Traveling to Denver usually means heading out to explore the great outdoors, but there’s more to this city than just mountain views and hiking trails. It’s also packed with things to do that the whole family can enjoy.
This guide puts together a bunch of ideas for things to do around Denver if you’re visiting with kids. Whether you’re looking for something active, educational, or just an easy way to spend the day, there’s a mix of options here to help you plan a trip that works for the whole family.
Planning a Trip to Denver
If you’re planning a Denver trip with kids, this guide’s got you covered with fun stops the whole crew can enjoy. If it’s your first time in the city, you might also want to take a look at our list of the best things to do in Denver for first-timers. It’s a good mix of highlights and local spots, so you can round out your trip with even more ideas.
Fun Family Friendly Activities
Explore Rocky Mountain
If you’re heading to Denver with kids, a trip to the great outdoors is a must. And there’s no better place to start than Rocky Mountain National Park.
It’s one of the spots that really shows off Colorado’s natural beauty, and if you’re already in the area, it’s worth carving out a day just to explore it. The scenic drive alone is breathtaking, but what makes it extra special for families is how flexible it is. You don’t need to be hardcore hikers to enjoy it here.
If you’d want to keep things simple, you can always join a guided tour through the park, which is especially helpful if this is your first time. For something more active, there’s a nearby zipline adventure that adds a bit of thrill and can give your older kids a chance to burn off energy.
Try Whitewater Rafting at Clear Creek
If you’re in Denver during the warmer months and looking for something active to do with your older kids or teens, whitewater rafting on Clear Creek is a solid pick. It’s got just enough splash and bounce to be exciting without being too intense for first-timers. I highly recommend you go for the beginner-friendly rafting tour especially if you’ve never done rafting ever in your life.
There are plenty of outfitters in the area that make the whole experience pretty easy. They’ll set you up with gear, walk you through the safety basics, and pair you with a guide who knows how to keep things fun while staying on top of the river.
Just keep in mind that there are usually age, height, and weight requirements for safety, so it’s better suited for older kids and teens who meet the guidelines. Don’t forget the sunscreen and maybe a change of clothes, because you’re definitely going to get wet.
Spend the Day at Elitch Gardens
I think it is safe to say that If you’re bringing your kids to Denver, the Elitch Gardens is one of those places you’ll probably end up at sooner or later.
It’s a mix of amusement park and water park right in the middle of the city, so you don’t have to go far to spend a full day riding coasters and splashing around. There’s something to do no matter how old your kids are, and everything’s in one place.
If you can swing it, try to go on a weekday so it’s way more relaxed since weekends tend to get really packed. Also check out their website and grab tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait around at the gate.
Ride the Ziplines at The EDGE
If your kids are into climbing, flying, or anything that gets their adrenaline going, The EDGE Ziplines and Adventures is a great way to spend a day outside the city. It’s about half an hour from Denver, tucked into the foothills, and the setting alone is worth the trip.
They’ve got several zipline runs and a range of challenge levels, so it’s not just a one-and-done experience. Older kids and teens will love the higher, faster lines, while younger or first-time zipliners can ease into it on shorter ones.
Just be sure to check the age and weight requirements before booking, and bring closed-toe shoes. A light jacket doesn’t hurt either since it can be cooler up in the hills even when it’s warm in the city.
Fossil Hunting at Dinosaur Ridge
Another fun outdoor activity that families can really get into is exploring Dinosaur Ridge, one of the top-rated dinosaur track sites in the country.
It’s only about 20 minutes from Denver, but it would feel like stepping back millions of years. The main trail runs along a ridge where you’ll see actual dinosaur tracks, fossilized bones, and prehistoric ripple marks right there in the rock.
You can go at your own pace with a self-guided walk, or sign up for a guided tour if you want someone to walk you through all the cool stuff and explain what you’re seeing. They also offer shuttle tours, which are nice if you want to cut down on the walking but still catch the main highlights. Either way, it’s a good idea to check their website before you go so you can pick the option that works best for your family.
It’s not a huge site, but between the outdoor trail and the indoor exhibits, you can easily spend a good couple of hours here. Make sure to bring water, wear good walking shoes, and try to come earlier in the day if you’re visiting in summer, since parts of the trail can get hot.
Visit any of the Kid-Friendly Museums in Town
If you’re looking for an easy day indoors that would still keep your kids excited, Denver’s got some great museums that are actually fun for families.
The Children’s Museum of Denver is always a hit with younger kids. It’s got plenty of hands-on exhibits, an outdoor adventure zone, and spaces where they can build, climb, and get messy in the best way.
For something a little more classic, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a solid pick for all ages. You’ll find everything here from massive dinosaur skeletons and space exhibits to interactive science zones and an impressive planetarium. You could easily spend half a day here and still not see it all.
If your kids are into planes, Wings Over the Rockies is another fun one. It’s set in a historic hangar and packed with aircraft you can get up close to, plus space exhibits and flight simulators that older kids especially get into.
And for the little ones obsessed with fire trucks, the Denver Firefighters Museum is a quick and easy stop with vintage gear, a fire pole to slide down, and a fun play area where they can pretend to be firefighters. It’s not a huge place, but it’s a cute add-on if you’re already in the area.
Most of the museums offer discounted family passes or bundle deals, so it’s worth checking online before you go.
Ride the Denver Trolley
While you’re already in Denver, you might as well hop on the trolley. It’s a vintage-style streetcar that cruises along the South Platte River and gives you a laid-back way to see a bit of the city. The whole ride takes about 30 minutes roundtrip, and even though it’s not meant for hopping on and off, everyone in the family can enjoy the ride just for the novelty of it.
It’s an easy little add-on to your day, especially if you’re already visiting spots like Confluence Park or the Children’s Museum nearby. Just make sure to check the Denver Trolley website ahead of time for the schedule and fares. It only runs during certain seasons, so you’ll want to double check before showing up.
Tour the Hammond’s Candies Factory
Another unique way to spend your time in Denver is by booking a tour at Hammond’s Candies. It’s completely free, but you do need to reserve your time slot ahead of time through their website. Same-day bookings aren’t usually a good idea since the slots for the day may already have been filled up.
The tour doesn’t take long, maybe around 30 minutes, but it’s one of those short and sweet experiences that your family would love. You’ll get to see how old-fashioned candy is made right in front of you, from pulling and twisting to wrapping everything up by hand. There are lots of windows into the production area, and kids get a front-row seat to the whole process.
The smells alone are enough to get them excited, so it’s definitely one of those tours where parents should be ready to keep a close eye on little ones who might get a little too into it.
Visit the Downtown Aquarium
If your kids are into sea life, this is definitely a spot worth adding to your Denver plans. It’s an easy stop for families, with exhibits that feature everything from sharks and sea turtles to river otters and colorful reef fish. It’s on the smaller side though, but it’s still enough to keep your kids still interested here.
One of the highlights here is the stingray touch tank, where your kids can get hands-on and interact with the animals. There are also live shows and feedings throughout the day, so it’s worth checking the schedule when you arrive.
Since it’s all indoors, it makes a great option for hot days or when the weather’s not ideal. You can do walk-ins here but in case your trip lands on a holiday or weekend, there is an option to book skip-the-line tickets in advance.
Swing by Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is one of those classic family stops that’s easy to love. The zoo’s layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and there are plenty of shaded paths and interactive exhibits that would help keep kids entertained as you go.
Luckily, it’s right next to City Park, making it easy to pair with a picnic or a quick playground break. There’s a little train there that loops around the zoo that’s always a hit with younger kids, and it’s gonna be a nice break for tired legs.
If you’re visiting in the summer, try to go earlier in the day when the animals are more active. With so much to see and do, it’s the kind of spot where the whole family can enjoy a day outside without things feeling rushed.
Go Crazy at Meow Wolf Denver
This place is one of the most unique things you can do in Denver with your kids, and honestly, it’s kinda hard to explain until you see it for yourself. Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station is like stepping into a giant interactive story and every room is just full of strange art, trippy lights, and hidden pathways.
Personally, I think it can get a little overwhelming if you’ve got very young kids, so it tends to be better for older kids and teens who can handle a bit of sensory overload. Just make sure to check it out online first before you show up.
It can get pretty overcrowded during the weekends and holidays, so I suggest going here on a weekday.
Spend the afternoon with the critters at Butterfly Pavilion
This spot’s about 30 minutes north of Denver, but it’s well worth the short drive if your kids are into bugs, butterflies, or anything that creeps and crawls.
Beyond the butterflies, there’s plenty more to explore. The indoor exhibits feature everything from beetles and stick bugs to scorpions and tarantulas. One of the big highlights here is Rosie, the Pavilion’s famous tarantula, who kids can gently hold with staff supervision.
This is an easy stop to pair with other nearby activities or even make a half-day trip out of it.
Unwind at the Denver Botanic Gardens
This is another cute and relaxing spot for families you might wanna check out. The Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street is surprisingly fun to explore. It’s got wide open spaces, colorful seasonal displays, and plenty of room for your kids to roam.
It’s especially great in spring and summer, but even in cooler months, the tropical conservatory stays warm and packed with interesting things to see. The gardens are really big, so if you’ve got younger kids with you, a stroller might come in handy.
If you plan to visit, you can pre purchase your tickets online, since it can get a bit busier during weekends or special events.
Your Denver Family Guide
It’s pretty hard to get bored in Denver. Whether you’re here for a few days or a full week, the mix of outdoor fun and city life keeps things interesting from start to finish.
If you’re looking to try something local while you’re in town, Denver’s food scene has plenty to offer. We’ve put together a guide to the most famous foods in Denver so you’ll know what to keep an eye out for, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or planning where to eat with the family. You can also check out what Denver is known for in general, from quirky landmarks to local traditions, if you want to get a better feel for the city’s personality before you go.
Denver’s the kind of city that makes it easy to enjoy a trip, with just the right balance of big-city energy and laid-back outdoor escapes. It’s a great spot for families who want a bit of everything without having to go too far.
