Date Ideas in Denver: Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for you and you’re excited to plan a memorable first date in Denver. With so many activities, there’s something for all kinds of experiences, whether you’re hoping to get adventurous or take it easy. 

Enjoy sparking a new romance and getting to know someone new!

If you want to plan a unique, relaxing date, book a spa date at Oakwell Beer Spa.