Denver is a great place to visit with kids – and it’s a fantastic base for exploring Colorado as a whole. There’s a huge variety of places to visit and things to do – enough to satisfy even a large family group with very different tastes. You can spend one day visiting museums, another exploring parks, another heading into the foothills west of the city, and yet another wandering around historic Gold Rush towns. To get you started, here are five of the best things to do with kids in and around Denver.
A quick note before we start – it’s a good idea to have a car with you in order to get to some of the further-flung attractions on this list. If you can’t drive to Denver yourself, don’t worry – you can easily get a car rental at Denver airport! Or, if driving isn’t an option for you, look into rideshare apps and taxi services. Remember, Coloradans are used to driving long distances, so don’t be shy about requesting a ride to places that may seem far away from a European perspective.
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Head to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
About half an hour west of central Denver, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a fantastic spot for an outdoor adventure. The park combines walking trails with some of the best views near the city. Children can run around and play by rock formations, while adults can spend time exploring the famous concert venue or simply enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery.
If nobody in your group has tickets for an event, you can still visit the amphitheatre during public opening hours on most days. Just be sure to bring comfy footwear – the steps and paths include several steep and sometimes rocky sections.
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Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a fun outing for kids and adults alike. Children in particular can enjoy a lot of interactive exhibits – including examining dinosaur skeletons, learning about Ancient Egypt, watching demonstrations, and more.
The planetarium is also worth adding to your visit if your children enjoy astronomy. There are lots of presentations and events throughout the week, so check the programme and maybe book some tickets before you arrive.
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Spend a day at Elitch Gardens
If your children enjoy rides and water attractions, set aside a full day for Elitch Gardens. There’s plenty to suit every age group here, with designated rides suitable for younger children as well as larger roller coasters and water slides for older kids and adults. If you visit during the warmer months, pack swimwear and towels for the adjoining water park. Arriving early is generally a good idea during the summer (especially school holidays and weekends!), as it can get busy later in the day.
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Explore Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is renowned worldwide for the quality of its animal care and its extensive conservation work. The zoo is home to thousands of animals from many different parts of the world. However, if you’re planning to spend a day here, do bear in mind that the zoo is big. Rather than trying to rush through every enclosure, it may be a good idea to pick a few areas that match your children’s interests and spend longer there.
Predator Ridge, Bear Mountain, and the primate habitats usually attract plenty of attention, while the tropical and forest exhibits offer a welcome break from the Colorado sunshine during the summer months.
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Discover the Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium combines large aquatic displays with interactive exhibits aimed at younger visitors. Children can watch sharks, rays, jellyfish, and tropical fish while moving between themed galleries.
Check the daily timetable before your visit if you want to include feeding sessions or live presentations as part of the day. Those sessions take place at set times, so a little planning can help you fit more into your visit.
Make time for more than one side of Denver
Museums, wildlife, amusement parks, and outdoor spaces are all within relatively easy reach of one another from Denver, so you do not have to choose only one type of day out. Plan your route in advance, leave enough time between attractions, and book timed tickets where necessary. That will give you more time at each stop and less time waiting in queues or traveling across the city.
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