26 Fun Things to Do in Denver With Kids (By a Local Mom)

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or you’re a local looking for fun things to do in Denver with kids, you’ve come to the right place! I’m a Denver mom with tons of insight on nearby family fun.

Thanks to great museums like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Children’s Museum, parks like City Park, Elitch’s amusement park, and so much more, there’s plenty of fun things to do with kids in Denver.

Below I’ve listed some of the best family-friendly activities in the Mile High City. Also, be sure to check out our full post on the best things to do in Denver (for all ages!).

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Table of Contents

26 Best Things to Do in Denver With Kids

📺 Hit play on this video to watch Abigail’s picks for the best stuff to do in Denver:

a woman standing in front of a billboard

Meow Wolf

Explore rooms of colorful and engaging art installations, best for kids 10 and up.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (866) 636-9969 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm Mon to Thurs, 11 am – 10 pm Fri to Sun | Entrance: $45 adults, $40 ages 5-13

Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station is the newest permanent installation. Kids will be entranced by psychedelic colors everywhere, steampunk vehicles, creepy catacombs, and the living swamp.

Denver Museum Of Nature & Science

Learn about dinosaurs, space, mummies and more at this all-ages museum.

We love the gemstone exhibit at this Denver museum. Don’t miss the space museum area and Prehistoric Journey, and a special exhibit about Egyptian mummies is another favorite. Young kids will enjoy the Discovery Zone area of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

👉 Pro Tip: Check out free days and discounts here.

Denver Zoo

Take the whole family to a day at the zoo, full of animal experiences and scenic picnic spots.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 337-1400 | Website | Hours: varies, see webpage | Entrance: $25.20 adults, $22.05 seniors 65+, $18.90 ages 3-15, free under 3 (March 11 – Oct 31); $15.75 adults, $13.65 seniors 65+, $10.50 ages 3-15, free under 3 (Nov 1 – March 10) | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

When it’s warm at the Denver Zoo, many animals are outside while in the colder months you can visit them in their indoor enclosures.

You’ll find plenty of picnic sites at the zoo or the City Park area nearby. The zoo also has educational programs and classes to check out, and be sure to take a ride on the endangered species carousel!

Denver Botanic Gardens

Marvel at plants from all over the world, and take the kids to Mordecai Children’s Garden.

The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the best family things to do in Denver, CO. At the Mordecai Children’s Garden, kids will find hands-on areas where they can build, run, and play. Don’t miss the Tropical Conservatory with its treehouse, fish, and frogs.

👉 Pro Tip: See Denver Botanic Gardens’ free days here.

Sports Arena Tours

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the arena where your favorite Colorado team plays.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 258-3000 | Website | Entrance: $40 adults, $35 ages 6-12 & seniors, free under 6

Empower Field at Mile High offers tours that give fans a peek at where players prep for their games! You’ll see the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum, executive suite, visitors’ locker room, and Thunder’s stall, among other sites. The tour is about a half-mile long and is stroller-friendly — but bring your own, as there aren’t any to rent.

Fans (including kids) can also tour other stadiums in Denver. These include Ball Arena, home to the Nuggets basketball team, and Coors Field, where the Colorado Rockies baseball team plays.

Tattered Cover

Denver’s local bookstore chain has events for kids throughout the week.

📍 Google Maps | Website

The Tattered Cover is Denver’s largest independent bookstore chain. Its four locations have kids’ sections with quality children’s books (new and used), toys, puzzles, and more. The bookstores also have storytimes and other kids’ events. The Tattered Cover KIDS at Stanley Marketplace is an entire store geared towards kids, rather than just a section.

Museums in Denver

👉 Be sure to all check out my guide to the best museums in Denver!

Denver Art Museum

Bring children 6 and up to this kid-friendly art museum in the heart of downtown.

a woman sitting on a bench with a surfboard

a large building with a large clock on it

You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Denver, including activities at one of the city’s best art museums. Children will enjoy the totem poles, and they can see paintings by Monet, contemporary art, and more.

Located in Capitol Hill, views of the Rocky Mountains from the bridge can’t be beat. The museum also has art programs and other events.

👉 Pro Tip: Learn about the Denver Art Museum’s free days here.

Littleton Museum

Experience Wild West history first-hand at this all-ages museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 795-3950 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tues – Sat, 11 am – 5 pm Sun, closed Mon & holidays | Entrance: free

A special interactive kids’ area has them use an old-fashioned stove and more, but the crowd-pleasers are the animals on the farm! Often, volunteers do demonstrations in the Blacksmith Shop, too.

While in the area, check out my guide to other fun things to do in Littleton.

Children’s Museum of Denver

Enjoy hands-on learning and play at this museum suited for kids 8 and under.

The Children’s Museum of Denver recently added an outdoor exploration space, and kids love this Denver museum!

There are also climbing structures indoors at the children’s museum, along with bubble play, a fire truck, messy art, and more. Parents will love the kid-powered learning happening.

📚 Related Reading: Looking for more things to do in Denver? Check out Nate’s extensive list of things to do in Denver here!

Denver Firefighters Museum

Make fire safety fun at this interactive museum best for 3-11 year olds.

Kids will love the Denver Firefighters Museum! It has old fire trucks, an alarm to ring, and lots of fun for kids while they learn about fire safety and the history of the Denver Fire Department.

Four Mile Historic Park

Pet farm animals and tour a Wild West museum, great for elementary schoolers.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 865-0800 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Fri – Sun, closed Mon – Thu (Jan – May); 10 am – 4 pm Wed – Sun, closed Mon & Tues (June – Dec) | Entrance: $8 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 ages 7-17, free under 7

Four Mile Park features Denver’s oldest structure which now houses the museum. Kids can visit farm animals and replicas. The museum also has events ranging from yoga to educational programs.

History Colorado Center

Take elementary and middle school-aged children to this museum that celebrates Colorado history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 447-8679 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $15 adults, free under 18

The History Colorado Center was built as a hands-on museum. Kids can experience a tornado, buy goods in the general store, and do activities to teach them about state history.

Downtown Aquarium – Denver

Watch marine wildlife at one of Denver’s best family attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 561-4450 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon – Thurs, 10 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat, 10 am – 8 pm Sun | Entrance: $26.99+ adults, $25.99+ seniors 65+, $20.99+ ages 3-11, free under 3

Explore underwater worlds at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver, CO. The aquarium showcases more than 500 species and teaches kids about ecosystems worldwide. There’s also a restaurant and gift shop at the Downtown Aquarium.

Outdoors

Evergreen Lake

Paddle or ice skate on this year-round, all-ages spot near Denver.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 880-1300 | Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset daily | 👉 Book This Denver Foothills Tour

Walk around the lake and stop by the nature center for activities to learn about the animals that live near the lake. In summer, you can rent paddle boats and paddleboards, and in winter you can skate on the lake.

📚 Related Reading: For more outdoor fun, check out our complete list of hikes near Denver, including great kid-friendly trails in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Belleview Park

Enjoy Denver family activities at this nearby park, great for kids aged 3-11 .

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: free

A small creek runs through the park, where kids love to splash and cool off. For $3 per person, they (and you!) can ride the small pioneer train around the park, or visit the petting zoo for the same price. Next door is Pirate’s Cove, a small local water park with slides and water features. All three seasonal attractions are all scheduled to open on May 25, 2024.

Downtown Playground

Visit this downtown jungle gym, great for kids in preschool and elementary .

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise – sunset daily | Entrance: free

This isn’t a destination for a day-long trip, but it is a lifesaver if you’re in downtown Denver and need a spot for kids to blow off steam! This little playground is tucked right near LoDo, and has a climbing net and other fun features.

📚 Related Reading: For more Denver activities, check out Nate’s list of 59 things to do in Denver!

City Park

Experience one of the best things to do in Denver, Colorado with kids of all ages.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm every day

The City Park area is near both the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (you can hear the animals from the Denver Zoo while you walk!)

Bike paths are level so smaller kids can bike at City Park, there are rocks for climbing near the museum, and fountains for splashing in. You can also rent paddle boats to float on the lake.

📚 Related Reading: If you want to explore even more of Colorado, be sure to check out these 41 top places to go in Colorado!

Confluence Park

Splash and cool off on a hot summer’s day — an activity the whole family can appreciate!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 913-1311 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: free

Confluence Park is where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet. It’s near Elitch Gardens, one of the best amusement parks in Denver, and next to the Denver Trolley. Take a ride on the Denver Trolley, or let the kids cool off in the water for a bit.

👉 Pro Tip: Want to explore areas outside Denver? Check out my guides to Colorado Springs with kids and Fort Collins with kids.

Food & Drink

Little Man Ice Cream

Try a scoop (or two!) at this iconic ice cream shop.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 455-3811 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Sun – Thu, 12 pm – 11 pm Fri & Sat

There’s a reason the line for this shop stretches down the street on warm summer afternoons and evenings! Little Man, in its cream can-shaped shop, is a Colorado institution and a great spot for a treat after the Denver Zoo or other outings.

👉 Need a Place to Stay? Check out our guide to staying in Denver for tips on the best areas and neighborhoods.

Hammond’s Candy Factory

Savor sweets on this fun candy tour, great for kids 4 and up.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 333-5588 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Mon – Sat, closed Sun | Cost: free

Take a tour to learn how these famous hard candies are made. At the end, nab a tasty treat fresh from the factory! It’s one of the best free activities in Denver!

Uncorked Kitchen Cooking Classes

Have the kids learn a little something in the kitchen.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 907-3838 | Website | Hours: class times vary

Tired of having to feed these kids day in and day out? Teach them to feed you! Uncorked Kitchen offers a variety of cooking classes for kids, teens, and for families to learn to cook together.

Sites & Attractions

Dinosaur Ridge

Be amazed by prehistoric treasures at one of Denver’s best family attractions.

a large white elephant standing on top of a lush green field

See where dinosaurs lived at Dinosaur Ridge, west of Denver, CO! You’ll spot footprints, and kids can uncover bones in the dig areas outside.

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

Thrill the family on roller coasters and rides.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 595-4386 | Website | Hours: varies, see webpage (open seasonally & for holiday events) | Entrance: $69.99+ per person, free under 3

Head to Elitch Gardens theme park for roller coasters, thrill rides, a concert series, and more. There are kiddie boats, and other calmer rides at Elitch Gardens theme park for very young kids, and a water park to cool off.

The Butterfly Pavilion

Walk among hundreds of butterflies, marvel at the bugs and invertebrates, and hold a beloved tarantula.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 469-5441 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $15.95 adults, $13.95 seniors 65+, $10.95 ages 2-12, free under 2

The Butterfly Pavilion is a wonderful activity for kids 11 and younger! Check out the invertebrates including millipedes and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. You’ll also find sea creatures like sea stars and spider crabs at the touch pool.

The tropical rainforest is the attraction’s key draw where you can mingle with 1,600 butterflies. Check out the food dishes where you might see one land to eat. A butterfly might even rest on you as you stroll around. The pavilion is stroller-friendly and you can save $1 by booking tickets online beforehand.

The Argo Mill and Tunnel

Pan for gold on this historical tour, best for children 4 and up.

Teach kids about a big part of Colorado’s history with a tour of the Argo Mine. Tours are about an hour and 15 minutes long, and a gold panning lesson afterwards takes about 20 minutes. Kids get to keep whatever they find!

In Winter

FYI, I’ve also got an entire post with dozens of family-friendly things to do in Denver during winter.

Skiing

Enjoy skiing in the mountains —even preschoolers can get the hang of it!

Various Locations | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

There’s plenty of skiing and snowboarding near Denver! Fortunately, many of these ski places know the challenges of bringing kids to ski, and there are some great programs at places like Keystone and Winter Park to help both the kids and their parents to have fun.

Be sure to check our list of the best ski resorts near Denver!

Meyer Ranch Park Sledding

Tube or sled downhill on a snowy afternoon, great for kids 3 and older.

📍 Google Maps | Website | 8 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance free | 👉 Browse Tours on Viator

When there’s not enough snow for good sledding or tubing in Denver, head to Meyer Ranch Park for better luck. If you’re looking for things to in Denver with toddlers (and children older, too!), this is a great activity. Just note you’ll have to bring all your own gear.

👉 Read Next: 17 Things to Do in Nashville, TN With Kids

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Thanks for reading! For more ideas, be sure to check out my list of all the fun things to do in Colorado with kids.

about me

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!