The bustling metropolis is home to an array of attractions that can be explored with kids on a day trip or weekend getaway. Denver International Airport is easy to get to and the A Line rail will take you from the airport straight downtown. The ride is under 40 minutes. There are several hotels near the Union Station, including The Crawford Hotel in Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown-Union Station. You can get settled in your room and enjoy the sights.
Take the kids to The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus provides an interactive, educational and exciting way for children to explore, discover and learn through play.
The museums expertly designed exhibits, specialized programs for all ages and hands-on approach to learning all aim to create a community of “kid-powered learning.” Founded in 1973, the museum features innovative and interactive Playscapes (hands-on exhibits), including ‘The Big Backyard’, an oversize introduction to life in the backyard, ‘The Assembly Plant’, where children can build and construct to their hearts’ content, and ‘Fire Station 1’, where they can learn about the job of a firefighter on a real fire engine.
The museum also hosts engaging daily workshops and programs for children, as well as exciting year-round special events.
2121 Children's Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211, Phone: 303-433-7444
View dinosaur fossils at the Morrison Natural History Museum
The Morrison Natural History Museum is Jefferson County's original paleontology museum and is dedicated to exploring the rich natural history of the region.
Located 25 minutes west of Downtown Denver in Morrison, the Morrison Natural History Museum offers visitors the opportunity to view real fossils that have been found in the area such as baby Stegosaurus fossils, the muzzle of Apatosaurus Ajax, and baby sauropod tracks.
Visitors can also see how research is done into fossil finding and preparation in the laboratory and is an excellent orientation to the Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge areas.
The Museum can be self-explored or enjoyed on a guided tour with an expert docent and are available three times a day.
501 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465, Phone: 303-697-1873, (website link)
Spend an afternoon at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a museum that focuses on educating visitors and children about the natural history of the Colorado and Rocky Mountain region, as well as the Earth and Universe through scientific study.
The museum hosts a variety of displays, exhibitions, interactive activities and educational programs for all ages that encourage curious minds to ask, explore, discover and learn, and is home to more than one million objects in its collections.
Educational programs cover the fields of anthropology, paleontology, geology, zoology, health and space science and permanent exhibits include ‘Discovery Zone’ – a hands-on educational center for children; ‘Egyptian Mummies’ – a journey back to the days of the Pharaohs; ‘North American Indian Culture’ – a look at the heritage of the North American Indian; and ‘Space Odyssey’ – a step into the future.
2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80205, Phone: 303-370-6000
Learn about animals at the Denver Zoo
Located in the City Park, Denver Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from 600 species which live in a variety of natural habitats across 80 acres of zoo land.
Founded in 1896, the zoo was started with an orphaned black bear cub called Billy Ryan and has since grown into one of Denver’s most popular attractions.
Boasting species from all over the world, ranging from primates, pachyderms and carnivores to reptiles, birds, and fish, the zoo is designed in a circular loop, which covers a variety of habitats and animal enclosures, including Bear Mountain, Primate Panorama, Predator Ridge, Giraffe House, Toyota Elephant Passage, and Bird World.
Other facilities at the zoo include the Endangered Species Carousel, showcasing some of the many endangered species in our world, the Pioneer Train, which offers an exciting trip around the zoo’s carousel meadow and flamingo lake, and the Wild Encounters outdoor amphitheater, which is designed for wildlife presentations and educational programs.
2900 E 23rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80205, Phone: 720-337-1400 t-amusement-parks-near-denver.
Visit the Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is an entertainment and dining complex with a state-of-the-art aquarium that features more than a million gallons of underwater exhibits that showcase fascinating ecosystems from all around the world and house more than 500 species of marine and land creatures. Opened to the public in 2005, the Downtown Aquarium boasts several fascinating exhibits such as North America, In the Desert, Under The Sea, At The Wharf, The Rainforest, Coral Lagoon, Sunken Temple, Shipwreck, and At The Beach. Other fun features at the aquarium include the Aquarium Express, a specially designed electric train that rides around the Aquarium exploring wetlands and the South Platte River, and an Aquatic Carousel with painted ponies and mystical sea monsters. The Downtown Aquarium also boasts a full-service restaurant, an upscale bar, and a fully equipped ballroom for private events and functions.
700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211, Phone: 303-561-4450
Admire dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Ridge
The Dinosaur Ridge is a section the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark that is famous for its dinosaur fossils. Situated in part of the Dakota Hogback in Jefferson County, the rocks on the west side of Dinosaur Ridge form part of the Morrison Formation of a Jurassic age where Arthur Lakes discovered the dinosaur bones in 1877, including Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus. The east side of Dinosaur Ridge features rocks that boast hundreds of dinosaur footprints which were found in 1937 and include theropod tracks, and Iguanodon-like prints. The Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall can be found on the site and features fascinating exhibits about the dinosaurs found at the site and visitors can follow interpretive signed trails around the area that explain the local geology and paleo-ecology, trace fossils, a volcanic ash bed, and other geologic and paleontological features.
16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465-9703, Phone: 303-697-3466
Take beautiful pictures at Denver Botanic Gardens
Nestled in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a public botanical garden that boasts a variety of theme gardens, a glass-enclosed conservatory and a sunken amphitheater that hosts open-air concerts during the summer. The Denver Botanic Gardens are made up of three locations, namely the formal garden on York Street in East Denver, the natural meadows and riparian areas of the Chatfield gardens and the alpine wildflower gardens of Mt. Goliath. The York Street gardens feature seven themed gardens that include endemic to Colorado and neighboring states, as well as the most extensive collection of plants from cold temperate climates around the world. In 1986, the gardens introduced the world's first Xeriscape Demonstration Garden (later named the Dryland Mesa), which is home to drought-tolerant plants from the arid West and Mediterranean region. The Denver Botanic Gardens also feature a Japanese Garden called Shofu-en and the Mordecai Children’s Garden, which offers a beautiful oasis for families and children to play.
1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206, Phone: 720-865-3500
Marvel at fluttering butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion is a 7,200 square-foot tropical rainforest and insect zoo in Westminster that is home to countless butterflies, numerous species of other insects, and over 200 plant species from around the world. Opened in 1995, the climate-controlled conservatory features five exhibit areas including four indoor exhibit halls, beautiful outdoor gardens, and winding nature trails. Exhibits and habitats include the Wings of the Tropics, which house 1,600 free-flying tropical butterflies, Crawl-A-See-Em, which showcases a range of spiders, including Rosie the tarantula, and Water's Edge, which allows visitors to explore the world of ocean invertebrates. Interactive experiences include a touch tank, interaction with live animals and immerse technology that explores science and conservation topics.
6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020, Phone: 303-469-5441
Visit City Park's many attractions
City Park is a 330-acre neighborhood park in east-central Denver that is home to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoo, the Ferril and Duck Lakes, and a charming boathouse. The park, which is the main park in the city, also plays hosts to several summer concerts which draw thousands of visitors every season, and offers an array of outdoor recreational activities, such as boating, paddle-boating, and kayaking on the lakes, hiking, and biking in the nature trails, and private events and functions can be held at the boathouse. Ferril Lake is home to the Prismatic Fountain which was designed and built by engineer Frederic W. Darlington in 1908 and features bright LED lights which cycle through different formations.
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
View the collection at the Denver Art Museum
Opened in 1922, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is one of the largest art museums in the West and is renowned for its magnificent collection of American Indian Art, as well as permanent and evolving collections of over 68,000 unique works from around the globe. Located in the Civic Center in Denver in an award-winning building designed by Frederic C. Hamilton, the museum’s collections are spread over nine curatorial sections, ranging from architecture, design, and graphics to Asian, New World, European and Modern art. The museum holds several programs and workshops throughout the year, including ‘Meet the Artist’ where visitors can get to meet the artists of various exhibitions, as well many interactive events for the whole family to enjoy. General admission to the museum is free for children every day.
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, Phone: 720-865-5000
Watch a Colorado Rockies baseball game
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League baseball team based at the Coors Field in the Lower Downtown area of Denver. The professional baseball team is a member club of the National League West division and won their first National League championship 11 years ago. The 76-acre Coors Field is situated in Denver's Ballpark neighborhood with magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains and is famous for hosting the highest home runs in history. Combining the nostalgic feel of a 1920s urban ballpark with 21st-century technology, Coors Field is renowned for its old-fashioned brick façade and famous signature clock, where fans meet before a game. Tours of Coors Field can be taken to explore the history of this famed stadium and the role it has played in the game of baseball. Group and private tours can be arranged and take a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the main ballparks in Major League Baseball. Lasting for about an hour and covering a mile in the distance, tours include visiting the dugouts, the field, the Coors Fields' microbrewery; the Rockies merchandise store, and the Mountain Ranch Club.
2001 Blake Street, Denver, CO 80205-2000, Phone: 303-292-0200
Engage in hands-on activities at Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum (WOR)
Located on the grounds of the former Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum (WOR) is a museum which was opened in 1994 with the aim of preserving the history of Lowry AFB's operations from 1938 to 1994. The museum is housed in historical 40,000 square feet (4,000 m2) hangar built in 1939 and features some collections, including the USAF’s B-1A Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress Bombers, a room of archives documenting the history of military and general aviation aircraft, and an excellent research library. The museum runs some educational and hands-on learning programs, such as the Wings Aerospace Science Program (W.A.S.P), Kid Space, and the Air and Space Camp for children of all ages. The Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is the official state air and space museum, and the site of Colorado’s Aviation Hall of Fame.
7711 East Academy Boulevard Denver, CO 80230-6929, Phone: 303-360-5360
Learn about firefighting at the Denver Firefighters Museum
The Denver Firefighters Museum is an 11,000-square-foot facility with four galleries that is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history of firefighting in Denver. Established in 1978 and located in downtown Denver, the nonprofit institution is housed in former Fire Station No. 1 dating back to 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The main level gallery of the museum features exhibits that follow the process of fire from the time the alarm is pulled to the actions of the firefighters when fighting the fire. Exhibitions include fire apparatus, horse-pulled and motorized fire trucks and engines, safety tasks that firefighters perform, and an interpretation of the History of Station No. 1. The second and third-floor galleries explore firefighter training, living quarters at Station No. 1, and interactive experiences that children can enjoy with their parents, such as a puppet theater, computer kiosks, a reading and video center, and a fire-fighting related hop-scotch game. that teaches matches and lighter safety
1326 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80204, Phone: 303-892-1436
Let the kids run at Confluence Park
Confluence Park is a 265-acre urban park and riparian oasis surrounding the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River in Denver's bustling Lower Downtown district. The park features an array of outdoor recreational facilities, including hiking and mountain biking trails, sunny and shaded picnic spots, well-stocked fishing lakes, a safe swimming area, a fitness course, and modern restrooms. The eastern side of the South Platte River is a favorite kayak run, while the western side is part of the Platte Valley Trolley route that runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend for all Denver Broncos home games.
2250 15th St, Denver, CO 80202, Phone: 720-913-1311
Make fun memories at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Located in the heart of Denver, Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, also known as Elitch’s, is a family-friendly amusement park that offers a wealth of fun for the whole family. Established over 125 years ago, the world-class combination theme and water park feature a wealth of attractions ranging from water slides, edge-of-your-seat extreme thrill rides, and interactive shows for the whole family to KiddieLand attractions, Dive-In Movies, and free concerts. A 20-story Observation Tower and the Tower of Doom ride boasts breathtaking views of Denver and other amenities include private cabanas, restaurants, cafés, and bars, concessions selling all types of food and drinks and more.
2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Order a burger at The Cherry Cricket
The Cherry Cricket is a longstanding Denver institution, nationally recognized for its build-your-own craft burgers and extensive Colorado draft beer selection. The restaurant, which has been featured on Food Network series such as Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and The Best Thing I Ever Ate, was originally opened in 1945 in a modest space on the city's 2nd Avenue, which was recently reconstructed and reopened to the public in 2017 after a fire. Beef, turkey, chicken, and bison burgers are available with a variety of creative add-on toppings, ranging from standard options such as white cheddar or crispy onion straws to adventurous toppings such as ancho apricot barbecue sauce, green chile strips, cream cheese, and Fritos. Delicious signature sandwich options are also offered, including hot avocado melts, grilled portobello sandwiches, Rockies-style cheesesteaks, and beer-battered fish sandwiches. A limited menu of Mexican fare highlights favorites such as enchiladas, tacos, and burritos, while a creative appetizer menu features options such as mac and cheese bites, mashed potato hush puppies, and ballpark pretzel knots. Boozy shakes and signature cocktails and mocktails complement beer options from breweries such as Stone, Great Divide, and Breckenridge Breweries.
2641 E 2nd Ave, Denver, CO 80206, Phone: 303-322-7666
Tour the Denver U.S. Mint to learn about coin production
Founded in 1792, The Denver U.S. Mint is a branch of the United States Mint and is responsible for manufacturing legal tender coinage and circulating it for the nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces coin-related products, including silver and gold bullion coins, Congressional Gold Medals, and proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins, and is the single largest producer of coins in the world. Visitors can take a free, guided tour of the mint to see how billions of coins are produced each year and learn more about the rich history of the United States Mint. Tours are strictly for adults and children over the ages of seven, and the Mint’s Gift Shop sells a variety of coins and unique souvenirs.
320 W Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80204, Phone: 303-405-4761
Educate the kids about animal protection at The Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 789-acre animal sanctuary that specializes in rescuing and caring for large predators that have saved from ill-treatment or possible euthanasia. Located near Keenesburg, the refuge was established to protect and care for a variety of animals, as well as educate people about the Captive Wildlife Crisis. The unique facility features large open habitats in which the rescued animals live, with elevated walkways that span across the habitats, allowing visitors to view the animals in their natural habitats. The sanctuary is home to large cats such as lions and tigers, and other large carnivores like wolves, and bears who all co-exist peacefully in their no safe environment.
2999 Co Rd 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643, Phone: 303-536-0118
Take the kids to Hammond's Candies
Hammond's Candies is a traditional candy store in Denver that has been making and selling authentic candies for more than 100 years. Established by Carl T. Hammond, Sr. over a century ago, Hammond’s Candies grew from a small family business into the iconic brand with international distribution it is today. The store sells an array of candy ranging from candy canes, ribbon candy, lollipops, and marshmallows to caramels, cocoa, popcorn, and sticks and stirrers, all of which are made in the on-site factory, which visitors can explore on complimentary guided tours. Giant video screens throughout the factory where visitors can view how the candies are made, as well as learn about the history of Hammond’s Candies in the Mile-High City.
5735 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216, Phone: 303-333-5588
Stop at Little Man Ice Cream for a treat
Little Man Ice Cream is a charming, neighborhood shop selling unique flavors of homemade ice cream and handcrafted sweet treats in a bright and inviting atmosphere. Located in a 28-foot tall milk-jug shaped shop which was inspired by the vintage Coney Island hot dog-shaped stands, the family-friendly shop is named after founder Paul Tamburello’s father, Peter Tamburello, who was nicknamed ‘Little Man.’ Building on the time-honored tradition of the neighborhood ice cream store, the little shop sells a variety of delicious flavors of homemade ice cream served in cups or waffle cones, along with sundaes, splits, and malts. Little Man Ice Cream is open all day, seven days a week.
2620 16th St, Denver, CO 80211, Phone: 303-455-3811
