Explore Family-Friendly Activities in Denver with a Campervan
Family-Friendly Entertainment in Denver: A Guide to Fun and Learning
Denver, Colorado, offers a wealth of entertainment options that cater to families, providing a mix of educational, interactive, and outdoor experiences. Here's a roundup of some of the best family-friendly attractions in the Mile-High City.
Denver Zoo
Home to more than 3,000 animals over 80 acres, the Denver Zoo is a must-visit for any family. With special kids’ programs and seasonal events suitable for all ages, it offers a great opportunity for both fun and learning.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
This museum features exhibits like dinosaur bones, space exploration, and interactive zones such as the Discovery Zone tailored for younger children. Admission is around $25.95 for adults and $20.95 for children (ages 3-18).
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
A popular interactive play-based learning space, the Children’s Museum offers activities in art, water exploration, and cooking designed for children.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The Mordecai Children’s Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens offers an engaging outdoor area for kids to explore plants and nature. General admission is reasonable and included in some combo passes.
Denver Firefighters Museum
Located in downtown Denver, the Denver Firefighters Museum offers hands-on firefighter-themed activities, such as trying on gear and practicing a 911 call, with admission around $7 for kids and $9 for adults. Free passes are available at public libraries.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts – "We Are In a Play!"
A live theater production based on popular children’s books, with tickets starting at $23 for kids and $28 for adults, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is a great choice for families looking for a cultural experience.
Meow Wolf Denver - Convergence Station
An immersive, interactive art experience with multiple surreal worlds and storylines, Meow Wolf Denver is suitable for families and kids interested in creative exploration.
City Park
Adjacent to the zoo and museums, City Park offers playgrounds, lakes, and trails ideal for picnics, bike rides, and leisurely strolls at no cost.
For those seeking to save on admission fees when visiting multiple attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Botanic Gardens, Children’s Museum, and the Downtown Aquarium, purchasing CityPASS can save up to 45%.
Beyond the City
If you're willing to venture a bit further from the city, the Boulder Flatirons, located about 40 minutes out of Denver, are a family-friendly outdoor destination with unique rock formations. The area offers a beautiful place to sit and take in the views, even if a hike is not preferred.
For camping enthusiasts, there are many other camping areas around Denver to explore.
Bonus Tips
- If you're in Denver, don't miss the modern Starbucks store near the Children's Museum, featuring an attractive design, stairways to nowhere, exposed brick, and a beautiful view of Platte River.
- The Boulder Flatirons may require research for parking, but shuttles are available from certain parking areas.
- The Mesa Trail, starting from Chautauqua trailhead, is a 6.9-mile trail that offers views and goes through towering trees.
- Lime Pavilion, a restaurant in Denver, offers delicious food and deals on Tuesdays. It's near the cool metal "Denver" sign.
- The Chautauqua trailhead in Boulder connects to canyon trails along Boulder's Front Range.
- The Mesa Trail extends to the South Mesa Trailhead, with the main trail going eastward.
- The Boulder area is home to many murals, providing opportunities for unique Instagram-worthy photos.
- The 16th Street Mall is a destination in Denver, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Dakota Ridge RV Resort is a clean and family-friendly camping location in Denver, offering clean showers, electric hook-ups, and a playground.
- Tea Bar by Teatulia is a tea shop in Denver, known for its wide variety of high-quality teas and unique Colorado-themed tea wall.
These options cover a range of educational, interactive, and outdoor experiences that offer value and engagement across different age groups, making them great for family outings in Denver.
- After a day at the Denver Zoo, families could consider camping at a nearby campground to continue the outdoor adventure.
- For families who enjoy sports, the Mesa Trail in Boulder offers a beautiful 6.9-mile hike through towering trees.
- Rather than solely focusing on indoor entertainment, consider visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens for an interactive outdoor experience.
- To save on admission fees, families can purchase CityPASS, which offers discounts for multiple attractions like the Children’s Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and Denver Botanic Gardens.
- If your travel itinerary includes home and garden attractions, be sure to visit the Lime Pavilion in Denver, a renowned restaurant known for its delicious food and deals on Tuesdays.