Are we having fun yet?

Out on the plains of Colorado, a short drive from urban Denver in the heart of the surrounding farmland, you'll find lions and tigers and bears. For real.

The 720 acrea Wild Animal Sanctuary is a work-in-progress of massive fenced areas and agricultural pavilions connected by a suspended walkway that allows visitors to tour the animal enclosures safely from the sky.

In addition to learning a little about large predators and other rescue animals, the facility itself is an head scratching collection of industrial constructions and contraptions that make the security of guests and animals possible. The 1.51 mile elevated footbridge is Guiness Book of World Records certified as the longest.

And they have a snack bar serving pizza, just to round out the experience.

Tucked away behind armed guards inside a century modern bank builing sits the Money Museum. This free attraction is worth showing your government issued ID and leaving your backpack in the car. Inside you'll find a collection of exhibits about the role of the Federal Reserve and a bunch of money and exhibits about money. Best of all, before you leave, grab a keepsake plastic bag filled with shredded money, about $172-worth, last we checked.

Best of all, the price for this money museum is right: Free

The Dairy Block was once home to the historic Windsor Dairy.  Now it's become a micro-district for food, hotels and shopping.  One of the most unique parts of the redevelopment is the alley centered between 18th and 19th and Wazee and Blake.  In the alley you'll find cool art installations.  Don't miss interacting with Nikki Pike's bronze cast butter churns.  When you turn them they come alive with lights and curated music selections(I withheld sharing video/audio here so you can have a fresh experience).  If you enjoy a drink with your art, then this alley also is the only place in Denver where you can carry your adult drink between establishments.  So...I'll see you cool cats in the alley!

The "I Made It" community woodshop is a makerspace with a welcoming old school vibe.  The wood is locally sourced, the pricing is by project and folks are ready to help you bring your wood creation to life.  To top it off, you can book parties including their house beer and wine while they teach you how to make...drink coasters of course.  More serious woodwrights can make one of kind pieces of furniture.  This is where your DIY project can become a masterpiece.

Every year in January, near the end of Denver's Stock Show, two prize-winning steers are ushered in on a red carpet to the historic Brown Palace Hotel downtown.  People line up to have their pictures taken with the animals so, if you want to participate and fit in, wear your cowboy hat.  While you're waiting in line watch ladies in Stetsons enjoying lunch and enjoying live piano musician the stunning lobby.  You can also chat with rodeo queens.  Amazingly, the photos are free!

Rockmount Ranch Wear isn't just any western clothing store. The founder, Jack Weil (Papa Jack), invented the snap button shirt. Jack worked until he was 107 years old and made it his aim to ensure that people living in the American West had their own cool style. If you check out the location, make sure you go upstairs to look at the mini museum!

There are three kinetic sculptures in the lobby of Denver Public Schools' Emily Griffith Campus in Downtown Denver, which is open to the public. The art is by John King of Lyons, CO. While you are in the lobby, you can also check out the wood sculptures by Ted Esselstyn.

The one and only, as featured in the animated series South Park.  Yes, they have cliff divers inside.  Yes, family and party groups attend for the unique experience.  If you've been before, you'll be pleased to know that the shopping center and parking lot have seen an upgrade.