Denver surprised us in the best way. It was creative, hands-on, full of color and curiosity—a city that makes learning feel like play. Whether we were touching fossils, watching jellyfish drift past us, or running through a giant jungle gym, there was always something new to discover. With the Rocky Mountains in the background and family-friendly stops around every corner, Denver quickly became one of our favorite places to explore together.
Best Things to Do in Denver with Kids
Playing, climbing, creating at the Children’s Museum of Denver
We spent hours here and still didn’t see it all. From water play to climbing towers and hands-on art, every corner of the Children’s Museum sparked joy. The kids were soaked, sticky, and beaming—and I couldn’t stop smiling either. I remember thinking, “This is where imagination really does run wild.”
What I Loved Most: Watching my kids take charge in the firefighter zone, then calmly focus while sculpting with clay. The museum flowed between high energy and creativity so naturally—it was a dream for little explorers.
My highlights? We grabbed lunch at the museum’s Beans Café. I had a chicken and apple sandwich on focaccia with house-made chips, and the kids shared grilled cheese and fruit cups. We sat on the patio, drying off from the splash zone and planning what to tackle next.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211
- Vibe: Imaginative, interactive, high-energy
- Best For: Toddlers through early elementary
- Don’t Miss: The Adventure Forest, water lab, and art studio
- Hours: Mon–Sun, 9am–4pm (check for special seasonal hours)
- Cost: ~$18 adults, ~$16 children 1–15, under 1 free
Digging into dino history at Morrison Natural History Museum
Just outside Denver, this small but mighty museum totally won us over. The Morrison Natural History Museum brought fossils to life with real tools, touchable specimens, and a cozy pace that let us absorb everything. I remember thinking, “This is how you turn science into wonder.”
What I Loved Most: The fossil lab where the kids got to help brush and examine bones. The staff was incredibly welcoming—like chatting with passionate friends who also happen to be paleontologists.
My highlights? After our visit, we stopped by Red Rocks Grill in Morrison for lunch. I had the bison burger with green chile and sweet potato fries—flavorful and filling. The kids loved their cheeseburgers almost as much as their new dinosaur facts.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 501 Colorado Hwy 8, Morrison, CO 80465
- Vibe: Educational, hands-on, low-key
- Best For: Dinosaur lovers, curious minds, ages 5+
- Don’t Miss: Fossil prep lab, T-Rex skull, live paleontology demos
- Hours: Daily, 10am–5pm
- Cost: ~$13 adults, ~$11 kids 3–11, under 3 free
Wonder and discovery at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
We knew this place was big—but we didn’t expect to lose ourselves in it for half a day. From a towering dinosaur skeleton to glittering gems and a full planetarium, the museum blended awe and learning at every turn. I remember thinking, “This is what I want my kids to remember—curiosity that feels like adventure.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids sprint into the Space Odyssey exhibit and take the controls of a simulated Mars rover. And the joy on their faces in the Discovery Zone? Unmatched.
My highlights? We paused for a snack at the T-Rex Café—nothing fancy, but solid. I had a spinach and feta wrap while the kids split chicken tenders with fruit cups and chocolate milk. Fuel for more museum exploring!
Plan your visit:
- Location: 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
- Vibe: Immersive, educational, wide-ranging
- Best For: All ages, especially curious school-aged kids
- Don’t Miss: The Discovery Zone for younger kids, Space Odyssey, and Egyptian mummies
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
- Cost: ~$20 adults, ~$15 ages 3–18, under 3 free (additional for IMAX/planetarium)
Roaming wild at the Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo felt like a storybook coming to life. Elephants tossing dust in the air, a sleepy tiger stretching in the sun, flamingos squabbling near the water—it was nonstop magic. The layout made it easy to wander, explore, and stay engaged. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that grows with your kids, visit after visit.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the kids' eyes light up as we walked through Predator Ridge. Every habitat felt thoughtfully designed and immersive—like a real window into another world.
My highlights? We cooled off with Dole Whip and pretzels from the snack stand near the carousel. Sweet, salty, and just right under a shady tree with giraffes grazing nearby.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
- Vibe: Fun, family-focused, animal-packed
- Best For: Animal lovers of all ages
- Don’t Miss: Toyota Elephant Passage, Stingray Cove, carousel and train rides
- Hours: Daily, 10am–5pm (check seasonal hours)
- Cost: ~$25 adults, ~$20 kids 3–11, under 3 free
Sharks and surprises at Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium felt like part aquarium, part adventure. We wandered through coral reefs, peeked into river ecosystems, and stood in awe as sharks swam inches from our faces behind thick glass. I remember thinking, “This is as close to underwater travel as we’ll get today—and it’s incredible.”
What I Loved Most: The kids were mesmerized by the 4D theater and giggled their way through the mermaid show. It was just the right mix of wonder and whimsy.
My highlights? We ate at the onsite Aquarium Restaurant, where giant tanks framed the dining room. I had the coconut shrimp with mango chili sauce, and the kids had kid-sized pasta and fish sticks. Dining while watching stingrays glide past? Unforgettable.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211
- Vibe: Immersive, aquatic, a little theatrical
- Best For: Kids who love ocean animals or interactive experiences
- Don’t Miss: Shark tunnel, mermaid shows, stingray touch tank
- Hours: Sun–Thurs, 10am–8:30pm; Fri–Sat, 10am–9pm
- Cost: ~$25 adults, ~$19 kids 3–11, under 3 free (plus extras for shows and rides)
Walking prehistoric trails at Dinosaur Ridge
There’s nothing quite like standing where real dinosaurs once walked. At Dinosaur Ridge, we traced ancient footprints along the rocks, explored fossil beds, and let the kids play paleontologist for a day. I remember thinking, “This is science they’ll never forget.”
What I Loved Most: The outdoor aspect—everything felt tactile and real. The kids could touch, climb, and connect with the history in a way that was completely their own.
My highlights? We grabbed cold sandwiches and cookies from Bear Creek Café nearby—turkey and cranberry on sourdough for me, PB&J and juice boxes for the kids. We sat at a shaded picnic table with dinosaur cliffs just behind us. A perfect little time warp.
Plan your visit:
- Location: 16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
- Vibe: Outdoor, educational, active
- Best For: Dinosaur enthusiasts, school-aged kids, hands-on learners
- Don’t Miss: Real dinosaur footprints, guided shuttle tours, the Discovery Center
- Hours: Daily, 9am–5pm (hours vary seasonally)
- Cost: ~$10 per person for walk-up trail access; guided tours extra
Family Adventures Worth Remembering
What made Denver unforgettable wasn’t just the museums or the animals or the dinosaurs—it was how we felt while we were there. Engaged, wide-eyed, a little sun-kissed and always curious. Every day brought a moment we didn’t expect, and that’s what makes the best memories. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or planning a longer family trip, Denver has plenty of ways to fill your days with wonder.
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