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Denver, CO · Guide

Things to do with kids in Denver

Denver is an expansive playground for families, offering a dynamic mix of Mile High history and modern interactive wonder. From the fossils of City Park to the colorful skylines of the LoDo neighborhood, the city provides a perfect balance of expansive outdoor spaces and world-class museums designed for high-energy exploration. This guide skews toward school-age children, but many of the selected attractions offer immersive sensory experiences and specialized zones that are equally rewarding for toddlers and preschoolers.

Whether you are wandering through the tropical landscapes at the Botanic Gardens or navigating the eccentric art installations at Meow Wolf, Denver makes it easy to move between calm green spaces and lively downtown activity. The city is particularly well-suited for families who enjoy a mix of physical activity, like climbing through water parks, and intellectual curiosity. Use this curated list to plan your route through one of the most family-friendly hubs in the Rocky Mountains.

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  1. 01

    Denver Botanic Gardens

    4.8 (18,521)1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206, USA
    CalmAll ages

    These gardens feature themed landscapes from mountains to deserts, including a tropical conservatory and a Japanese garden. Families can view local birds and bunnies while wandering through wide, well-maintained paths and a willow glade.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · Visit in the morning to avoid the heat, and try to avoid weekends as parking can be difficult when it is crowded.
  2. 02

    Coors Field

    4.7 (32,441)2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    This clean ballpark offers a vibrant atmosphere with interactive experiences like batting cages and games beyond the baseball diamond. The stadium layout provides good views from every seat and easy access via light rail.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · Arrive early to watch players interact with young fans before the game starts.
  3. 03

    Denver Museum of Nature & Science

    4.7 (18,365)2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    This museum spans natural history from mummies to dinosaurs, featuring realistic wildlife dioramas and a massive gem wing. The facility includes rotating specialized exhibits and a rooftop viewing area for city photos.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · Take the elevator to the roof for the best view of the Denver skyline.
  4. 04

    Denver Art Museum

    4.7 (16,331)100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, USA
    Kids' menuCalmAll ages

    Spanning three buildings, this art museum provides a vast history of human creativity across multiple floors. The space is equipped with specialized kids' activities, diverse displays, and numerous break areas.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · The museum is large and involves significant walking; plan for a full day to see every floor without feeling rushed.
  5. 05

    Denver Zoo

    4.6 (31,899)2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    This 80-acre urban field station is home to over 2,500 animals and features a vintage carousel. The grounds are shaded by large trees and offer multiple refillable water stations throughout the exhibits.

    When to go: arrive before 6

    Parent tip · You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks to avoid pricey concession costs.
  6. 06

    Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

    4.7 (6,265)7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    Housed in a large hangar, this museum displays historic military aircraft including a B-1 Lancer and fighter jets. Visitors can explore Star Wars ship replicas and watch scientific demonstrations about gravity and flight.

    When to go: no wait weekdays

    Parent tip · Use the CityPass to save on tickets if you plan on visiting other Denver museums during your trip.
  7. 07

    Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station

    4.5 (18,225)1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    This massive venue contains four floors of immersive, interactive mystery rooms and tactile art installations. Kids can climb into unique spaces and touch almost everything within the alien-themed landscapes.

    When to go: reserve on weekends

    Parent tip · Plan for at least three hours to explore, as the exhibit is huge and contains many hidden areas.
  8. 08

    Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

    4.8 (1,677)1530 Logan St, Denver, CO 80203, USA
    CalmAll ages

    This historic Gothic cathedral features twin spires, Carrara marble, and intricate stained glass windows. It offers a quiet and spiritual environment for those interested in architecture and local history.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · The Sunday 6:30 PM Latin Mass is a peaceful option if you have someone to help watch the younger children.
  9. 09

    Museum of Illusions

    4.6 (7,313)951 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    Located on the 16th Street Mall, this photography-focused destination features mind-bending optical illusions. Staff members are positioned throughout the galleries to help guests pose and capture the perfect perspective-based photos.

    When to go: reserve on weekends

    Parent tip · Most illusions require at least two people to work properly, so do not go solo.
  10. 10

    Molly Brown House Museum

    4.7 (2,917)1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    This Victorian mansion served as the home of Titanic survivor and activist Margaret Brown. Visitors can view original belongings and frescoes while learning about social justice and history through self-guided tours.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · Look at the room cards provided to see what the home looked like originally when Molly Brown lived there.
  11. 11

    History Colorado Center

    4.6 (3,183)1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    This state history hub features interactive galleries and national documents. The museum is designed to be engaging for children, including unique features like an indoor slide and play areas focused on Colorado's past.

    When to go: arrive before 6

    Parent tip · Check the schedule for their regular free days to save on admission costs.
  12. 12

    Civic Center Park

    4.4 (8,941)101 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyAll ages

    A central downtown park surrounded by stunning architecture that hosts major community events. It transitions from seasonal food truck rallies in the summer to a German Christmas Market in the winter.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · Metered parking on nearby Bannock Street is often cheap and just a short walk from the main lawn.
  13. 13

    National Western Stock Show

    4.5 (4,141)4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216, USA
    Kids' menuLoudAll ages

    A massive annual event featuring professional rodeos, livestock grooming, and specialized children's zones. Families can visit a petting zoo and take pony rides while exploring Western-themed vendors.

    When to go: reserve on weekends

    Parent tip · Buying tickets ahead of time saves significant time and allows you to use the shuttle system more efficiently.
  14. 14

    Water World

    4.4 (7,726)8801 N Pecos St, Federal Heights, CO 80260, USA
    Kids' menuLoudAll ages

    This massive water park offers themed tube rides, wave pools, and a gondola to help move between different slide zones. The park includes large grassy areas where families can spread out between rides.

    When to go: arrive before 6

    Parent tip · Arrive well before opening during the summer peak to secure a parking spot and a prime spot on the grass.
  15. 15

    McGregor Square

    4.6 (1,412)1901 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    A modern outdoor plaza that serves as a community hub for watching sporting events on a massive screen. In the winter, the space converts into a holiday ice rink with skate rentals available for children.

    When to go: walk-in only

    Parent tip · If you bring your own skates for the kids, the entry price is significantly lower than the full rental package.

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