Denver offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including museums, zoos, and parks that combine education and fun. Budget-friendly options and free admission to some places also make Denver an affordable destination for family outings.
Wondering what to do in Denver with kids? This guide covers the top things to do in Denver with kids. Why not make the most of your trip to Denver by booking a modern, comfortable vacation rental with Vacation Rental Collective?
Let's explore the best family-friendly activities that Denver has to offer.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a haven for curious minds, offering a plethora of interactive science experiences that will captivate kids of all ages.
As soon as you step in, you’re greeted by towering dinosaur skeletons that instantly spark wonder and excitement. The museum’s exhibits are ever-changing, showcasing the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the fascinating history of our planet.
The museum charges $14.95 for kids aged 3-18, making it an affordable family outing. So, whether you’re exploring Earth’s history or diving into the wonders of space, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a must-visit destination.
The Children’s Museum of Denver is a vibrant space where kids can engage in hands-on play. From splashing in the water play area to getting creative in workshops, each corner of the museum sparks curiosity and inspires learning.
Programs like ‘Squirt’s Fire Safety Class’ combine fun with vital life skills, making them popular with both kids and parents. The Children’s Museum of Denver truly embodies kid-powered learning, offering interactive activities that make it a standout destination for family-friendly activities.
Denver Zoo is a wonderland of wildlife, home to a diverse array of animals that will delight visitors of all ages.
From majestic elephants and towering giraffes to playful monkeys and elegant penguins, the zoo offers a close-up look at some of the world’s most fascinating creatures in beautifully designed natural habitats.
Adding to the fun, kids can hop on the Denver Zoo Railroad for a scenic tour around the zoo or take a ride on the Conservation Carousel, which features hand-carved animal replicas.
With numerous food stands and locally crafted Colorado beers available, the Denver Zoo ensures a delightful visit for the whole family.
Step into a world of botanical beauty at Denver Botanic Gardens, where 24 acres of stunning landscapes await your discovery. This serene oasis is perfect for family outings, offering a visual feast of budding flora, colorful flowers, and towering trees.
The gardens’ tranquil paths and vibrant displays make for a delightful stroll, allowing kids and adults alike to connect with nature. The Mordecai Children’s Garden is a highlight, featuring engaging elements like swinging bridges, water features, and vegetable gardens that encourage interactive learning.
With programs designed specifically for children and families, the Denver Botanic Gardens provides an enriching and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Dinosaur Ridge offers a prehistoric adventure with real dinosaur tracks and fossils embedded in the landscape, including the world’s first Stegosaurus fossil discovery. Families can choose free, self-guided tours or join a geologist-led tour for deeper insights into the Jurassic Period.
Walking along the paved trails, you’ll be transported back in time, with the opportunity to see Iguanadon footprints and other ancient relics. Dinosaur Ridge is not just a site; it’s an educational journey that brings the distant past to life.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park offers a double dose of fun with its thrilling amusement rides and refreshing water slides.
This family-friendly destination is a dream come true for kids, featuring roller coasters, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel that promise endless excitement. The water park, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, provides a cool escape with its splash zones and slides.
Parents will appreciate that children under two years old enjoy free admission, and there’s a special area designed just for younger kids. Elitch Gardens is a place where laughter and joy fill the air, making it a must-visit for families seeking adventure and fun.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the underwater wonders of the Downtown Aquarium. This aquatic paradise features a vast array of marine life, including reef-dwelling eels, wharf sharks, and other exotic creatures. Kids will be thrilled by the interactive exhibits, such as feeding stingrays and exploring the immersive 4D theater that brings marine adventures to life.
The Downtown Aquarium Express offers a unique perspective on the wetlands, while the Dive Lounge provides dining options that enhance the overall experience. Whether you’re fascinated by the depths of the ocean or simply looking for a fun day out, the downtown Denver aquarium is a must-see attraction.
Climb aboard the historic Denver Trolley for a scenic ride along the South Platte River. Modeled after the early 20th-century ‘Breezer’ streetcars, the Denver Trolley offers a nostalgic journey through the city’s past. The 30-minute tours include historical narration that can be customized, providing fascinating insights into Denver’s rich history.
Operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the trolley is a perfect family-friendly activity that combines education with entertainment. With scenic views starting from Confluence Park, the Denver Trolley is an engaging way to experience the Mile High City’s heritage.
The Butterfly Pavilion is a magical place where nature comes to life. Here, kids can watch as butterflies hatch from their chrysalis and flutter around in a vibrant garden setting. For a more daring experience, visitors can hold Rosie, the Chilean Rose Hair tarantula, and learn about familiar insects found in their backyard.
The Water’s Edge exhibit adds an aquatic twist, featuring various sea creatures that children can interact with. With no minimum age requirement and a ticket price of $9.95 for kids, the Butterfly Pavilion is a delightful and educational outing for families.
Soar through the skies at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. This fascinating museum houses more than 50 aircraft, including giant bombers, fighter jets, and a replica of the Star Wars™ X-Wing Fighter that will captivate fans of all ages. Kids can experience the thrill of flying through interactive flight simulators and a dedicated area for drone demonstrations.
With no minimum age requirement, the museum is accessible to families with children of all ages. Special events, such as climbing into the cockpits on the second Saturday of each month, make Wings Over the Rockies a must-visit destination for aviation enthusiasts.
Holey Moley offers a mini golf experience like no other, with creatively designed holes that are as entertaining as they are challenging.
After a round of mini golf, families can enjoy a full meal, appetizers, and desserts at the on-site dining facility, making it a perfect outing for both fun and food.
Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.
Step into a world of immersive art at Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station. This mind-bending installation features four themed alien universes, each with its own unique charm. From an ice realm to a futuristic city, Convergence Station offers a sensory feast of interactive elements like touch-sensitive lights and hidden passages that children will love to discover.
With ticket prices ranging from $30 to $45 and free entry for children four and under, this artistic adventure is both accessible and affordable. Sensory-friendly hours ensure that everyone can enjoy the magic of Meow Wolf in a comfortable environment.
Confluence Park is a haven for outdoor activities, offering families the perfect spot for picnics, water experiences, and scenic views of the Denver skyline. Bring your intertubes for a fun tubing session in the river, or let the little ones splash around in the shallow areas designed for safe play.
With plenty of parking and accessibility, Confluence Park is an easy escape from the urban environment, surrounded by natural beauty and ideal for biking and walking along the river trails.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a cultural gem that offers family-friendly productions designed to captivate audiences of all ages. From musicals to comedic shows, there’s always something exciting on stage that will engage and entertain young minds.
Special events and educational programs further enhance the experience, making a visit to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts a memorable outing for the whole family.
Delve into the history of firefighting at the Denver Firefighters Museum, housed in the historic Denver Fire Station No. 1. This museum offers a fascinating look at firefighting equipment, horse-drawn carriages, and charred debris from historic fires.
Kids will love the interactive elements, such as trying on firefighter gear, sliding down a pole, and riding on a fire truck. With no minimum age requirement and a gift shop on-site, the Denver Firefighters Museum is an engaging destination for the whole family.
Denver Art Museum is a treasure trove of creativity, offering a variety of family programs that engage visitors of all ages. From the Foxy and Shmoxy: Art Detectives storytelling program to the interactive Gallery Games, there’s something for everyone. Families can also participate in Create Playdates and hands-on art-centric activities that foster a love for visual art.
The museum’s Sensory-Friendly Mornings provide a comfortable environment for families with sensory processing challenges, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the exhibits. The Creative Hub is another highlight, where families can engage in art activities and explore community programming. The Denver Art Museum truly makes art accessible and enjoyable for the whole family.
Discover the fascinating world of coin production with a free tour of the Denver Mint. These 45-minute tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at historical coin manufacturing machines and the current coin production process.
The Denver Mint is one of only two U.S. Mint facilities that offer public tours, making it a special experience for families. Visitors even get to take home a real penny, one stamped and one blank, as a unique souvenir.
Due to strict security measures, items like bags and cameras are not allowed on the tour, so plan accordingly. Reservations are required and can only be made 30 days in advance, so be sure to book for your preferred date as early as possible.
The National Western Stock Show is a must-visit for animal lovers and families.
This annual event is a fantastic way to experience Denver’s rich agricultural heritage and enjoy family-friendly entertainment.
Featuring a variety of animal shows, including horse demonstrations, livestock competitions, and even Wild West reenactments, kids and adults alike will be thrilled by the Stock Show's exciting performances.
For a sweet treat, head to Hammond’s Candy Factory, where you can take a free tour to see the candy-making process up close.
Watch as chocolates are made, fudge is mixed, and peppermint candies are stretched. Children will love seeing the large video screens that enhance the experience and sampling treats like rainbow lollipops and chocolate bars.
Tours are available every 30 minutes and can accommodate up to 45 people, making it a perfect family activity. With no minimum age requirement and wheelchair accessibility, Hammond’s Candy Factory is a delightful and inclusive destination for all sweet-toothed visitors.
The History Colorado Center offers an immersive journey through Colorado’s rich history, featuring interactive exhibits across five floors. Visitors can traverse a 60-foot map, take a simulated Model T journey, and even try a ski jump simulation.
The History Colorado Center seamlessly combines education with entertainment, and the hands-on experiences make learning about the state's history enjoyable and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Children enjoy free general admission every day, making it an essential stop for families visiting Denver.
Movement Englewood indoor rock climbing offers an exhilarating experience with climbing walls that reach up to 14 meters, accommodating all skill levels. Families can enjoy the bouldering area and take advantage of drop-in climbs available every Saturday and Sunday.
With a minimum age requirement of five years and a day pass price of $18 for kids, Earth Treks is a fantastic destination for active families looking to try something new.
Make a splash at Water World Colorado, one of the largest water parks in the United States that spans 70 acres. The park features 31 water slides, including unique rides like the Voyage to the Center of the Earth, which lasts over five minutes. With three wave pools, including the massive Thunder Bay, Water World offers endless fun for the whole family.
Open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, Water World has been recognized as one of the best water parks in the industry through the Golden Ticket Awards. It’s the perfect place to beat the heat and enjoy a day of aquatic adventures.
Washington Park, known as “Wash Park” to locals, is a sprawling 155-acre urban oasis perfect for family outings. With two lakes, two formal gardens, and spacious green areas, the park offers ample space for picnics, paddle boating, and more. Active families can enjoy jogging and biking along the numerous paths and trails that wind through the park.
There’s no admission fee, making it an accessible and budget-friendly option for families. Wash Park also hosts regular family-friendly events and activities, fostering a sense of community and engagement among visitors.
Stanley Marketplace is a family-friendly destination that offers a mix of dining, shopping, and play areas. Kids will love the expansive play area, complete with a slide, swing set, and swings for children in wheelchairs.
The marketplace’s unique design, featuring a towering 8.5-meter milk can, adds to its charm and makes it a memorable outing for families.
End your Denver adventure on a sweet note with a visit to Little Man Ice Cream. This iconic shop, shaped like a multi-story milk can, offers a range of delicious ice cream flavors such as Salted Oreo, Space Junky, and Mexican Chocolate.
With free admission and prices ranging from $2.50 to $6, Little Man Ice Cream is a delightful treat for the whole family.
Denver is a city that truly caters to families, offering an incredible array of activities that entertain, educate, and inspire. Whether you’re looking for educational experiences, outdoor activities, or just plain fun, Denver has it all.
So pack your bags, gather the kids, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure. And remember, for a comfortable and convenient stay, book with Vacation Rental Collective.
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