6 entertaining indoor activities to beat the Denver heat

July is hot, hot, hot in the Mile High City, and beating the heat is everyone’s idea of a good time, no matter how you do it. The good news is that there’s plenty of fun ways to cool off this summer in Denver, and staying locked up at home with the shades drawn against the sun isn’t one of them. So toss on a tank and step into the city for some cool-as-a-cucumber fun.

Top indoor things to do in Denver this summer

 1. Bust a Gut with Steve Martin and Martin Short

Longtime pals Steve Martin and Martin Short star in “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life,” appearing one night only at the Bellco Theatre. This high-energy, thoroughly entertaining show includes stand-up, musical numbers, and film clips as the pair discuss their experiences in show biz. Also on the bill are the Steep Canyon Rangers, a bluegrass outfit featuring Steve Martin on banjo.

When: July 22, 8pm
Where: Bellco Theatre, 700 14th St., Denver, CO

 2. Watch La La Land featuring the Colorado Symphony

For a one-of-a-kind experience, head to the Boettcher Concert Hall for a screening of the hit movie La La Land, featuring the Colorado Symphony performing the score live. The popular musical takes place in modern-day Los Angeles and tells the story of an actress (Emma Stone) and a musician (Ryan Gosling) trying to make it big in the city.

When: July 12 and 14, 7:30pm
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1400 Curtis St., Denver, CO

 3. Visit the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum holds a world-class art collection, including African, Asian, American Indian, and Pre-Columbian pieces; contemporary and modern art; high fashion; and architecture, design, and graphics. You can spend a whole day in the A/C here and still not see all there is to see. Plan your visit for the first Saturday of the month, when the museum offers free admission to the public.

 Where: 100 W 14th Avenue Pkwy, Denver, CO

 4. Burn some energy at Jump Street

It may be too hot to exercise outside, but you can get a heck of a workout at Jump Street, Colorado’s favorite indoor trampoline park. Practice your killer aerial moves, or play a lively game of trampoline dodgeball with other like-minded folks. The giant facility is clean and cool and offers fun and games for all ages.

 Where: 10081 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, CO

 5. Browse through the Tattered Cover

As far as beloved independent bookstores go, Denver’s Tattered Cover is one of the biggest, and it’s one of the comfiest and most welcoming. Cool off with a good book on a plush sofa or squishy, overstuffed chair, or grab something to read from the newsstand and hole up in the cafe with an ice-cold coffee drink and a little something sweet to eat. The Summer Reading Program is in full swing for kids, and adults will enjoy occasional readings and talks by their favorite authors.

Where: Various locations

6. Get crafty at Upstairs Circus

There’s lots of clever, crafty fun to be had at Upstairs Circus, an art-making space that serves up delicious, refreshing cocktails to help grease your creative wheels. Make a reservation with your best pals, and then show up and choose your project from over 25 options, including jewelry, bric-a-brac for your home, leather crafts, and string art. Order up a mess of cocktails, and create away in good company.

Where: 1500 Wynkoop St., Ste. 100, Denver 

Don’t let the heat keep you from having a good time this summer. There’s plenty to do in Denver to keep you both cool and entertained. So make some plans, grab a friend, and hit the town for some serious chillin’.