Confluence Park

Confluence Park occupies one of Denver's most historically significant spots -- the exact point where Cherry Creek flows into the South Platte River. This is where the city of Denver was founded in 1858, and today it serves as an urban oasis where families come for free summer water play, river-watching, bike riding, and picnicking with the downtown skyline as a backdrop.

The park's main draw for families is the shallow wading area near the confluence. In summer months (June through August), when Denver afternoons regularly hit 85-95 degrees, kids wade into the gentle, ankle-to-knee-deep water along the riverbanks. The current is mild in the shallow sections, making it safe for toddlers with supervision.

Kids build rock dams, search under stones for crawdads, and splash in the sun. It is completely free and one of Denver's great simple pleasures.

The park also features engineered kayak chutes -- whitewater features built into the South Platte River that experienced kayakers run year-round. Watching skilled paddlers navigate the rapids is entertaining for kids of all ages. On summer weekends, there is a constant parade of kayakers, tubers (in the calmer sections), and stand-up paddleboarders on the water.

The South Platte River Trail runs through the park, providing a flat, paved multi-use path that extends for miles in both directions along the river. This is one of Denver's premier family biking routes -- you can ride south toward Englewood or north toward the Globeville neighborhood. Bike rentals are available nearby if you did not bring your own.

The park underwent a significant redesign and expansion in 2021, adding terraced seating, improved river access points, public art installations, and enhanced landscaping. The result is a park that feels both natural and intentionally designed for recreation.

Location adds enormous value. The REI flagship store -- the outdoor retailer's original and largest location -- sits immediately adjacent to the park. It has restrooms, a Starbucks, and is worth browsing even if you don't buy anything.

The LoHi (Lower Highlands) neighborhood, perched on the bluff above the park, is one of Denver's most vibrant restaurant districts with numerous family-friendly options within a 5-10 minute walk.

Parking is free along 15th Street and surrounding blocks, with additional parking available at the REI lot (2 hours free with purchase). The park is also accessible via light rail (Union Station is a 10-minute walk) and the B-cycle bike share network.

Safety note: while the shallow wading areas are safe, the deeper river channels and kayak chutes have strong currents. Keep children in the designated shallow areas and always supervise water play. Water shoes are strongly recommended -- the river bottom is rocky.