The sunny, mile-high city of Denver, Colorado is known for its bustling art scene, vibrant nightlife, and metropolitan restaurants. There is much to discover about the Mile High City, including its rich history, kid-friendly attractions, and family activities.
When traveling or going out with family, there are loads of Denver family activities to partake in. Read on to learn how to make Denver your family’s playground.
Family-friendly Attractions in Denver
Whether you’re a family visiting some of Denver’s best areas or locals exploring with children, you may wonder what the top things to do with kids in Denver are. Well, today, you’re in luck. We’re going to clue you in on all the places to go with your family.
From learning about plants to grabbing a quick bite to eat, there are a plethora of things to do in Denver with your kids. And it doesn’t have to break the bank! There are plenty of free things to do in Denver great for families as well!
Denver Botanic Gardens
If you and your family would like to take a break, we recommend you head to the Denver Botanic Gardens for a peaceful stroll throughout the spectacular grounds.
View an array of 32,000 diverse plants from all over the globe, such as the Himalayas, Africa, and down under Australia. The winding paths cover a stretch of 24 acres with different gardens to visit, one of which is the internationally recognized Japanese Garden. It features a tea house that was built in Japan.
Want to liven up the experience for your children? Take them to the charming Mordecai Children’s Garden where they can interact with the plants and the natural world.
Location: 1007 York St, Denver, Colorado 80206
Contact Number: 720 865 3500
If you’d prefer a more cultural and educational experience and are wondering, “What indoor kids’ activities in Denver can I take my children to?” We’ve got you covered. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus will teach your children about the world around them.
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Visit the museum to have your children partake in hands-on activities. Kids can view the different exhibits, hang out and play in the playscapes, and learn while they play.
The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus has an adorable makeshift grocery store where children can “shop” and role-play as various store workers. We recommend you encourage your kids to play challenging games that will test their smarts on the computers and learn science in the laboratories.
In addition, kids can ride on the mini ski mountain, known as the KidSlope, all year round. No need to wait for winter!
We recommend you take your kids to the Museum’s daily story time where they’ll get to listen to stories and participate in fun activities. It’s held weekdays at 11:30 a.m. and weekends at noon.
Location: 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, Colorado 80211
Contact Number: 303 433 7444
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Another family-friendly activity for kids is exploring the aviation wonderland known as Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.
Aircraft enthusiasts will be delighted to view the museum’s over 50 planes and space-oriented displays. Get a close look at antique planes, giant bombers, fighter jets, and a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter! Whew, how’s that for some history?
We recommend visiting the museum on the second Saturday of each month, so you (and your kids) can get to climb into the plane’s cockpits.
Location: 771 E Academy Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80230
Contact Number: 303 360 5360
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo has an impressive range of 4,000 animals representing more than 750 species. It is no wonder it is one of the most visited zoos in the country, with over 2 million visitors each year.
Delight your children by taking them to the Stingray Cove where they can safely touch and feed a variety of stingrays and sharks. The sea animals hang out in the 18,000-gallon saltwater pool that is low enough for young children to reach.
Animal lovers and conservationists will be pleased to know that the pool has areas for the animals to rest and hide when they need a break from human interaction.
In addition to the Stingray Cove, the Denver Zoo features a grizzly bear habitat called Harmony Hill. The habitat was designed to offer a refuge for grizzly bears and to educate patrons on how to live harmoniously with the bears.
Children who love elephants will be excited to visit the Toyota Elephant Passage where they can have an up-close-and-personal experience with majestic Asian elephants. Does your family want to get their roar on? Why not head to the Predator Ridge where they can view the kings of the jungle?
Lastly, the zoo’s energetic and fun-loving orangutans can be found at the Primate Panorama.
To kick your family’s animal-viewing experience up a notch, we recommend booking an Up-Close Animal Encounter. It offers you exclusive animal access, closely guided tours, and intimate interactions with animal keepers. To top it off, you get to see a movie at the 4D Theater!
Location: 2300 Steele St, Denver, Colorado 80205
Contact Number: 720 337 1400
Family-friendly Restaurants in Denver
After all that sightseeing, walking, and learning, your kids (and you too!) are probably going to want to have something to eat. There’s no need to frantically ask around for family-friendly restaurants as, once again, we’ve got all the details you need.
We recommend the following kid-friendly restaurants in Denver.
Carmine’s on McGregor Square
This fine Italian American establishment is a celebration of friends and family, with its roots going as far back as 1994 in the Speer neighborhood. The current version of Carmine’s is all about abundance, which is clear when looking at their generous food servings.
Diners can select from a variety of hefty servings of appetizers, salads, side dishes, pasta, risotto, and chicken and veal dishes. They’re not stingy with dessert, either. So, you (and your children) will get to enjoy a healthy serving of their New York Style Cheesecake (yum!).
Location: 1951 Wazee Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Contact Number: 720 459 8952
Homegrown Tap & Dough
Located in the South Gaylord neighborhood in Washington Park, the historic location of Homegrown Tap & Dough is home to 21 beers on tap and fresh homemade food. Diners will find authentic ski chairs when dining on what is referred to as “one of the best patios in Denver.”
Trade Denver’s bottomless mimosas for craft beer by the patio while your children feast on the parmesan-dusted pepperoni rolls, meatball sliders, and homemade fried mozzarella spheres.
Afterward, allow your kids to play in the retro arcade game room after enjoying their meals. They won’t be running around, so it’s a great way to let the food settle before you leave the restaurant.
While your children are getting their game on, head to the courtyard nearby so you can play corn hole. Who says adults can’t have fun too?
Location: 1001 S Gaylord St, Denver, Colorado 80209
Contact Number: 720 459 8736
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs
What kid doesn’t like hot dogs? No, seriously. Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs serves up elevated hot dogs that your children won’t scoff at.
If your child is the adventurous type, they can have their pick of exotic game meat hot dogs such as ostrich, reindeer, and rattlesnake. Does the sound of these make you (and your kids) squirm? We recommend opting for something a little less out-of-the-ordinary like macaroni and cheese hot dogs, or 100%-beef hot dogs wrapped in bacon. A less meaty option, sans the bacon, is available.
Among other items on their menu are fried macaroni and cheese sticks, homemade fries, cookies, thick milkshakes, and brownie ice cream sandwiches. Speaking of alternative menu items, a unique offering of theirs is their exquisite elk-jalapeño-cheddar dog filled with cream cheese and covered with Coca-Cola-soaked onions.
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs is located just a few blocks from Coors Field, so you can always grab a hot dog there on your way to a game.
Location: 2148 Larimer St, Denver, Colorado 80205
Contact Number: 720 746 9355
Choose Fun Things to Do In Denver With Kids
There are so many options to choose from when looking at things to do in Denver with your family that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up a few kid-friendly activities and attractions to make your decision easier. Our selections are sure to entertain and educate your children’s inquisitive minds.
Adults and parents are not left out here, with a number of the activities shared here accommodating the preferences of grown-ups.
With so many things to do in Denver, Colorado with kids, there’s fun to be had for all sorts of kids.
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