15 Best Things to Do in Denver with Kids (Expert Tips)

Colorado’s capital city is packed with adventures for families, from outdoor activities and interactive museums to a theme park smack in Downtown Denver. To create the most helpful guide possible, I asked trusted family travel experts to share their picks for the best things to do in Denver with kids. Of course, I added my own family’s favorite experiences, too. Together, we’ve rounded up 15 fun, kid‑approved activities that make exploring the Mile High City super fun.

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1. Downtown Denver

Whenever my family visits a new city, we like to get our bearings the first day by wandering the streets and soaking up the local energy before diving into the big attractions. Denver’s Downtown area is perfect for that first-day orientation, offering a lively mix of shops, public art, and family‑friendly places to explore.

16th Street Mall

One of the best spots to begin is the 16th Street Mall, a mile‑long hub lined with fun stores and tempting restaurants. A multi‑year, multimillion-dollar renovation completed in 2025 has made this pedestrian corridor even better, with wider walkways, refreshed public spaces, and a more welcoming feel.

For a family‑friendly meal, head to 5280 Burger Bar, where parents can sip craft beers on tap and even adult milkshakes. Kids will love capping off the visit with sundaes from the burger bar’s sister ice cream parlor next door.

Near the south end, you’ll find Denver Pavilions, a shopping and entertainment complex with a 12‑screen movie theater. After a day of strolling and shopping, treat the kids to a horse‑drawn carriage or pedicab ride around sunset.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Denver’s oldest neighborhood is the walkable warehouse district, LoDo. It’s lined with restored brick buildings, local shops, and plenty of restaurants. Baseball fans may want to hit up a game at Coors Field on the edge of the neighborhood.

Wander through Union Station, a working train hub with grand architecture that was constructed in 1914. Book lovers won’t want to miss the stacks at Tattered Cover Bookstore, tucked among the station’s local boutiques and cafés.

If you want to learn more about this city’s history and design, consider booking a Denver History and Architecture Tour through my recommended partner, GetYourGuide.

2. City Park

Denver’s City Park is a great place to take a break from the hustle of city life without actually leaving downtown. Built in the late 1800s, it’s one of Denver’s oldest public spaces and home to both the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Bring a picnic lunch to this green space or visit nearby food trucks to dine while taking in views of the picturesque Colorado Rockies and city skyline.

This expansive park offers a lot for families. Trekaroo, whose mission is to inspire and equip families to explore the world, shares this insight from editor‑in‑chief Sharlene Earnshaw: “Kids love frolicking on the lush lawn, playing on the park’s playgrounds, and renting surrey bikes to traverse the park.”

Earnshaw continues, “Families also enjoy renting swan-shaped pedal boats to explore Ferril Lake. The lake features a fountain that dazzles guests with its colorful light and water displays. In summer months, jazz music fills the air as bands play on a lakefront stage.”

3. Denver Zoo

Animal-loving families could happily spend a full day exploring the Denver Zoo, one of the most popular attractions in City Park. This sprawling zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals and offers a mix of classic exhibits, plus hands‑on experiences that make it especially appealing for children.

Allison Laypath, editor of Tips for Family Trips, a family travel site dedicated to helping parents plan fun, practical, and memorable vacations with kids, says, “This large zoo is filled with many favorite animals, like elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, bears, tigers, sea lions, and more. It is similar to other major city zoos, making it a solid go-to activity for families in Denver. This zoo also features the miniature Denver Zoo Railroad and Conservation Carousel, perfect for a visit with kids.”

4. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a go‑to spot for families, thanks to its hands-on exhibits and easy location within City Park. Diana Rowe with Traveling in Heels, a multigenerational family travel and lifestyle blog, says, “The interactive Denver Museum of Nature & Science is built for curious kids.”

The museum features popular permanent exhibits, including Discovery Zone, Expedition Health, Gems and Minerals, Prehistoric Journey, and Space Odyssey. Families can also catch science‑focused films in the museum’s three‑story IMAX theater or explore the stars inside the Gates Planetarium. Rowe says, “No matter how many times we visit, my family discovers something new, as the museum features rotating exhibits.”

5. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

If your kids are like mine, Elitch Gardens will definitely top their wish list of things to do in Denver. This amusement park in the heart of the city has been entertaining families since 1890 with rides and carnival games galore. It’s open seasonally from mid‑April through Fright Fest in the fall. The Elitch Gardens Water Park typically operates Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and features water rides, splash areas, a lazy river, and plenty of water slides.

Thrill‑seekers appreciate a dozen scream‑inducing roller coasters and other exciting rides with names like Brain Drain, Boomerang, and Mind Eraser. Grade‑schoolers enjoy the kid‑sized Blazin’ Buckaroo roller coaster and the Goofy Gazebo, a play space with slides, nets, and ball pits. Meanwhile, tots love rides just their size, including the E.G. Express miniature train ride. Live performances featuring talented dancers and musicians (my favorite part!) can be seen at the Trocadero Theater.

6. Denver Botanic Gardens

After the excitement of Elitch Gardens, your entire family may need some downtime in nature. Just 10 minutes east of downtown, Denver Botanic Gardens features many peaceful paths to walk and plants to admire. Families shouldn’t miss the three‑acre Mordecai Children’s Garden, where kids are encouraged to dig, climb, splash, and discover Colorado’s ecosystems through hands‑on play.

While wandering the main grounds, look for the remarkable permanent Dale Chihuly glass sculpture “Colorado.” It’s formed from more than 1,000 hand‑blown pieces of glass. (My image above shows a temporary Chihuly sculpture from a past exhibition.)

7. Downtown Aquarium

Kids and adults alike enjoy visiting Denver’s Downtown Aquarium, home to sharks, octopuses, otters, and fish of all stripes. A 4-D theater, Aquatic Carousel, and Aquarium Express train add to the family fun. Get your skip-the-line Downtown Aquarium tickets before you go.

One of the biggest highlights for children is the Mystic Mermaids. These “real” mermaids swim among sea life while sharing messages about conservation, with shows offered in the Under the Sea Exhibit. Your whole family can also watch the mermaids on select evenings at the Aquarium Restaurant, where tables surround a 50,000‑gallon, floor‑to‑ceiling tank filled with more than 100 species of fish.

8. Children’s Museum of Denver

Designed for young kids from newborns to age 8, Shanna Schultz with There and Back Again Travel recommends the Children’s Museum of Denver for kids of all ages. Families could spend a whole day at this attraction on the edge of downtown.

Schultz says, “What makes this museum stand out is its plethora of nature-focused exhibits, mirroring the extensive offerings of Denver itself. Joy Park is an outdoor space filled with dirt, rocks, straw bales, forts, and other elements that your kids will never want to leave.”

Schultz continues, “The Big Backyard teaches kids about animals and their habitats through play. Kids also enjoy Altitude, where they can climb an impressive faux mountain. Children must be 40″ or taller to climb, but little ones should check out Box Canyon instead.”

Indoors, look for high-quality water play, creative exhibits, and multigenerational offerings. Young builders and artists dig the Assembly Plant and Art Studio. Parents and children can even take real cooking workshops together in the Teaching Kitchen.

Young children really love the imaginative spaces, including a make-believe grocery store, firehouse, and veterinary office. At Fire Station No. 1, little firefighters can slide down a fire pole, climb into a fire engine, and race to “put out” faux flames. (Families who are especially enamored with firefighting may also want to add the Denver Firefighters Museum to their itinerary, too.)

9. Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station

Just outside the city center, families step into a dreamlike maze of glowing rooms, hidden passages, and story‑driven worlds at Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station. This immersive art experience features four fantastical realms. Kids, teens, and parents are mesmerized by the colorful, hands‑on spaces filled with surprising sounds, sculptures, and interactive elements. It’s a great place to take head-scratching photos as souvenirs of your Denver family vacation.

10. Denver Art Museum

Located downtown just three blocks from the Colorado State Capitol Building, Allison Laypath with Tips for Family Trips also recommends the Denver Art Museum. She says, “Filled with beautiful art and fun activities, look for hands‑on activities and interactive art displays. Rotating exhibits ensure that you’ll see something new every time you go. What’s more, kids under age 18 get free admission every day!”

This Denver attraction is especially appealing for families because of its kid-friendly exhibits, including drop‑in art‑making areas, scavenger-hunt-style activities, and galleries that encourage engagement. With two striking buildings and a mix of global, Western, and contemporary art, families who appreciate art will love this museum.

11. Colorado State Capitol

Families can visit the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol at no cost during their Denver vacation. Free guided tours are offered weekdays, on the hour. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, but parties of 10 or more should make reservations in advance. Mr. Brown’s Attic exhibit area offers information about Colorado’s history and the Capitol’s construction, as well as a children’s play space.

12. Butterfly Pavilion

Located about 15 minutes northwest of Denver in Westminster, the Butterfly Pavilion is an intriguing invertebrate zoo. More than 1,600 free‑flying butterflies and moths make their home in the Wings of the Tropics conservatory.

But this attraction is more than merely butterflies. Families also love meeting Rosie the tarantula and other arthropods in the Survival exhibit. Then visitors can view and even touch ocean invertebrates, like sea stars and sea cucumbers, in Water’s Edge. Children and parents learn about the ecosystems of the Centennial State while exploring an immersive indoor playground with climbing structures in the Colorado Backyard. Go outside to the four-season Outdoor Gardens for even more education and play.

13. Casa Bonita

Denver’s famously kitschy Casa Bonita has been serving up theme park vibes and Mexican-inspired dishes since 1974. This restaurant is known for its indoor cliff‑diving shows, a towering waterfall, and an Old West-themed passageway called Black Bart’s Cave. Children get a kick out of roaming characters, balloon animals, and a wishing well. No visit is complete without their signature sopapillas, which are included with every entrée and delivered to your table when you raise your table’s mini Mexican flag. Make reservations well in advance for this popular spot located about five miles from downtown.

14. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater

Renowned for being one of the world’s most impressive outdoor concert venues, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater must be seen (and heard!) to be believed. Located about 30 to 45 minutes from Denver, buy tickets in advance to experience a live performance or film during your Denver family vacation.

Even if you don’t score tickets, come here for beautiful views and outdoor exploration. Take the kids for a hike on the 1.4‑mile Trading Post Trail (2.25 km), or hike or mountain bike on the Red Rocks Trail, a designated multi‑use route. For even more fun, explore Red Rocks Amphitheater guided tour options.

15. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Located 10 miles (16 km) northeast of downtown Denver, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an exciting and popular spot for wildlife viewing. What’s more, admission is free to the public.

Stephanie Taleghani, author of the Consistently Curious travel website, says, “The highlight is the 11‑mile (17.7 km) Wildlife Drive loop that takes guests through the preserve to see bison, deer, hawks, coyotes, prairie dogs, and more. The bison viewing area often yields incredible up‑close encounters from the safety of the vehicle. The refuge also offers an interactive visitor center, miles of hiking trails, and seasonal fishing.”

Where to Stay in Colorado with Kids

Gaylord of the Rockies Resort

A family travel expert who writes for Trekaroo and her own travel blog, Pura Vida Moms, Christa Jiménez, recommends Gaylord of the Rockies for its plentiful resort activities. On-site, all ages enjoy indoor and outdoor water parks, a virtual scavenger hunt, miniature golf, tennis, basketball courts, a train car in the grand lobby, and complimentary bike rentals.

Situated in Aurora near the Denver International Airport, the resort provides complimentary shuttle service to the 61st & Peña commuter rail station, helping guests to reach Downtown Denver without a car.

Westin Westminster

Set between Boulder and downtown Denver, the Westin Westminster makes a comfortable home base for families who want to explore both cities. The hotel is also just a short drive from the Butterfly Pavilion, one of the best things to do in Denver with kids.

My family stayed here and appreciated the pretty grounds, indoor pool, and sweeping views. Book a Mountain View Room to take in the hotel’s lovely pond and fountain, and the stunning Rocky Mountains in the distance.

At Westin Westminster, you will find Kachina Southwestern Grill, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s also a Starbucks on-site, as well as numerous dining and shopping options a short drive away.

Save Money on Your Denver Vacation

Do you want to save money on your Denver vacation? Of course, you do! Save up to 40 percent on top Denver attractions when you buy a Denver City Pass. Choose three, four, or five of the following attractions:

• Downtown Aquarium Denver
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
• Denver Botanic Gardens
• Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
• Denver Art Museum
• History Colorado Center
• Denver Zoo
  

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One of my family’s all-time favorite meals was our Keystone Wagon Ride Dinner. Find out why!

Save These Fun Things to Do in Denver with Kids

For future reference, keep these tips to plan your next Denver family vacation. Simply pin the image above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow me on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Which of these kid-friendly Denver activities in Denver sounds best? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: As a member of the media, Westin Westminster hosted my family, and we received complimentary tickets to Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park during our Denver vacation.

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