Too Hot to Hike? 21 Cool Things to Do Indoors in Denver Right Now

Because sometimes, the best way to love Colorado is from inside an air-conditioned building.

Let’s face it: Colorado summers are no joke, and this year, we are getting an early start on the SUPER HIGH temps. You’ve braved the snow, navigated the spring pollen, and now the sun is cooking everything in sight—including you. Whether you're a lifelong local or just landed at DIA for a summer trip, chances are you’re Googling “things to do in Denver when it’s too hot to function.”

Don't worry- I got you.

This is your go-to list of fun, unique, and (most importantly) indoor things to do around Denver that’ll keep you entertained and out of the sun with AIR CONDITIONING. Museums, immersive art, icy cocktails, pinball machines—whatever your version of “cool” is, you’ll find it here.

1. Meow Wolf Denver – Convergence Station

This isn’t a museum. It’s a fever dream in the best way. If you haven't been to one of Meow Wolf's other locations, or even if you have, you are in for a real treat! Think neon lights, secret passageways, and inter-dimensional storylines you don’t have to understand to enjoy. It’s air-conditioned, wildly creative, and unlike anything else you’ll do this summer. Be sure to plan ahead, because tickets go fast!

2. Denver Art Museum

If you haven’t been to the DAM since school field trips, go back. It has changed a lot!  Now. It’s bigger, better, and beautifully curated with art ranging from Indigenous pieces to international blockbusters. Plus, it's cold, quiet, and full of visual magic. The gift shop is one of the best places in the city to get a unique gift for yourself or someone else!

3. Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

A smaller, edgier spot that always has something unexpected. It’s like Denver’s cool art kid—smart, slightly mysterious, and loves a rooftop drink. Another plus is that it is within walking distance to a lot of cool Denver spots. Park once, and spend the day!

4. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Dinos, mummies, gems, and the best planetarium in town. It’s perfect for kids, adults, and anyone who just wants to feel like they’re learning something while hiding from the heat. With something for everyone, you can spend the whole day here. It is a place you can visit time and time again!

5. Wings Over the Rockies

Massive airplanes in a converted Air Force hangar? Yes. Actual cockpits you can sit in? Also yes. Aviation nerds and kids alike will be obsessed. This place is SUPER cool, and at night, they sometimes have cool concerts. You can find more about those on the FEVER app. 

6. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Dinner + movie = yes. Confy seats, strong AC, and a no-talking policy that feels like a personal gift. Bonus: themed drinks and rotating cult classics. the only difficult thing about it is trying to eat a salad in the dark! Go for something a little easier to snack on. Their parmesan truffle popcorn is DELISH!

7. Landmark Mayan Theatre

You go here for the ambiance as much as the indie flicks. A true Art Deco gem with tall ceilings, moody lighting, and that “cool old theater” vibe you didn’t know you were missing. Looking for something you can't find elsewhere? This is your place!

8. Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Live theater, musicals, comedy shows—if it’s dramatic and happening indoors, it’s probably here. Check their calendar for big touring shows and smaller local gems. They have a plethora of theaters to accommodate every kind of entertainment you can imagine.

9. Comedy Works Downtown

In the heart of Larimer Square, this iconic underground club brings in national talent and local legends.  On any given night, you can find local talent doing stan-up or bigger acts from SNL and other hit comedic shows! It’s dark, cool, and the laughs come fast. (Pro tip: bring a light sweater. It’s chilly in the best way.)

10. Punch Bowl Social

Think bowling alley meets hipster arcade meets solid bar food. There’s ping-pong, karaoke, giant Jenga, and enough distractions to make you forget it's 101° outside. You can't beat their chicken and waffles on a stick- trust me.

11. The 1UP Arcade Bar

Pinball wizards and Pac-Man junkies, rejoice. With a huge lineup of retro arcade games and a killer beer list, this spot makes nostalgia cool (and cool in temp, too). Is there a pinball machine you haven't thought of since childhood? Its here. Ninja turtle arcade machine? Yep. Four player pac-man? For sure. Galactica? You better believe it. Really. Check it out. 

12. The Beer Spa

Yes, Denver has a spa where you literally soak in a tub filled with hops and barley. It’s bougie, fun, and you can pour your own drinks while you unwind. Truly next-level chilling. Not only is beer a tasty treat, but it is supposedly REALLY good for hair!

13. Coors Field Stadium Tour

Even if you’re not catching a Rockies game, you can still tour the stadium. Go behind the scenes, stand in the dugout, and explore indoor lounges you’d never see during a game. Despite the Rockies having a rocky year (yes, I did that on purpose), our stadium is still pretty amazing!

14. Molly Brown House Museum

Step into the story of “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,” a Titanic survivor and Denver icon. The home is beautifully preserved, full of charm, and a nice breather from the modern chaos. The history of this home and its namesake are all worth a morning or afternoon escape from the heat.

15. Colorado State Capitol

Want to stand exactly one mile above sea level? Snap the photo on the 13th step, then head inside where it’s cool, quiet, and full of Colorado history. 

16. Little Man Ice Cream Factory

Skip the line at the milk can and go straight to the source. You don't even have to stand in the heat for this experience. Their production facility in Sloan’s Lake offers tours, samples, and AC that feels like heaven after walking across a hot parking lot.

17. Forney Museum of Transportation

Where else can you see vintage trains, motorcycles, and a steam engine under one roof? It’s delightfully weird and surprisingly fun—like a time machine on wheels.

18. Denver Selfie Museum

It’s unapologetically extra—and that’s the point. If you’re looking for a place to beat the heat and blow up your Instagram feed, this is it. Be honest, you are going to take selfies everywhere else, so why not be a little more purposeful about it?!

19. The Source + Zeppelin Station

Two of Denver’s coolest food halls, both with killer food and drinks, eclectic shops, and chill indoor seating. Grab a bánh mì or a lavender latte and people-watch in comfort. 

20. Union Station (Inside, Not the Patio)

Sure, Union Station is a transit hub—but it’s also a gorgeous indoor hangout. Grab a pastry at Mercantile or a mocktail at Terminal Bar and enjoy the vibes without breaking a sweat. Sitting in the lobby here is a people watcher's dream! If that's not your thing, you can also grab a book at Tattered Cover and do a little shopping at the other shops inside. 

21. Denver’s Bookstore Scene

You don’t need a library card to fall in love with Tattered Cover or Second Star to the Right. Cozy, quiet, and fully air-conditioned—they’re the kind of places you accidentally spend hours in. Grab a beverage and meander through the selection and lose yourself for a few hours!

Closing Thoughts:

When Denver cranks up the heat, you don’t have to hide at home—or brave a sunburn at Wash Park. These indoor escapes prove that even when it’s blazing out, you can still explore, unwind, and make the most of this awesome city.

Stay cool out there. And if you’re new to Denver and thinking about calling it home, let’s talk—I’ve got local tips andaccess to great homes with central air. 😉