If you’re someone who feels the lure of water no matter where you go, you’ll be especially drawn to Denver’s lakes, reservoirs, water parks and pools. On Colorado’s sun-soaked, blue-sky days, mountain views and skyline backdrops pull you outside. 

Across the Mile High City, lakes are tucked into park landscapes, offering easy places to meander shoreline paths, paddle or play. If it’s water recreation you want, you’ll find it on Denver’s largest bodies of water, which started as reservoirs built to store H2O but are now cherished as recreation hubs for boating and lakeside relaxation. Or want classic summertime fun at a water park or pool? Denver is swimming in options. Here’s where to find the city’s best lakes, water parks and pools for cooling off all summer long. 

Lakes in Denver

Denver’s impressive park system — nearly 20,000 acres spread across more than 250 parks — was thoughtfully designed to include picturesque and peaceful lakes throughout the city. While these urban reservoirs aren’t open for swimming, they’re perfect for slow walks along the lakefront, laid-back paddling, birdwatching and soaking in city views framed by the Rocky Mountains. 
 

Sloan’s Lake

With the Front Range rising to the west and Denver's glittering skyline to the east, Sloan’s Lake is a favorite scenic spot. The lake, a happy accident created when homesteader Thomas Sloan accidentally struck an aquifer, is the largest within the city — perfect for long, breezy walks around its 2.6-mile paved perimeter path. Playgrounds, open lawns, and tennis and basketball courts make this a family favorite, with paddleboard and kayak rentals available from shore vendors in the summer. If you're visiting in Augist, don't miss the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival: a joyful riot of color, drumbeats and competitive paddlers that transforms the lakeshore into one of the city's most electric afternoons. 
 

Ferril Lake and Duck Lake

Ferril Lake and Duck Lake create one of Denver’s most iconic panoramas: A foreground of emerald parkland and glassy water is set against a backdrop of downtown’s glinting buildings, with the pine-y foothills and snow-capped peaks beyond (as seen on the cover of our visitors guide!). Spring through fall, you can glide across the water in a swan-shaped paddleboat (rented from the boathouse). And strolls along the 1.25-mile path encircling Ferril Lake are refreshing year-round. Just across the road, smaller Duck Lake offers a quieter scene of rippling water, shady lawns and the soft chatter of waterfowl. Pack a picnic, linger under the cottonwoods and enjoy the calm, reflective beauty amid City Park’s 300-plus acres. 
 

Smith Lake & Grasmere Lake

Garden lovers will be especially taken with the setting of Smith and Grasmere Lakes in Washington Park (or “Wash Park” to Denverites). Flourishing flower beds and a canopy of old-growth trees make the park’s wide, paved paths a local favorite. Rent a paddleboat to drift across the lapping ripples of Smith Lake to a soundtrack of duck quacks and passing runners and cyclists. Or just lay out a blanket and stretch your legs, linger with a picnic, admire the cultivated gardens and feel your pulse slow to the relaxed rhythm of this cherished neighborhood greenspace. 
 

Berkeley Lake

Berkeley Lake is the shimmering centerpiece of Berkeley Lake Park, a laid-back neighborhood sanctuary in northwest Denver. A paved path loops roughly a mile around the water, making it a popular route for walkers, runners and cyclists. From the shoreline you’ll spot anglers casting lines, kayakers gliding around and ducks drifting between reeds. Grassy lawns, a much-loved dog park, playgrounds and shady trees make it an easy place to linger — whether you’re laying out in the warm rays or digging into a packed lunch from a local deli.  
 

 

Swimming Lakes in and Near Denver

The best kind of day trip needs no itinerary — just an afternoon spent wading in and out of a cool Colorado lake, as you take in soaring summit outlooks and open skies. The reservoirs and lakes near Denver offer exactly that: swimming spots with places to paddle, boat, splash, cast a line, or simply float on the water and sunbathe on the shore. Before you head out, pack your sunscreen and, if fishing is on the agenda, pick up a license through Colorado Parks & Wildlife. For those interested in boating or paddleboarding, check the lake’s regulations before you go and always wear your personal floatation device. 
 

Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora) 

Drive Time From Denver: 20 minutes 

The 880-acre reservoir at the center of this state park invites visitors to swim in refreshing waters and sunbathe on a sandy beach under that big, sprawling Front Range sky. Boating on the lake is also a popular pastime, with launches on both the east and west sides of the reservoir. Meanwhile, Cherry Creek Marina provides full concessions, lessons and bait. Thirty-five miles of trails loop through the park for biking and walking, while anglers work the shoreline for ‘bows, bass and walleye. With wide-open prairie views and plenty of shaded picnic spots, it's one of the closest places to enjoy big-water recreation near the Mile High City. Check the state park website before your visit for current conditions and details. 

Entry: $11 per vehicle
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
 

Chatfield Reservoir (Littleton)

Drive Time From Denver: 35 minutes 

South of Denver, Chatfield Reservoir is one of the region’s most popular spots for thrill-filled water adventure, with the background hum of jet skis and motorboats towing water skiers mixed with breezes coming off the nearby Rocky Mountains. Set within Chatfield State Park, the 1,500-acre reservoir is expansive enough to also offer swimming at the sandy beach, paddleboarding, fishing and sailing. Chatfield has a full-service marina with slip rentals, boat rentals, boat storage and a floating restaurant. Ready to be on land for a bit? A 26-mile trail network winds through prairie grasslands and cottonwood groves.  

Entry: $12 per vehicle  
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
 

Bear Creek Lake Park (Lakewood)

Drive Time From Denver: 30 minutes 

Are three lakes better than one? All signs point to yes at Bear Creek Lake Park just west of Denver in Lakewood, where a trio of peaceful bodies of water are surrounded by prairie grasslands and jagged peaks. The park’s swim beach on Big Soda Lake is a favorite on warm days (concessions available, but no lifeguards), while nearby trails invite biking, hiking and wildlife watching. Visitors can also paddleboard, kayak, canoe or fish from the shoreline, with rentals and lessons available on-site from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard. With quiet inlets, wide-open skies and plenty of space to spread out, it’s an easygoing spot to cool off and enjoy a slower side of the Front Range.  

Entry: $10 per vehicle; $15 Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend; $5 per vehicle senior rate (over 62); $5 for individuals with disabilities  
Hours: Varies by season
 

Boulder Reservoir (Boulder)

Drive Time From Denver: 40 minutes 

There’s something special about swimming with a view of the Flatirons, Boulder’s distinctive crimson sandstone formations tilted dramatically against the western horizon. The Boulder Reservoir (simply “the Rez” to locals) delivers a classic Colorado beach day: a sandy shore, the smell of warm sunscreen and fresh water, and a lifeguarded swim area. The 700-acre reservoir has plenty of room for paddleboards, sailboats, pontoon boats and kayaks to share the shimmering water. All are available as rentals on shore, which is your best bet since boat permits to bring your own craft sell out quickly each year. A 5.3-mile loop trail meanders the shoreline for scenic strolls and anglers can settle into quieter coves, casting for bass, catfish and trout. Work up an appetite? Stop by the Lakeside@Boulder concessions for snacks or lunch. 

Entry: $12 per person (May-September); Car (2 people): $20; Carload (3–5+ people): $30 plus $5 for each person over 5 people. More facility fee details 
Hours: Varies by season
 

Aurora Reservoir (Aurora) 

Drive Time From Denver: 40 minutes 

Hit a golden afternoon at Aurora Reservoir, east of Denver, and you’ll think you’ve hit the nature-lover’s jackpot (and you have!). A wide, sandy beach stretches along the shoreline, where swimmers wade into surprisingly clear water while paddleboarders and kayakers skim across the open reservoir and kite surfers catch the breeze. Play a few rounds of beach volleyball, fish or visit the Senac Creek Nature Center for photography displays and interactive educational games. A smooth 8.5-mile trail circles the water, popular with cyclists and runners who come for the fresh vistas and steady prairie breeze. Expect the scent of sun-warmed grass, the splash of swimmers and sweeping cotton-candy sunsets reflected across the water. 

Entry: $10-15 day passes (depending on season); $20 watercraft passes (Learn more) 
Hours: Varies by season
 

Union Reservoir (Longmont)

Drive Time From Denver: 40 minutes 

In the northern outpost of Longmont, Union Reservoir is a breezy, beachy escape with grand views of Longs Peak and the Front Range. Families bring all-day supplies to hang out on the sandy and tree-shaded shoreline all day in summer, while paddleboarders, kayakers and small boats (Union is a wakeless-only lake) bob across the reservoir’s clear blue water. A gentle path traces the shoreline for easy walks with mountain panoramas, and the park’s grassy areas are perfect for picnics and lazy afternoons in the sun. With low-key vibes and plenty of space to relax, it’s a refreshing day trip from Denver. 

Entry: $10-15 per vehicle (see details); $5 daily watercraft fee; $10 trailered boat fee 
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer (see details for other seasons) 

 

Water Parks in Denver

When the Mile High sun turns up the heat, it’s time to make a splash. Denver’s water parks and neighborhood pools are perfect for cannonballs, lazy floating and cooling off like a local. If you or the kiddos need a place to splash around and let out some energy, head to these spots in the city.  
 

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park 

Located right in the heart of downtown Denver, you can practically hear the shouts of joy coming from Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park as you drive by. A legendary summer reprieve for locals and visitors alike, the water park area features twisting slides, a lazy river and a large wave pool perfect for getting off the hot pavement and into cool water. The most buzzed-about ride? It’s gotta be the Mega Wedgie. A near-vertical drop sends you plunging through a corkscrew tube at full speed. Rest assured there are great options for kids of all ages, plus skyline views and a full day of theme-park energy. 
 

Water World  

No water-lover's summer trip to Denver is complete without a day at Water World. Just north of the city in Federal Heights, this sprawling 60-plus-acre park ranks among the best water parks in the country — and it earns that distinction. Don't miss Voyage to the Center of the Earth, a beloved park icon that sends riders through a prehistoric cave encounter (complete with a T. rex) that's been thrilling Colorado families for decades. Massive wave pools, winding lazy rivers, high-speed body slides and themed rafting rides mean there's genuinely something for every speed setting, whether you're chasing an adrenaline rush or content to drift in the sun with little ones in tow. For families and groups with a full day to burn, it's hard to beat. 
 

Pirates Cove Water Park 

Pirates Cove Water Park in Englewood is a colorful, family-friendly splash zone with a swashbuckling personality to match its name. The pirate-themed park packs in water slides, a lazy river, interactive spray structures and a large leisure pool anchored by a sprawling play structure that tends to become the unofficial headquarters for every kid who walks through the gate. With its manageable size and easygoing atmosphere, it's a favorite for families with little ones who want a genuinely fun swim day without the sensory overload of a mega-park. 
 

Public Pools in Denver

Need a cool down? There’s a public pool in just about every corner of Denver. In summer, outdoor pools pop open in neighborhood parks with lap lanes, diving boards and splash areas for kids. Indoor recreation centers keep the swimming going year-round, making these local pools a convenient choice for families and anyone seeking a quick, refreshing dip. And for extra swim time, be sure to book a hotel with a rooftop pool in Denver.