If you’re in Denver and want to see an exhibit all about getting rad head on down to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for their Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits exhibit. They have all kinds of cool interfaces to explore the world of extreme sports including an American Ninja Warrior course, climbing wall and a portaledge hanging tent so you can imagine what it’s like to sleep on the side of a cliff. Entry is free with a general admission pass to the museum (adult $19.95/junior $14.95).
Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits
Do you really know what it takes? Go inside the minds and bodies of extreme athletes to explore the psychology of their motivations and learn about the science behind some of the riskier sports, such as wingsuit flying, ice and rock climbing, parkour, free diving, and much more.
The exhibition focuses on the environments in which extreme athletes perform: in the air, on snow and ice, in the water, on the rocks, and on the ground. You will experience these sports through profiles of international athletes illustrating amazing commitment and perseverance. Immersive exhibits and hands-on activities showcase the science, creativity, and innovation in extreme sports and inspire you to learn more about your own personal limits.
The Museum enhanced the experience with profiles of several extreme athletes from Colorado and a Ninja course built by Ninja Nation™. “Colorado is the perfect state for the U.S. debut of this exhibition,” said Dr. Garth Spellman, the Museum’s curator of ornithology and curatorial advisor for Extreme Sports. “Our mountains, snow, skies, and waterways provide the perfect playground for extreme activities that have born world-renowned athletes.”
These are some of the activities that will be fun for families and friends because of the range of challenges:
- Try out a course developed by actual American Ninja Warriors at Ninja Nation™. (Plan to wear sturdy shoes! No flip-flops, heels, or bare feet allowed.)
- Virtually race the backcountry slopes.
- Get a sense of balancing along a high-line.
- Discover what it’s like to pilot a wingsuit.
- Take a virtual leap off of a cliff.
- Traverse kid-sized climbing walls for everyone that test grip and flexibility.
- Snuggle into a portaledge hanging tent and imagine dozing off on a rock ledge.
- Test your concentration abilities and your inclination to participate in extreme activities.
- Trace in the footsteps of a parkour athlete and get into an upside-down halfpipe photo op.
- Step into the Immersion Room and see what it feels like to ride a mountain bike and a whitewater kayak!
“Even in Colorado, myths about these athletes and their activities persist,” said Dr. Spellman. “Extreme Sports demonstrates the artistry, skill, and training required to pursue these amazing feats of human physicality.”
WHAT: Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits
WHEN: Friday, September 13, 2019–Sunday, April 12, 2020
WHERE: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, 80205
TICKETS: Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits is free with general admission.
HOURS: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except for December 25. 
Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits features stories about international athletes, including some from Colorado, immersive exhibits, and activities and challenges for various ages that showcase the science, creativity, and innovation in some of the riskier sports, inspiring you to learn more about your own personal limits.
What Are Extreme Sports?
Start plunging into the action as you get a sense of balancing on a high-line and explore the definition of extreme sports.
Inside the Mind and Body
Videos take you inside the minds and bodies of extreme athletes to explore their experiences and motivations. You are encouraged to understand the potential consequences of extreme sports, explore your knowledge of first aid, and test your concentration abilities. Activities and quizzes help you discover your own inclination to participate in extreme sports.
In the Air
Some sports are executed at breathtaking heights. Learn the mechanics of high-lining as explained by a professional athlete, explore the physics of piloting a wingsuit, understand the evolution of human-powered flight, and take a virtual leap off a cliff to experience the thrill of flying through the air.
Snow and Ice
Experiment with the physics of snowboarding slopes, virtually race backcountry hills as a skier or snowboarder, meet human and canine backcountry rescue teams, and see some of the real equipment used to save lives off the beaten path.
In the Water
Put your breath-holding and balance skills to the test and step into the Immersion Room to see what it feels like to ride a mountain bike and a whitewater kayak!
On the Ground
Trace in the footsteps of a parkour athlete. Hear the stories of two athletes at the forefront of wheelchair motocross (WCMX), a sport gaining momentum in the adaptive community. You will also investigate the role of gravity and rotational forces in executing tricks and flips.
Ninja Course
Try out a course developed by Ninja Nation. (Plan to wear sturdy shoes; no bare feet or flip-flops. Height restriction applies.)
On the Rocks
Dig into climbing-related anatomy, strength, body mechanics, and equipment. Snuggle into a portaledge (hanging tent) and imagine dozing off on a rock ledge. Everyone can test their grip and flexibility on free-standing kid-sized climbing walls.
Be Creative! Be Yourself! Be Inspired!
Create a personalized vision board of extreme and not-so-extreme goals, and reflect on some of the inspiring messages and imagery seen and heard throughout the exhibition.
images from dmns.org/