Attractions in Denver, Colorado that Kids Love
As a Denver local and a mom, I’m excited to share some of my favorite kid-friendly spots around the Mile High City. Whether you’re planning a visit or looking for new adventures with your family, these top attractions in Denver, Colorado are sure to keep the kids entertained and create lasting memories.
Let’s dive into all the Denver attractions and fun things to do with your little ones or teens in this beautiful city!
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Elitch Gardens
Elitch Gardens is Denver’s largest amusement park, conveniently located right downtown. It’s great for families, offering a variety of rides. From thrilling roller coasters, more tame rides for the little ones, there is something to appeal to everyone. There is also a water park with exciting water slides, family-friendly slides, and a wave pool. My kids have enjoyed visiting here from their toddler years to now as pre-teens. The park also hosts special events throughout the year. There is Fright Fest during Halloween and the Luminova Holidays lights at Christmas which are super fun and festive.
Water World
Water World is located just north of downtown Denver and is one of the largest water parks in the US. It offers rides and attractions suitable for all ages, including water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers for the kids to enjoy. With over 50 water attractions, it’s a great way to spend a summer afternoon.
Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Denver Aquarium is a great attraction in Denver featuring a diverse range of marine life and interactive exhibits. Located right in downtown Denver, the aquarium not only has excellent ocean exhibits, but it also features an amazing ocean-themed restaurant. The restaurant has a floor-to ceiling aquarium where you can watch live mermaids swimming in the tanks. In addition, there is also an upscale bar called The Dive Bar, great for adults looking to kick back.
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is a great option for spending an afternoon with the kids. It’s located in City Park, right in the heart of Denver. The zoo has amazing exhibits, including the Toyota Elephant Passage, which is one of the largest elephant habitats in North America. The zoo also offers great holiday experiences, including Boo at the Zoo at Halloween and Zoo Lights at Christmas.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is another great place to visit with kids while in Denver. The museum is located in City Park, near downtown Denver and close to the Denver Zoo. There is a wide range of exhibits that are highly interactive for kids and explore natural history, science, and an interactive space exhibit. Another great feature of the museum is its Infinity Giant Screen theater with 2D and 3D capabilities, which is perfect for watching cool educational movies.
Denver Botanic Gardens
A beautiful spot close to downtown, located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, is the Denver Botanic Gardens. The gardens feature a variety of themed areas, from a traditional Japanese Garden to a stunning Tropical Conservatory. They also host numerous events throughout the year. My favorite event is the holiday light displays at Christmas time. They also have summer concerts, and educational programs, making it a perfect destination for families and nature lovers alike.
Children’s Museum of Denver
The Children’s Museum of Denver is a great place to bring the younger kiddos. Located near downtown Denver, it features many interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to inspire and educate children. From a climbing wall and an art studio to a teaching kitchen and a water play area, kids will be entertained for hours.
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf in Denver, known as “Convergence Station,” is a unique immersive art experience that’s perfect for both kids and adults. Located near downtown, this large, multi-story exhibit combines art, storytelling, and interactive elements to create an extraordinary world. Visitors can explore various themed rooms and installations, each filled with vibrant colors, hidden passages, and engaging art. It’s a great destination for those looking to experience something completely out of this world and engage in a creative and unique experience.
The Colorado State Capitol
If you are in downtown Denver, I recommend stopping by the Colorado State Capitol Building. This historic and beautiful building was completed in 1908 and features a distinctive gold-plated dome. The Capitol offers free self-guided tours every Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. One of the highlights of the tour, which kids should enjoy, is walking up to the dome’s observation deck for panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. The “Mile High Step,” marking one mile above sea level, is a fun and popular photo spot. This is a great stop to learn about Colorado’s history and legislative process.
Denver Union Station
For great photo opportunities and a variety of restaurants in a lively part of downtown Denver, check out Union Station. Union Station is in the heart of downtown and offers a great mix of history and modern amenities. As I write this in 2024, Union Station is currently being remodeled and is expected to be completed in July 2024. Although it’s a working train station, it offers plenty for visitors, including gift shops, restaurants, and great bars. In the summer, there’s a fantastic splash pad fountain where kids can play if you’re willing to get wet! The area around Union Station is also bustling with many restaurant options and provides easy access to Coors Field, where you can see the Colorado Rockies play!
Best Restaurants in Union Station
Sporting Events
Coors Field
Ball Arena
Empower Field
For sports fans, the downtown Denver area has three great sports arenas if you want to catch a game or a concert!
Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies (MLB) and is always a fun and aesthetically pleasing venue to watch baseball. It also has great views if you go up to the top deck.
Empower Field at Mile High is home to the Denver Broncos football team (NFL). They also host big venue concerts in the summer; if you happen to be here for one, it’s a great place to see a concert (we saw Ed Sheeran here, and Taylor Swift was here in 2023).
Lastly, there is Ball Arena for basketball (Denver Nuggets), hockey (Colorado Avalanche), and lacrosse (Colorado Mammoth). You can also catch a great rock concert at Ball Arena (we saw Guns N’ Roses here).
Denver Center for Performing Arts
The Denver Center for Performing Arts is one of my favorite places to go for a night out to see a Broadway show or the symphony. This expansive complex is home to several theaters, including the Buell Theatre, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and the Garner Galleria Theatre, among others. The DCPA has a wide variety of shows throughout the year, ranging from Broadway shows, concerts, and ballets to plays, comedy acts, and other live entertainment. So if you are staying in downtown Denver, it’s worth a look to see what’s playing!
If you want to visit multiple attractions in Denver, the CityPASS® is a great option. If you get a Denver CityPASS® you can save up to 43% at 3, 4, or 5 must-see attractions.
Check Out These Great Tours In and Just Outside of Denver:
- Rocky Mountain 6-Zipline Adventure on CO Longest and Fastest!
- Guided Hiking Tour in Colorado Mountains
- Pikes Peak COG Railway & Garden of Gods Tour
- Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver
- Rocky Mountain National Park Tour from Denver
Colorado is an amazing state with so much to see and do. If after your stay in Denver, you want to head to the Mountains, check out my list of the Best Small Towns in Colorado or the Best Resorts in Colorado for a Summer Vacation.
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