A summer hotspot for family-friendly entertainment and activities, Denver’s Four Mile Historic Park is a perfect place to gather with family and friends for a picnic or stroll, some quality time with its resident farm animals, an event or birthday party, or some – quite literally – old fashioned education. Here are five fun finds to discover this season for those who haven’t experienced this slice of history in the city:
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The Four Mile House
Located in the center of Four Mile Historic Park, the 162-year-old Four Mile House is Denver’s oldest standing structure. Acting as a museum, the 1800s-era home, which just reopened to the public after the COVID-related closures of 2020, offers self-guided tours, and inside, visitors will find antique furniture, fixtures and appliances such as a wood-burning stove, and decorations including the original wallpaper.
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Summer events
After a largely event-less 2020, families will love Four Mile Historic Park’s incredible outdoor events lineup, including its annual Independence Day Celebration, and the Shady Grove Picnic Concert Series.
On Friday, July 2, one of the city’s most popular fireworks shows is held at the park, in addition to entertainment including live music and prairie games. The Cravings Truck, Old Time Kettle Corn, Original by Greeks and Good Food Good Living will also be onsite to feed hungry families. Tickets can be purchased here.
Swallow Hill Music’s Shady Grove Picnic Concert Series kicks off summer with live performances on Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. from June-August. The lineup – encompassing rock, folk, country, jazz and blues music – includes Dakota Blonde, Shakedown Street, Harry Tuft, Eilen Jewell and more. Tickets must be pre-purchased. 
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Farm animals
A working farm home to horses, goats, chickens and pigs, Four Mile Historic Park is a great place for kids to interact with residents of the furry and feathered varieties. The friendly farm animals – including horses Moose and Jake, and Pearl, the goat in charge – enjoy being fed and pet by visitors.
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Family activities
At Four Mile Historic Park, families are given the chance to travel back in time by way of historic, hands-on educational and cultural activities. From prairie games, such as walking on stilts, sack races, hoop and stick races, tug-o-war, jump rope and racing wooden horses; to farm chores, including feeding the animals, washing laundry on a scrub board and sweeping the boardwalks, kids are provided an experience out of this modern world. Children also love panning for gold – and parents watching the excitement when the treasure is retrieved!
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Birthday parties
A great spot to host children’s birthday parties straight out of the 1800s, Four Mile Historic Park’s team spices things up by dressing in costume while leading children through their chosen activities, and encouraging imagination and creativity. Birthday party packages start at $200 for 20 participants.
An under-the-radar Mile High City treasure, the park educates a diverse community through its experiences, signature events and staff-led tours, which promote preservation, interpretation and enjoyment of western history. Families looking for a trip back in time can enjoy Four Mile Historic Park free as members (and for children ages six and under), or for $5 for adults (18-64); $4 for seniors (65+) and military with ID; and $3 for youth (7-17).
Author: Mile High Mamas
