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Insider Tips for Visiting Denver with Kids

Best Time of Year to Visit Denver

The best time of year to visit depends on your interests. If your family prefers winter sports like skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding, make sure to book your tickets for late fall or winter. If you prefer warmer weather, late spring and early summer provides the perfect setting for Denver's gorgeous hikes, outdoor walks, and fantastic views.

Getting Around Denver

Getting around Denver is fairly easy! The light rail goes from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station. This affordable public transportation also covers more than 100 miles throughout the metro region. If you're visiting downtown Denver, jump on the free electric buses along the 16th Street Mall. And of course, this outdoorsy city is super bike-friendly.

How to Save Money in Denver

Save money by buying tickets ahead of time—some attractions offer a savings for pre-purchased entries. Also, bundle multiple entry attractions with one purchase through CityPass (Downtown Aquarium, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, Children's Museum of Denver, Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo, and more).

Tips for Altitude Adjustment with Kids

To be honest, my kids have no problem adjusting to Denver's higher elevation. But if your kids need to adapt, here are some tips: Give yourself a day to adjust (if you have the time), drink lots of water (the climate is high and dry, and dehydration can make symptoms worse), pack some bananas (potassium is known to help), rest when necessary, and worst case, visit the doctor for prescription medication to help with change in altitude.

The STEM-centered Children's Museum of Denver lets kids explore, build, and play.

Must-See Attractions in Denver for Families

1. Children's Museum of Denver — Riverfront

Play and imagine at the Children's Museum of Denver, where you can stand inside a giant bubble, soar through an aerial adventure course, protect the city from a fire truck, curl up with a good read, and more. Its water table is top-notch. Check the calendar before your visit to see what's happening.

2. Denver Art Museum — Downtown

Admire the masterpieces inside the Denver Art Museum, with the best part...admission for youth ages 18 and younger is FREE at all times! The museum offers sensory-friendly mornings, early-childhood programs, storytelling, and of course, gorgeous exhibits.

3. Denver Zoo — City Park

The Denver Zoo houses more than 3,600 critters under its care. A trip to its Tropical Discovery exhibit brings you up close with a 22-foot sloth tree. Budding veterinarians will be thrilled with a trip to the 22,000-square-foot Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital, where visitors can witness vets at work. Educational programs and animal encounters are hosted daily.

4. Meow Wolf Convergence Station — West Colfax

Go into sensory overload at this wacky Denver attraction, where four alien worlds join together in a cosmic, immersive art experience. Every room, every floor, and every square foot of space bursts with luminous elements that ignite every sense.

5. Celestial Seasonings — Boulder

The well-known tea brand is headquartered just outside of Boulder and visitors can take a tour. Go behind the scenes to get a look at its operation and enjoy the sensory overload of the Mint Room. When you're done, visit the Tea Shop and Cafe for a soothing souvenir.

Go skull to skull at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

6. Denver Museum of Nature and Science — City Park

Permanent collections at this fantastic museum include galleries dedicated to Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, deep space, the human body, and more. The museum also houses a collection of elves, hidden in plain sight. Eagle-eyed visitors can spot them in the backgrounds of the wildlife dioramas and many other places. Be sure to check what's playing at the on-site theater.

7. Argo Gold Mine — Idaho Springs

Get a history lesson at the Argo Mill. Learn about Colorado's history as a boomtown and how to pan for gold. While you're in town, stop by Beau Jo's Pizza for a Colorado-style slice—kids love drizzling honey on the hearty crust.

8. Tiny Town — Morrison

Just west of town, explore this land in miniature. This seasonal summer attraction, originally built in 1915 and opened to the public five years later, features more than 100 tiny buildings harkening back to the frontier days. Peek in the windows to see the fascinating details, hop on a train ride through the park, enjoy a picnic, and grab a cone from the snack bar.

At the Denver Aquarium kids can meet fish, amphibians, and sometimes a mermaid. Photo by Jody Mercier

9. Downtown Aquarium — Downtown

Eat and admire the wildlife at the Downtown Aquarium. You'll find animals from around the world, including fish, amphibians, and even tigers. Other attractions include a 4-D theater, a carousel, and a train ride.

10. Littleton Museum — Littleton

Step back in time at this charming museum, which spreads over 40 acres in the southwestern suburb of Littleton. Kids can explore an 1800s homestead and urban farm to learn how homesteaders lived in the region's early days. Volunteers dress in period clothing and reenact old-school trades in the blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and more.

11. Denver Mint — Downtown

Show your kids proof money doesn't grow on trees at the Denver Mint, where billions of US coins are produced annually. Visit the website to get details about how to reserve a free tour.

12. Colorado Rockies game — LoDo

The Colorado Rockies are Denver's MLB team, and they play their home games at the scenic Coors Field. The purple row of seats in the stadium's top level denotes one mile above sea level, and the sky-high altitude and thin air means home run balls really fly out of the stadium. Tickets to the Rockpile can be had for discounted rates.

13. More Colorado Sports

If baseball's not your sport or it's not in season, Denver has other options—the NFL's Denver Broncos, the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, and MLS team Colorado Rapids all call the city home.

If it's college sports you crave, head up Highway 36 to catch the Colorado Buffaloes at the University of Colorado - Boulder. Between the scenic mountain views, the beautiful Tuscan vernacular architecture of the campus, and the live buffalo mascot who leads the team charging onto the field, it's one of the best places to catch a college football game.

Hit the rides at a theme park right in downtown Denver!

14. Elitch Gardens — Downtown

Ride the rides at this combo theme and water park smack dab in the middle of downtown Denver.

15. Denver Firefighters Museum — Downtown

Housed in Fire Station No. 1, a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Denver Firefighters Museum tells the history of Denver's fire corps from the state's founding to the present. See old fire trucks, ring the alarm, and enjoy hands-on fun for kids.

16. Pirates Cove Water Park — Englewood

Get your toes—and everything else—wet at this family-friendly water park. Enjoy low-key attractions from a splash pad and on-site beach to pools, dumping buckets, lazy rivers, and slides. Little ones can appreciate a zero-entry pool with a water playground. It's the perfect summer activity in Denver.

17. Molly Brown House Museum — Capitol Hill

Fans of Titanic might recall the brash, "unsinkable" Molly Brown, who eventually settled in the Denver area. This museum tells the story of Brown's life, philanthropy, and activism in the restored house she once owned. It's a stone's throw away from the statehouse with its gleaming, gold-plated dome, so head there for a stunning photo op after your tour.

Check out the plants, but also the sculptures and seasonal fun at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Outdoor Activities in Denver for Families

18. Denver Botanic Gardens — Cheesman Park

These expansive gardens feature sculptures, ever-changing flower beds, and galleries. Make a beeline for the Mordecai Children's Garden when you arrive (open seasonally)—this rooftop space offers hands-on programming for families. The garden hosts countless concerts and festivals annually, too.

19. Hit the Slopes

What's a story about Colorado without mention of its world-class skiing? While you have to get out of Denver to hit the hills, you don't have to go far. Loveland Ski Area is just over 50 miles west and is a great option. Want to hit the slopes in the offseason? Try Snobahn, where its revolving slopes are like ski treadmills with "snow-like surfaces" that allow for perpetual skiing.

20. City Park

Spend the day at City Park, which includes two lakes, monuments, two playgrounds, and picnic sites. It's also home to some of the city's biggest attractions, like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo. It tops our charts for fun kids' activities in Denver with kids!

Go for a low-key family bike ride at Washington Park.

21. Washington Park

This 155-acre space has two lakes, flower gardens (including one that is a replica of George Washington's gardens at Mount Vernon), playgrounds, and a historic boathouse.

22. Dinosaur Ridge — Morrison

Find fossils and prehistoric tracks made millions of years ago, all discovered in the 1800s, like Stegosaurus bones and Iguanodon tracks. There are plenty of trails for hiking, a visitor's center with educational displays, and options for guided tours at this dinosaur museum near Denver.

23. Cherry Creek Bike Trail

Biking is among the more chill things to do in Denver with kids. Try biking down the popular Cherry Creek Bike Trail, which starts at Confluence Park and passes by the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Four Mile Historic Park, which are destination-worthy in their own right.

24. Paco Sanchez Park — Downtown

Located just west of downtown Denver, this 30-acre green space pays homage to its namesake, who started the city's first Spanish-language radio station in the '50s, with a music-themed playground. The centerpiece is a spectacular climber, enclosed in a casing meant to look like a '50s-era microphone. There are slides, sand, climbers, plenty of bright colors, and space to roam and run.

Take a trip through the rapids with Clear Creek Rafting Co.

25. Whitewater Rafting

Test your bravery while whitewater rafting on Clear Creek and the Arkansas and Colorado rivers. There are numerous companies to choose from, like Clear Creek Rafting Co., Colorado Adventure Center, and more.

26. Creekside Experience Park — Littleton

For a more natural play experience, head south to Creekside Experience Park, where you'll find a nature-inspired playground with a treehouse, climbing boulders, and a water play area. Its proximity to the South Platte Greenway makes it a great stop for a break during a family bike ride.

27. Mount Evans & Echo Lake — Idaho Springs

Drive up the highest paved road in the United States to see Echo Lake. The road climbs to 14,260 feet above sea level and is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Echo Lake has picnic benches, fishing, and stunning views. For the route, take exit 240 from I-70, and then Colorado Highway 103 to Echo Lake. En route, keep your eyes peeled for the resident mountain goats.

This animal sanctuary rescues large animals, such as bears, and gives them a wide-open habitat.

28. The Wild Animal Sanctuary — Keenesburg

Watch animals roam at this sanctuary, one of the only facilities of its kind in the United States where you can see animals living in an open, natural habitat (there are two additional locations in Colorado). The sanctuaries are home to more than 450 rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and other large carnivores.

29. Denver Skate Park — LoDo

Older kids will love busting some moves at this 60,000-square-foot park. Skateboarders, bikers, and rollerbladers of all levels are welcome. Admission is FREE and the park is open every day.

30. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Take a hot air balloon ride over the Rocky Mountains. There are several options, including Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights & Rides in Boulder and Adventures Out West in Colorado Springs.

Grab a scoop at Little Man Ice Cream. Photo courtesy of the shop

Best Restaurants for Kids in Denver

34. The Little Man Ice Cream Co. — LoHi

Take a break from busy Denver sightseeing with a tasty treat at Little Man. The Little Man ice cream shop is like Willy Wonka for frozen goodies!

31. Denver Biscuit Company — Multiple Locations

Get a tasty of fluffy goodness by sinking your teeth into a biscuit from Denver Biscuit Company. Kids love these gigantic biscuits, prepared as sandwiches or enjoyed in their most natural state.

32. Sam’s No. 3 — Downtown

Sam's No. 3 is a beloved Denver diner that serves all-American dishes like omelettes, Greek favorites, burritos, and all things bacon.

33. Illegal Pete’s — Multiple Locations

Fill up on burritos, tacos, nachos, and other Mexican goodies at Illegal Pete's (and parents, don't forget the margarita).

35. Steuben’s — Uptown

Families can choose from a huge menu at this modern diner—a colorful, comfortable restaurant serving classic dishes and creative meals.

Sample the Willy Wonka-inspired treats at The Inventing Room.

36. The Inventing Room Dessert Shop — West Highland

This mashup of Willy Wonka, sideshow act, and molecular gastronomy produces delicious, unexpected results. The "show" is part of the experience as visitors watch treats like Glow in the Dark Cotton Candy and Really, Really Cold Cheetos being constructed. Finish a visit with a liquid nitrogen ice cream sundae. Reservations are required.

37. Casa Bonita — Lakewood

There's really not one way to describe this legendary establishment—it's part restaurant and part theme park where you'll find cliff divers, arcade games, stage shows, and live musicians... and below-average food (to put it nicely).

38. Stanley Market Place — Aurora

Why commit to one restaurant when you can choose from 20?! My kids loved this cool food hall since we can all choose our own eateries, and then dine together. We brought our food to The Local Drive, a multi-level golf facility, to eat and play. Don't miss the on-site playground, cornhole, and sand volleyball court.

39. Hammond's Candies Factory — North Denver

For kids with a sweet tooth—so, every kid—Hammond's Candies Factory is the place to go. The factory offers FREE tours where guests can see how candy canes, ribbon candies, and lollipops are shaped by hand. Tours run 30 minutes Mondays through Saturdays.

40. Buckhorn Exchange — Lincoln Park

Eat at Denver's oldest steakhouse, where the menu offers a taste of adventure and wild game, including elk and buffalo. The Old West setting is family-friendly, but this Denver restaurant's prices are a little high, which makes it a good pick for a special occasion.

The Gaylord Rockies Resort's water park makes it a kid pleaser.

Where to Stay in Denver with Kids

41. Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center — Aurora

Located just minutes away from Denver International Airport, Gaylord Rockies offers more than 1,300 guest rooms, a stunning indoor/outdoor water park, eight restaurants, a spa, and tons of entertainment and special events, making it a great home base or jumping-off point for your Colorado adventure.

42. Great Wolf Lodge — Colorado Springs

Bring the kiddos to Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs to enjoy an indoor water park full of year-round fun! Besides the water park and amazing amenities that include a climbing wall, arcade, bowling alley, and ropes corse, Great Wolf features themed suites with bunk beds, kid-friendly features, and more.

43. The Curtis — Downtown

Kids will love staying at one of the coolest Denver hotels. The Curtis, a Hilton property located in downtown Denver and within walking distance to the 16th Street Mall, features an eccentric design with board games to rent and fun to be had, from lobby to room.

44. Hotel Clio — Cherry Creek

If you're traveling with babies, this luxury Marriott hotel in Denver's walkable Cherry Creek neighborhood is a great pick. Its DreamNest package includes SlumberPods that turn a pack-and-play into a private sleep haven, sound machines, bottle warmers, and a Baby Essentials Kit with wipes, diapers, and more.

Visit nearby Rocky Mountain National Park for wildlife spotting, trails, and camping.

Fun Denver Day Trips for Families

45. Rocky Mountain National Park

Located about an hour and a half from Denver, this national park spans 415 miles of Rocky Mountain wilderness. See wildlife like elk, moose, deer, and bighorn sheep, traverse miles of trails, explore life above the tree line, visit the Continental Divide, and more. See our guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park with kids.

46. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre — Morrison

Jam out to a concert at Red Rocks! This naturally formed theater is stunning and unique, and there are shows and performances all year long. The space doubles as a park where nature lovers can hike and picnic or (gasp) run the stairs. Seeing a show here brings a new meaning to rock concert, and it's among the most iconic local experiences on our list of family-friendly things to do in Denver.

47. Garden of the Gods — Colorado Springs

There's no shortage of things to do at this breathtaking geological wonder full of natural beauty and gorgeous red rocks. Enjoy hiking, walking tours, biking, rock climbing, Jeep tours, horseback riding, and more. Visit during the summer months and use the park's free public shuttle to get around. While you're in town, check out our list of the best things to do in Colorado Springs with kids.

48. Georgetown Loop Railroad — Georgetown

Located about 45 miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park makes for a great immersive attraction. Besides train lovers enjoying this experience (with a narrow gauge train ride), families can also tour a real silver mine and learn how to pan for gold.

FAQs From Parents Visiting Denver

Q: Is Denver family friendly?
A: Yes! Denver is such a great city for families with kids of all ages and interests. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the hiking, walking trails, bike trails, skiing, and picturesque views; indoorsy types will have a great time at museums and attractions.

Q: Are there free activities for kids in Denver?

The great thing about Denver is its multitude of free outdoor activities. Take a walk through Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, bring your skates to Denver Skate Park, wander City Park, and peruse the shops around 16th Street Mall.

Q: How many days do you need in Denver with kids?
A: If you stay within the downtown Denver area, two to four days is great to squeeze as much fun into the trip. If you'd also like to explore attractions a bit farther away, like Rocky Mountain National Park, give yourself a week to be safe.

Originally published in 2017; Carrie Taylor & Melanie Preis contributed additional reporting.

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Photos courtesy of Visit Denver except where noted