Downtown Rink during the Mile High Holidays in Denver
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Nicknamed the Mile High City, Denver beckons families to explore, thanks to its blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, family-friendly attractions, and 300 days of annual sunshine. This vibrant city entertains young travelers with an array of activities sure to create lifelong memories, from hands-on museums and a zoo that’s a favorite among kids to wide open green spaces and year-round special events.
Pro Tip: Get discounted attraction tickets through AAA. Or consider purchasing a Denver CityPASS or Mile High Culture Pass for discounted entry to popular attractions, including the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Downtown Aquarium, and several other family-friendly spots.
Bronze mastodon outside the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Spark your child's curiosity at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! This world-class museum ignites a passion for science with interactive exhibits and live performances that bring dinosaurs, mummies, space exploration, and Colorado's amazing ecosystems to life. Kids can dig for dinosaur bones, explore a real Egyptian mummy, and even blast off on a virtual space mission. Little ones ages 3-8 will gravitate towards the Discovery Zone, filled with pint-size interactive fun. Dig into Colorado’s mining history and learn more about gems and minerals. Stroll the Wildlife Halls to view realistic dioramas that practically bring animals to life. Don’t miss out-of-this-world shows at the planetarium! Plus, the refreshed Infinity Theater immerses you in giant-screen experiences like T. REX 3D and Blue Whales: Return of the Giants 3D.
Unleash your little one’s creativity and imagination at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Station. Designed specifically for children under the age of eight, this haven inspires learning through hands-on play. Kids can explore “real life” activities through interactive exhibits like the fire station, farmer’s market and vet’s office. From climbing structures and tot-size science, this museum promises an engaging, educational opportunity to explore and investigate. Nurture Little Picassos in the Art Studio, where kids can paint, mold clay, and draw with chalk. Plus, the outdoor Joy Park delivers pint-size thrills—including a dueling zip line! Tip: Bring the kids’ bathing suits for splashing outdoor fun during warmer months.
Downtown Aquarium in Denver
Dive into adventure at the Downtown Aquarium boasting a million gallons of water! Exhibits navigate through Indonesian rainforests, a coral lagoon, North American wilderness, shipwrecks, and Sumatran tiger habitats. Feed gentle sea creatures at Stingray Reef, watch the mesmerizing Mystic Mermaids show, and learn about ocean conservation. With over 500 species from around the globe, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the Downtown Aquarium is a must-visit for families. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat at the Aquarium Restaurant—a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by a 50,000-gallon tank teeming with colorful sea creatures.
Other notable kid-friendly spots worth a visit include the Colorado Railroad Museum (a must-do for train buffs) and the hands-on Denver Firefighters Museum (a hot spot for li’l squirts obsessed with fire trucks).
Elephant showing off at the Denver Zoo
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Ready to monkey around? Head to the 80-acre Denver Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species from around the world. Glimpse elephants, rhinos, leopards, and tapirs roaming the 10-acre Toyota Elephant Passage—one of the largest and most complex elephant habitats in North America. Marvel at the acrobatics of playful primates in Emerald Forest. Be greeted by the cheerful chirps of brightly colored birds in the Lorikeet Adventure. Take a spin on Conservation Carousel and hop on the Denver Zoo Railroad. Go on a Gorilla Trek, where a virtual reality experience immerses you in the African jungle. Plus, with daily educational talks, live animal shows and interactive exhibits, the zoo tops Denver’s list of must-visit family attractions.
Summer paddle on the lake in City Park
As Denver’s crown jewel among its world-class urban park system, City Park boasts 330 acres of made-for-kids green space bursting with family-friendly activities. (Both the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are located within the park.) Dotted with playgrounds, gardens, and fountains, it’s a vibrant spot for biking, a leisurely stroll, or a game of horseshoes. Throughout the year, City Park hosts lively events like farmers’ markets, art tours, and jazz concerts, offering endless opportunities for family enjoyment.
Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms
denver botanic gardens
Denver hosts a year-round slate of events, promising family fun no matter when you visit.
Spring into family fun at an egg-citing adventure at Denver's largest egg hunt at Four Mile Historic Park. Search for over 30,000 eggs hidden throughout the 12-acre park! Plus, enjoy post-hunt fun like tractor hayrides, photos with the Easter Bunny, and spring-themed crafts. Savor sweet treats and discover decadent creations at the Colorado Chocolate Festival, featuring samples from local chocolatiers, games, and kids activities.
Color your summer with fun at the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival held in June in the Golden Triangle Creative District. Marvel at the sidewalk creations of artists, dance to the live music and bring little ones to the kids' corner to create their own chalk art. Soak in local music at the annual Sunnyside Music Festival—a free, family-friendly music event that boasts live performances, an artisan market, and a play-based kids’ area.
Fall ushers in Denver Arts Week, boasting colorful murals and street art, must-see art exhibitions, live performances, and art walks through the city’s creative neighborhoods. Get lost in Denver Botanic Gardens seven-acre Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms. Stroll through a magical trail of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminated by a dazzling light show at the Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns at Hudson Gardens.
Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo
Winter festivals and special events abound! Catch the 9NEWS Parade of Lights in Downtown Denver. Head to the Five Points Holiday Stroll for photos with Santa, carolers, and holiday storytellers. Zoo Lights transforms Denver Zoo into a magical winter wonderland! This year’s historic celebration features over a million sparkling lights illuminating 80 acres, creating an enchanting holiday experience. Blossoms of Light, a cherished tradition for many, transforms Denver Botanic Gardens with a mile-long path of dazzling holiday lights. Explore immersive, radiant displays that highlight the stunning plant collections, making it one of the nation's top holiday light shows. Every January, the National Western Complex ropes families in for thrilling rodeos, horse shows, livestock exhibits, educational demonstrations, and fun activities like petting zoos and pony rides.
National Western Stock Show pony rides
visit denver: Evan Semon
Whether you're paddling on Ferril Lake, exploring the wild wonders of the Denver Zoo, or strolling through the mesmerizing holiday lights at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver pops with unforgettable family experiences. Plan your trip, pack up the kids, head to this vibrant, family-friendly city to create lasting memories that will linger longer after your Denver vacation.
AAA Membership is your key to unlocking valuable travel savings. Save with AAA rates while earning hotel loyalty points when you book through AAA.com/Hotels. Avoid wear and tear on your car and get extra room for passengers and luggage with a Hertz vehicle rental. AAA Members save up to 20% off the Hertz base rate, get a free additional driver and free use of a child safety seat when reserving through AAA.com/CarRental.
