Published: April 05, 2023
Headed to the Mile High City on a family vacation? Denver is the ideal outdoor travel destination, with plenty of adventurous activities to entertain your energetic entourage. But did you know it's a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, too? With so many kid-tastic opportunities, knowing where to start is hard.
We've handpicked the top 10 kid-friendly attractions to give your family the ultimate Denver adventure:
In 1896, the mayor of Denver was gifted a black bear named "Billy Bryan," and City Park was picked to be his home. In 1918, Carl Hagenbeck believed people needed to experience animals in a more naturalistic setting, and Bear Mountain was born. The zoo designer's revolutionary concept allowed humans to view animals at eye level. Currently accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and certified by the American Humane Association, the Denver Zoo is a leader in conservation. It might have begun with just one bear, but with its current dedication to over 3000 animals, the Denver Zoo is an animal lovers' paradise that will delight kids of all ages.
Imagine taking a trip that'll send your kids back to the prehistoric days or blast them into the future of space travel. Your family can do both at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Whether your children are passionate about identifying the fossils of famous dinosaurs or eager to learn what happens inside a black hole, your young scientists will encounter an interactive array of experiences that bend time and space. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has something for every little explorer.
When you're ready for a break from technology, why not embrace the natural world? From 24 acres of an urban oasis at York Street to a historical homestead at Chatfield Farms, Denver Botanic Gardens reflect the local Colorado ecosystems. If you're looking for a stress-reducing afternoon full of organic and enriching activities, stroll through the Mordecai Children's Garden. Your whole family will leave the gardens feeling like stewards of the Colorado landscape.
Feeling the heat in landlocked Colorado? Here's a way you and your little tadpoles can cool off in the high desert. Divided into different ecosystems, the Downtown Aquarium will lead your family through various exhibits that house more than just fish. You'll also meet water-curious critters like the playful North American River Otters and even a Sumatran Tiger. Yes, tigers like water, too! Your family can even meet a mermaid. Finish your day in the Aquarium Restaurant with a satisfying seafood menu.
What's better than free admission for children and teens 18 and under? How about free admission and the opportunity to gather artifacts from the American West? With four floors and fifteen ever-evolving exhibits, your mini historians can gain a new perspective on what helped shape the Centennial State. Whether your kids are looking for an interactive experience like the ski jump simulator, or they're ready to step inside the first-hand accounts of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, your family can dig deep into Denver's regional archives at the History Colorado Center.
Yes, you can experience a concert at Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheater, a naturally occurring sandstone stage that regularly hosts world-famous musicians, but that's not its only enticement. The surrounding Red Rocks Park includes 868 acres and hiking trails with panoramic views of Denver. Test your little darlings' daring athletic abilities with rock climbing at all difficulty levels. Then pack them into your vehicle and cruise through the park for some of the best scenic drives in Colorado.
Whether you're raising soulful little artists or a wild child who wants to hang from the rafters, the Children's Museum of Denver makes the dreams of all kinds of kids come true. Your pint-sized Picasso can experiment with clay, chalk, paints, and even collaborative mixed media materials in the art studio. Or head over to Altitude, a tower that'll encourage your little daredevil to scale a 3 ½ story tower up to 360◦ views of the Rockies. You'll never hear, "I'm bored!" at the Children's Museum of Denver.
Is your kiddo a sports fanatic? Well, look no further than the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Get a behind-the-scenes experience for kids of all ages when you tour Empower Field at Mile High, home to the Denver Broncos. Or stroll through the museum, where you'll learn about the Sportswomen of Colorado, or see the Gallery of Legends. There's even a Kids' Zone where your miniature champions can dress up in the jerseys of their favorite teams and feel like a Hall of Famer, too.
If you're in the Mile High City during the summer and your precious tricycle motor is begging you to "go, go, go," why not head over to the Denver Trolley? Yep, Denver has a working trolley in Confluence Park. In 1989, The Denver Rail Heritage Society, looking to salvage several historic railway stations, installed a replica trolley car for publicity. And it's been running every year since. The 1.2-mile track takes about 25 minutes to go round trip, or you can get shuttled directly to a kid-friendly destination like the Denver Children's Museum, the Downtown Aquarium, or the Sports Hall of Fame.
If your family loves nature, then you must experience a hike inside one of the most popular national parks in the country. This moderate 4-mile hike offers a rare opportunity to take in stunning mountain vistas while observing wildlife in their natural surroundings. The round-trip journey will leave you refreshed and ready for a delicious dinner in downtown Denver. Tickets start from $139 and you can book directly through AAA.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Denver today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.
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