Over the past 30 or so years, Denver has become a big, bustling, sophisticated, metropolitan city with dozens of things to do.

Some of these are pretty obvious - go to the Museum of Nature and Science, spend a day at Six Flags Elitch Gardens, or take a tour of the U.S. Mint.

However, there are some other fun things to do that may not be so obvious. Here are four of them:

1. Take a time out at the Denver Botanic Gardens at 1005 York St. It is a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy a quiet journey through a garden of more than 22,000 plants from such far-away places as Australia, Africa and the Himalayas. The whole family will enjoy this artistic garden experience as you explore an urban oasis of exquisite gardens filled with more than 17,000 plant species from around the globe. There is also the Children's Secret Path, a hidden wonderland of tunnels. Pick-and plant boxes, giant organic instruments and other natural surprises designed just for the kids.

Summer admission rates (May 1 - Sept. 15) are $8.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors 65+ and $5.00 for students with ID, as well as youth 4-15.

2. Take in a Colorado Rockies game. Of course, the Rockies are not there every day (or evening) but they are at home a good deal of the time. Ticket prices range from $4 to $40 and can be purchased at the Coors Field ticket office on any game day.

3. Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum. This museum is one of my favorites. It's located in Golden, CO at 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden, CO. Colorado has a just amazing railroad history due, of course, to the Rocky Mountains. You can't appreciate what it took to push tracks through these mountains until you see the exhibitions at this museum. Tickets are Adults $7.00; Seniors (over 60) $6.00; Children (2 yrs to 16 yrs): $4.00; Children (under 2 yrs) Free; Family (two adults and children under 16 yrs of one family) $16.00

4. Ride the Light Rail to Littleton and stroll around it historic area. You can pick up Light Rail at several places downtown, including 18th and California, 16th and California and at the Convention Center. A one-way fare is $1.50. Take the line south and get off at the Littleton-Downtown station. You can then walk around the downtown Littleton area, where you will find fun, funky shops and several very nice restaurants for lunch.