Happy (early) Father’s Day, Bucket Listers!
The big day is quickly approaching on June 21, which means it’s time to celebrate the dads, stepdads, grandfathers and father figures who have spent years teaching us life lessons, embarrassing us in public and insisting they don’t need anything for Father’s Day.
Fortunately, Denver offers plenty of ways to spend quality time together that don’t involve scrambling for a last-minute gift. Whether your dad prefers a cold beer, a day on the golf course, a scenic hike or an afternoon spent learning something new, the Mile High City has no shortage of Father’s Day-worthy activities.
Here are five ways to celebrate Dad around Denver this weekend.
1.)
Explore Denver’s Brewery Scene
For dads who appreciate a well-crafted pint, Denver’s brewery scene offers no shortage of options.
Whether you’re in Denver proper or the surrounding suburbs, odds are there’s a great brewery just a short drive away. South of the city, Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton and Wild Blue Yonder Brewing in Castle Rock (my Dad’s favorite) are phenomenal. If you’re staying closer to downtown, Denver Beer Co. offers multiple locations and a wide variety of beers, while Our Mutual Friend Brewing in RiNo is a must-visit for IPA lovers. North of town, 4 Noses Brewing in Broomfield and Prost in Northglenn are some personal favorites of mine.
Colorado is home to some of the country’s most celebrated craft breweries, making Father’s Day the perfect excuse to build your own brewery crawl. Try something new, explore a different neighborhood and maybe even help Dad discover his next favorite beer.
2.)
Book a Tee Time
Father’s Day and golf go hand in hand, so why not take the initiative and book a tee time before Dad has to?
Golf is surprisingly accessible in Denver, so take advantage of it. Even if you’ve never played before, you can still go out, play a quick nine holes with Dad and still get him home in time to watch the US Open. Plus, Denver’s public courses like City Park, John F. Kennedy and Harvard Gulch are all gorgeous, well maintained and affordable, with a round usually costing in the range of $30-$40 per person.
Many local courses still have availability throughout Father’s Day weekend, but those spots won’t last long. If golf is Dad’s happy place, now’s the time to reserve your spot on the fairway. You can check what tee times are available online at cityofdenvergolf.com.
3.)
Cook Out, but Let Dad Relax
There’s a good chance Dad has spent more than a few summers stationed behind the grill. This Father’s Day, let him enjoy the barbecue instead of running it.
Fire up the grill, throw on some burgers, brats or steaks and handle the cooking yourself. Better yet, make it a family affair by assigning everyone a dish and turning the meal into a backyard potluck.
If cooking or grilling out isn’t your thing, no need to sweat. There are many phenomenal meat markets and delis around the city where you can grab pre-prepared meat and side dishes. Tony’s Meat Market, with locations in Castle Pines, Centennial and Littleton, is our family’s go-to. Their bratwursts and twice-baked potatoes are top-notch.
Remember, the goal isn’t to create a restaurant-quality feast. It’s to give Dad a chance to kick back, grab a cold drink and spend time with the people he loves without worrying about whether the burgers are done yet.
4.)
Hit the Trails and Explore Nature
If Dad feels most at home outdoors, trade the crowded breweries, restaurants and golf courses for a classic Colorado adventure.
From the iconic red rock formations at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre to the quiet beauty of Castlewood Canyon State Park, the Front Range is packed with trails that are perfect for hikers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging climb or a leisurely walk, spending time outside is one of the simplest ways to enjoy each other and the scenery.
And if hiking isn’t Dad’s thing, that’s okay too. Many of Colorado’s parks offer scenic overlooks, picnic areas and creeks to tube down that require little more than a short stroll from the parking lot. Bring a camera, pack a lunch and turn the outing into a full afternoon of exploring.
5.)
Head to a Museum and Learn Something Together
Not every Father’s Day celebration needs to revolve around sports, beer or backyard grilling. It’s also an excuse for Dad to tap into his nerdier side with the fam.
Denver’s museums offer something for just about every interest. If Dad’s a history or science buff, head to either the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in City Park or History Colorado Center near the Capitol. If art is more up his alley, the Denver Art Museum is one of the nation’s best galleries. If you’re looking for a more “out of the box” experience, consider checking out the Bigfoot Museum in Bailey. It’s a bit of a trek from the city, but certainly one of the most unique museums the state has to offer.
And who knows? You might walk away with a newfound appreciation for Colorado history, a favorite artist or even a belief that Bigfoot really is lurking somewhere in the Rockies. At the very least, you’ll leave with a few stories to tell—and that’s what Father’s Day is all about.
At the end of the day, Father’s Day isn’t really about finding the perfect gift. It’s about carving out time to spend with the people who have supported us, guided us and occasionally reminded us to check the oil in our cars.
Whether you’re sharing a pint at a local brewery, exploring a museum, hiking a scenic trail or firing up the grill, the best Father’s Day plans are the ones that create lasting memories. So pick an activity or two, gather the family and make the most of the weekend. Dad will probably appreciate the time together more than anything else.
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager & Senior Reporter/ Bucket List Community News
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