Colorado’s Best Team Building Activities: Denver Insider’s Guide
When it comes to amazing team building activities, Denver, Colorado, is the place to be! After 19 years as a facilitator here, I can honestly say that this city has a special way of bringing out the best in teams.
Maybe it’s the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains that inspires people to reach new heights in the Mile High City. Or perhaps it’s the growing tech and engineering industries that encourage people to strive for excellence.
Whatever it is, Denver has a unique vibe that seems to make every team building activity more impactful, memorable, and downright fun.
In this guide, I’ll share my insider knowledge on all things Denver—team building hotspots, seasonal considerations, local gems, and activities you don’t want to miss.
What Makes Denver Team Building Activities Stand Out?
I’m always excited when I get to facilitate team building activities in Denver. There’s just something about Colorful Colorado and the Mile High City that shapes every experience for the better.
Denver has an incredible active vibe that influences everything we do here. There’s a real sense of play and adventure woven into the city’s DNA, and that seems to energize the events we host here.
Here are some of my favorite things that make this city truly special for corporate events:
Denver’s Weather Keeps You Guessing
I always tell people to pack for all seasons when visiting Denver—it might snow in May or be in the 70s in January.
I’ve facilitated team building in Denver, where we’ve had to pivot from sunshine to snow in the same afternoon. But rather than ruining the experience, these moments often become the highlight that teams bond over: adapting to changing conditions together.
Denver is Surrounded By Nature
The proximity to the Rocky Mountains provides a backdrop that really inspires teams to reach higher. You can go from Downtown Denver to the middle of the mountains in less than an hour’s drive time, and I love incorporating this element into events.
You don’t even need to go outside for this—if there’s a nice view of the mountains and we’re inside, I’ll keep the curtains closed and then open them at the right moment as I speak about looking out the window, taking a deep breath, and enjoying the moment.
Gazing at the beauty of the world around us costs nothing, and Denver makes it so easy.
Denver’s Active Culture
With hot summers, lush green parks, tons of hiking trails, and a huge variety of outdoor activities, this city has an undeniably active culture that influences most of our corporate events.
Denver teams tend to appreciate high-energy options like high-tech scavenger hunts, outdoor summer outings, and hands-on corporate social responsibility (CSR) events.
There’s just an inbuilt enthusiasm for activities that get people out of their seats and into the action that I can’t get enough of here.
Denver’s Diverse People
This city is home to a diverse population of people from all different cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles. It makes team building events here so much fun.
One of my most cherished memories was facilitating a Teddy Bear Build for a concrete company in the winter. I remember thinking it was an odd choice for a group of burly construction workers in concrete-covered work clothes and camo caps.
But when those tough men started building bears and talking about how their sons and daughters would love them, the experience became magical. That’s the kind of transformation I regularly witness during Denver team building activities.
Top 3 Team Building Activities: Denver Edition
My honest opinion is that you’re bound to enjoy just about any team building event Denver has to offer, but I have developed a few favorites after facilitating countless activities here.
Here are my top three team building activities Denver makes exceptionally fun—in my experience, these ones never disappoint.
1. Museum Scavenger Hunt
Denver is home to world-class museums and art galleries that make perfect venues for our Museum Scavenger Hunt event. It’s a fun team building activity that blends culture, teamwork, and interactive fun in a museum scavenger hunt.
Once you choose your venue, we’ll write and run a unique, interactive hunt on-site for your team, complete with intrigue and friendly competition. It’s an activity that naturally encourages leadership qualities, bonding, and appreciating what Denver has to offer.
Best Locations
- Denver Art Museum
- History Colorado Center
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- Denver Zoo
- Downtown Aquarium
After your hunt, I’d recommend heading to Larimer Square for dinner. It’s a historic block with some of the city’s best restaurants and a lively atmosphere that’ll keep team conversations going.
2. Global Music Festival
One of the most memorable events I facilitated was hosting the first-ever Global Music Festival in Denver. It was wild—there was so much happening at once! Trust me, if your group likes music, this is the one for you.
Your group will use our app to conquer challenges, collect points, and enjoy some friendly competition. They’ll move between different “stages” that symbolize their team members, bring seven different music genres to life, solve riddles, and so much more.
Plus, it’s a chance to check out the thriving music scene here.
Best Locations
- Red Rocks Amphitheater
- Bluebird Theater
- Larimer Lounge
- Levitt Pavilion
- Civic Center Park
- Denver Performing Arts Complex
For teams that choose this activity, I recommend continuing with the musical theme at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, a gastro-brothel-turned-music-venue with fantastic food and regular live performances.
Or, if you go to Red Rocks, grab a bite at the Golden Mill. It has great food, amazing rooftop dining, and the only self-pour tap walls in the area with everything from local beer, wine, and ciders to sake and house-made cocktails.
3. Atmosphere: Escape From Earth
Denver’s a hub for aerospace engineering and tech innovation, and if your team wants to check it out, Atmosphere: Escape From Earth is a space-themed challenge that emphasizes problem-solving under pressure.
They’ll have to solve puzzles that emphasize communication, teamwork, and a wide range of talents if they want to take mankind into the future, and it’s always a blast.
Best Locations
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- EXDO Event Center
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- University of Colorado Denver – Tivoli Turnhalle
- Colorado Convention Center
- Venture X
After saving humanity, treat your team to a celebration at the Hangar 2 District, a walkable area with cool restaurants and a retro-futuristic vibe that fits the theme.
Unique Denver-Only Locations
If you’re visiting Denver from out of town, there are tons of Denver-only experiences worth checking out. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
- Denver Milk Market: One of the best food halls in Denver with an 11-concept design, which means something to suit everyone’s tastes.
- Denver Mint Tour: Learn about currency production in the largest coin-producing mint in the world.
- Meow Wolf: At the time of this writing, Denver is home to one of five Meow Wolf locations in the country. It has four floors of some of the most epic interactive performance art you’ll ever see.
- Downtown Aquarium: I know I listed it as a good location already, but you really don’t want to miss the Downtown Aquarium. It’s such a peaceful and interesting spot that’s great for animal lovers.
- Casa Bonita: This one just reopened thanks to a reimagining by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Casa Bonita is truly unique, with a blend of theater, cliff diving, cave exploration, arcade games, and Mexican food!
Nature Hotspots Around Denver
Nature is a big part of what makes Denver so unique, and I couldn’t end this guide without highlighting some of these spots. They’re all less than an hour from Denver and definitely worth your time.
Here are some of my favorite outdoor locations to take teams to, whether they’re locals or visiting from out of state:
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Location: Keenesburg
Distance: 40 minutes
This is a 33,000-acre refuge that’s home to rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other carnivores. You can observe these animals in open habitats from elevated walkways, and the tours are unforgettable!
Mount Falcon Park
Location: Morrison
Distance: 30 minutes
This is a scenic mountain park with panoramic views and the ruins of what was meant to become a presidential retreat. The castle-like remains always make for a fun, unexpected twist during a day of outdoor exploring.
Clear Creek
Location: Idaho Springs
Distance: 40 minutes
If your team wants an adrenaline rush, Clear Creek is one of the best spots for white water rafting near Denver. They have options for beginners and seasoned thrill-seekers alike, and it’s a great way to take in the mountain beauty.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Location: Morrison
Distance: 25 minutes
Red Rocks is one of the coolest music venues in the country with its striking geological formations, hiking trails, and views of the foothills. It’s also beside Dinosaur Ridge, which has more than 250 fossil tracks along the short trail at this outdoor museum.
Roxborough State Park
Location: Littleton
Distance: 45 minutes
This is a lesser-known gem with dramatic red rock formations, quiet trails, and great wildlife viewing. It’s perfect for a peaceful nature escape or an outdoor event like our Quickfire Olympics—you can avoid the crowds and enjoy Colorado like a local.
Planning Successful Team Building Activities: Denver Tips
Team building—Denver, CO-style—will be a much more enjoyable experience if you know what to expect. Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years for creating successful events in this unique city.
Weather Considerations
Denver’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, and while it’s a great perk, it also calls for careful planning. Here’s what I recommend:
- Always have an indoor backup plan, especially in the spring and fall.
- Schedule outdoor events in the morning when the weather tends to be more stable.
- Ask participants to dress in layers and bring sunscreen—Denver’s high altitude means stronger UV rays and a higher risk of sunburn.
- Consider planning events in late spring and early fall to avoid the scorching heat of Denver summers.
Here’s a quick seasonal guide to help you plan, but I always recommend checking the weather the night before (and morning of) your event to really know what to expect:
- Spring (April-May): Spring in Colorado is different every year—and every day. You can expect rapidly changing weather, lots of flowers, and fewer tourists than in the summer.
- Summer (June-August): Summer in Colorado brings hot weather and endless outdoor fun. It’s great for outdoor fun, water-based activities, and downtown exploration.
- Fall (September-October): This is my personal favorite season for team building activities. Denver tends to have comfortable temperatures, stunning fall colors, and smaller crowds in the fall.
- Winter (November-March): Winter in Colorado is festive and perfect for cozy indoor activities. It’s also a great time of year to head out of Denver and into Aspen for skiing or snowboarding.
Altitude Adjustment
Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level, and you’ll quickly find yourself over 7,800 feet if you head into the Rocky Mountains. Here are some tips for those visiting from lower elevations:
- Take it easy: Schedule less physically demanding activities on your first day here.
- Drink water: Remind team members to stay hydrated—dehydration can make altitude symptoms worse.
- Take breaks: Plan for more breaks during activities because people may grow tired more quickly. (Seriously, this is the main reason why the Colorado Rockies tend to have an advantage when facing other teams on their home turf, Coors Field.)
- Consider oxygen canisters: Consider picking up some oxygen canisters from a gas station or grocery store for team members who feel the effects more severely.
- Don’t forget oxygen bars: Keep an oxygen bar like the Bronzed Beauty as a backup plan, just in case people start feeling the altitude too much—they really work!
Transportation Planning
Downtown Denver is pretty walkable, but the city itself has a sprawling layout that requires thoughtful transportation planning:
- The Denver International Airport is far away from the city center—plan for at least 45 minutes, including checkout.
- The light rail connects the airport to downtown, but rental cars often make the most sense for groups visiting multiple locations.
- Consider the Denver B-Cycle—a bike sharing program—for shorter trips around Downtown Denver.
Post-Event Gatherings
Here are some more of my favorite spots to gather after team building activities:
- Wynkoop Brewing Company: Denver’s oldest pub—come here for great beer, amazing food, and fun games.
- The Buckhorn Exchange: This is Colorado’s oldest restaurant, and it’s great if you want to check out the Wild West atmosphere.
- Linger: This is a LoHi staple—it’s in a former mortuary with rooftop views and a fun street food menu.
- BurnDown: One of the best spots in Denver for big group dinners—it has mountain views and modern food, plus fun events like trivia nights.
Ready for Unforgettable Team Building Activities? Denver Awaits!
There’s something so amazing about the combination of mountain backdrops, an active culture, and a high-tech business scene. Denver is truly the perfect environment for teams to connect on a deeper level.
I’ve facilitated events for tiny startups and Fortune 500 giants, and the Mile High City never disappoints. And with over 200 programs in our catalog, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re ready to plan a memorable team experience in Denver, contact us today—we’ll create a customized adventure your team will be talking about for years to come.
