There’s plenty to do with the little ones in Denver. From the tranquil Botanic Gardens to the heart-racing Elitch Gardens, your kids won’t be bored. Take a look at our list below for some of the top activities in Denver that are fun for the whole family.
The Butterfly Pavilion
With over 5,000 animals including a resident tarantula named Rosie, the Butterfly Pavilion is a great place to relax among the butterflies and flowers while the kids check out the creepy-crawlies. There’s way more to see at this tropical paradise than the magnificent 1,600 butterflies from around the world—be sure to visit the underwater area where the kids can hold a starfish and the invertebrate exhibit with activities about centipedes, beetles, and worms.
Location: 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster
Hours: Daily 9AM – 5PM
Cost: Adults: $11, Kids 2-12: $7, Kids under 2: free
For more info: https://www.butterflies.org
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
This huge amusement and water park in the heart of downtown first opened in 1890 and has been delighting Denver residents and visitors ever since. There are plenty of rides and attractions for the whole family—be sure to check out the Goofy Gazebo and Elitch Express train. If you’re feeling bold, take a plunge on the Tower of Doom—the 200-foot drop at 60 mph is not for the faint of heart!
Location: 2000 Elitch Cir
Hours: Summer months: Sunday – Thursday: 10:30AM – 9PM; Friday – Saturday: 10:30AM – 10PM; see website for detailed info on hours
Cost: Adults (online tickets): $36, Adults (tickets at the gate): $50, Kids 3+: $32, Kids under 3: free
For more info: https://www.elitchgardens.com
Denver Zoo
Committed to animal conservation and environmental protection, Denver Zoo has received a plethora of awards and recognitions including the highest international award for its environmental, health, and safety systems, one of only 4 total recipients. The exhibits rotate on a regular basis and the zoo often features special events, such as Feathered Friend February and International Polar Bear Day. Don’t miss the African Penguin Feeding and the Sea Lion Show!
Location: 2300 Steele St
Hours: Winter hours: daily 10AM – 4PM
Cost: Adults: $13, Kids 3-11: $9, Kids under 3: free
For more info: https://www.denverzoo.org
The Children’s Museum
Your kids will love this magical museum that’s all about them! Their many exhibits are divided into four focuses: explore, imagine, investigate, and create. Some examples of exhibits you’ll find at the Children’s Museum: “Teaching Kitchen,” “Fire Station No.1,” and “Ready, Vet, Go!” A great place for kids to try something new, the museum also offers daily story times and clay workshops.
Location: 2121 Children’s Museum Dr
Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 9AM – 4PM; Wednesday: 9AM – 7:30PM; Thursday – Friday: 9AM – 4PM; Saturday – Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
Cost: Kids over 2 and adults: $13, Kids age 1: $11, Kids under 1: free
For more info: https://www.mychildsmuseum.org
Denver Botanic Gardens
A day wandering through the 24 acres of flowers, wildlife, trees, and succulents of the Botanic Gardens is a day well spent. The hands-on Mordecai Children’s Garden is only open during the summer, but your kids will keep busy year-round at the Science Pyramid, art shows, and permanent gardens. Don’t miss the Orchid Showcase, a special event that ends February 20, and the Summer Concert Series for a unique music venue in bloom.
Location: 1007 York St
Hours: Winter hours: daily 9AM – 5PM; Summer hours: 9AM – 8PM
Cost: Adults: $12.50, Kids 3-15 & Students (with ID): $9, Kids under 3: free
For more info: https://www.botanicgardens.org
Rockies Game at Coors Field
Beginning in April and going through the end of September, Rockies games are a wonderful experience for the whole family to get a true taste of the Mile High City (hotdogs optional). Tickets are affordable at the world-famous Coors Field, nestled into the historic Ballpark neighborhood downtown. Soak up a view of the Rocky Mountains (and a few beers) while you and the kids watch the Rockies bring home the win!
Location: 2001 Blake St
Hours: Check out the website for game times
Cost: Varies depending on seats, but most tickets range from $4 (for the “Rockpile”) and $70
For more info: https://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/
Denver Aquarium
Your kids will be transfixed for hours watching the sharks, eels, poison dart frogs, and many more animals in this underwater world. Denver Aquarium offers a 4D movie experience and an entire area dedicated to mermaids—watch these mythical beauties swim with sharks and stay for the meet and greet after the show. There’s also a full restaurant to refuel between all the water fun.
Location: 700 Water St
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10AM – 9PM; Friday – Saturday: 10AM – 9:30PM
Cost: Adults: $19.50, Kids 3-11: $13.50, Kids under 3: free
For more info: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
You simply can’t leave Denver without visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a unique natural wonder where the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains meet. Whether you’re here for a concert or just to climb the steps and take in the breathtaking views, a trip to Red Rocks is unforgettable. Try to spot a sunrise or sunset—the sun framed by the rocks is nothing short of magical. If you can’t experience the acoustics while you’re here, take in the natural beauty on a hike or bike ride with the kids.
Location: 18300 W Alameda Parkway, Morrison
Hours: Amphitheatre: Non-event days: daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset; Event days: typically one hour before sunrise – 2PM; see website for show dates/times
Park: daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset on non-event days
Cost: Admission to the park and amphitheatre is free; check out the website for show details
For more info: https://redrocksonline.com
