Family Activities in Denver, CO — 2026 Guide
Denver combines Mile High City adventure with world-class museums and easy access to the Rocky Mountains. Families love the blend of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and 300 days of sunshine per year.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Exploration and learning with exhibits from nature tunnels to workshop building activities for young children.
2121 Children's Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211
Visit websiteDenver Museum of Nature & Science
The Rocky Mountain region's leading science museum with fossils, dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and a Discovery Zone with dozens of hands-on activities.
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Visit websiteMeow Wolf Denver (Convergence Station)
A mind-bending immersive art experience with four stories of portals, secret passages, and interactive installations.
1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204
Visit websiteWings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
Over 50 planes and space displays. On the second Saturday of each month, kids can climb into cockpits.
7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230
Denver Art Museum
Family-friendly art museum with a dedicated kids' section, hands-on activities, and free admission for ages 18 and under.
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Visit websiteOutdoor Activities
Denver Zoo
One of the top zoos in the country set in City Park with natural habitats, a train, and seasonal events.
2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Visit websiteCity Park
Tennis courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, lakes for paddling, and free summer jazz concerts.
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Joy Park
A 30,000 square foot outdoor experience with zip-lining, climbing, spelunking, splashing, and digging.
1580 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80202
Dinosaur Ridge
Touch real Allosaurus and Stegosaurus fossils at the site where some of the most important dinosaur discoveries were made.
16831 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Over 50 rides and attractions including roller coasters and water slides, open May through October.
2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Free Things to Do
Joy Park
Free 30,000 sqft outdoor adventure with zip lines, climbing, and water play.
City Park Jazz
Free summer concert series in City Park with space for families to spread out.
Denver Art Museum (under 18)
Free admission for kids under 18 with hands-on art activities.
Red Rocks Park
Free hiking trails around the famous amphitheater with stunning red rock formations.
18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465
Rainy Day Plan
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, and a Discovery Zone for hands-on learning.
Meow Wolf Denver
Four stories of immersive, interactive art installations.
Children's Museum of Denver
Hands-on exhibits designed for young children.
Colorado Railroad Museum
Historic trains, monthly steam-ups, and the rare Galloping Goose bus-on-train-wheels.
17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Denver March Powwow
- •Cinco de Mayo festival
- •Cherry blossom viewing at Sakura Square
Summer
- •Elitch Gardens water park
- •Free City Park Jazz concerts
- •Tubing on Clear Creek in Golden
Fall
- •Fall foliage drives to the mountains
- •Great American Beer Festival
- •Corn mazes and pumpkin patches
Winter
- •Ski day trips to resorts within 90 minutes
- •Denver Zoo Lights
- •Ice skating at Skyline Park
Nearby Day Trips
Garden of the Gods
70 miles south
Stunning free park with towering red rock formations, easy hiking trails, and a nature center in Colorado Springs.
Rocky Mountain National Park
65 miles northwest
Alpine scenery, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly trails at one of America's most popular national parks.
Golden & Lookout Mountain
15 miles west
Clear Creek tubing, the Colorado Railroad Museum, and Buffalo Bill's gravesite with panoramic mountain views.
Local Parent Tips
Denver is at 5,280 feet elevation. Drink extra water and take it easy the first day, especially with young kids.
The light rail (RTD) runs from the airport to downtown and to many family attractions.
Many mountain day trips are doable in half a day. Golden and Morrison are just 20 minutes west.
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