Hello! My name is Brandon, and I am an introvert. As an introvert, I enjoy spending the majority of my time myself. Some of my hobbies are making music, playing video games and learning about new things that interest me, but every now and then, I get the itch to be around people.
I understand the struggle of wanting to get out of the house, but the thought of having to do a lot of social interactions can be tiring or sometimes even anxiety-inducing. Luckily, there are options and places where we belong where social interactions can be casual or even absent.
For those of us who are introverted, the Denver metro area offers a wide variety of places and things to do that promote relaxed and no-pressure social experiences. Below are my top five personal recommendations for introvert-friendly activities and places to relax.
Berkeley Lake Park
Berkeley Lake is known as the other lake right across from Lakeside, but also for being spacious and a great place to relax either by yourself or with friends.
Aside from its peaceful atmosphere, the park is known for being home to the Scheitler Recreation Center with its large swimming pool and fitness center. Not only that, there are a couple of nice playgrounds for kids, picnic tables and a tennis court for those who like to get into the heat of competition.
Don’t want to work out at the gym? The lake’s one-mile loop offers a nice way to get your steps in while not being too rigorous. The paved trails also make it a good spot for biking. It’s also worth mentioning that the lake is fishable! The city stocks it with rainbow trout, brown trout, and largemouth bass.
For those who are new to fishing, it is a great place to dip your toes in the water. The park is dog-friendly, and it contains a space within the park where they can be off-leash if desired. If you have a little pooper, it could be a great opportunity for them to meet some new friends.
So, for those who aren’t into thrill rides at Lakeside, worry not, as Berkeley Lake is just right across the street. Instead, experience the thrill of getting immersed in a good book while leaning against a tree.
Berkeley Lake Park, 4601 West 46th Avenue, Denver. HOURS: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Learn more at https://www.uncovercolorado.com/public-parks/berkeley-park/.
1up Arcade Bar
If you live in the Denver area, you are probably aware that most places off Colfax are a bit rough around the edges. What if I told you there is a diamond in the rough on Colfax? A place where geeks can get together and play a variety of classic and new arcade games; that place is the 1up Arcade Bar.
This venue is unique for its homage to retro pinball games. For video game fans, nostalgia is instant gratification, from the numerous video game references on the walls to the classic 8-bit sounds that fill the air.
Not a fan of retro games? No worries! 1up Arcade Bar offers a variety of new games, too. From single-player to multiplayer, carnival-style games to mainstream games like skeeball and air hockey, there truly is a variety of games to choose from based on one’s interests.
The 1up also offers a bar, which is a popular choice for people who want a place to drink in a casual social environment with games to boot. So, if you’re looking for a place to hang out and meet people, it’s good for its fun atmosphere and chill retro vibes.
1up Arcade Bar, 717 East Colfax Avenue, Denver. HOURS: 3:00 pm-1:30 am. Learn more at the1uparcadebar.com/pages/colfax.
SMASH*IT Breakroom
Losing at video games can be stressful, so what do you do with all that stress? Find a healthy release. For a cathartic experience, visit SMASH*IT Breakroom.
This activity allows people to release pent-up emotions by smashing objects in a safe and controlled setting. It provides a therapeutic outlet for introverted individuals who may find traditional social interactions draining.
Cindy, a representative from SMASH*IT, graciously gave me a tour of the interior. Before we entered the smash rooms, I was shown the safety equipment room, where you were prompted to put all the necessary safety gear.
After that, I was introduced to the smash rooms. It was, as you might expect, quite a mess. The mix consisted primarily of electronics and appliances, with a few furniture pieces. If you prefer breaking one thing over another, they sell packages that include the items you can purchase; prices do vary depending on the type of package.
You may be thinking, “All of this seems wasteful!”. Worry not. SMASH*IT breakables are either donated, broken or bought from discounted stores because they’re defective.
Private sessions do require a reservation, which ensures you have your own room, which may be limited to just you or a few close friends. So whether it’s smashing stuff alone or with others, the preference is up to you!
SMASHSH*T Breakroom, 790 West Evans Avenue, Denver. Wednesday to Monday from 12:30 to 7:15 p.m. Learn more at smashitbreakroom.com/.
Into The Fire, A Paint Your Own Pottery
Following a session of breaking things, you may be inspired to create rather than destroy in a pleasant, relaxing setting. If so, I recommend Into The Fire, A Paint Your Own Pottery Studio located in Olde Town Arvada.
This little pottery shop is known for offering a wide variety of blank pottery for you to choose from and paint. They come in a variety of sizes and are different objects for you to choose from in a laid-back and focused setting.
You can choose to participate in group sessions or keep them private for you and your friends. And do not worry if you do not consider yourself to be creative. All you have to do is select your colors and apply them to the pottery you prefer. When it comes to pottery design, the possibilities are endless.
This place is also a great place to take your introverted partner. My girlfriend, Mitchell, who I consider to be more creative than me, loves coming here. She painted delicious-looking cupcakes and plates that looked just as scrumptious as her.
Into The Fire, A Paint Your Own Pottery Studio tends to be a little busy on the weekends. The least busiest time is in the morning. Plus, if you are a hardcore introvert, they do sell kits that you can take home to work on as well.
Into The Fire, A Paint Your Own Pottery Studio, 7409 Grandview Avenue, Arvada. HOURS: Tuesday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at intothefirepottery.com/.
Mile High Comics
It is no secret that many introverts identify as nerds, with their respective fandoms and interests. So, what better place to appeal to those interests than Mile High Comics? The history of Mile-High Comics goes far back to 1969.
Founder Chuck Rozanski started his business at 13 years old, selling mail-order comics out of his mother’s basement in Colorado Springs. Since then, his comic book business has exploded, and he now owns one of the largest comic book stores in the country, located in Denver off of Jason Street.
Seeing all the displays and comics available is a sight to behold. It’s not just limited to comics but all things related to movie and game culture. Cards, toys, games, posters, and art are just some of the types of collectibles that they have to offer. One of the things that attracted me was this life-sized Sully from the Disney movie “Monsters, Inc.”
Some of these collectibles aren’t cheap, however. Certain items, particularly collector editions, can sell for thousands of dollars. Some are only available at auction, where prices can skyrocket.
But even if you don’t plan on spending any money, they still encourage guests to come and browse by having no entry fees. The store also has a designated reading area, so customers are encouraged to stop by and grab a comic to read at their leisure in a no-pressure environment, making it a perfect stop for any geeky, introverted person.
Mile High Comics, 4600 Jason Street, Denver. HOURS: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at milehighcomics.com/.
As you can see, the Denver metro area provides numerous options for introverted individuals. There are numerous activities and settings that welcome shy people. The hardest part is taking the first step out of your comfort zone, but once you do, you will not regret it. For other ideas for fun activities, check out more Denver guides here.
