While “winter” will linger in the mountains until at least May, here in Denver it’s time to turn our thoughts to spring (despite some inevitable snow showers). We are now officially almost a month into longer periods of daylight and warmer temperatures. This provides the perfect mix for enjoying the attractions and entertainment Denver has to offer.

Hurray!

Spring in Denver shows many landscapes. It can be like an enigmatic canvas, enticing us with glorious, warm days and hours later, unleashing snow and cold temperatures. We learn to cherish the blue skies and warm temps; yet, plan for days that cast snow and hail our way. Regardless of your plans and activities, always prepare and bring along extra clothes, jackets and warm outdoor gear. Morning weather doesn’t always dictate what might come in the afternoon.

While spring means getting outside more, there are also plenty of indoor activities which you can relish in the Denver area.

Check out Usaj Realty’s 10 Best Things to do in Denver in Spring. We guarantee you’ll be glad you did!

Hit the Slopes for Some Spring Skiing

For many skiers, skiing in late March and April is the best time to get started! Many ski areas will be closing after Easter (April 17) but several have extended their seasons including Vail, Winter Park, Loveland and Breckenridge (all with May closings). Arapahoe Basin will operate until mid-June. Copper Mountain and Aspen Mountain will close April 24.

With fewer skiers venturing into the high country in April and May, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of spring conditions and fewer crowds. Frequently, the conditions tend to be crusty and/or icy in the morning but by afternoon, temperatures warm up and there is nothing better. Combine great skiing with an adult beverage on the deck or tailgating in the parking lot, and you’ve got a perfect spring afternoon.

Be sure to check out spring ski specials and events at Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge and Loveland Ski Area. There’s plenty of live music, ski racing and fundraisers to keep things lively on the slopes.

Watch the Rockies Play

You really know spring is here when baseball season beings. Be sure to check out the Rockies schedule and circle some dates that fit your calendar. Whether you prefer an afternoon game or enjoy the spring evenings at Coors Field, there is no better venue in all of baseball. Take in the game from the Rockpile or enjoy an upgraded experience with a club level seat. It’s all good and it’s all fun.

Denver Free Days

Let’s face it, everyone loves free stuff. There are a number of free days at some of the outstanding museums and attractions in Denver. Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of seeing the latest exhibits so check out the following venues for their gratis days this spring.

• Children’s Museum — Joy Park Free Nights: 5/20, 6/17, 7/15, 8/19 and 9/16, 4-8 p.m.
• Clyfford Still Museum — 4/24, 5/18. 6/10/ 7/24/ 8/5, 9/10, 10/19, 11/5, 12/7
• Denver Art Museum — 4/24, 5/10, 6/5, 6/14, 7/12, 7/31, 8/9, 9/10, 9/13, 10/11, 11/5, 11/8, 12/13
• Denver Botanic Gardens — 4/21, 6/7, 7/6, 8/16, 11/25
• Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms — 4/21, 6/7, 7/6, 8/16, 11/25
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science — 5/1, 5/23, 6/29 (5-9 p.m.), 8/17 (5-9 p.m.), 9/7 (5-9 p.m.), 9/19, 10/9, 12/5
• Four Mile Historic Park — S
• Plains Conservation Center — Mar. 21, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Nov. 21, Dec. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• U.S. National Parks — Apr. 20, Aug. 25, Sept. 28, Nov. 11.

Visit a Colorado State Park

This is a great time to check out the amazing state parks, nine of which are within 45 minutes of Denver. Prior to Memorial Day weekend, there are generally fewer people and many activities you can enjoy without the crowds. From cycling to horseback riding to hiking, there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy the  42 Colorado State Parks.  At both Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks, you can enjoy a complete slate of water activities once the weather gets warmer: boating, fishing, sailing, swimming and stand-up paddling.

Grab a Bite at One of Denver’s Many Modern Food Halls

Eating, drinking, a little retail therapy, meeting friends, exploring new cuisine … it all sounds good, right? There are no better locations to do all of the above than the Denver Milk Market (located in the LoDo neighborhood) and the established Stanley Marketplace  (located in Central Park) to enjoy new cuisine and craft cocktails this spring. Support local Colorado businesses that serve up unique food offerings and wares that will make your day a little more exciting. Other fantastic food halls include the Central Market, the Source, and Zeppelin, all in RiNo and Avanti Food and Beverage in LoHi. Edgewater Public Market in the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood is worth a visit as well!

Hiking the Foothills

Given the amount of snow that has fallen in the high country, this spring will be a perfect opportunity to check out the lower elevation routes that are more accessible and (hopefully) free of snow. An inexpensive and valuable investment are some traction devices (crampons) for your hiking boots, just in case you do hit some ice and snow in the shaded areas.

• Chautauqua Trailhead — This is Boulder’s signature trail that rises towards the magnificent Flatirons and leads to a number of other trails including the Mesa and Royal Arch.
• Deer Creek Canyon Park — A wonderful escape from the city, Deer Creek is laden with steep terrain and gorgeous forests. This is a popular area for both hikers and mountain bike riders.
• Waterton Canyon — If you’re looking for an easy, open and accessible path, look no further than Waterton Canyon near Chatfield Reservoir. You’ll love the gradual incline and the opportunity to view bighorn sheep. Make sure you leave your dog home as canines are not allowed on the trail.
• Roxborough State Park — This beautiful park southwest of Denver has magnificent red spires emerging from its confines. Due to the sensitive environment, leave your dog at home.
• Castlewood State Park — Tucked away southeast of Denver, Castlewood is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts in the south metro area.

Take a Stroll through Denver Botanic Gardens

There really is no better time to visit the splendor of the Denver Botanic Gardens than in the spring. Blooming flowers, aromatic smells, flowering trees … it’s all here at the gardens. Spread out over 24 acres, you’ll find a full gamut of plants, from native Colorado species to tropical collections. There are also traveling art exhibits, and be sure to check out the special events including the spring plant sale, May 6-7.

And don’t forget the summer concerts at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Experience a Denver Festival

As if you didn’t need an excuse to get out and about, there are numerous spring festivals you don’t want to miss. These gatherings will help get you primed for all the upcoming summer events and parties.

• Cinco de Mayo (May 7-8) — Enjoy the celebration of Latino culture during one of Denver’s most renown festivals.
• Denver Art Festival (May 28-29) — Support Denver Arts and enjoy beer and wine garden, live music, kids’ art zone and more.
• Five Points Jazz Festival (June 4) — Celebrate the rich history of the Five Points neighborhood of Denver.

Attend a Performance at the DCPA

This spring, the Denver Center for Performing Arts has truly an impressive lineup. Check out a few of the offerings: Jersey Boys (4/15-4/17), Choir Boy (4/22-5/29), Quixote Nuevo (5/13-6/12), Cats (5/24-5/29), Dear Evan Hansen (5/31-6/5) and Moulin Rouge (6/9-6/26). Support theater and the arts in Denver, and attend a performance this spring. You’ll be glad you did.

Rock Climbing

Maybe you have a secret dream of climbing walls like Spider-Man but lack the web shooter. Or, perhaps you’re intimidated by starting out on a sheer rock face but have always wanted to try rock climbing. You can make your fantasy and aspirations come true with the variety of indoor climbing gyms in the Denver metro area. These facilities are as ubiquitous as yoga and cross fit studios. In every direction of the region, you’ll find a convenient site that’s bound to get you hooked. Whether you visit the classic REI Pinnacle Climbing Wall downtown or Earth Treks featuring 53,000 square feet of climbing nirvana, you’re bound to feel like a true Coloradan once you start scaling these walls. Some even offer child care and other fitness classes to help sculpt your body.

• Movement Climbing + Fitness (4 locations — 1155 W. 5th Ave., 3201 Walnut St., 1050 W. Hampden Ave, #100, 700 Golden Ridge Rd.)
• Denver Bouldering Club (3 locations — 2485 W. 2nd Ave., #20; 4131 S. Natches Ct., #E; 698 W. 84th Ave.)
• Mountain Strong (1805  E. 58th Ave., #M)
• Rock’n Jam’n (2 locations — 9499 N. Washington St., Thornton and 7390 S. Fraser St., Centennial)
• Übergrippen (8610 E. 21st Ave.)

And, if you want to try outdoor climbing, try the Denver Climbing Company to learn techniques and the best climbing locations along the Front Range.