Known because the Mile-High City, Denver sits almost precisely one mile above sea level. Nestled shut to the Rocky Mountains, it’s home to greater than 200 parks and a few of the most incredible views.
You’ll discover that it’s easy to fall in love with this family-friendly city, with its thrilling attractions and never-ending pure beauty. Accessible from nearly anywhere within the United States or Canada, it makes planning the perfect journey easy. Start by checking out our list of 21 issues to do with kids in Denver!
Travel Considerations
- If you’re touring to Denver International Airport, you have a few choices to journey the 25 miles to downtown. Most hotels offer free shuttle service, otherwise you can take an Amtrak train to historic Union Station.
- Grab a Denver City Pass to save big on the city’s hottest attractions, together with museums and the aquarium.
- If you’re touring to Denver by car or renting one when you arrive, be ready for costly parking charges downtown.
- Public transportation is easy to navigate and can take you nearly anywhere you need to go. Choose from light rail, buses, or trains.
What to Pack
- Because of Denver’s excessive elevation, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Make sure you drink twice as a lot water as you always would by bringing alongside a reusable water bottle for each household member.
- When you’re packing, you need to be ready for any type of weather. This means lots of layers. Winter journey means a water-resistant coat, lengthy underwear, and a fleece jacket. Spring and Fall is mostly jeans, shorts, and t-shirts, together with a light fleece jacket. Summer climate requires t-shirts and tank tops, denims and shorts, swimwear, and a light jacket.
- Outdoor exploration means selecting consolation over style when it involves footwear. If you’re visiting all through the winter months, waterproof snow boots are a must. The remainder of the year, pack sturdy hiking boots, athletic shoes, and comfy, waterproof sandals.
- Higher elevations imply strong rays. Don’t forget to pack serious eye safety together with loads of sunscreen.
- There are so many photo-worthy landscapes, you’ll need to bring alongside a camera to seize the magnificence and a pair of binoculars to bring nature a little closer.
- If you plan to discover native parks and trails, be certain to bring alongside a sturdy backpack for all of the necessities you’ll need.
21 Things To Do with Kids in Denver
- Denver Zoo – You can spend the higher a half of a day strolling round this 80-acre zoo. Kids will love the daily animal demos, animal talks, the Tropical House, and the tiger exhibit. Be certain to take a look at their web site earlier than your go to to see what particular occasions might be happening.
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science – This museum is the perfect place to spend the day when the climate isn’t cooperating. Science and pure historical past lovers can go to a vary of exhibits and enjoy shows on the planetarium and giant screen theater. Explore space, check out dinosaur fossils, or catch a glimpse of an Egyptian mummy.
- Dinosaur Ridge – Located lower than half-hour from Denver, that is a must-visit for your little dinosaur lovers. This indoor/outdoor museum permits your loved ones to get up shut and private with dinosaur tracks and fossils, and also you may even take an easy 1 ½ mile hike to an precise dig site!
- Denver’s City Park – This popular inexperienced space has been round since the late 1800’s. City Park is home to a few of Denver’s hottest attractions and is the perfect place to take within the outdoors. Enjoy the inexperienced lawns and playgrounds, have a picnic, ride a bike, hike the winding trails, or rent a swan boat on Ferril Lake.
- Red Rocks Park – This amazing outdoor spot options an amphitheater and lots of hiking trails. Experience the area’s fascinating rock formations and catch a glimpse of native wildlife. Make certain to do a little analysis forward of time to discover the perfect hiking path for your family’s expertise level.
- Four Mile Historic Park – This park is home to an 1800’s log cabin, Denver’s oldest structure. Kids will have a blast touring a Wild West Museum, petting farm animals, and taking a tour of the property. They host seasonal occasions all through the year, so be certain to go to their web site earlier than you go.
- Denver Art Museum – This might be one of many most kid-friendly artwork museums you’ve ever visited. Even the tiniest members of your loved ones can appreciate the interactive areas and artwork exhibits, together with locations designed solely for them. Best of all, the museum is free to these under 18.
- History Colorado – This museum is devoted to the historical past of the state of Colorado, utilizing stories, artifacts, and artwork to inform the tale. Everyone will love exhibits that includes The Wild West, sports, Native American culture, and their latest exhibit, LEGOrado.
- Denver Mint – This mint is nonetheless in operation today, producing new cash for circulation. Take a tour and learn extra about its wealthy historical past and go to the gift store for some distinctive souvenirs. You can additionally save your pennies because admission is free!
- 16th Street Mall – This mile-long promenade is the perfect place to take a stroll and do a little shopping. Kids will love taking a ride on a horse-drawn carriage or hailing pedicab. There are loads of locations to seize a fast bite, together with 5280 Burger Bar and the 5280 Ice Cream parlor subsequent door. Or you can catch a film at Denver Pavilions.
- Hammond’s Candy Factory – This candy factory has been sharing their candy treats with the world for greater than 100 years. They make everything from chocolates and handmade candies to ribbon candies and hand-pulled lollipops. Be certain to book your tour on their web site earlier than your visit.
- Denver Botanic Gardens – This public botanical backyard gives households the chance to have a hands-on expertise with plants and the pure world. The gardens are truly beautiful and there is loads of outdoor space for the kids to run round and explore. Don’t miss the Science Pyramid and Mordecai Children’s Garden.
- The Butterfly Pavilion – Located a brief distance from Denver in Westminster, this spot is home to some amazing butterfly gardens and different incredible exhibits. Your little bug lovers will have enjoyable visiting the insect zoo and aquarium in addition to the Crawl-a-See-Um, home to Rosie the Tarantula and others.
- Denver Children’s Museum – Easily accessible in downtown Denver, this museum is loaded with enjoyable actions for kids of all ages. Make certain to go to the Bubble Room, check out the fire-fighting displays, and traverse the giant rocket climbing structure.
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge – A short drive from downtown is a must-visit wildlife hotspot. Drive the 11-mile loop to get up shut and private with animals like prairie dogs, songbirds, coyotes, bison, and deer. Plus, it’s free to go to the refuge!
- Catch a Game – Denver loves its pro-sports teams. Home to the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and others, you can discover tickets to your favourite sport nearly any time of the year. Check schedules forward of time to discover out who’s playing all through your visit.
- Downtown Aquarium – This is by far one of many most eclectic aquariums you’ll come across. Take a seat across the 50,000-gallon aquarium, ride the Aquatic Carousel, or go to exhibits simply like the Shipwreck and Sunken Temple. There are even mermaid shows and quirky animatronic animals.
- Little Man Ice Cream – This iconic ice cream shop, formed like a milk jug, is the perfect place to seize a scoop (or two!) of their homemade ice cream. You can additionally go to their factory location for an industrial, Willy Wonka style experience.
- Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park – Thrill seekers will appreciate the curler coasters and water park. Little kids have attractions solely for them together with the Goofy Gazebo with slides and ball pits in addition to their very personal pint-sized coaster. The whole household can enjoy carnival video games and live performances.
- Denver Firefighters Museum – What child doesn’t love fire engines? Learn all about the historical past of the Denver Fire Department in addition to some fire safety. Kids will have a blast sliding down the fire pole, pretending to place out fires, and even playing on an precise fire truck!
- Argo Mill – Immerse your self within the American West at this historic mine and mill, located about forty minutes from downtown Denver. Kids will love getting gold fever as they pan for gold, tour the mill, and discover treasures on the Mercantile. Plan forward and book your tour on-line earlier than your visit.
Denver with kids is always a good idea. So, seize our list of 21 issues to do and have some mile-high household fun!
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