If you have found yourself with a layover or flight delay at Denver International Airport and trying to figure out how to make the most of your time there, instead of just waiting, you are at the right place.
Denver Airport is among the largest and busiest airports around the globe, serving millions of passengers each year. However, despite its imposing size, it’s easy to navigate.
The area near Denver Airport is full of treasure troves, so rest assured the options will entertain you.
In today’s guide, we’ve rounded up the best things you can do near Denver Airport during a layover or flight delay.
Book Your Luggage Storage Around Denver International Airport
Without further ado, let’s dive into it!
There is not a shortage of adventurous things a traveler can do near Denver International Airport during a layover since the opportunities are endless in this magnificent city!
Below, we present you with our list starting with no other than exploring the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
1) Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a treasure trove of fascinating exhibits and activities for all ages.
It features some permanent exhibits such as the Egyptian Mummies, and some temporary ones such as:
- Orcas: Our Shared Future &
- The Power of Poison: An exhibit that offers attendees the opportunity to learn about the role of poison in nature, history, and human health.
Moreover, the museum features educational programs and workshops, for children of all ages, making it a great family vacation idea.
Operating hours: The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on most Fridays until 9 p.m.
Museum Admission:
- Adult: $25.95
- Youth (3-18): $20.95
- Senior (65+): $22.95
Address: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, United States
Proximity to Denver International Airport: 19 miles from Denver International Airport
2) Connect with Wildlife at the Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is a wonderful place to connect with wildlife and get up close with some of the zoo’s residents through special programs.
The zoo is home to more than 3000 animals representing more than 450 species and is deeply involved in conservation projects putting efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Operating hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Zoo Admission:
- Age 3-15: $18.90
- Age 16-64: $25.20
- Age 65+: $22.05
- Age 3-15: $18.90
Address: Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, United States
Proximity to Denver International Airport: 19 miles from Denver International Airport
3) Stroll Through the Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a lush, serene haven nestled in the heart of the city.
This unique place features a wide variety of plant collections and themed gardens, providing opportunities to relax and unwind for visitors of all ages.
Some of its highlights include:
- Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory
- Japanese Garden (Shofu-en)
- Mordecai Children’s Garden
- Monet Pool
Plus, the gardens host a variety of events such as summer concerts, yoga sessions, and art exhibitions.
Opening hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission:
- Adults: $15.75
- Seniors (65+), Military & Veterans (w/ID): $12
- Children (3-15) and Students (w/ID): $11.50
- Children 2 and Under Free
Address: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, United States
Proximity to Denver International Airport: 21 miles from Denver International Airport
4) Take in Unique Views at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Home to over 330 species, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a fascinating place to explore nature and wildlife.
Originally a chemical weapons manufacturing site, this unique site has been transformed into a wildlife refuge, spanning over 15,000 acres.
Operating daily from sunrise to sunset, visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing, among various activities.
Admission: Free to visit.
Address: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022, United States
Proximity to Denver International Airport: 16 miles from Denver International Airport
5) Spend a Few Hours at the 16th Street Mall
The 16th Street Mall is a bustling pedestrian mall in the heart of downtown Denver.
It stretches for over a mile and offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options to choose from.
Featuring more than 250 stores, it is a shopping paradise, making it ideal for a longer layover in Denver.
Plus, it’s easily accessible by public transportation and the MallRide shuttle, a free bus service, runs the length of the mall, making it convenient to explore.
Address: 16th Street, Denver, CO 80202
Proximity to Denver International Airport: 22 miles from Denver International Airport
6) Enjoy Bird Watching at Barr Lake State Park
Spanning 2,715 acres, Barr Lake State Park is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a mix of prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats.
The park is home to over 350 species of birds, including bald eagles, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Also, the park has a network of trails, suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Opening hours: Open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Parks Passes:
- Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
- Individual Daily Pass: $4
Address: 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, CO 806031.
Proximity to Denver International Airport: 12 miles from Denver International Airport
7) Discover Denver’s Artsy Side in the RiNo Art District
The RiNo (River North) Art District in Denver is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its creative ambiance, urban charm, and innovative street art murals that adorn buildings throughout the district.
Apart from its unique art scene, the RiNo Art District boasts a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from sushi at Sushi-Rama to Israeli cuisine at Safta Restaurant.
Address: River North Art District, Denver, CO, USA
Proximity to Denver International Airport: 20 miles from Denver International Airport
Now that we covered some adventurous things to do near Denver International Airport, let’s see how easy it is to get around Denver International Airport.
Getting Around Denver International Airport
Getting around Denver International Airport (DEN) is generally straightforward since there are numerous transportation options to choose from.
The main terminal is divided into two levels: Level 5 (Arrivals and Baggage Claim) and Level 6 (Departures and Ticketing). There are three concourses (A, B, and C) connected to the main terminal via an automated train system and a pedestrian bridge.
And although Denver International Airport (DEN) is approximately 23 miles from the city center, travelers can easily leave the airport and go back to it, through transport means such as train, bus, car, and taxi.
The A Line railway service connects DEN to downtown Denver in about 37 minutes and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Bustang services operate almost 24 hours.
Denver Airport permits rideshare services like Uber and Lyft for pickups and drop-offs.
And, if the above options don’t suit your needs, then you can opt to rent a car.
How to Store Your Luggage With the Help of Stasher
Dragging your luggage around while immersing yourself in unique adventures in the destination of your dreams, is not a piece of cake.
That’s where Stasher is stepping in!
At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to store their luggage for a few hours or days safely.
So, let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags with the help of Stasher, taking as an example the majestic New York City.
After selecting New York, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.
Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.
Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.
Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are ready to go!
Quite simple, right?
Stasher is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!
Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.
Based on the above facts, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!
