Denver's Best Parks (For Exercise, Relaxation, & More)

Denver parks are some of the best in the nation. They provide recreation, culture, community events, wellness, and real estate value. If you’re new to Denver or grew up on the outskirts, you may not be familiar with Denver’s best parks and their distinct personalities. 

As a Denver native, I’ve spent years discovering and enjoying Denver’s parks and these are my favorites for exercise, families, and more. 

Best Denver Park For Exercise: Washington Park

You can enjoy just about any activity in Washington Park (Wash Park as the locals say). In fact, this park has dedicated spaces for just about every outdoorsy activity you can think of. 

  • Dirt Walking/Running Trail: The perimeter of Washington Park is outlined with a 2.5-mile gravel trail that is always filled with walkers, runners, and accompanying dogs. 

  • Paved Trail: The paved trail around the park is suitable for cyclists, rollerbladers, and summer cross country skiing. 

  • Tennis Courts: At the south end of the park, off Louisiana, are tennis courts, available to the public free of charge. 

  • Basketball Courts: Denver Parks & Rec just built additional basketball courts (now totaling three) on the west side of the park near Tennessee. 

  • Water Sports: You can rent SUPs, paddle boats and more at the north lake’s “Wheels of Fun.” 

  • Wash Park Rec Center: If you’re more of an indoor exerciser, the Wash Park Rec Center has a full gym and indoor lap pool. 

Beyond these amenities, I frequently see groups and individuals playing volleyball or soccer, utilizing the free pullup bars, and playing with their kids on the brand new playground. 

Washington Park is truly a fit person’s paradise. 

Best Denver Park to See the Stars: Observatory Park

While you have to go far outside of Denver to see a dark sky, there is one park in Denver that is equipped with a high-powered telescope.  Observatory Park near Denver University is home to Chamberlin’s Observatory. This historic observatory and telescope are open to the public Tuesday and Thursday nights. These community events make a great family outing or date night!  

Best Denver Park for Families: Mamie D Eisenhower Park 

This family-friendly park is just south of Denver off Colorado Boulevard and Dartmouth. I love it because it’s a great in-between size. Plenty big enough for all your family activities, but easy to keep an eye on your kids as they roam and play. 

The park itself has a playground, picnic tables, baseball/softball fields, and two sizes of soccer fields. Within the park is Eisenhower Recreation Center which has an outdoor pool and splash pad. To top it off, the High Line Canal Trail runs through this park, so you can easily whip out a 3 (or 10) mile run while your older kids are at sports practice. 

Best Denver Park to Escape the Crowds: Crestmoor Park

Crestmoor Park is near Lowry, just far enough away from downtown Denver that the masses rarely show up. In other words, if you’re craving a manicured green space to read a book or practice yoga, head to Crestmoor Park. Stop into Hilltop’s Novo Coffee & Kitchen beforehand for a coffee and pastry. 

Explore these parks this weekend and send us your favorites. If you’re ready to make the move closer to one of these parks, contact Frontgate. We can help you buy or sell your Denver home. 


Kelsey Anderson