El Jardin
2.5 miles from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Before kickoff, order enchiladas and tamales at El Jardin, a favorite since 1982. You will appreciate the authentic Mexican fare (including house-made sopaipillas)—all made from family recipes—instead of nachos doused with cheese from a pump. 6460 E. 73rd Ave., 303-288-3500; iloveeljardin.com

The Wild Animal Sanctuary
31.4 miles from DSGP
Just north of Commerce City, this all-rescue animal haven covers more than 700 acres of open land. Check out the Wild Animal Sanctuary’s newest residents: a group of lions and tigers and an Andean bear. 1946 County Road 53, Keenesburg, 303-536-0118; wildanimalsanctuary.org

5280 July 2015
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Stapleton Tap House
2.8 miles from DSGP
Stop by this two-year-old north Denver spot for a pint from the 30 rotating taps, which include ales from Denver’s Epic Brewing, Fort Collins’ Black Bottle Brewery, and Loveland Aleworks. 8286 Northfield Blvd., 720-449-2337; stapletontaphouse.com

Olive Park and Freedom Park
Both 1.2 miles from DSGP
Tucker out the kids so they’ll actually sit in the seats for the big game. Both parks offer open areas, and Freedom Park boasts a pavilion with a barbecue pit and tables, making it the perfect spot for a pre-kickoff picnic. 6275 Olive St.; 6330 Oneida St.; 303-289-3789, c3gov.com