There are countless ways to fill a Denver itinerary. But if you’re new in town or visiting Denver with children, you know that special considerations are in order. What activities are age-appropriate for a toddler versus a teen? What opportunities are unique to the area and stay within budget?
No need to worry, parents—you have plenty of options in the Mile High City. From free and indoor activities to all-ages fun, here are seven of Denver’s best family-friendly attractions.
Evoke Curiosity at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Established in 1908, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a landmark institution. With more than four million specimens and artifacts in its collection, the museum explores an array of subjects for visitors of all ages. Permanent exhibits include a children’s Discovery Zone, Space Odyssey and Gems and Minerals, where guests can view several Colorado finds—including an eight-pound gold nugget. This City Park museum is also featuring Orcas: Our Shared Future through September 2 and Discovering Teen Rex, another temporary exhibit that highlights a rare fossil found by three kids! Families can watch experts prep the fossil at the on-site lab and catch the 45-minute documentary “T. REX 3D” within the museum’s giant-screen Infinity Theater. dmns.org
Enjoy Thrills at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Nothing says “summer vacation” like a trip to the amusement park. Elitch Gardens has operated in the heart of downtown Denver for more than 130 years and offers fun carnival rides, thrilling roller coasters and a seasonal water park, Island Kingdom. Young children will find plenty of entertainment within Kiddieland, and a color-coded map of the park indicates which attractions are suitable for families. While summer is the prime time to visit Elitch Gardens, the park also features an autumn Fright Fest with all-ages activities, plus a winter bucket list light show presented by Luminova Holidays. elitchgardens.com
Observe Animals at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Some families might forgo wildlife attractions because of concerns about animal welfare, but the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in City Park is well above-board. Since 1976, it’s been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which holds facilities to a high standard of animal care and involvement in conservation. Denver Zoo has participated in more than six hundred conservation projects around the world and its residents are of a global variety, too. Habitats include Predator Ridge, home to African lions and spotted hyenas; Primate Panorama, where apes and monkeys climb; and Down Under, the park’s newest addition highlighting species native to Australia and New Zealand. Your child’s favorite animal is likely visible here, as the zoo has more than 2,500 creatures in its care. denverzoo.org
Learn and Explore at the Denver Botanic Gardens
While Denver Botanic Gardens has several sites, its York Street location is the city’s most accessible. Set within Cheesman Park, this beloved attraction offers plenty to families, from its engaging Mordecai Children’s Garden to fun and educational programming. Toddlers as young as 18 months can participate in “seedlings” classes that explore the natural world, as well as scheduled story time walks through the park. With 24 acres of native flora, aquatic plants, internationally-inspired gardens and more, it’s easy to fill an afternoon. Keep in mind its Glow at the Gardens celebration, one of the best local autumn activities, along with its holiday season Blossoms of Light event. botanicgardens.org
Discover Invertebrates at the Butterfly Pavilion
Like the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, the Butterfly Pavilion is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Around the world, it has conducted research, conservation and education projects centered around invertebrates—a classification that applies to 97 percent of animals. At this year-round Westminster attraction, families can walk among nearly 2,000 butterflies in the Wings of the Tropics conservatory and view underwater invertebrates within the Water’s Edge aquarium. Along with several other exhibits and daily presentations, guests can look forward to the Leafcutter Ant Habitat, a new addition appearing this month. butterflies.org
Play at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
The downtown Children’s Museum of Denver offers educational opportunities and endless entertainment to kids ages 10 and under. Its multi-sensory “playscapes” allow children to interact with a bubble lab, engage their imaginations in a firehouse, explore an outdoor adventure course and create in a colorful art studio. The museum also features more than a dozen other exhibits including Bloom, an interactive space designed for babies and toddlers under three years old. mychildsmuseum.org
Take a Safari at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is located in Commerce City, roughly 30 minutes northeast of downtown. During World War II, a chemical weapons manufacturing facility occupied the area but, following a major environmental restoration, it’s now one of the country’s largest urban wildlife refuges. Across its 15,000 acres, you’ll spot herds of bison, mule and white-tailed deer, prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, coyotes and a wide variety of birds, from white pelicans to nesting bald eagles. To best experience the park, embark on the 11-mile wildlife drive at dawn or dusk when the animals are most active. This scenic loop, the surrounding hiking trails and all other refuge amenities are entirely free to visitors. fws.gov/refuge/rocky-mountain-arsenal
