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Kid-Approved: The Best Activities for Children in Denver

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

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Entertainment Events

Denver Culture Calendar—March

There’s so much going on in the Mile High City, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. So we’ve done it for you! Whatever you’re seeking for your next outing—music, comedy, theater, museum exhibits—Denver has it. Scroll through the gallery below to get a taste of March in Denver.

 

Concerts

Mar. 2: The Red Hot Chili Peppers – 7:30PM @ Pepsi Center

Mar. 7: Experience Hendrix Tribute Tour – 7:30PM @ Paramount Theatre

Mar. 8: Hippie Sabotage – 9PM @ Ogden Theatre

Mar. 9: Donovan Frankenreiter – 7PM @ Bluebird Theater

Mar. 11: Kings of Leon – 8PM @ 1st Bank Center

Mar. 14: Bon Jovi – 7:30 PM @ Pepsi Center

Mar. 17: Panic! At the Disco – 7PM @ Pepsi Center

Mar. 17-18: Excision – 6PM @ 1st Bank Center

Mar. 21: Passenger – 8 PM @ Ogden Theatre

 

Comedy Shows

Mar. 2-4: Chris Rock – Bellco Theatre

Mar. 9-11: Fortune Feimster – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Mar. 13-14: David Spade – Comedy Works (South)

March. 16-18: Michael Che – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Mar. 23-25: Michelle Wolf – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Mar. 24-25: Kevin Nealon – Comedy Works (South)

 

Theater

Feb. 23-Mar. 12: Pygmalion – Aurora Fox Theatre

Oct. 15-Mar. 12: An Act of God – Garner Galleria Theatre & Bar

Feb. 3-May 12: Two Degrees – Denver Center for the Performing Arts @ DPAC

Mar. 2-3: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles – Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Mar. 2-4: As One – Performing Arts Complex @ Pinnacle Charter School

Mar. 8-19: An American in Paris – Buell Theatre @ DPAC

Mar. 11-Apr. 15: Constellations – Curious Theatre

Mar. 21-26: Kinky Boots – Buell Theatre @ DPAC

Mar. 31-May 7: Disgraced – Denver Center for the Performing Arts @ DPAC

 

Museum Exhibits

Nov. 13-Apr. 2: Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume – Denver Art Museum

Feb. 11-May 7: Wall Writers: Graffiti in its Innocence – Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Sept. 11-May 28: Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design – Denver Art Museum

Nov. 13-June 2: Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity – Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Apr. 26-June 4: Abstract Expressionism – Denver Art Museum

Sept. 25-Oct. 1: From the Fire – Denver Art Museum

Jan. 5-Dec. 30: Dream Big 3D: Engineering Our World – Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Mar. 4-May 7: Artistry and Craftsmanship: Ruskin Pottery, Enamels, and Buttons – Denver Art Museum

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Entertainment Events

4 Tours You Don’t Want to Miss in Denver

Denver Microbrew Tour

Beer is the quickest way to a Denverite’s heart, haven’t you heard? Experience why Colorado has been named the “Napa Valley of Beer” on one of two guided walks—amble through the historic LoDo and Ballpark districts on the first tour, or choose the second and explore RiNo’s lively art district. Each tour includes free beer samples at each of 4 stops, beer trivia, the stories behind the neighborhoods, and the definitive answer to the real question here—what exactly is a microbrewery?

When: LoDo Route—Friday – Sunday: 3:15 – 5:30PM; Saturday: 12 – 2:15PM

RiNo Route—Sunday: 12:15 – 2:30PM

Where: The LoDo tour picks up from Rock Bottom Brewery (1001 16th St) for the Friday and early Saturday tour, Wynkoop Brewing Company (1634 18th St) for the Saturday afternoon tour, and Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery (1139 20th St) for the Sunday tour.

The RiNo tour picks up from Ratio Beerworks (2920 Larimer St).

Cost: General Admission: $35, GA + Pint Glass: $40

Learn more and book tickets at https://www.denvermicrobrewtour.com

 

Mile High Wine Tours

Perfect for a bachelorette party, birthday party, or just a fun day out, Mile High Wine Tours is the leading tour company for those who want learn more about winemaking (and wine drinking). A private driver will take you to a handful of local wineries and wine bars, where your tour guide will teach you about the winemaking process. Enjoy wine tastings at each stop and a delicious wine/food pairing at one of the wineries. Each tour package is 3-5 hours and also includes lunch or dinner.

When: Daytime tours begin at 11AM, Thursday – Sunday; evening tours begin at 6PM, Thursday – Saturday; private tours offer flexible start times.

Where: Pickup is within a 10-mile radius of Wild Women Winery (1660 Champa St).

Cost: See website for winery tour packages.

Learn more and book tickets at https://milehighwinetours.com

 

Rocky Mountain Hot Air, LLC

For everyone who likes to go with the flow, sail over the Mile High City and get a birds-eye view with a tour from Rocky Mountain Hot Air. Check out the Denver skyline as you hover far above the tree tops, and enjoy a deep sense of calm as you drift over reservoirs and rivers. Although the tours typically take off from Chatfield State Park, special requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

When: Contact Rocky Mountain Hot Air for tour times. Each tour is approximately one hour long, but the entire experience is at least 3-4 hours (including safety briefings and setup).

Where: Most tours take off from Chatfield State Park (11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton).

Cost: $225 per person, including a certificate of ascension and balloon pin

Learn more at https://www.rockymountainhotair.com. To book a tour, call 303-936-0292 or email outlaw@rockymountainhotair.com

 

Hammond’s Candies

A family-owned Denver staple since 1920, Hammond’s is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get a peek into the steps that go into making your favorite taffies, candy canes, and marshmallow caramels. The tour ends at the famous candy store, where you can pick out a few pieces to take home. And don’t worry about finding a candy you’ll like—at a factory that produces 4,000 pounds of candy every day, you’ll surely find something you’re sweet on.

When: Monday – Friday: 9AM – 3PM; Saturday: 10AM – 3PM; closed Sundays

Where: Hammond’s Candies (5735 N Washington St)

Cost: Free! And no need to book a tour in advance (except for large groups)

Learn more at https://www.hammondscandies.com/factory-tours-parties

 

**Bonus: Celestial Seasonings (Boulder)

Fancy some free samples and an exclusive look at where one of the most popular tea companies in the country makes its tea? Stop by the Celestial Seasonings factory in Boulder for a 45-minute tour, which includes an introductory video and a 30-minute walk through the factory. Learn about each step of the tea making process, from drying to packaging, and sample all the tea you want at the sampling bar before and after the tour!

When: Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 4PM; Sunday: 11AM – 3PM

Where: Celestial Seasonings (4600 Sleepytime Dr, Boulder)

Cost: Free! And no need to book a tour in advance (except for large groups)

Learn more at https://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/tea-tour

Categories
Entertainment Events

Denver Museum Calendar—February

Museum Exhibits

Oct. 14-Feb. 5: Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs – Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Oct. 2-Feb. 12: Glory of Venice: Masterworks of the Renaissance – Denver Art Museum

Mar. 4-May 7: Artistry and Craftsmanship: Ruskin Pottery, Enamels, and Buttons – Denver Art Museum

Sept. 11-May 28: Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design – Denver Art Museum

Apr. 26-Jun. 4: Abstract Expressionism – Denver Art Museum

Sept. 25-Oct. 1: From the Fire – Denver Art Museum

Jan. 5-Dec. 30: Dream Big 3D: Engineering Our World – Denver Museum of Nature & Science

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Entertainment Events

Denver Theater & Arts Calendar—February

Theater

Jan. 13-Feb. 26: The Book of Will – Denver Center for the Performing Arts @ DPAC

Jan. 27-Feb. 26: The Christians – Denver Center for the Performing Arts @ DPAC

Oct. 15-Mar. 12: An Act of God – Garner Galleria Theatre & Bar

Feb. 3-May 12: Two Degrees – Denver Center for the Performing Arts @ DPAC

Feb. 12: Peter and the Wolf – Boettcher Concert Hall @ DPAC

Feb. 15: Unspoken – Loft Theater, Boulder

Feb. 15-18: Motown the Musical – Buell Theatre @ DPAC

Feb. 23-Mar. 12: Pygmalion – Aurora Fox Theatre

Categories
Entertainment Events

Denver Comedy Calendar—February

Comedy Shows

Feb. 3: Chris Tucker – Paramount Theatre

Feb. 3-4: Michael Yo – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Feb. 7-11: Alingon Mitra – Comedy Works (South)

Feb. 9-11: Steve Rannazzisi – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Feb. 16-18: Heather McDonald – Comedy Works (South)

Feb. 23-25: Dov Davidoff – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Feb. 23-26: Theo Von – Comedy Works (South)

Feb. 25: Lisa Lampanelli – Paramount Theatre

Categories
Entertainment Events

Denver Concert Calendar – February

There’s so much going on in the Mile High City, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. So we’ve done it for you!

Concerts

Feb. 3: Pepper & Less Than Jake – 7:30PM @ Ogden Theatre

Feb. 4: Datsik with Crizzly and Virtual Riot – 6:00PM @ 1st Bank Center

Feb. 4: Galactic – 8:30PM @ Fillmore Auditorium

Feb. 4: Bonfire Dub with Mama Magnolia – 7:30PM @ Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Feb. 17 & 19: Sammy Adams – 8:00PM @ Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom

Feb. 17-18: Los Lobos – 7:00PM @ Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox

Feb. 18: Lotus – 8:00PM @ Fillmore Auditorium

Feb. 22: Yo-Yo Ma – 7:30PM @ Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, Boulder

Feb. 24: Trevor Hall – 9:00PM @ Gothic Theatre

Categories
Entertainment Events

Denver Culture Calendar—January

There’s so much going on in the Mile High City, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. So we’ve done it for you! Whatever you’re seeking for your next outing—music, comedy, theater, museum exhibits—Denver has it. Scroll through the gallery below to get a taste of January in Denver.

Concerts

Jan. 4: Reel Big Fish & Anti-Flag – 7:00PM @ 935 E Colfax Ave

Jan. 5: Nappy Roots, Dassaro x Jeraff, J.O.B. (Just Ova Broke) – 9:00PM @ Cervantes

Jan. 7: Ben Hammond – 9:00PM @ Brik on York

Jan. 12: Colorado Symphony Orchestra – 7:30PM @ Boettcher Concert Hall

Jan. 14: The Expendables with Hirie, Tribal Theory – 8:00PM @ Gothic Theatre

Jan. 15: Infected Mushroom with Dynohunter – 9:00PM @ Ogden Theatre

Jan. 21-22: Railroad Earth – 8:00PM @ Ogden Theatre

Jan. 25: Kings of Leon – 7:00PM @ 1st Bank Center 

Comedy Shows

Jan. 4-7: Joe Zimmerman – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Jan. 10-11: David Spade – Comedy Works (South)

Jan. 11-14: Dana Gould – 2590 Walnut St, Boulder

Jan. 17-18: Louis C.K. – Bellco Theatre

Jan. 19: Gad Elmaleh – Gothic Theater

Jan. 20-21: Bob Saget – 5345 Landmark Place

Jan. 26-28: Anjelah Johnson – Comedy Works (Downtown)

Jan. 28: Kathy Griffin – Paramount Theater

Theater

Nov. 25-Jan. 15: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – 1468 Dayton St, Aurora

Oct. 15-Mar. 12: An Act of God – Garner Galleria Theatre & Bar

Jan. 1: Finding Neverland – Buell Theatre

Jan. 7- Jan. 29: Ignite Theatre Presents The Wiz – 9900 East Colfax, Aurora

Jan. 10-22: Fun Home – Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Jan. 13, 13, 27, 18: Phone Home Starring Third Kind Improv – 2132 Market St

Jan. 13-Feb. 26: The Book of Will – DCPA

Jan. 27-Feb. 26: The Christians- DPAC

Museum Exhibits

July 10-Jan. 8: Performance on Paper – Denver Art Museum

Sept. 23-Jan. 8: Extreme Mammals – Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Oct. 14-Jan. 15: Clyfford Still: The Works on Paper – Clyfford Still Museum

Oct. 14-Feb. 5: Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs – Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Oct. 2-Feb. 12: Glory of Venice: Masterworks of the Renaissance – Denver Art Museum

Mar. 4-May 7: Artistry and Craftsmanship: Ruskin Pottery, Enamels, and Buttons – Denver Art Museum

Apr. 26-Jun. 4: Abstract Expressionism – Denver Art Museum

Sept. 25-Oct. 1: From the Fire – Denver Art Museum