Colorado’s capital is filled with adventures for households, from interactive museums and a theme park smack in Downtown Denver to the wild wonders of the Denver Zoo. To create probably the most useful information doable, I requested trusted household journey specialists to share their picks for the perfect issues to do in Denver with youngsters. In fact, I added my family’s favourite Colorado experiences, too. Collectively, we’ve rounded up 15 enjoyable, child‑accredited actions that make exploring the Mile Excessive Metropolis tremendous enjoyable.
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1. Downtown Denver
Each time my household visits a brand new metropolis, we wish to get our bearings the primary day by wandering the streets, discovering an excellent place to seize a chunk, and absorbing the native vitality earlier than diving into the massive sights. Denver’s Downtown space is ideal for that first-day orientation, providing a vigorous combine of outlets, public artwork, and household‑pleasant locations to discover.
sixteenth Avenue Mall
The most effective spots to start is the sixteenth Avenue Mall, a mile‑lengthy hub lined with enjoyable shops and tempting eating places. A multi‑yr, multimillion-dollar renovation accomplished in 2025 made this pedestrian hall even higher, with wider walkways, refreshed public areas, and a extra welcoming really feel.
For a household‑pleasant meal, head to 5280 Burger Bar, the place dad and mom can sip craft beers on faucet and even grownup milkshakes. Youngsters will love capping off the go to with sundaes from the burger bar’s sister ice cream parlor subsequent door.
Close to the south finish, you’ll discover Denver Pavilions, a procuring and leisure complicated with a 12‑display screen movie show. After a day of strolling and procuring, deal with the youngsters to a horse‑drawn carriage or pedicab experience round sundown.
LoDo (Decrease Downtown)
Denver’s oldest neighborhood is the walkable warehouse district, LoDo. It’s lined with restored brick buildings, native retailers, and loads of eating places. Baseball followers could need to hit up a sport at Coors Area on the sting of the neighborhood.
Wander by means of Union Station, a working practice hub with grand structure that was in-built 1914. Guide lovers gained’t need to miss the stacks at Tattered Cowl Bookstore, tucked among the many station’s native boutiques and cafés.
If you wish to be taught extra about this superb metropolis’s historical past and structure, take into account reserving a Denver Historical past and Structure Tour by means of my beneficial companion, GetYourGuide.
2. Metropolis Park
Denver’s Metropolis Park is a good place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life with out truly leaving town. Constructed within the late 1800s, it’s considered one of Denver’s oldest public areas and residential to each the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Deliver a picnic lunch to this inexperienced area or go to close by meals vehicles to dine whereas taking in views of the picturesque Colorado Rockies and metropolis skyline.
This expansive park provides so much for households. Trekaroo, whose mission is to encourage and equip households to discover the world, shares this perception from editor‑in‑chief Sharlene Earnshaw: “Youngsters love frolicking on the lush garden, enjoying on the park’s playgrounds, and renting surrey bikes to traverse the park.”
Earnshaw continues, “Households additionally take pleasure in renting swan-shaped pedal boats to discover Ferril Lake. The lake incorporates a fountain that dazzles company with its colourful gentle and water shows. In summer season months, jazz music fills the air as bands play on a lakefront stage.”
3. Denver Zoo
Animal-loving households may fortunately spend a full day exploring the Denver Zoo, probably the most well-liked sights in Metropolis Park. This sprawling, walkable zoo is house to greater than 3,000 animals and provides a mixture of basic displays, plus arms‑on experiences that make it particularly interesting for youngsters.
Allison Laypath, editor of Ideas for Household Journeys, a household journey web site devoted to serving to dad and mom plan enjoyable, sensible, and memorable holidays with youngsters, says, “This massive zoo is stuffed with many favourite animals, like elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, bears, tigers, sea lions, and extra. It’s just like different main metropolis zoos, making it a strong go-to exercise for households in Denver. This zoo additionally options the miniature Denver Zoo Railroad and Conservation Carousel, excellent for a go to with youngsters.”
4. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a go‑to identify for households, due to its hands-on displays, child‑pleasant galleries, and simple location inside Metropolis Park. Diana Rowe with Touring in Heels, a multigenerational household journey and way of life weblog, says, “The interactive Denver Museum of Nature & Science is constructed for curious youngsters.”
The museum options well-liked everlasting displays, together with Discovery Zone, Expedition Well being, Gems and Minerals, Prehistoric Journey, and Area Odyssey. Households can even catch science‑centered movies within the museum’s three‑story IMAX theater or discover the celebs contained in the Gates Planetarium. Rowe says, “Irrespective of what number of instances we go to, my household discovers one thing new, because the museum options rotating displays.”
5. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
In case your youngsters are like mine, Elitch Gardens will certainly high their want record of issues to do in Denver. This amusement park within the coronary heart of town has been entertaining households since 1890 with rides and carnival video games galore. It’s open seasonally from mid‑April by means of Fright Fest within the fall. The Elitch Gardens Water Park usually operates Memorial Day weekend by means of Labor Day and options water rides, splash areas, a lazy river, and loads of water slides.
Thrill‑seekers respect a dozen scream‑inducing curler coasters and different thrilling rides with names like Mind Drain, Boomerang, and Thoughts Eraser. Grade‑schoolers benefit from the child‑sized Blazin’ Buckaroo curler coaster and the Goofy Gazebo, a play area with slides, nets, and ball pits. In the meantime, tots love rides simply their measurement, together with the E.G. Categorical miniature practice experience. Stay performances that includes proficient dancers and musicians are one other spotlight, typically tucked contained in the Trocadero Theater for a enjoyable break from the rides.
6. Denver Botanic Gardens
After the thrill of Elitch Gardens, your total household may have some downtime in nature. Simply 10 minutes east of downtown, Denver Botanic Gardens options many peaceable paths to stroll and vegetation to admire. Households shouldn’t miss the three‑acre Mordecai Youngsters’s Backyard, the place youngsters are inspired to dig, climb, splash, and uncover Colorado’s ecosystems by means of arms‑on play.
Whereas wandering the principle grounds, search for the outstanding everlasting Dale Chihuly glass sculpture “Colorado.” It’s shaped from greater than 1,000 hand‑blown items of glass. (My picture above reveals a brief Chihuly sculpture from a previous exhibition.)
7. Downtown Aquarium
Youngsters and adults alike take pleasure in visiting Denver’s Downtown Aquarium, house to sharks, octopuses, otters, and fish of all stripes. A 4-D theater, Aquatic Carousel, and Aquarium Categorical practice add to the household enjoyable. Get your skip-the-line Downtown Aquarium tickets earlier than you go.
One of many largest highlights for youngsters is the Mystic Mermaids. These “actual” mermaids swim amongst sea life whereas sharing messages about conservation, with reveals supplied within the Underneath the Sea Exhibit. Your entire household can even watch the mermaids on choose evenings on the Aquarium Restaurant, the place tables encompass a 50,000‑gallon, ground‑to‑ceiling tank stuffed with greater than 100 species of fish.
8. Youngsters’s Museum of Denver
Designed for younger youngsters from newborns to age 8, Shanna Schultz with There and Again Once more Journey recommends the Youngsters’s Museum of Denver for teenagers of all ages. Households may spend an entire day at this attraction on the sting of downtown.
Schultz says, “What makes this museum stand out is its plethora of nature-focused displays, mirroring the intensive choices of Denver itself. Pleasure Park is an out of doors area stuffed with dust, rocks, straw bales, forts, and different parts that your youngsters won’t ever need to go away.”
Schultz continues, “The Massive Yard teaches youngsters about animals and their habitats by means of play. Youngsters additionally take pleasure in Altitude, the place they will climb a powerful fake mountain. Youngsters should be 40″ or taller to climb, however little ones ought to try Field Canyon as a substitute.”
Indoors, search for high-quality water play, artistic displays, and multigenerational choices. Younger builders and artists dig the Meeting Plant and Artwork Studio. Dad and mom and kids may even take actual cooking workshops collectively within the Educating Kitchen.
Younger kids actually love the imaginative areas, together with a make-believe grocery retailer, firehouse, and veterinary workplace. At Fireplace Station No. 1, little firefighters can slide down the pole, climb into a fireplace truck, and race to “put out” fake flames. (Households who’re particularly enamored with firefighting can also need to add the Denver Firefighters Museum to their itinerary, too.)
9. Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station
Simply exterior town middle, households step right into a dreamlike maze of glowing rooms, hidden passages, and story‑pushed worlds at Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station. This immersive artwork expertise options 4 fantastical realms. Youngsters, teenagers, and oldsters are mesmerized by the colourful, arms‑on areas stuffed with shocking sounds, sculptures, and interactive parts. It’s an excellent place to take head-scratching photographs as souvenirs of your Denver household trip.
10. Denver Artwork Museum
Situated downtown simply three blocks from the Colorado State Capitol Constructing, Allison Laypath with Ideas for Household Journeys additionally recommends the Denver Artwork Museum. She says, “Crammed with lovely artwork and enjoyable actions, search for arms‑on actions and interactive artwork shows. Rotating displays be certain that you’ll see one thing new each time you go. What’s extra, youngsters below age 18 get free admission each day!”
The Denver attraction is particularly interesting for households due to its kid-friendly displays, together with drop‑in artwork‑making areas, scavenger-hunt-style actions, and galleries designed to assist kids interact with artwork by means of touchable parts. With two putting buildings and a mixture of international, Western, and up to date artwork, households who respect artwork will love this museum.
11. Colorado State Capitol
Households can go to the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol at no value throughout their Denver trip. Free excursions are supplied weekdays on the hour. Stroll-ins are welcome Monday by means of Friday, however events of 10 or extra ought to make reservations prematurely. Mr. Brown’s Attic exhibit space provides details about Colorado’s historical past and the Capitol’s development, in addition to a kids’s play area.
12. Butterfly Pavilion
Situated about quarter-hour northwest of Denver in Westminster, the Butterfly Pavilion is an intriguing invertebrate zoo. Greater than 1,600 free‑flying butterflies and moths make their house within the Wings of the Tropics conservatory.
However this attraction is greater than merely butterflies. Households additionally love assembly Rosie the tarantula and different arthropods within the Survival exhibit. Then view and even contact ocean invertebrates like sea stars and sea cucumbers in Water’s Edge. Youngsters and oldsters be taught in regards to the ecosystems of the Centennial State whereas exploring an immersive indoor playground with climbing buildings within the Colorado Yard. Go exterior to the four-season Out of doors Gardens for much more schooling and play.
13. Casa Bonita
Denver’s famously kitschy Casa Bonita has been serving up theme park vibes and Mexican-inspired dishes since 1974. This restaurant is understood for its indoor cliff‑diving reveals, a towering waterfall, and an Previous West-themed passageway referred to as Black Bart’s Cave. Youngsters get a kick out of roaming characters, balloon animals, and a wishing nicely. No go to is full with out their signature sopapillas, that are included with each entrée and delivered to your desk once you elevate your desk’s mini Mexican flag. Make reservations nicely prematurely for this well-liked spot positioned about 5 miles from downtown.
14. Pink Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Famend for being one of many world’s most spectacular out of doors live performance venues, Pink Rocks Park & Amphitheater should be seen (and heard!) to be believed. Situated about 30 to 45 minutes from Denver, purchase tickets prematurely to expertise a reside efficiency or movie throughout your Denver household trip.
Even in case you don’t rating tickets, come right here for lovely views and out of doors exploration. Take the youngsters for a hike on the 1.4‑mile Buying and selling Submit Path (2.25 km), or hike or mountain bike on the Pink Rocks Path, a delegated multi‑use route. For much more enjoyable, discover Pink Rocks Amphitheater guided tour choices with my trusted companion, GetYourGuide.
15. Rocky Mountain Arsenal Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Situated 10 miles (16 km) northeast of downtown Denver, Rocky Mountain Arsenal Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is an thrilling and well-liked spot for wildlife viewing. What’s extra, admission is free to the general public.
Stephanie Taleghani, creator of the Constantly Curious journey web site, says, “The spotlight is the 11‑mile (17.7 km) Wildlife Drive loop that takes company by means of the protect to see bison, deer, hawks, coyotes, prairie canines, and extra. The bison viewing space typically yields unbelievable up‑shut encounters from the security of the automobile. The refuge additionally provides an interactive customer middle, miles of climbing trails, and seasonal fishing.”
The place to Keep in Colorado with Youngsters
Gaylord of the Rockies Resort
A household journey professional who writes for Trekaroo and her personal journey weblog, Pura Vida Mothers, Christa Jiménez, recommends Gaylord of the Rockies for its plentiful resort actions. On-site, all ages take pleasure in indoor and out of doors water parks, a digital scavenger hunt, miniature golf, tennis, basketball courts, a practice automobile within the grand foyer, and complimentary bike leases.
Located in Aurora close to Denver Worldwide Airport, the resort supplies complimentary shuttle service to the 61st & Peña commuter rail station, serving to company to succeed in Downtown Denver with out a automobile.
Westin Westminster
Set between Boulder and downtown Denver, the Westin Westminster makes a snug house base for households who need to discover each cities. The lodge can also be only a quick drive from the Butterfly Pavilion, considered one of Denver’s hottest kid-friendly sights.
My household stayed right here and appreciated the gorgeous grounds, indoor pool, and sweeping views. Guide a Mountain View Room to absorb the lodge’s beautiful pond and fountain, and the beautiful Rocky Mountains within the distance.
At Westin Westminster, you can see Kachina Southwestern Grill, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s additionally a Starbucks on-site, in addition to quite a few eating and procuring choices a brief drive away.
Save Cash on Your Denver Trip
Do you need to lower your expenses in your Denver trip? In fact, you do! Save as much as 40 p.c on high Denver sights once you purchase a Denver Metropolis Move. Select three, 4, or 5 of the next sights:
- Downtown Aquarium Denver
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Youngsters’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Area Museum
- Denver Artwork Museum
- Historical past Colorado Heart
- Denver Zoo
Uncover Extra Adventures in Colorado
Adventurous households will love these issues to do in Cañon Metropolis and Colorado Springs with youngsters, comparable to caving, white water rafting, and a ropes course.
Uncover what there may be to do past the ski slopes and winter sports activities at Colorado’s largest ski resort with this record of Vail summer season actions. Get pleasure from zip-lining, a mountain coaster, wine-tasting, trekking with llamas, and extra.
Keystone prides itself on being probably the most family-friendly ski resort within the state. Love out of doors adventures like horseback using, fishing, and mountaintop yoga? Uncover what there may be to do in Keystone in summer season.
One in all my household’s all-time favourite meals was our Keystone Wagon Trip Dinner. Discover out why!
Save These Enjoyable Issues to Do in Denver with Youngsters
For future reference, hold these tricks to plan your subsequent Denver household trip. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with me on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Which of those kid-friendly Denver actions in Denver sounds finest? Share your ideas and questions within the feedback beneath!
A Notice from Colleen: As a member of the media, Westin Westminster hosted my household, and we obtained complimentary tickets to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park throughout our Denver trip.
