Face it folks, everything — restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters, casinos — is now closed for at least 30 days or about April 15, with no guarantee that closures won’t be extended. So the world situation has cancelled your weekend, not to mention, this week or even next month’s plans. Just because you’re avoiding crowds doesn’t mean you have to socially “isolate”, go stir crazy or resort to Netflix or Disney+ binges everyday (though Baby Yoda and The Mandalorian do give us hope). Staying active can even help you keep the coronavirus at bay, not to mention keep you from going bonkers when the walls start to close in.
While we have a lengthy list of events and venues that are closed, if you are healthy and feeling fine, there are a few ways that to get out and about, support local businesses, and even be a little social while the area takes a step back. Obviously those who are elderly, at risk or with underlying medical conditions should continue to lay low and minimize contact.
Here’s what’s open (always subject to change). Let us know what you find as well. Email info@milehighonthecheap.com.
Denver Botanic Gardens is keeping both its York Street and Chatfield Farms locations open. Indoor spaces are closed at York Street. Get details here.
Denver Zoo will remain open with some restrictions on crowd size in place. Indoor exhibits and some restaurants will be closed. They are discounting admission during this time. Get details here.
Douglas County Libraries remain open for now, but most events are cancelled.
Gates Tennis Center, the state’s largest public tennis facility, is staying open for now. They are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and courts are available for public usage. Reservations suggested. Check their site for the latest details.
Gardening. Everyone else is at hardware stores for the face masks, but we’re shopping for the terra cotta pots and seeds. Get a jump on spring. If you put in a little work (and the weather holds), you can harvest some vegetables and enjoy flowers (tulips will be coming up soon) by the time the coronavirus pandemic passes.
Gyms. City rec centers may be closed, but health clubs such as 24 Hour Fitness, Chuze Fitness, Planet Fitness and others remain open. Did you abandon that New Year’s resolution to get moving? Now’s your excuse for a do-over. Look into day passes or even free trial days. Just be sure you sanitize your equipment before and after your workout.
Hiking & Biking Trails. The Denver Metro Area has a wonderful system of long, inter-connected, multi-use trails that provide endless miles of walking, biking in and enjoying nature in the open air. Go Hike Colorado has all the details on every place from the High Line Canal Trail to the Sand Creek Greenway.
Outdoor Playgrounds. We have a list of the 10 “best” ones in the metro area, along with a link to a site that offers a book and an app with 700+ public playgrounds around Denver. To avoid potential exposure to germs, you may want to stay away from the super-crowded ones, wipe down things like jungle gyms or other plastic surfaces (or encourage the kids to just run around) and make sure your little ones wash their hands thoroughly once they get done playing.
Restaurants are putting extra cleaning protocols in place to ensure guests and workers can feel safe. However, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has ordered Denver restaurants and bars to close their seating areas for the next eight weeks — through May 11. Takeout and delivery services will still be available. Check out our list of daily food & drink specials and/or restaurants where kids eat FREE.
Friendly Reminder: Double-Check Beforehand
Mile High On The Cheap thoroughly vets every item published and strives for 100% accuracy. However, details may change without notice or errors may occur.
As always, prices, hours and participating locations may vary.
Some events and activities may be canceled or postponed with little to no notice.
Please verify all deals and events with the business or venue, before ordering or making plans.
MK says
Right now, advertising to the general public protective masks or hand sanitizer for ridiculously high prices is not only morally and ethically wrong, and these businesses should not get advertisement time no matter how much they’re paying Google right now. Google should be more morally competent and avoid these types of advertisements. They are trying to take advantage of ignorant and or desperate people that would pay sometimes anything in order to get something they think they need when in fact masks should be saved right now for actually sick people and healthcare workers. Additionally, sanitizer is helpful, but washing your hands is the best practice.
Kris says
Thank you so much for this! You guys really are the BEST!!
Kisha says
This list is life right now. Thank you!
Mary J says
Always loved your site and appreciate all your information even more now. Thank you so much for caring. Stay safe and know that this, too, will pass.