Top Denver Attractions For Kids

Gina I. said:  Located in Denver's historic Lowry neighborhood, the museum is dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation to learn more about aviation and space exploration. Peruse their large collection of more than 50 historic aircraft, take part in an exciting flight simulator experience, and check out so many cool exhibits and events.

Gina I. said:  One of the best Denver attractions for kids of all ages to enjoy is the Museum of Nature and Science. Explore our solar system, examine gems and minerals, and travel through time on a prehistoric journey. The museum offers 3 floors of interesting spaces to investigate, including mummies, Native American artifacts, and Expedition Health, giving kids an inside look at how their bodies work. They also have an IMAX theater and a great planetarium featuring awe-inspiring shows. The museum is small enough to see in a few hours, yet it’s engaging enough to keep kids around all day.

Gina I. said:  Located in City Park on 80 sprawling acres, the Denver Zoo is home to more than 600 different animal species, including Western lowland Gorillas, Asian Elephants, African Lions, and Black Rhinos. With a focus on conservation, the zoo offers lots of great educational opportunities and presentations, perfect for curious young animal lovers.

Gina I. said:  Explore 24 acres of diverse plant life and beautiful green spaces at the Botanic Gardens! While the gardens display plants from across the globe, they have a distinct focus on the unique plants that are native to Denver's high altitude climate. Pack a picnic lunch, and dine al fresco with the whole family!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Hammond's Candies have been made by hand since 1920! Your family can take a complimentary 30-minute factory tour to see your favorite candy being made and learn the process as well as the history of Denver. Everyone can also take home a sweet treat!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you are not familiar with Denver, you may think 16th Street Mall is an indoor shopping center. It actually refers to shopping along 16th Street. Our hotel was located on 16th Street so we walked this outdoor "Mall" each day. The nice part is there are no cars allowed on this stretch. However, buses do run up and down the sides of it.

You will find several restaurants, shops and convenience stores along this stretch. They also have street performers and some special events.

Gina I. said:  Head over to Coors Field in the heart of Denver to see MLB's Rockies take the mound! Be sure to take the kids to visit the fun interactive area featuring speed pitch, a video batting cage, Tee-Ball, and and a free interactive video arcade. Coors Field Tours are also available.

Gina I. said:  Denver's most historic block, Larimer Square is home to several incredible chef owned restaurants and boutique stores. Take a stroll by day and see the charming historic buildings or go at night and enjoy the warm glow from Larimer Square's thousands of strung lights. If you're there for the dining, you can't go wrong with any of the restaurants, but try The Market for more kid-friendly fare.

Sarah Calamita said:  The Dairy Block has lots of cute shops and restaurants to check out!

Kristy Pepping said:  Our hotel was located across the street from Denver Mint and my kids really wanted to take the free tour to see how money is made. On the 45-minute tour, you will learn the history of the US mint and how coins are produced. It is first come first serve so make sure you get tickets in advance! After the tour, check out the gift shop for a unique souvenir!

Gina I. said:  Established in 1881 as the main railway hub in Denver, Union Station is now home to great restaurants, shops and the beautiful Crawford Hotel. Food offerings include breakfast restaurants, coffee shop, bars, ice cream, and delicious eateries. You likely won't spend a lot of time at Union Station, but its downtown location and beautiful architecture make it a great place to stop for a meal or snack while you're touring Denver with kids.

Gina I. said:  A combination theme and water park, located in the heart of Denver, Elitch Gardens offers plenty of fun for the whole family! This is one of the memorable Denver attractions for kids.

The theme park features roller coasters & thrill rides, as well family rides and tot-friendly attractions. Their Island Kingdom water park offers an array of waterslides, an adventure river, wave pool, and more. If hunger strikes, there are plenty of eateries around the park serving up kid-friendly fare.

Gina I. said:  It's hard to miss Little Man Ice Cream...just look for the giant milk pail! Arguably Denver's tastiest ice cream, Little Man serves up delicious homemade flavors like Salted Oreo, Banana Pudding, Oatmeal Cookie, Toffee Coffee, and Mexican Chocolate. They also have great vegan flavors to choose from. While visiting Denver with kids, get your scoops in their handmade waffle cones, or try an ice cream sammie, shake, sundae or split! Kid-friendly sizes are available, and they have a great outdoor seating area where you can sit back and relax.

Gina I. said:  Experience a new side of Denver by taking an open air trolley ride throughout the city! The Denver Trolley runs on over 250 miles of city tracks, offering stops at Mile High Stadium, the Downtown Aquarium, Children's Museum, and other great local attractions. Trolley operators are knowledgeable about the local area and history, and often share interesting facts along the way.

Gina I. said:  Explore, imagine, investigate and create at the Children's Museum of Denver! The Altitude and Box Canyon exhibits give kids the opportunity to climb, camp, and raft in an urban environment. They can also run their own vet clinic or fire station, learn about the science of bubbles, paint in the art studio and so much more.

Gina I. said:  Butterfly Pavilion is home to over 1,600 free-flying butterflies, and so much more! Check out a handful of indoor exhibits displaying tarantulas, sea star adaptations, beetles, bees, spiders, and other invertebrates. They also have an outdoor nature trail and play area for kids to explore.

Click through to the site to see when Butterfly museum free days are, too!

Gina I. said:  This National Natural Landmark is considered the top dinosaur tracksite in America. One of the most kid friendly things to do in Denver, children can explore tracks and fossils on the famous Dinosaur Ridge Trail (a self-guided walking tour is free). There's a visitor's center with a Triceratops skull, T-rex teeth, and hands-on experiences like a simulated dinosaur dig!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Step back in time to experience an 1880s railroad depot with modern exhibit features such as videos and interactive hands-on activities for the kids. Learn about the history of the railroads serving Colorado for over 125 years and see over 100 real locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars and more. Your family can also enjoy a 15-20 minute train ride around the 15 acre Rail Yard (for an additional fee). Check their site for special events including a Day out with Thomas, Polar Express Train Rides and more!

Kristy Pepping said:  If you want to get out of Denver for the day, I highly recommend Boulder. You will see some mountains along the way and it's home to the University of Denver. The downtown area offers a lot of shopping, awesome breweries and restaurants, kid-friendly art and even a splash pad if you arrive during summer. We actually went to Spruce Pool which is a nice public pool near town.

Kristy Pepping said:  When we went to Denver, we wanted to take the kids up into the mountains, so we settled on staying in Estes Park which is about one and a half hour from Denver. This town sits at the base of the mountains and is very scenic with a special walking path that parallels a river that runs behind the main street. Be sure to check out its aerial tram that runs seasonally that's a fun option for families!

Shila said:  Rocky Mountain National Park is located about an hour and a half outside Denver. Known as one of the best national parks for families, the entire landscape is a magnificent experience to drive through, as well as hike, bike, camp, and climb. In fact, there are over 300 miles of trails to explore, the most famous being Trail Ridge Road which peaks at over 12,000 feet. Families should check-in at the visitor center to map out the most kid-friendly options for them. Trails range from flat and mild to expert. Discover waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife!

As you circle through the park by car, Grand Lake, CO, at the western entrance, is home to a few sandy lake beaches too.