So, you’re heading to Denver with kids and immediately wondering how to subdue their “I’m bored” tears and rants. Luckily for you, Denver is filled with activities from hiking up the rugged mountains to culturally enriching attractions.

A stay in Denver is easily filled with adventure, laughs, and a ton of thrills – you just need to know where to look. A day of exciting excursions can be curated to ensure that even the tiniest tot in your team is considered. Heck, you can even make your accommodation a ghostbusting activity with some of the haunted hotels in Colorado.

Whether you’ve got the kind of kids who would prefer a competitive game of laser tag or if you’re parenting the next Albert Einstein, there are options for every type of interest. Keep reading for a valuable list of things to do in Denver, Colorado, with kids.

Outside Things to do in Denver with Kids

The best time to visit Denver is during the summer and shoulder seasons. Between April and October, the city’s climate offers average highs between 53°F and 88°F. This is the perfect time to catch some sunshine and sweat it out in the great outdoors.

Here are some lovely things to do in Denver today with the kids.

 

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park

Image Sourced from Park’s Facebook Page

Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is one of the families’ most popular Denver attractions. While Mile High City tends to be a little hot and heavy, the water park will keep you cool. This 130-year-old destination is perfect for any family looking to spend the day whizzing through thrill, family, and water rides.

You can find yourself running between exhilarating roller coasters like the Boomerang, Mind Eraser, and Sling Shot to realign the butterflies in your tummy. Or, there is something here for everyone in the white water rafting Disaster Canyon and 50-foot waterfall, Shipwreck Falls.

If you’re in town for a day or the summer, season passes and some cool holiday-specific discounts are available. So, check out their website beforehand for the right time.

Explore the Area and Go Hiking

Take the family to one of the best hikes near Denver and explore the Clear Creek trail. The hike itself is relatively easy and you’re likely to see some picturesque views, like adventurers tubing along the river, a few bridges with pristine views, and also some fly-fishermen.

Since this hike takes around eight hours, it may be best suited to families with older kids, as toddlers and babies will not enjoy the long hours.

 

Take a Ride on the Mountain Bike Trails

 

If your family is not too keen on walking long distances outdoors, maybe riding would be a better fit? Try one of the Denver bike trails to get some exercise and ensure that your kids breathe fresh air too.

One of the best family things to do in Denver is the High Line Canal bike trail. There are tons to see while riding through the tree-lined path, between the forest, peek at some wildlife, or the mountain vistas overhead.

While the journey can be a bit long, it is flat throughout, making rest stops and snack time easier.

Or get out of Denver and get up close to the Rocky Mountains with a tour.

The Denver Zoo

Whether you’re looking to entertain the whole family or just have some quiet time, there are plenty of things at Denver Zoo that will interest everyone.

With over 3 thousand animals living inside its walls, including elephants, monkeys, sea lions, lions, giraffes, etc., it’s no wonder people love coming here!

The zoo houses over 1,500 animals from around 100 different species. A day at the Denver Zoo can keep your kids entertained for hours as they get up close and personal with some of their favorite furry friends. The perfect mix between education and entertainment.

The Denver Trolley

Once you are done at the Denver Zoo…It’s time to get on the Denver Trolley! This old-fashioned tram is modeled after one featured in Mr. RRogers’Neighborhood TV Show.

Catch a relaxing 30-minute ride along the South Platte River, starting at Confluence Park, for only $2/person.

The trolley is a great way to sit down and rest after a day on your feet; your kids will love it!

Visit Colorado Springs, Colorado

Family road trips are a great way to boost your already jam-packed vacation in Denver. Many day trips from Denver are suited to all types of travelers, but this one is specifically wonderful for family fun. You can even take a bus trip to and from Denver.

With so many extra things to do in Colorado Springs, this may be the best option to make your way out of Denver (especially if you’re road-tripping through Colorado). Spend your time aboard the Broadmoor Manitou, and Pikes Peak Cog Railway munching on tasty snacks or check out the local wildlife from the Red Rock Formations.

You can also take the kids for some family competition at Adventure Miniature Golf, discover the lovely Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or roam the city with a scavenger hunt.

 

Indoor Things to do In Denver

The outdoors are great, but with the Denver heat, you may want to spend a day or two in a fantastic air-conditioned building. So, here are the best kid-centered and family-friendly Denver activities in Mile High City.

FiFirefighter’suseum

Firefighters are right up there when considering a kid’s favorite job to dream about. Between the fun sliding pole, the giant red trucks with ‘water guns’ and reflective uniforms and hard hats, it’s easy to understand why. If you’ve got a budding fireman on your hands, you may as well take them to see and learn all about the gig.

At the Firefighter’s museum in Denver, your kid will have the opportunity to learn about fire safety and protocols or maybe join a junior firefighting academy. Throughout this museum, kids can check out the clothing, gear, equipment, and vehicles these local heroes need to do their job.

The Denver Mint

The Denver U.S Mint offers free, 45-minute tours to see firsthand how currency is created and gathered from circulation! Tourists will be fascinated by the informative guides who lead them through the process of making change.

The whole process is fascinating, and your kids will have a renewed excitement about money.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Near the Denver Zoo in the City Park area, there is the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a Discovery Zone with activities for children of all ages.

There are exhibits on everything from Egyptian mummies to a T-Rex, gems, and minerals. Many exhibits are on rotation, making it a great place to go year after year.

There are also films to watch in the Phipps IMAX 3D Theater on-site or mysteries of the stars to discover at the Gates Planetarium.

HHammond’sCandy Factory

Image Sourced from Hammond’sCandy Factory Facebook Page

Search, and you won’t find more appealing things to do in Denver for toddlers than scouring a candy factory. So, while Willy Wonka’s factory isn’t possible and there are no rivers of chocolate or trees made of hard candy, Hammond’s is the next best thing.

Here your kids can take a tour around the factory, watching their favorite candy being made, or the whole family can head out to the factory store to get a bucket full of their favorite treats. Between the art candy, candy canes, and amaretto chocolate truffles for mum, the biggest problem is that you’ll wish you had a little more space to keep your favorite candy in.

Pro Tip: HHammond’sCandy Factory also allows kids birthday parties and other events in their private birthday party room. Get the kids to create unique candies, mess around with chocolate (that you won’t have to clean up), and have your name in history as the Best Parents Ever.

The Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in the US. It is a must-see if you are traveling with kids.

This local favorite in Denver is the Downtown Aquarium. It has over one million gallons of water and 500 animal species and sustains more than that!

It’s more than just an aquarium! The desert and rainforest habitats are spectacular and teach kids about the entire world’s effect on its sea life.

[sChildren’srl=”https://www.tiqets.com/en/downtown-aquarium-tickets-l188152/?partner=travelswiththecrew” target=”blank” style=”flat” size=”12″ center=”yes”]Buy your tickets tochildren’sown Aqaurium now.[/su_button]

WOW! Children’s Museum

Image Sourced from WOW! Facebook Page

History and art may not be the most entertaining things to do with kids in Denver. Luckily, some excellent children’s museum options will make your kid that much more excitable. Since kids prefer something more interactive, get their minds brewing at WOW!

A World of Wonder presents your kids with exciting exhibits that intrigue and challenge them. Because not all learning needs to be done in a classroom, this museum exposes your kids to the sciences in their laboratory and some physics at the pulley chairs.

Each exhibit is designed to educate through play and makes learning fun. If you’re not a fan of WOW!, there are also some other kids’ museums, like the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, where kids are urged to investigate, imagine, explore and create.

Take the Kids Out for Some Good Grub

Food is a staple, we know. Although, what is a family holiday without a little extra sugar and spice?

Denver has a ton of kid-friendly restaurants. Acova is a  great restaurant designed to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a meal (or cocktail). If you’re looking for something more physical, try Boondocks Food and Fun for everything from laser tait’s bumper cars.

Alright, Big Jim’s Gourmet Hot Dogs is technically for adults. If your kids are picky eaters, you can easily get your kids a simple hot dog and treat yourself to a beautiful gourmet meal (even though it’s just a hot dog).

Other things to do in Denver with Kids

These are just a few fantastic tours of Mile High City, but there are manyto reasons for a family vacation in Denver, Colorado. A trip to this city offers many things to keep the kids stimulated. Here are some extra activities for some family fun in Denver:

• Denver City Park
• Art Museum
• Ski at LovellBuckhorn Exchange
• Inventing Room Dessert Shop
• Dinosauryou’ll
• Argo Mine
• Selfie Museum
• Casa Bonita

Final Say on Things to do in Denver With Kids

Hopefully, with these awesome family adventures in Denver, Colorado, you’ll find new inspiration for your bucket list and be ready to start planning your summer vacation.

Whether you’ve chosen to spend your time hiking or biking along the mountain’s trails or the kids are learning their periodic table at the science museum, you’re bound to have a fantastic and memorable summer vacation in Denver. So, grab the kids and get going!