33 Fun Things to Do in Denver with Kids (Updated) – 2024
Denver has many activities that visitors can enjoy with their families. They have jam-packed adventure zoos along with luxury theatres. Every possible option you can possibly look for can be found here.
Here’s a list of 33 of the best things you can do with kids in Denver; we have curated all your possible queries in mind.
Whether you are looking for places to take your kids for fun or googling ‘the best spots near me’, we have it all covered.
Best things to do in Denver with children
1. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus allows kids to explore, experience, and discover through playing in an engaging, informative, and fascinating environment.
Why visit?
The monument’s beautifully crafted displays, tailored programming for all generations, and hands-on cognitive approach all strive to create an environment of “kid-powered education.” The exhibition, which opened in 1973, includes unique and interactive Playscapes (hands-on exhibits) such as The Big Outdoors, an extra significant advent to existence in the backyard, The Assembly Plant, in which kids can create and establish their hearts’ material, and ‘Fire Station 1,’ which allows them to discover about the task of a fireman on an actual fire motor. The exhibit also offers fascinating year-round special events, along with fascinating daily seminars and activities for kids.
2. Morrison Natural History Museum
The Morrison Natural History Museum is Jefferson Province’s first fossil gallery, committed to investigating the town’s rich natural past.
Why visit?
The Morrison Natural History Museum, situated twenty minutes from Downtown Denver in Morrison, allows guests to see actual remains found in the region, like those of young Stegosaurus fossils and Apatosaurus Ajax muzzles, and baby sauropod footprints. Guests may also observe how fossil collecting and processing studies are conducted in the facility, which is an excellent introduction to the Red Rocks & Dinosaur Ridge locations. The Museum is accessible thrice a day for self-exploration or escorted tours with a professional instructor.
3. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, initially recognized as the Denver Museum of Natural History, is a museum dedicated to educating tourists and kids about the local history of the state and the Rocky Mountain area, in addition to the Planet and Galaxy, using clinical discovery.
Why visit?
The institution has more than a million artifacts in its holdings. It organizes a range of exhibits, events, hands-on activities, and training materials for all age brackets that inspire young minds to inquire, investigate, uncover, and educate. Academic interventions cover archaeology, anthropology, geoscience, animal science, nutrition, and astronautics, and perpetual displays encompass ‘Discovery Zone,’ a hands-on instructional for children; ‘Egyptian Mummies,’ a voyage back to the times of the Pharaohs; as well as ‘North American Indian Culture, Get a chance to study North American history and also their intriguing museum of the future.
4. Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo, situated in City Park, is host to about four thousand animals spanning 600 species that dwell in an array of natural ecosystems throughout 80 hectares of the wildlife park. The zoo was established in the late 1890s with just an abandoned black bear cub named Billy Ryan and, since then, evolved to become one of Denver’s finest destinations.
Why visit?
The zoo is crafted in a circular shaft that encompasses a variety of nesting sites and wildlife enclosures, such as Bear Mountain, Primate Panorama, Carnivores Ridge, Giraffe Mansion, Toyota Elephant Path, and Bird World. It features organisms from across the globe, spanning from primate species, reptilian creatures, and carnivores to vertebrates, dragonflies, and oysters.
The Threatened Species Display, which showcases a variety of critically endangered in our ecosystem, the Pioneer Carriage, which provides a thrilling ride all around the zoo’s carnival garden and flamingo cove; and the Wild Encounters open-air auditorium, which is developed for wildlife conferences and training programs, are also available at the zoo.
5. Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is an amusement and eating facility that includes a state-of-the-art fish tank with over a thousand barrels of submerged displays showcasing unique ecologies from all over the globe and housing over five hundred kinds of aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
Why visit?
The Downtown Aquarium, which was opened to the public in 2005, contains multiple unique exhibitions such as North America, In the Sand, Below Sea, At The Pier, The Jungle, Reef Lagoon, Fallen Temple, Ruins, and At The Shore. The Aquarium Rush, a specially created electric railway that goes all around Aquarium exploring marshland as well as the South Platte River, is another exciting attraction of the museum, as is an Underwater Carousel with decorated horses and magical sea creatures. There is also a comprehensive cafeteria, an upmarket bar, and a perfectly ready auditorium for special occasions and activities at the Downtown Aquarium.
6. Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is a portion of the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark known for its archaeological finds. The stones on the western edge of Dinosaur Ridge, located in Jefferson County, are a component of the Morrison Series of the Jurassic era, wherein Arthur Lakes found dinosaur fossils in the late 1870s, featuring Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, and Apatosaurus. On the east coast of Dinosaur Ridge is the location of hundreds of dinosaur fossils discovered in 1937, including pterosaur footprints and Iguanodon-like impressions. The Dinosaur Ridge Exhibit Hall is situated on the site and offers intriguing displays about the dinosaurs discovered there. Informative labeled paths throughout the region that illustrate paleontology, fossil remains, volcanic ash rock, and various other paleo-ecology features.
7. Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens, located in the Cheesman Park area, is a community nature reserve with a selection of thematic flowerbeds, a glass-enclosed greenhouse, and a subterranean auditorium that holds outdoor performances throughout the year.
Why visit?
The Denver Botanic Gardens are divided into three sections: the traditional park on York Street in East Denver, the native grasslands and riverfront regions of the Chatfield meadows, as well as the Mt. Goliath alpine wildflower lawns. The York Street Gardens comprise seven broad specialized gardens with species native to Colorado and nearby states and the world’s most comprehensive assortment of flora from chilly northern latitudes. The parks created the world’s most significant first Xeriscape Demonstration Landscape in the late 1980s, which features desert species from the dry West & Mediterranean area. The Denver Botanic Gardens also include the Shofu-en Japanese Pavilion and the Mordecai Children’s Garden, which provide a peaceful haven for families and kids to enjoy.
8. Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion spans around 7000 sq ft of tropical rainforest & insect menagerie in Westminster, containing thousands of butterflies, various bug species, and more than 200 species of plants from throughout the continent. The climate-controlled nursery, which was launched in the mid-1990s, has five display spaces featuring 4 indoor display rooms, stunning outdoor landscapes, and meandering wildlife paths. Wings of the Tropics houses 1600 free-flying exotic butterflies, Crawl-A-See-Em, which contains a variety of spiders featuring Rosie the tarantula, & Water’s Edge, which offers visitors to discover the realm of aquatic invertebrates, are among the displays and ecosystems. The instructional activities include a contact tank, connection with live animals, & immersion equipment that covers science and preservation subjects.
9. City Park
City Park is spread over three hundred acres east coast of Denver. It is a community parkland that includes the Museum of Nature and Science, the city Zoo, Duck Lakes, the Ferril, and a lovely dock. The playground serves as Denver’s primary park and welcomes numerous season concerts that attract thousands of people each quarter.
Why visit?
It provides various adventurous activities, like sailing, paddle-boating, surfing on the reservoirs, trekking, and cycling on the forest trails. Private functions and celebrations can also be conducted at the boathouse. Ferril Lake is host to the Prismatic Fountain, which was conceived and erected in 1908 by architect Frederic W. Darlington and contained dazzling LED lights that cycle among different formations.
10. Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum (DAM), founded in 1922, is one of the West’s most significant art galleries, recognized for its spectacular exhibit of American Indian artwork, in addition to established and developing archives of approximately 68000 original items from throughout the world.
Why visit?
The museum’s holdings are divided into 9 different thematic divisions, spanning from technology, architecture, and design to Asian, fresh World, European, and contemporary art, and thus are housed in an award-winning facility constructed by Frederic C. Hamilton in Denver’s Civic Center. Throughout the calendar year, the museum hosts a variety of events and seminars, where guests may meet the artists of numerous famous and renowned artists, as well as a range of engaging excursions for the entire family to engage in. The gallery’s entrance fee is free every 14th of November.
11. Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball club situated at Coors Field. The squad is a National League West division member and claimed their first National Championship title Eleven years back.
Why visit?
The 76-acre Coors Field is located in Denver’s Arena district and offers breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountains. It is also known for having the maximum home runs ever. Coors Stadium is noted for its antique brick façade and iconic trademark timepiece, where spectators gather just before the game, blending the historic ambiance of a 1920s modern ballpark and 21-century equipment.
12. Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum (WOR)
The Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum (WOR), situated on the premises of the old Lowry Airbase in Denver, was founded in the early 1990s with the goal of keeping the legacy of Lowry AFB’s activities spanning 1938 till 1994.
Why visit?
The gallery is located in an ancient 40000 sq ft (4000 m2) helipad created in the late 1930s. It houses several catalogs, such as the USAF’s B-1A Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress Bombers, a space of records detailing the collection of armed forces and commercial planes, and a one-of-a-kind library. For kids of all ages, the exhibit features informative and hands-on learning activities such as the Wings Aerospace Science Program (W.A.S.P), Kid Aerospace, as well as the Space and Air Camp. Wings well over Rockies Aviation and Space Museum is Colorado’s official state aviation and space park and the home of the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.
13. Denver Firefighters Museum
This is an 11000 sq ft building with 4 exhibits that explores and celebrates Denver’s firefighting heritage. Denver Firefighters Museum is a nonprofit institution founded in the late 1970s and situated in downtown Denver; it is headquartered in old Fire Station No. 1, which goes all the way back to the 1900s and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why visit?
The gallery’s main floor exhibit has displays that trace the firefighting procedure from the moment the alert is drawn through the activities of the firemen while battling the fire. Fire equipment, horse-drawn and mechanized fire vehicles and motors, security activities performed by firemen, and an understanding of Station No. 1’s history are all on display.
14. Confluence Park
Confluence Park is a 265-acre urban parkland and riverside refuge in Denver’s busy Lower Downtown sector that surrounds Cherry Creek’s confluence and the South Platte River.
Why visit?
Trekking and mountain biking routes, warm and covered picnic areas, well-stocked fishing ponds, a protected swimming pool, a workout course, and contemporary bathrooms are all available in the resort. The eastern bank of the South Platte River is famous for kayaking. In contrast, the edge in the west is included in the Platte Valley Trolley circuit, which operates for all Denver Broncos home matches during the holidays.
15. Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Elitch Gardens Theme & Family Water Park, generally known as Elitch’s, is a family-friendly amusement park in the center of Denver which provides a plethora of entertainment for the whole group.
Why visit?
The world-renowned hybrid amusement and water park, which opened over 125 years ago, offers a plethora of activities moving from traditional slides, edge-of-your-seat intense roller coasters, and participatory performances for the entire family to enjoy. KiddieLand activities, Dive-In Movies, and free live entertainment. Other attractions include private cabanas, cafes, lounges, nightclubs, vendors offering all varieties of meals and drinks, and so much more.
16. The Fort
The Fort is an honorary Western-style diner in Denver that was chosen by OpenTable in 2017 as one of the USA’s most picturesque eateries.
Why visit?
The diner, which has received praise from global publications and tv programs like the New York Times, Bon Appetit, and The Today Show, is the world’s foremost independent vendor of buffalo steaks, delivering a delightful catalog of meals highlighting top-quality beef, meat, and sushi. Exquisite entrees like elk St. Vrain, buffalo filet mignon, and teriyaki grilled quail are complemented by intriguing starters like buffalo enchiladas and duck quesadillas. Tours of the charming diner that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places are also available for clusters of 10 and more.
17. Denver Trolley
The Denver Trolley is a festive outdoor carriage that provides picturesque excursions from the Southern Platte Greenway & Downtown Denver, transporting guests back and forth to Denver Broncos matches at Broncos Stadium.
Why visit?
Carriages leave Confluence Park terminal and go along the South Platte Greenway and then through downtown Denver to the Broncos Bridge, returning the very same route after the match. Denver Trolley drivers are well educated about the region’s heritage and give intriguing tidbits and snatches of interesting info all along the trip. The Denver Trolley is also available for customized excursions for special events such as birthday party trips, family gatherings, and business team-building activities.
18. The Cherry Cricket
The Cherry Cricket is a deep-rooted Denver landmark known for its build-your-own handmade burgers and an extensive range of Colorado beers on tap. The eatery that has appeared on Food Network shows such as Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and The Best Thing I Ever Ate first debuted in 1945 in a tiny location upon that city’s 2nd Avenue and was beautifully restored and relaunched to the audience after a tragedy in 2017.
Why visit?
Beef, turkey, chicken, and bison burgers come with various inventive add-on condiments, from traditional choices like white cheddar or fried onion straws to more experimental alternatives like ancho apricot bbq sauce, salsa verde strips, sour cream, and Cheetos. Hot guacamole melts, fried breaded sandwiches, Rockies-style cheesesteaks, and beer-battered specialty pizzas are among the delectable specialty sandwich selections. A modest Mexican menu spotlights mainstays like enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. In contrast, a quirky entrée menu includes items like mac & cheese bites, smashed potato hush puppies, and ballpark pretzel twists. Beers from Stone, Great Divide, and Breckenridge Breweries are complemented with crazy drinks, specialty beverages, and liqueurs.
19. Denver U.S. Mint
The Denver U.S. Mint, established in the late 1790s, is a department of the United States Mint charged with producing legally enforceable currency and distributing it to the country’s industry and business.
Why visit?
The Mint also manufactures coin items such as gold and silver bullion currency coins, Senate Gold Medals, evidence, mintages, and banknotes. It is the globe’s largest individual manufacturer of coinage. Guests may take a complimentary quick tour of the bank to observe how trillions of tokens are made every year and to understand more about the United States Mint’s rich heritage. Kids over seven years of age and adults are only permitted on visits, and the Mint’s Souvenir Store sells a range of coinage and unusual mementos.
20. The Wild Animal Sanctuary
This nature reserve is a 789-acre animal sanctuary that emphasizes saving and nurturing major wild animals against suffering or death. The sanctuary, which is situated adjacent to Keenesburg, was founded to safeguard and cater to a wide range of species and educate the population about the Endangered Animal Issue.
Why visit?
The location is distinctive and includes enormous open ecosystems where the rescued animals dwell, as well as high platforms that stretch across the ecosystems, allowing people to see the creatures in their naturalistic setting. Big cats like tigers and lions and other carnivorous predators like bears and wolves live happily in their no-kill habitat.
21. Denver Selfie Museum
The Denver Selfie Museum, which was founded in the late 2010s, is a vibrant and immersive art gallery with displays built for photo backdrops.
Why visit?
Take thousands of unique, exciting photographs with your family members at the Denver Selfie Museum to build ever-lasting recollections.
It is located in a midtown apartment complex, the ReNew on Stout.
It provides various vivid and one-of-a-kind settings for gorgeous, anti-gravity images that your kids will treasure for a lifetime.
Each one-of-a-kind background includes professional lighting and accessories to ensure high-quality photos whenever you come.
This fantastic gallery is a family-friendly destination that welcomes visitors of all ages.
22. Hammond’s Candies
Hammond’s Sweets is a Colorado candy business that has been creating and supplying real chocolates for over a century. Carl T. Hammond, Sr., founded Hammond’s Candy over 100 years ago, and the company has grown from a tiny family company to an established brand with global sales today.
Why visit?
The business offers a variety of candies, including lollipops, ribbon candy, popsicles, and waffles, as well as custards, coffee, pretzels, and sticks and spreaders, each of which is created within the on-site plant, which tourists can visit for free. Guests may watch huge video monitors all through the facility to see how the sweets are manufactured and learn more about the history of Hammond’s Candies in Denver.
23. Little Man Ice Cream
Little Man Ice Cream is a beautiful local store that sells handmade sugary desserts and distinctive varieties of fresh ice cream inside a cheerful and pleasant ambiance. The family-friendly store is called after creator Paul Tamburello’s dad, Peter Tamburello, who’d been nicknamed ‘Little Man,’ and is housed in a 28 ft high milk-jug-sized store influenced by historic Coney Shore hot dog-shaped booths.
Why visit?
This creative business, which builds on the historical heritage of the local ice cream shop, provides a selection of delectable varieties of handmade ice cream served in scoops or waffle cups, as well as desserts, singles, and milkshakes. Little Man Ice Cream is available on weekends and weekdays.
24. Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita, situated in the Lamar Station Plaza, is an exquisite dining and drama club in Lakewood that provides genuine Mexican cuisine, live performances, and theatrics. The 52000 sq ft diner was founded in the mid-1970s and is housed in a giant pink plastered facility with an 85 ft high doorway tower.
Why visit?
It accommodates over a thousand visitors and attributes a thirty-foot elevated fountain created to resemble the canyons of Acapulco which slides down into a 14-foot pool of water and an atrium coated in 22 karats gold paint and shelter a monument of Quahuatomec, the very last Aztec ruler. The cafe also has a distinctive gift store that offers a range of unusual mementos, products, and presents. Casa Bonita is available for both lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
25. Tiny Town and Tiny Town Railroad- Morrison
In 1915, a dad made this tiny town as a present for his young child.
In 1921, he introduced the place to the community.
Why visit?
It’s little yet not small enough to be considered a miniature.
Tiny Town was initially called Turnerville after the creator, George Turner.
He hand-crafted over Hundred child-sized structures, which sit roughly 4 ft in height.
Guests may also experience kiddie-sized coal and gasoline trains, or when you and the children are hungry, you may eat lunch or organize a picnic on the premises.
26. History Colorado Center
The History Colorado Center was introduced to the public in April of 2012. It is a spectacular exhibition with almost fifteen displays concerning rich heritage.
Why visit?
By accompanying your family members to this fantastic exhibition, you may go back in time to explore the intriguing history of the state and as well as of the American West.
There are over 9 unique displays to visit.
Explore pictures of Ancestral Puebloans, Colorado’s hills’ animals, and much more.
Colorado Tales tells in-depth narratives of individuals who have contributed to Colorado civilization, and the Living West, which has exhibits on natural zones, is two of its most intriguing exhibitions.
View miniatures depicting urban life in Colorado in the late 1800s, images from the nineteenth century, and so forth.
Participate in immersive events and games like LEGO sessions, lectures, presentations, etc.
27. Center for Visual Art- Santa Fe
The Center for Visual Arts is an external art exhibition maintained by the Metropolitan Community College of Denver’s faculty of arts. It was initially introduced in 1990.
Why visit?
The CVA invites residents, visitors, and regional and global artists to experience cultural artwork throughout the year.
There are numerous opportunities to develop and relax on your vacation in Denver.
Visitors may engage in a guided tour of the gallery, participate in a hands-on session or an immersive art presentation, or learn about design programs.
Which include art workshops for children, an Art + Task Lab apprenticeship for teenagers, and professional art-making fun activities.
A visit to the Center for Visual Art in Colorado is informative for children while also entertaining for teenagers and adults.
28. Anderson Farms – Erie
Anderson Farms was founded in the early 1900s by a generation of Swedish emigrants who bought a property in Denver.
Anderson Farms is becoming the state’s most popular fall getaway.
Why visit?
Visit a vast historical property with fascinating plantation activities for a memorable family holiday.
During the autumn Fest, Anderson Farms is especially well-known for its Horror in the Fields and Zombie Paintball Hunting endeavors.
A haunted hayride, a carriage trip to its famed pumpkin field, a colorful labyrinth, peddle karts, domesticated animals to engage with, kid’s castles, a pumpkin catapult, mine vehicles, a barrel railway, escape dungeons and a lot more of the greatest adventures to be enjoyed with children. Although, no matter the age, everyone will have fun here.
29. National Western Stock Show- East Denver
Since the early 1900s, the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo has taught stock bearers better raising and feeding practices while commemorating USA’s historical Wild West legacy.
Why visit?
At the planet’s biggest stock fair, which has over 15000 livestock, visitors may see rodeos, Wild West exhibitions, leaping horses, livestock championships, as well as dog displays.
Each January, 45 American states plus Thirty foreign nations witness this Denver heritage and Wild West celebration.
There are also more than three hundred free entertainment programs, the National Western Nursery, petting zoos, and amusement rides that everyone can enjoy at the event.
It’s an excellent alternative for a low-cost family holiday.
This massive event is particularly fit for youngsters aged above four.
30. Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station
Wolf Meow Convergence Station in Denver is an immersive exhibition that also debuted in the Auraria area in Sept of 2021.
Take your family and friends to Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station to engage themselves in the marvels of the art universe.
Why visit?
This four-story exhibit has over 70 unique artworks, featuring profound artworks, ports, variously designed chambers, odd sculptures, and also more.
Certain rooms provide immersive storytelling interactions, mind-boggling artworks, and intriguing story arcs.
The Galleri Museum, which features shifting artworks by contemporary Denver artisans, and the Perplexiplex, a performance and conferences facility, are two of its displays.
Guests of all ages will enjoy exploring the four floors of breathtaking artworks.
31. Colorado Railroad Museum
The Colorado Railroad Museum, founded in the late 1950s, is among Colorado’s most prominent art galleries of its type.
Expect to be astounded as you and your children experience the universe of railroads at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
Why visit?
Spend some time looking through vintage pictures, vehicles, vintage railroad relics, and other items.
After seeing the exhibitions, you may participate in various enjoyable activities such as taking train journeys, registering for behind-the-scenes excursions, actually watching presentations, and engaging in festive events.
Browse the souvenir shop to purchase mementos such as flasks, caps, t-shirts, board games, puzzles, hardwood railway tracks, toys, plush pets, stickers, artworks, Thomas & Friends memorabilia, and much more.
32. Buckhorn Exchange
The Buckhorn Exchange is a long-running, sophisticated, luxury steakhouse launched in November in the early 1890s.
Why visit?
Before returning to your accommodation, stop at the Buckhorn Exchange for a delicious supper with your group.
This one-of-a-kind diner has a gorgeous décor filled with historical pictures, Native American antiques, vintage firearms, more than 500 items of taxidermy, and positioned wildlife, including elk, yak, rhinoceros, and other creatures.
Exquisite foods such as roasted duck breast, fish, beef fillet steak, dessert, brownie, fruit pies, ice cream, and so forth are available here.
While visiting this restaurant, there aren’t any age limits.
It is more appropriate for your older kids as it does not provide specific meal options for more minor children.
33. 16 Street Mall
The 16 Street Mall is a kilometer from the retail complex in the middle of the city.
Bring your children to the 16 Street Mall for the best retail therapy.
Why visit?
It has approximately 250 retailers and culinary places, providing a plethora of alternatives to meet almost every need and want.
Explore businesses providing a wide range of things such as toddler clothes, candy, flowers, clothing, dolls, literature, gifts, cosmetics, and a lot more.
Shop at the major internationally renowned brands like Tommy Hilfiger, H&m, Sephora, Paco Rabanne, etc.
Visitors may also have a culinary adventure by feasting at any of the numerous excellent restaurants that provide kid-friendly alternatives.
This market is pedestrian-friendly and provides free end-to-end transportation service, which makes it ideal for families with little toddlers or newborns.
Conclusion
Denver, often known as the Mile High City, is the state capital and also the most densely populated state in Colorado.
It features almost 200 playgrounds with breathtaking panoramas of the hills and water bodies that encompass it.
Denver, among the finest locations to reside in the country, offers plenty of delights and thrilling activities for your family.
Since you’re planning a family holiday, here are some fun activities to do with kids in Denver.
