аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

Family-Friendly Fun; 25 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Denver

Colorado’s capital boasts many things, including its near-perfect suitability as a family-friendly destination. Denver is home to a plethora of sites and activities to keep kids of all ages engaged and entertained. From the museums to the zoo, beautiful parks & gardens, artsy neighborhoods, cool eateries, malls, and great kid-friendly theater shows, the city welcomes you to a neat family adventure. Whether you’re visiting with your toddler, middle-school kid, or teen, you’re sure to find amazing treats to gift them a wonderful vacation. Here are the 25 kid-friendly things to do in Denver!

Kid-friendly things to do during the day

1. Visit the Denver Zoo

Wonder through the 80-acre zoological experience in the city and explore the beautiful wildlife on site. Denver Zoo is the most visited paid attraction in the State, and that means there’s got to be something worth looking at here. It’s also conveniently located and easily accessible from downtown. Rather than the usual cages and bars, the enclosures here are more naturalistic, enriching the views and overall experience.

It is home to over 3,500 animals from over 550 species. These include elephants, lions, seals, tigers, birds, and everything in between. The design is remarkable, with creatively laid out exhibits. The area is quite walkable, so wear your comfortable shoes and explore at your own pace. The zoo has other treats as well, including shows and demonstrations so look out for that too. There are places to sit, typical zoo food, and a gift shop. Check out the website for ticket packages.

ADDRESS: 2300 STEELE ST, DENVER, CO 80205, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 720 337 1400

OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 10 AM TO 4 PM, SATURDAY-SUNDAY 10 AM TO 8 PM

2. Fun & games at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

The wonderland of fun and games has been around for over a century! It is located in the downtown area and attracts many visitors on hot summer days. You’ll find water rides, roller coasters, thrill rides for all ages, entertaining shows, and more! Spend the afternoon with your family and kids at one of Colorado’s must-see destinations. The rides are suited for various ages, and kids will enjoy the pint-sized rides, including the tike bikes, crazy bus, and more.

Cool off the afternoon heat at the water rides, and only call it a day after you’ve had a good meal. There are cool places to eat at the park, including pizza joints, burgers, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream, and drinks. Check out the website for ticket purchases. You can opt for a season pass if you’re around for long, or a day ticket for $ 49.99. Kids 2 and under have free admission.

See also; 20 Best Restaurants in Denver.

ADDRESS: 2000 ELITCH CIR, DENVER, CO 80204, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 595 4386

OPEN: APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER, SUNDAY-THURSDAY 10.30 AM TO 8 PM, FRIDAY-SATURDAY 10.30 AM TO 9 PM

3. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens

Relax your nerves as you take in the natural splendor at Denver Botanic Gardens. The 23-acre park is home to a vast conservatory, theme gardens, and an amphitheater for concerts. Find an extensive collection of beautiful plants and flowers from around the world in this oasis in the city. There are various plant education programs too, and if you’re a conservation enthusiast, the deal is impossible to resist.

Regular events and concerts are held here too, so look out for those on their website when you’re planning a visit! There’s extensive, free parking but it can fill up quickly on weekends. It’s highly recommended that you purchase your tickets online. See the website for all offers.

Read also; 10 Best Flower Shops in Denver.

ADDRESS: 1007 YORK ST, DENVER, CO 80206, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 720 865 3500

OPEN: TUESDAY & THURSDAY-SUNDAY 9 AM TO 8 PM, MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 8 AM TO 2 PM

4. Learn about marine life at the Downtown Aquarium

Treat the whole family to an aquatic adventure at the Downtown Aquarium. Home to over 500 species, get ready to explore a variety of sea creatures including stingrays, otters, sharks, fish, and other land animals such as the Sumatran tiger. The complex has a restaurant & lounge, carousel, ballroom, and 4D Theater. There are regular shows as well, including fun sea shows, so look out for them when you plan to visit. The venue thus offers more than just the sea creature exhibits, and you spend the day having fun at any of the various amusement options offered on-site.

ADDRESS: 700 WATER ST, DENVER, CO 80211, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 561 4450

OPEN: MONDAY-THURSDAY 10 AM TO 8.30 PM, FRIDAY-SATURDAY 10 AM TO 10 PM, SUNDAY 10 AM TO 8 PM

TICKETS: AQUARIUM EXHIBIT ONLY @ $20.99 TO $ 27.50, FREE FOR KIDS 2 AND UNDER

5. Check out amazing sights at Butterfly Pavilion

Combine fun and learning at the Butterfly Pavilion which is home to over 1,500 butterflies from various species, and invertebrates from land and sea. Stroll through the magical rainforest setting and marvel at the beautiful exhibits, and wondering butterflies. There’s a neat little gift shop with unique souvenirs and your kids will love a purchase or two. It’s fun for all ages, including toddlers. They can get to hold a tarantula too! Lots of interactive experiences. It can however get hot and humid in the afternoon, especially in the enclosures, so keep that in mind.

ADDRESS: 6252 W 104^TH AVE, WESTMINSTER, CO 80020, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 469 5441

OPEN: 9 AM TO 5 PM DAILY

6. Take your kids on a shopping spree at 16th Street Mall

Located in the heart of downtown, 16^th Street Mall is a top pedestrian shopping destination in the city. Stretching over a mile, the pedestrian promenade is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, coffee shops, quaint cafés, and lots of fun things to do. Need a fun outdoor experience strolling through the city with your kids? Check it out if you’re willing to spend away on some shopping and foodie escapades. Several shuttles run along the area too, just in case you’d rather catch a ride. Opening hours for the shops may vary but most are open from late morning (around 10 am) to early evening (around 8 pm). Check the for the various shop & dine options, parking directory, and maps.

See also; 20 Best Coffee Shops in Denver.

Outdoor & Sporty Things to Do

7. Wild fun at the Archery Games

Tap into your competitive spirit and have fun at the Archery Games indoor arena, barely a 20-minute drive from the city. The archery range is highly rated as family-friendly and is a great choice for family fun, birthdays, team building, and even bachelor(ette)s parties. Engage in an evening of fun shooting arrows in a fun, safe and energy-packed environment. Booking in advance is mandatory, so check out availability on their website. Archery dodgeball events are for ages 8 and above. You can notify the establishment of what ages you’re bringing along for appropriate time slots. Ticket prices range from $ 24- $ 30 but always confirm with the business in case of any changes.

ADDRESS: 5405 W 56^TH AVE UNIT D, ARVADA, CO 80002, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 305 4531

OPEN: 10 AM TO 10 PM DAILY

8. Catch an Avalanche Game at the Ball Arena

Unwind as you cheer the home team at the Ball Arena. Home to the Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League, and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League, it is an expansive multi-purpose indoor arena. Catch a hockey game with your family whenever you’re around in play season. Food and drinks are stadium-priced, which is often on the higher side. The fan base is energetic, and the atmosphere is worth the stop at the end of the day. The arena is easily accessible by both public transport and by car. Check detailed directions . You can buy tickets online or on-site. See the website for upcoming events.

ADDRESS: 1000 CHOPPER CIR, DENVER, CO 80204, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 405 1100

9. Spare half a day for a rocky mountain zip-line adventure

Get your adrenaline fill, cruising over the rocky mountains in the city. Zip-lining can be exhilarating and the scenery here adds to the thrill. The green foliage, rocky outlines, and refreshing views of nature make it an adventure worth trying out. The courses are curated for various ages and different difficulty levels, but older kids or teens are best suited for the activity. The guides ensure you get to have a blast and keep safe too. If your family is one for the thrill any day, head over to the rocky mountains and see what the hype is about.

BOOK WITH DENVER ADVENTURES-ZIPLINE TOURS

ADDRESS: 26267 CONIFER RD UNIT 105, CONIFER, CO 80433, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 984 6151

OPEN: 8 AM TO 8 PM

10. Go sledding at Meyer Ranch Park

If you’re visiting in winter, there are plenty of things to do, and one of them is sledding! Meyer Ranch Park is one of the popular, kid-friendly places to try out winter activities near Denver. It’s about a 20-minute drive outside the city. The forested park has great trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding as well. So, you can ski or go sledding in winter, or hike and bike in summer. It’s free, but you have to bring your sled. Parking is limited and gets filled up pretty quickly, especially on weekends, so consider carpooling or public transport.

ADDRESS: 10490 S TURKEY CREEK RD, MORRISON, CO 80465, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 271 5925

OPEN: 8 AM TO 7 PM DAILY

11. Indoor skydiving at iFLY Denver

Jumping from a plane for fun may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but an indoor skydiving experience at iFLY is a great start to facing your fear of heights! The establishment has numerous locations all over the country, and its state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels create incredible skydiving sensation for all ages. The kids get to have exhilarating fun in a safe and controlled environment, making it a great family-friendly activity. You only need to book your flight on their website and go have fun! You can also book a birthday party event on-site, and more details are available on the website below.

ADDRESS: 9230 PARK MEADOWS DR, LONE TREE, CO 80124, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 768 9000

OPEN: MONDAY 1.30-7 PM, TUESDAY-FRIDAY 12-7 PM, SATURDAY-SUNDAY 10 AM TO 5 PM

12. Catch a show at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

Watch a movie or catch a show at one of the most unique theaters around. Just like the name suggests, the amphitheater is built into a rock structure, creatively designed to sit up to 9,500 people. The view itself when the lights go off is to die for, with the red-stone cliffs creating an enchanting background.  During the day, the place is suitable for touring around, hiking on the numerous trails within the area, and sightseeing.

Be ready to climb a good deal of stairs from the parking lot to get to your seat. It’s recommended that you get there about 2 hours before the show to secure the best parking and settle in. The altitude is also relatively high, but it’s manageable. Restrooms, food, and drinks are available. If you’re visiting in the fall, it gets quite cold in the evenings so dress warm.  Older kids and teens are best suited for this one. Check out the website for event line-ups and tickets.

ADDRESS: 18300 W ALAMEDA PKWY, MORRISON, CO 80465, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 720 865 2494

Kid-friendly things to do for Art Lovers

13. Marvel at exhibits in Meow Wolf

If you’re looking for a unique art experience for the whole family to enjoy, Meow Wolf might just fit the pick. The interactive art exhibition gallery features surreal works of over 350 artists and is one of the top walk-through art experiences in the city. It almost feels like walking through an alien world, full of color and bizarre art to mesmerize your senses.

The numerous rooms offer mind-blowing artistic expressions, and exploring them all is nothing short of an adventure. Walking through each room is estimated to take about 3 hours in total, and that’s a lot of walking! Wear comfortable shoes and explore at your own pace. Older kids and teens are best suited for this especially due to the much walking required. The ticket prices are higher than most art galleries, but the uniqueness here might just be worth it. Check their website for shows or events as well.                                                                                                                                                               

ADDRESS: 1338 1^ST ST, DENVER, CO 80204, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 866 636 9969

OPEN: SUNDAY-THURSDAY 10 AM TO 10 PM, FRIDAY-SATURDAY 10 AM TO 12 AM (NOTE THAT OPERATION HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OFTEN SO REFER TO THEIR TICKETING SITE BEFORE VISITING)

TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION STARTS AT $ 45

14. Catch a show at the Denver Performing Arts Complex

It’s one of the largest performance centers in the country, featuring 10 performance spaces for shows, concerts, and other events. There are numerous dining options nearby as well, and the convenience that comes with that is a plus. Catch a show at one of the spaces on a cool evening with the whole family, especially if you appreciate performing arts.

There are a variety of shows and theaters to pick from at the complex, and all you’ve got to do is pick your preferred experience on their website. It could be an orchestra, or a play, whichever fits your pick! It’s highly recommended that you arrive early or consider public transportation due to Downtown traffic and limited parking. Find more information on parking options, transportation, and navigating the complex

ADDRESS: 1400 CURTIS STREET, DENVER, CO 80204, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 720 865 4220

15. See spectacular displays at the Denver Art Museum

With over 70,000 collections of diverse works from different eras and countries, the Denver Art Museum is one of the largest art museums around. It is conveniently located at the Civic Center in central Denver. Explore American Indian Art, which has popularized the museum for its vast collection. There’s a variety of modern art as well.

The lighting, décor, and layout are well done and quite positively reviewed. The establishment has a gift shop, a restaurant & café, and a kids section, making it a good pick for family activity. Everyone will stay engaged with the numerous interactive activities that are always on offer. Parking is limited and can be hectic, so consider public transportation or arriving here pretty early to settle in on time.

ADDRESS: 100 W 14^TH AVE PKWY, DENVER, CO 80204, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 720 865 5000

OPEN: TUESDAY 10 AM TO 9 PM, WEDNESDAY-MONDAY 10 AM TO 5 PM

 Kid-friendly things to do; Museums!

16. Toddlers will have a blast at the Children’s Museum of Denver

If you have kids aged 8 years and below, this museum is specially curated for them. Housed in a 46,902 square-foot building, it has 20 interactive and fun exhibits to keep your toddlers engaged while learning at the same time. There’s a tool shop for kids to create their stuff, a bubble-blowing area, a little kitchen, a playground area, and more to keep them entertained. Educational programs add to the experience, and you can check the website below for various hands-on activities. Kids with disabilities are also catered for, with scheduled times for their visits to ensure a comfortable environment.  Check out the website to plan your visit.

ADDRESS: 2121 CHILDREN’S MUSEUM DR, DENVER, CO 80211, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 433 7444

OPEN: 9 AM TO 4 PM DAILY

TICKETS: FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 1, $ 15 FOR AGE 1, $ 17 FOR AGES 2-59

17. Visit the Denver Firefighters Museum

Are they fascinated with firefighters? The helmets and horse pipes, everything to do with firefighting? They’ll love this antique museum with numerous exhibits on the history of the Denver firefighting department.  Anyone interested in the fire service will have a good time exploring the various displays, interacting with staff and retired firefighters, and learning a thing or two while at it. There’s a kids’ play area too, and several interactive exhibits for them too. Food and drinks are however prohibited inside, except for sealed baby bottles and water. The main entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there’s a stroller parking area on the first floor. Check the website to plan your visit.

ADDRESS: 1326 TREMONT PI, DENVER, CO 80204, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 892 1436

OPEN: TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10 AM TO 4 PM

TICKETS: $ 7 FOR AGES 3-12, FREE FOR KIDS UNDER 3, $ 9 FOR ADULTS

18. Enjoy an aviation history lesson at Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Located on the former Lowry Air Force Base, this museum houses a vast collection of wartime aircraft, WWI uniforms and aviation art. Part of the collection includes the B-1A Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress bombers. Impressive. If your kids are into aviation stuff, this is a great pick for an afternoon activity with family. There’s a great children’s area, a gift shop with cool finds, and plenty of nearby restaurants. You can easily spend several hours here!  It’s spacious, clean, and well-organized. Sometimes, events such as concerts are held here so check out their website below for any upcoming ones. Although buying your tickets in advance is not required, it may reduce your waiting in line.

ADDRESS: 7711 E ACADEMY BLVD, DENVER, CO 80230, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 360 5360

OPEN: MONDAY-THURSDAY 10 AM TO 5 PM, SATURDAY 10 AM TO 3 PM, SUNDAY 12-5 PM

TICKETS: $ 11.95, FOR AGES 4-16, $ 18.95 FOR AGES 17-64, AND FREE FOR KIDS 3 AND BELOW

19. Interactive & fun moments at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Have fun viewing exhibits on dinosaurs, mummies, rocks, wildlife and so much more at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The variety is quite vast, all housed on 3 floors. It may be difficult to fully appreciate everything this place has to offer in one visit. Most of the exhibits are interactive and geared towards kids, which makes it a great pick for a family activity.  There’s a theater too showing fun films and a regular shows that take place on-site. Check out the website for line-ups, and it’s highly recommended that you purchase tickets in advance. Separate timed tickets are required for the theater and planetarium. Find more info on directions and parking

ADDRESS: 2001 COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80205, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 370 6000

OPEN: 9 AM TO 5 PM DAILY

Free kid-friendly things to do

20. Skating at Denver Skate Park

Grab your skateboards and head out to the vast skating playground that’s open to the public. For a free activity, it’s not surprising to find neat crowds here, skating or just people-watching. It’s 60,000 square feet of skateable concrete ground, and all you’ve got to do is bring your gear and have fun. The outdoor park is ideal for all ages, but ensure you keep watch over your kids as they play. Don’t leave them unattended. Whenever you’re Downtown and the weather is great, check it out!    

Best Places to Roller Skate  in Denver.

ADDRESS: 2205 19^TH ST, DENVER, CO 80202, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 720 913 1311

OPEN: 5 AM TO 11 PM DAILY

21. Family picnic at City Park

City Park is a vast green space in the city, housing the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo, and lots of amenities for an ideal family hangout. It features plenty of picnic spots, children’s playgrounds, and amazing lakeside trails. Pack your sandwiches and head over to any of the picnic areas for an ideal afternoon out with your family. You can take a walk too along the lakeside trails as you unwind. There are nearby cafes too and the park is a great pick for an easy day out in the city

22. Take a Hammond’s Candy Factory tour

Nearly a century ago, Carl T. Hammond actualized his dream of opening a candy factory in Denver and rapidly gained the locals’ love for the tasty, handcrafted confectionaries. The brand is now popular all over the country, and the factory in this city offers free tours to its visitors. Walk through the candy-making process and buy a few treats before you leave!

From chocolates to sweets, caramels, handmade candy items, and other yummy gifts, you’re in for a load of goodness. Although the tour is free, it’s advised that you reserve a slot in advance on their website or by calling. The kids will probably be more fascinated by how much they take home, and that’s all right. With the vast selection of confectionaries, they’ll be spoilt for choice.

ADDRESS: 5735 WASHINGTON ST, DENVER, CO 80216, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 333 5588

OPEN: MONDAY-SATURDAY 9 AM TO 4 PM

Kid-friendly places to eat; Great foodie treats

23. Get some scoop at Little Man Ice Cream

This one’s a ‘don’t miss it gem in Denver and there’s only one way to find out why. The top-rated ice cream joint has gained popularity with both locals and visitors alike for the tasty and creative ice cream treats on offer. It’s shaped like a giant dairy can, and the décor adds a friendly, warm vibe to it. Kids will love it!

Grab yourselves some ice cream from the variety of flavors available, and no worries if you prefer non-dairy options because they have them too. The lines are almost always long, and you know it’s good ice cream when it’s crowded despite the weather. There’s relatively vast space for people to sit and enjoy their scoops. Parking can be tricky, especially on weekday afternoons, so be prepared for a bit of hustle if you’re unlucky.

ADDRESS: 2620 16^TH ST, DENVER, CO 80211, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 455 3811

OPEN: 11 AM TO 11 PM DAILY

24. Explore some food hall craze at Denver Central Market

Located in the heart of Denver’s Rino District, the food hall features great dining and shopping joints for your gourmet adventure in the city.  They have 11 vendors offering a wide range of services. From coffee, pastries, pizza, ice cream, seafood, steak to fruits and everything else in between, there’s something for everyone. There’s a bar too with local beer options. Vegan options are available from various vendors, and there are high tables for kids as well. Plenty of options to choose from, a vibrant atmosphere, and a cool, well-decorated layout. Street parking is available nearby.

ADDRESS: 2669 LARIMER ST, DENVER, CO 80205, UNITED STATES

OPEN: SUNDAY-THURSDAY 8 AM TO 9 PM, FRIDAY-SATURDAY 8 AM TO 11 PM

25. Fondue lovers? Check-in at The Melting Pot.

If you’re all for a good fondue experience, spicy broth simmering in a pot, and dipping, don’t miss a dinner reservation with the kids at The Melting Pot. It’s an upscale fondue restaurant, with a kid-friendly atmosphere. It fits any occasion, but then again you don’t need a special occasion to have great cheese or chocolate fondue, right?

Savor the several fondue cooking styles, neat menu selection including gluten-free options, and plenty of drinks to choose from. The place offers an interactive dining experience, and this could be a great way to bond with your family over a meal. Make reservations online or via call. Group dining is available too if you’re planning a large party. See the website below for more information and booking.

ADDRESS: 2707 MAIN ST, LITTLETON, CO 80120, UNITED STATES

CALL: + 1 303 794 5666

OPEN: 11 AM TO 10 PM

Denver has so much more for families than we’ve listed, but it’s a start! Explore the city’s treats with your kids, confident that there’s something fun for everyone.