Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and, finally, spring is in the air. There’s no better time to check the Denver Botanic Gardens off your local bucket list. As one of the best things to do in Denver, this iconic attraction is far from a secret. But you may not realize the full extent of the activities and programming available at its downtown (York Street) location.
In addition to enjoying trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world, you can shop for plants and even eat some grown on-site. Guests can also admire brilliant art displays, see performances from famed musicians and get into the weeds—literally and figuratively—with educational workshops. Before your next visit, take note of these eight things you didn’t know you could do at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
View Rotating Art Exhibitions
Prior visitors have likely seen Dale Chihuly’s spiky, yucca-like glass sculpture and other art installations among the greenery. But many overlook the artworks displayed inside the Freyer-Newman Center. Stop by its galleries to view rotating exhibits such as Seeds of Inspiration, a collection dedicated to botanical art on seed packets, and Anna Kaye: Finding Light, which features thought-provoking charcoal drawings. And, starting September 27, the Denver Botanic Gardens will host one of this year’s most anticipated exhibitions: Nourished: Works by Jazz Holmes, which celebrates the American South’s rich food culture through large-scale paintings. Access to the Freyer-Newman Center galleries is included with general admission.
Attend Its Impressive Summer Concert Series
The Denver Botanic Gardens has hosted its summer concert series for decades—and this year’s line-up is as impressive as ever. Shows begin on June 25, with notable acts including Latin Grammy award-winner Monsieur Periné on July 23, indie icon Fitz and The Tantrums on July 29 and local bluegrass favorite Yonder Mountain String Band on August 12. Andy Grammer, known for hits like “Don’t Give Up On Me” and “Honey, I’m Good,” will end the series with an easy-listening set on August 13. Pack a picnic, wander the gardens between performances and bring the whole family to these lively events. Ticket prices vary, ranging between $71 and $105.
Center Yourself at a Guided Yoga Class
While the Denver Botanic Gardens offers guided yoga year-round, there’s nothing like practicing outdoors in nature. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the warm sunshine and enter a peaceful flow in one of the city’s most serene environments. Sessions are hosted outdoors from late spring through early fall, with hour-long classes taking place at 7:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays. All ability levels are welcome with advanced registration, priced at $14 per person.
Buy Native Flora at Seasonal Plant Sales
From fickle weather to dry conditions, Colorado gardeners face numerous challenges. But working with nature, rather than against it, and knowing which varieties to plant in our arid, high-desert environment can make all the difference. Skip the annual trip to the big-box home improvement store and, instead, connect with horticulture experts at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
On May 9 -10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the gardens will host a spring plant sale featuring florals, edibles and native species, all curated to thrive in the local climate. Come fall, the gardens will hold another plant sale on September 26-27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Prep your garden for success with flowering bulbs, garlic varieties, curated seed mixes and more. Both sales are free to attend, but reservations are required.
READ MORE: 5 of Boulder County’s Best Plant and Garden Shops
Complete a Gardening Certificate Program
Interested in gardening but not sure where to start? Alongside individual classes, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers comprehensive, hobby-based certificate programs. These include the Rocky Mountain Gardening certificate which, depending on your interest level, involves six or 12 courses. Delve into topics like Colorado ecosystems and soils, water-smart gardening, plant identification and more. Another course is dedicated to small-scale farming, while a separate program explores herbalism and plants’ ability to support a healthy, natural lifestyle.
Sample the Garden’s Produce at Hive Garden Bistro
Though you can bring a picnic lunch into the Denver Botanic Gardens, consider dining at Hive Garden Bistro. This on-site eatery serves a seasonal selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads and other tasty goods. Whenever possible, dishes are made with produce grown just steps away at the Le Potager garden. The name is French for “the kitchen garden,” and this ever-changing site features veggies like heirloom tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, herbs and more. Some menu items also incorporate produce from the Garden’s CSA at Chatfield Farms. Take a seat in the shade and admire views of the Monet Pool while noshing on the freshest local fare.
Learn and Play at the Mordecai Children’s Garden
Littles up to eight years old will love the Mordecai Children’s Garden, a three-acre rooftop space dedicated to Colorado’s native flora. The landscape displays six local ecosystems: alpine tundra, subalpine habitat, montane forest, pinon-juniper woodlands, foothills and the riparian zone. Explore each section via interactive features like swinging bridges, tunnels and a splash stream where kids can build “beaver dams” with moveable logs. Ranked as one of the most family-friendly attractions in Denver, the children’s garden is included with general admission.
Visit for Free
Mark your calendar! The Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street and Chatfield Farms locations will waive admission fees on several days this year including April 22 (Earth Day), June 10, July 3, August 27 and November 28. Additionally, you can visit the Plains Conservation Center at no cost during select hours on June 12, July 12, August 14, November 15 and December 11. Free day tickets become available on the first of every month on a three-month rolling basis. Be sure to register in advance, as space is limited.
