The only thing that can spoil a sunny Colorado day? The heat. (Two years ago, Denver recorded a new all-time high temperature—a blistering 105 degrees.) We rounded up some of the city’s best air-conditioned spots for those summer days when the mercury just won’t stop rising.

1. Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum’s schedule is always packed. This summer, we’re especially excited about seeing The American West in Bronze, 1850–1925, a first-of-its-kind exhibit that showcases 72 bronze sculptures—each depicting an icon of the Old West, such as cowboys, Native Americans, and cattle—crafted by 28 different artists from the turn of the 20th century. denverartmuseum.org

2. Swallow Hill Music

Expand your summer-concert horizons beyond Red Rocks, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and City Park Jazz. Swallow Hill Music’s Denver Ukefest—which will happen on June 5, 6, and 7 as part of the folk-music organization’s 35th anniversary—celebrates the ukulele with classes and concerts. swallowhillmusic.org

3. The Source

The Source’s restaurants and shops are open year-round, but we’re looking forward to the Colorado Makers Summer Market, which takes over the common area on July 19-20. A carefully curated group of about 10 craft makers from across the state will bring their wares, lead workshops, and perform demonstrations. thesourcedenver.com

4. Stir Cooking School

Throwing a backyard barbecue? Get some pro tips during one of Stir Cooking School’s summer-themed classes. Topics emphasize seasonal ingredients and techniques. The Perfect Summer Dinner Party class, for example, outlines an ideal menu for warm-weather entertaining. stirtolearn.com

5. Union Station

When it fully opens on July 12, Union Station will offer more than 30,000 square feet of indoor space that is perfect for people-watching. If you’re not in a hurry to catch a bus or light rail, grab a bite at one of the transit hub’s nine restaurants from some of Denver’s most esteemed chefs. Can’t wait to explore the area? Some of the new nearby shops and eateries are already open. unionstationindenver.com

The Denver Art Museum; pictured: Hermon Atkins MacNeil, The Moqui Prayer for Rain, 1895-96 (cast about 1897). Bronze. Denver Art Museum; Daniel and Mathew Wolf in memory of Diane R. Wolf; Image courtesy of the Denver Art Museum
Swallow Hill Music; Image courtesy of Scott McCormick
The Source; Image courtesy of Amy Tremper
Stir Cooking School; Image courtesy of Jason Jung
Union Station; Image courtesy of Michael Lauer
The Denver Art Museum; pictured: Hermon Atkins MacNeil, The Moqui Prayer for Rain, 1895-96 (cast about 1897). Bronze. Denver Art Museum; Daniel and Mathew Wolf in memory of Diane R. Wolf; Image courtesy of the Denver Art Museum
Swallow Hill Music; Image courtesy of Scott McCormick
The Source; Image courtesy of Amy Tremper
Stir Cooking School; Image courtesy of Jason Jung
Union Station; Image courtesy of Michael Lauer