Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado with Kids
From exploring nature nearby to staying busy in the city, Denver is a great destination for families year-round. Also, check out our Best Travel Destinations with Kids Near Atlanta and Beyond.
Children’s Museum of Denver is one of the top children’s museums in the nation. Kids build items out of recycled materials at the assembly plant, make bubble experiments in the cool bumble room, take care of stuffed animals at the vet clinic, paint beautiful pictures in the art studio, dress up as animals in the big backyard indoor area, and more.
Put on firefighter gear and slide down a fire pole at the Denver Firefighter’s Museum, housed in a 1909 firehouse. Learn about the history of firefighters and more at this fun and educational museum. Follow the kid’s guide and take in the collection of old fire trucks. Upstairs, learn about fire safety and see how firefighters lived.
Learn about the history of coin manufacturing and watch the production of coins at the Denver U.S. Mint. Visit earlier in the day to get your free tickets for a scheduled time to tour later. Kids get their own penny made at the facility.
Kids scale the climbing wall on Saturdays or play in the kid’s area with slide and clubhouse at REI Denver, REI’s flagship store. Stock up on outdoor gear and grab a coffee at the Starbucks located inside the store.
Enjoy nature with these hikes for families with younger kids near Denver. We especially loved Clear Creek Trail and Mount Falcon.
Act like a local in the Berkeley neighborhood of Denver. Visit Second Star to the Right Kid’s Bookstore and play at the playground at the park right next door. Located in a 1920s bungalow, Second Star has a great selection and a cute cubby hole for kids to read in. Enjoy kid’s yoga on Saturdays and themed story times throughout the week.
Honor Society serves healthy, sustainable food, a refreshing break from the typical eating out done on vacation. The menu changes seasonally based on what’s available, but it always has kid’s pizza and grilled or fried chicken. The restaurant is also a short walk to other fun things downtown including Commons Park, Denver’s popular downtown park.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet Cooie’s on 12th Street in Denver. This ice cream shop with retro-hip decor has decadent flavors including Peanut Butter Magic, Rocky Mountain Mint, and Chunky Chocolate Peanut Butter.
Where to Stay in Denver
The Four Seasons hotel offers an upscale, family-friendly experience. Kids get to sleep in play tents, decorate cupcakes in the kitchen, and pick out a toy at check-in. The outdoor pool is heated in winter (they even have heated towels!). Kid-sized robes are also available. Cribs, infant bathtubs and playpens are also available.
