What to do in Denver while house and pet sitting

Beautiful 19th century buildings, a whole array of interesting museums, and a stunning mountain backdrop are just a few of the many cool things that await you during your next house or pet sit in Denver, Colorado. Oh, and did we mention you can also go skiing while you’re there?

So, no matter whether you’re still trying to figure out whether the exciting metropolis is really the right sitting destination for you, or you are already set on going and just wanna find out more about what to do in Denver once you’re there, the following article should make things crystal clear for you!

Denver attractions

First things first: What is there to do in Denver, Colorado, as regards traditional sights? And what are sightseeing trips and other things to do around Denver that are most definitely worth the trip beyond the city borders? We’ve put together a short list of the best sights Colorado’s capital has to offer:

1. Denver Art Museum (DAM): Are you fascinated by Americas ‘Old West’ and the wonderful art of the continent’s indigenous population? Then this is the place for you! The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the Western US and is especially known for its unique collection of Indigenous and Western American historic and contemporary art, displayed alongside over 70,000 international exhibits from all around the world. If you love to dive into different cultures, you will love this interactive exhibition and its stunning pieces!
2. Denver Botanic Gardens: If you’re less of a museum and more of an outdoor kinda person, you should plan a trip to Denver’s Botanic Gardens. Seven themed gardens, including a Japanese garden and a Xeriscape or dryland garden, a sunken amphitheatre (where you can even watch concerts in summer), and a tropical conservatory make this 23-acre park the perfect place for relaxing trips into nature that don’t even require you to leave the city centre.
3. Denver Museum of Nature and Science & City Park: We’ve had a museum, we’ve had a scenic green oasis within the city limits – what if you could have both with just one trip? The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, featuring more than one million exhibits on 716,000 square-feet, is not only amazing in itself, it is also located right in picturesque City Park, which boasts lush green meadows and quiet lakes – and, by the way, also makes for the perfect walking area for your four-legged protégé!
4. Molly Brown House Museum: If you’ve ever watched the Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet blockbuster “Titanic”, we don’t have to tell you who Molly Brown was, but just in case you haven’t: Molly Brown was one of the few survivors of the ship’s terrible accident that cost more than 1,500 people their lives. Molly Brown, born Margaret Brown, became known as ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ in the wake of the tragedy, thanks to her heroic deeds that helped countless other survivors back on their feet. What many people don’t know, however, is that Molly Brown lived in a beautiful Victorian villa right in Denver, which nowadays serves as a museum in honor of her life and achievements.
5. Denver Mint: Have you ever wondered where the coins in your purse first saw the light of day? There’s a good chance it was right here, in the Denver Mint. The Denver Mint is a branch of the United States Mint, has been in commission since February 1906, and is the world’s largest producer of coins. If you’d like to visit it to learn how to make money like you’ve (hopefully) never done before, there are guided tours you can participate in – as well as a gift shop where you can spend money on different money.

Free things to do in Denver

All that talk about making money and even buying money is nice and all, but it doesn’t make us any richer. So, if your sitting trip budget is rather small and you’re wondering “What to do in Denver, Colorado, that doesn’t cost much – or anything?”, here’s your answer:

1. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge & lakes: Not directly in Denver but still in the greater Denver area is the wonderful Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, which is not only home to more than 330 wildlife species, including bison, coyotes, pelicans, and prairie dogs, but also completely free of admission. Located in the refuge’s south-east are several scenic lakes you can visit. There are floating boardwalks at Lake Ladora and Lake Mary, fishing spots at Lake Mary and observation piers at Lake Mary and Lower Derby Lake.
2. Larimer Square: In our intro we promised you beautiful 19th century buildings, and this is where you’ll find them! Larimer Square is Denver’s historic town centre, and the best answer to “What to do in downtown Denver?” for anyone who loves architecture, urban photography, shopping sprees, and good food. If the question you’re really asking is “What to do in Denver at night?”, though, Larimer Square and the surrounding area is also for you, as you’ll find some of the best bars and restaurants in downtown Denver here.
3. Denver Central Market: Speaking of good food and shopping – if you’re in the mood for some home-cooked meals during your house or pet sit in Colorado’s capital, and “What to do in Denver today?” turns into “What to eat in Denver today?”, we’ve got some great inspiration for that, too – or at least the place where you can find it. The Denver Central Market of course doesn’t offer free meals or ingredients, but it is free to enter and fascinating to behold. And trust us – it’s appealing vistas are nothing in comparison to the yummy tasties you can buy here, including delicacies from all around the world. As an added bonus, you can also find art tables with some amazing pieces by local painters here.

Fun things to do in Denver

After all the historic, cultural, and free stuff – what’s left for us to share are some simply fun activities to do in Denver. And, of course, we’ve got you covered on those, too:

1. Coors Brewery: Coors Brewery, a few miles west of central Denver, is the perfect place to down a couple of cold ones on a hot summer’s day in Colorado. The Brewery offers delicious tours that include interesting facts about the production of their liquid gold, as well as quite a few opportunities to taste test. 
2. Pirates Cove Water Park: The Wild West was better known for its cowboys than its pirates, but who doesn’t love a pirate-themed water park, no matter where? The fun water-based amusement park can be found just a few miles south of downtown Denver and is highly recommended for old(er) and young alike.
3. Denver Firefighters Museum: Ever wanted to slide down a firefighter pole like they do in the movies? The Denver Firefighters Museum is your chance to do just that! Besides the – very fun – pole sliding, there are also lots of other amazing things to see here, not least of them the gorgeous historic fire trucks and firefighter uniforms.
4. Skiing in the Rocky Mountains: To actually go skiing while you’re in Denver, you might need to extend your stay beyond your actual house or pet sitting days, but if you love dashing down the slope in unique areas, you should probably grasp the opportunity and try out some of the coolest skiing tracks in the Rockies before or after taking care of your owner’s house or precious fur baby!

Best restaurants in Denver: food and drink

Last but not least, you’ll also want to know where some of the best restaurants in Denver, Colorado, are – and we’ve found them for you. Take a gander:

1. La dolce vita in Colorado: If you love Mediterranean food and are looking for the best Italian restaurants in Denver, look no further: For one, there is Tavernetta, in central Denver, a cosy, upscale eatery that serves handmade pasta, original Italian wines and a general feeling for dolce vita. And then there’s the Odyssey, regarded as – quote – “Denver’s most authentic Italian restaurant” and serving delicious, affordable Italian classics, from ravioli to fried calamari.
2. Larimer Square: We’ve mentioned it before, but one of the best areas in Denver to get yummy food in general is at and around Larimer Square. Here you can find all kinds of restaurants – from fancy to very affordable, serving classic US staples to every international cuisine you might crave, including some of the best Mexican restaurants in Denver.

Did we manage to let Denver and its sights charm you? If so and you’re still looking for a great house or pet sitting opportunity there, best head over to our latest house and pet sits right away and have a look around! We’re sure you’ll find the perfect house sit or four-legged friend to explore this amazing Colorado metropolis with in no time!

Best dog parks in Denver, CO

Be sure to check out all the coolest canine hangout spots during your trip to Denver, CO with this list of the best dog parks in Denver.