14 Fun Family Things to do in Denver in September
September in Denver is a beautiful time of year. The weather has calmed down a bit from the intense sun, but it hasn’t gotten into snowy season yet. Finding things to do in Denver in September is a fun, exciting venture.
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We’ve lived in the Denver area over 20+ years. There is always something to do in the city, no matter what time of year it is. We have loved all the great kid’s attractions over the years, but we also love when specific, annual events come around.
From indoor activities to beautiful outdoor days and the fall foliage that makes its way through, there are plenty of fun family activities to enjoy all month. So take a peek at the list below to find your perfect plan for Denver September activities to make the start to your fall season perfect.
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Best Family Activities in Denver in September
1. Catch a Rockies Game
Take the family out to a ball game and enjoy the Colorado Rockies baseball team. Toward the end of the season in September, it may still be warm, but it won’t roast you like a chestnut like in July.
Grab a hot dog and some fun souvenirs and sit and enjoy America’s past time until the kids are tired.
No matter where you are staying in Denver, it’s fairly easy to access a Rockies game, even if you’re visiting without a car.
2. Eat Fresh at the Farmers Market
There are a couple notable Farmer’s Markets in Denver that run through September. The first is located in Highlands Square, which runs every Sunday morning (9-1). Here you’ll find local, Colorado-grown produce, tempting pastries, and fresh breads for purchase.
Highlands also offers ready-made meals for purchase so you can enjoy the Farmer’s Market atmosphere and music while settling your stomach.
The other Farmer’s Market in Denver to note is the one in City Park.
City Park Farmers Market runs on Saturdays (8-1) and is open through September and into October. Enjoy live music, yoga, running, plus all the goods and fresh offerings of the Farmer’s Market.
You may wonder if this is really a great family activity in Denver during September. But my kids love farmer’s markets. We often are able to find samples, which keeps the kids super happy.
If you don’t mind a little drive, you can check out the Farmer’s Market in Golden on Saturdays. My kids loved this one getting to eat cookies, chips and salsa, and more yummy samples (that we ultimately purchased!)
3. LuBird’s Light Playground (and Stanley Marketplace)
September is a great time of year to find a park. But with so many parks around Denver, what’s so special about LuBird’s?
LuBird’s Light Playground is an accessible playground at Stanley Marketplace in Denver. That means little friends who typically can’t physically enjoy a standard playground now have a place that is all for them!
With accessible swings, slides, and even an accessible merry-go-round, this inclusive playground is for all families to enjoy!
Its convenient location means that you can also head to Stanley Marketplace when you’re done playing and grab some lunch or do some shopping. Stanley also often has special events going on.
4. PowWow at Denver Art Museum
Celebrate Native American Art and Culture at the Denver Art Museum in September.
Each year, one day in September is dedicated to this celebration of Native American culture. The public is invited to enjoy music and dance performances, as well as the opportunity to try some art yourself!
Then try out some Native flavors for lunch before shopping your way through jewelry, arts and crafts, clothes, and more.
This is one event that is great to bring kids to. Not only is it fun and entertaining, but it creates an educational space for them to learn about other people and cultures. We love getting a feel for other ways of living and felt a lot of this when we visited Albuquerque.
Luckily, you can learn all about the Native Art and Culture right in Denver!
5. Denver Firefighter’s Museum
Fire safety is always important. Now it can be fun, too.
The Denver Firefighter’s Museum is a great place for the whole family to enjoy on a September day in Denver.
Weekends offer a few rotating options for families. Fun at the Firehouse is a special craft and activity night for kids. Squirts Fire Safety is a fun way to teach kids about fire safety.
But even if you visit when there is no special activity going on, kids will still love walking around the different exhibits while learning about the history of firefighting in Denver.
6. Sunnyside Music Festival
The Sunnyside Music Festival takes place in Chaffe Park and welcomes everyone to this family-friendly day of music.
Grab lunch at one of the many food vendors, then walk around while you enjoy the music. You’ll find shops full of jewelry, clothing, and other artisan products.
As for the kids, they’ll find their own kids zone filled with activities.
While the music festival is free to attend, anything you purchase will help support local bands, businesses, and youth organizations. It’s a win-win for everyone.
7. Highlands Oktoberfest
For some of the more fun and unique events in Denver in September you’ll find Oktoberfest in the Highlands area on 32nd Avenue.
While adults can enjoy the traditions of Oktoberfest, kids can find their own fun as well.
This family-friendly event offers face-painting, balloon animals, inflatables, games, costume contest, and other activities to keep them entertained.
And of course, there will be live music throughout the festival.
8. Broncos Game
Got a football fan at home? My son loves watching football, so it makes a great activity in September in Denver for the whole family.
Catch the beginning of the football season with the Denver Broncos. While home games may vary each year, it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy some fall football.
Snag some tickets at Empower Field at Mile High to see the action in person. The Broncos have been part of the NFL since 1960, giving them over 60 seasons of play.
9. Children’s Museum
Anytime of year is great for the Children’s Museum in Denver.
A popular spot, the Children’s Museum is filled with exploration and imagination. September is still a great time of year to take advantage of outdoor playtime at Joy Park at the museum.
The museum offers imaginative opportunities to children. Here, they can be a vet, a firefighter, a scientist, an artist, and many other playful things. The kids will love hands-on experiences that encourage growth and play.
September is a great time to visit as the weather for Joy Park is decent and the crowds have lessened from the summer rush of visitors.
Things to do in Denver in September- a short drive away
10. Fall Colors at Lair O’ The Bear (Morrison)
To find some incredible fall colors in Colorado without having to drive too far from Denver, head to Morrison where you’ll find Lair O’ The Bear (don’t worry, we didn’t spot any bears here).
Lair O’ The Bear is a great place to take the whole family. You’ll find Bear Creek Trail is short and easy, and even leads to a castle in view!
But my favorite part of Lair O’ The Bear is the thick, rich gold colors you’ll find right as you step into the parking lot.
If you take a family vacation to Denver in late September, you’ll arrive in perfect timing for all of Colorado’s colors.
Bonus: Since Lair O’ The Bear is run by Jefferson County open space, it is Free to visit this Denver area attraction!
11. Estes Park Elk Fest (Estes Park)
While the town of Estes Park is fun year round, the Estes Park Elk Fest is surely a unique experience and only happens in September.
Head to Bond Park where the family can enjoy a free experience of celebration in Estes Park. Enjoy vendors, food, music, and of course a bugling contest.
The festival provides educational opportunities to learn about local Elk, who make a very common appearance around town.
Native American celebrations take place as well, with dancing, storytelling, and music.
Families can also participate in the Rut Run 5k race on Saturday morning.
The festival takes place during elks’ mating season (rutting season), so you’ll have great odds of enjoying seeing elk around town.
While typically the last weekend in September, check here for yearly dates.
Pro Tip: While you’re in Estes Park, head over to Rocky Mountain National Park where the colors are amazing at the end of September! You’ll have great chances of seeing more elk and maybe even moose in the park.
12. Fall Fest on Pearl Street (Boulder)
There’s always something to do in Boulder, and Pearl Street is a hot spot for entertainment.
For an entire weekend in mid September, you can head to Pearl Street for fall festivities. As with any festival, the family can enjoy live music.
Walk among the Firefly Handmade market for local goods and products. When the kids get tired of walking, head over to the courthouse lawn. Here you’ll find a few giant inflatables and obstacle course they can wear themselves out on.
13. Day Trip Tour to Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
While there is so much to do in Colorado Springs, one of the main highlights is walking through Garden of the Gods. This is the perfect activity for any age.
To make it easy, take a tour from Denver down to Garden of the Gods for the day. You’ll get to walk among some incredible red formations in decent weather in September.
Garden of the Gods is a huge, free area you can roam around to appreciate what has been noted as “a fit place for the gods to assemble.” The central garden is a great place for kids and strollers as it is a flat, paved path.
👉🏼 Book Your Tour of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak from Denver
14. Art Walk in Golden
Golden is a nearby town (about 30 minutes drive) to Denver that specializes in mountain views and culture. You can stop by anytime to take a self-guided art walk of over 20 works around town.
Simply stop by the visitors center on Washington Avenue and pick up your Art Walking Tour Brochure. Then take your time as you visit each piece.
Golden was Colorado’s first territorial capital, so you’ll get plenty of Colorado history along your walk. Enjoy murals of Colorado’s history as well as statues of people like Buffalo Bill and art pieces of butterflies.
My kids loved visiting Golden and taking and finding art pieces that were part of the Itty Bitty Art Walk. This means you can look for art and the kids can look for their own special art all on the same walk.
Visiting Denver in September
While it may seem like it’s not lively enough like summer, or not snowy enough to ski, heading to Denver in September is actually a great idea. You’ll get decent weather and still have plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
I love that there are so many unique things to do. Yes, you could just go to the Children’s Museum, but finding the cultural events and festivals that benefit the community are events you’ll only find in September in Denver.
Plus, September is the only time you can visit to experience the changing colors in Colorado.
If you’re debating if September is a good time to visit Denver, hopefully now you’ve seen that there are many great ways to spend some time during the month.
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