Family- and Kid-friendly Activities to do in Denver, CO

Family-friendly things to do in Denver with kids include theme parks, museums, and outdoor fun.  Discover best attractions and activities for all ages, including a day at Denver Polo Club!

Denver’s Top Family-Friendly Attractions

Family-friendly things to do in Denver aren’t hard to find. Whether you're visiting for the first time or planning your next local adventure, the Mile High City offers a blend of outdoor adventures, interactive exhibits, and kid-approved food stops that make it a perfect destination for all ages. Fun things to do in Denver with kids include exploring immersive museums, spending time in nature, and discovering the best of Colorado’s wildlife and history.

• Start your journey at the Denver Zoo, where children can get up close with giraffes, elephants, and more. With a variety of wildlife encounters, it’s one of the most cherished Denver attractions.
  
• Just a short drive away, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a must for young minds. Interactive exhibits and science exhibits for kids make it both fun and educational. Don't miss the planetarium or prehistoric displays!
• Another favorite is the Downtown Aquarium Denver. With touch tanks and a mermaid show, this indoor adventure blends education and enchantment for curious explorers.
  
• For hands-on creativity, head to the Children's Museum Of Denver At Marsico Campus. Its interactive play zones and indoor play areas provide hours of imaginative fun. It’s one of the most beloved educational attractions in the city.
  
• Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is perfect for a summer day. Combining amusement park rides with outdoor splash pads, it’s a thrill for the whole family.
  
• Nature lovers will enjoy the Denver Botanic Gardens. With nature walks and hikes designed for little legs and vibrant plant life, it offers a peaceful yet engaging way to spend the day.
  
• City Park Denver is a beautiful spot for a picnic or paddleboat ride, located near many top Denver sightseeing spots. From here, families often walk over to the Denver Museum or the zoo.
  
• Washington Park Denver is another gem, offering plenty of open space, family hikes near Denver, and a place to unwind after exploring more crowded Denver experiences.

Museums, Art, and Indoor Adventures

• The Denver Art Museum is surprisingly kid-friendly with its hands-on creative spaces and family tours. Check their calendar for special storytime events and family movie nights.
  
• Butterfly Pavilion Westminster offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. Kids are mesmerized by the hundreds of fluttering butterflies in a rainforest-like setting.
  
• For airplane enthusiasts, Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum is a unique indoor play zone where kids can explore massive aircraft and even enjoy simulated flight experiences. It’s a great choice for a weekend trip to Denver with family.
  
• Union Station Denver is more than just a transit hub. With ice cream shops, pancake houses, and family-friendly restaurants, it’s a perfect break spot during a day of Denver activities.
  
• The Colorado Railroad Museum is a dream for train lovers. With historic locomotives and train rides, this destination offers history with a dash of adventure.
  
• Looking for things to do in Denver area that are free or budget-friendly? Try a local scavenger hunt downtown or enjoy one of many free things to do with kids, like nature walks or interactive playgrounds.
  
• Family things to do in Denver this weekend may include checking out food halls with family seating, visiting an indoor trampoline park, or going for a round of mini golf Denver style.

Dining, Day Trips, and Itinerary Tips

Denver’s versatility makes it easy to build a kid-friendly Denver itinerary. From pancakes to polo, each day can offer something new. If you’re exploring Denver this week, consider adding places like the Douglas County Sports Park for outdoor play or visiting Meow Wolf Denver (Convergence Station) for mind-bending art and interactive exhibits.

Denver Food Halls with family seating are a must for parents who want variety and convenience. Enjoy tacos while your kids enjoy pizza—everyone wins!

Don’t miss pizza places for families, pancake houses Denver locals swear by, and of course the best ice cream shops Denver has to offer. Looking for family fun things to do in Denver that are active? Try indoor trampoline parks or plan a morning nature hike.

Denver sightseeing isn’t limited to city attractions. Head just outside the city for hikes, scenic drives, and horseback rides that deliver stunning views and a break from urban crowds. The city is packed with Denver activities tailored for all ages. Whether it’s a rainy day indoors or a sunny weekend adventure, you’ll find something engaging for everyone. The Denver Travel Guide for families continues to grow as more venues add kid-friendly features and host special family-focused programming. If you’re planning a weekend trip Denver with family, look for hotels near major attractions and public parks. Many provide free shuttles or walking access to popular sites.

Things to do in Denver Colorado for couples often overlap with family-friendly spots, especially during Sunday Fundays, nature walks, or art strolls through local galleries.

With a little planning, your Denver, CO trip can include educational stops, food adventures, and plenty of laughs. Things to do in Denver this week might include everything from storytime events to hands-on science at the museum. And when you need a break? Find peace in outdoor splash pads or a quiet bench at the Botanic Gardens.

Denver tourism continues to expand its offerings for families, and new attractions are popping up all the time. From interactive exhibits to amusement park rides, the city is one giant playground waiting to be explored.

The best things to do in Denver are those that bring your family closer together. And lucky for you, the options are endless. So pack your bags, prep your itinerary, and get ready to Visit Denver for a vacation you’ll never forget.