Things To Do With Kids in Denver: 26 Ideas for Nonstop Family Fun

This spot is a must for curious kids who love space, dinosaurs, or getting their hands on cool science experiments. From walking under the skeleton of a T. rex to blasting off in a space exhibit, the museum is packed with interactive displays that keep little minds buzzing.

Don’t miss the Discovery Zone—it’s made for younger kids to splash, dig, and play while learning. Parking is usually a breeze with a large lot right out front (and it’s free!). Set in City Park, it’s easy to pair your museum visit with a lakeside stroll or picnic afterward.

This place is basically a kid’s dream factory. Think bubble stations, a pretend grocery store, climbing towers, a real firetruck cab to sit in, and an outdoor splash area for hot days. It’s hands-on, loud in the best way, and perfect for kids under 10 who want to run wild and learn something.

Parking is available on-site of the Children s Museum but can fill up fast on weekends, so come early. Bonus: it’s right next to the Platte River, so you can stretch the day with a riverside walk if the kids still have energy (they will).

Lions, tigers, giraffes, and even Komodo dragons—oh my! The Denver Zoo is one of the most walkable and family-friendly zoos around, with tons of shady paths, stroller access, and splash fountains to cool down in.

Little ones will love the train ride and carousel, while bigger kids can learn about conservation and exotic animal care.

Located in City Park, it shares the area with the Museum of Nature & Science, making it perfect for a full day out. There’s a paid parking garage and free surface lots nearby, but weekends get busy—get there early or be ready to walk a bit.

Yes, this is the one-stop spot for wild rides and water slides. Elitch Gardens has thrill rides for the daredevils in the family, but also tons of kid-friendly rides and a lazy river to float your stress away.

It’s seasonal, so check dates, and pack suits if you’re planning to hit both parks in one day (which the kids will definitely beg to do). It’s right in downtown Denver, and parking is available in the adjacent lot for a fee—plan to pay and maybe walk a bit. Pro tip: go midweek if you want to avoid long lines and fried nerves.

You might not think “botanic gardens” screams kid fun, but hear us out—this place is secretly awesome for families. There’s a dedicated Mordecai Children’s Garden with tunnels, waterfalls, and interactive nature play that kids absolutely love.

It’s a calmer option after a busy downtown day, and it’s stroller-friendly with shaded paths and picnic spots. Parking is available in the free garage across the street, but it can fill up fast on nice days. Bring snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a nature scavenger hunt list to keep the kids exploring.

This one’s a total win for airplane-obsessed kids and space fans alike. Housed in a former Air Force hangar, it’s got real planes you can walk under, climb into, and geek out over—plus cool flight simulators and even a Star Wars X-Wing replica.

The hangar itself is huge, so bring water and wear comfy shoes. There’s free parking in the lot right outside, and it’s usually easy to find a spot. Kids love it, and parents secretly do too because it’s equal parts fun and educational.

Before you assume it’s too quiet for kids, know this: the Denver Art Museum is surprisingly fun for little ones. With hands-on creativity corners, kid-focused exhibits, and interactive spaces to build and draw, they make art super approachable.

The colorful architecture alone gets the kiddos curious! Parking is available in nearby paid garages and street meters, but it’s walkable from many downtown spots. Come for the culture, stay for the creative chaos your kids get to enjoy guilt-free.

A total dino-lovers’ paradise, this outdoor trail near Morrison lets kids literally touch real dinosaur tracks embedded in stone. There’s a small visitor center with hands-on exhibits, but the main thrill is walking along the ridge where paleontologists found fossils millions of years old.

Wear hats, sunscreen, and decent shoes—it’s a bit of a hike, but totally doable with kids. Free parking is available near the visitor center, and shuttle tours are an option if little legs get tired. Expect rock-loving kids to beg to stay longer than planned.

Ever had a butterfly land on your shoulder? You might here. This indoor tropical conservatory is home to thousands of free-flying butterflies—and a bunch of other creepy-crawlies, like tarantulas, beetles, and even sea creatures.

It’s interactive, educational, and just the right mix of wow and “eeek!” for kids of all ages. Free parking is available in the lot out front, and the whole place is stroller-friendly. Plan about 1–2 hours, but watch your kid fall in love with nature before you hit the gift shop.

City Park is the kind of place you can spend hours in without spending much at all. Rent a paddle boat and cruise around Ferril Lake while spotting ducks and catching Denver skyline views—it’s equal parts peaceful and giggle-filled chaos. There are also big playgrounds, open lawns for soccer or tag, and shady spots perfect for a picnic.

Free parking is available around the park, but weekends can be busy—arrive early for the best spots. It’s also right next to the Zoo and Museum of Nature & Science, so it’s easy to pair with another big stop.

Got a kid who’s into fire trucks? This downtown gem is full of them—plus gear they can try on, fire poles they can pretend to slide down, and historic artifacts that make fire safety exciting instead of boring. It’s small, which makes it perfect for a quick visit or a rainy day.

Metered parking is available right out front or in nearby lots. Bonus: the building is an old firehouse, so the setting is just as cool as the exhibits!

This is one of the wildest experiences you can have as a family—it’s part art exhibit, part alien funhouse, part “what did I just walk into?” Think glowing tunnels, secret doors, interactive puzzles, and surreal spaces that are just as fun for grownups.

Kids can run around and explore at their own pace, making it feel like a game and art trip rolled into one. Paid parking is available on-site or nearby garages. Pro tip: bring snacks and comfy shoes, because this brain-bending maze of creativity is huge.

Sharks, stingrays, and even a tiger—yes, a tiger—call this aquarium home. It’s not just tanks and glass walls either: there’s a mermaid show, a stingray touch pool, and a full-on restaurant with fish swimming around you.

It’s very kid-friendly and offers a lot of little “wow” moments, especially for younger kids. Parking is available in the aquarium lot for a fee, but it’s super convenient and easy to access. Bring a change of clothes if your kids love splashing at the interactive exhibits.

If your kids have a sweet tooth (let’s be real, they do), this free candy factory tour is a total treat. Watch real candy canes, lollipops, and other old-school confections being made right in front of you. Kids love seeing the machines in action—and yes, free samples are part of the deal.

Parking is easy in the attached lot, and the gift shop is basically a sugar-lover’s heaven. It’s a short activity, so pair it with nearby shopping or lunch to round out your day.

Wash Park is like the Central Park of Denver—just more relaxed and very family-focused. The playgrounds are fantastic (think climbing structures, swings, and slides galore), and there’s a super smooth loop around the lake perfect for kids on bikes, scooters, or rollerblades.

You can rent paddle boats or surreys, or just chill with a blanket and snacks under the trees. Free street parking is available around the park, but it gets competitive on sunny weekends. Pro tip: bring sunscreen and bubbles—it’s that kind of place.

Wildlife refuge in the city? Yep. This huge open space offers scenic drives and easy walking trails where you can spot bison, deer, and even bald eagles without leaving Denver. It’s stroller- and picnic-friendly, and there’s a visitor center with hands-on exhibits to get kids excited about nature before they even hit the trail.

Free parking is available on-site, and there’s plenty of it. Bring binoculars if you’ve got ’em—your little animal lovers will want to get a closer look.

History class, but fun. This museum is packed with interactive exhibits like a real ski jump simulator, old-timey town setups, and a giant floor map of Colorado you can walk across. Kids can try on costumes, pan for “gold,” or even explore a recreated Japanese internment camp exhibit built at their level.

There’s a parking garage across the street, or metered parking nearby if you’re lucky. It’s perfect for a rainy day or a midweek brain boost.

This old-school trolley is part history lesson, part joy ride. It cruises along the South Platte River with open-air seating and views of downtown, offering a short and sweet experience little kids really enjoy. Conductors sometimes share fun facts, and the vintage charm makes for great photo ops.

Parking is usually available at the Confluence Park area, but check signage. Plan it before or after visiting nearby attractions like the aquarium or children’s museum.

Who knew a train station would be one of the best summer hangouts for kids? The plaza outside Union Station features a splash-worthy interactive fountain where kids can run, laugh, and cool off while grownups grab coffee or gelato nearby.

It’s totally free, and the energy is off the charts on warm afternoons. Union Station itself is worth a quick walk-through—hello, old-school train vibes and pretty ceilings. Paid parking is available in nearby garages or lots, but if you’re taking the train in, even better.

This downtown spot is where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet—and where your kids can splash, wade, and watch kayakers do their thing. There are bike paths, grassy picnic spots, and shallow areas where little ones can safely dip their toes.

Bring towels, water shoes, and snacks to stretch out your stay. Parking can be found in nearby garages or metered spaces, but it’s also super walkable if you’re already in the area. It’s a great “let them burn energy” stop before or after the aquarium or children’s museum.

This place is a water park dream without the blazing sunburn. Think slides, a lazy river, splash zones, and even a mini indoor playground—all under one roof. It’s ideal for year-round fun and works especially well on cold or rainy days when the kids still need to move. Parking is free and easy in the on-site lot. Bring snacks or hit the snack bar—once they start splashing, they’ll never want to leave.

Sure, Red Rocks is known for concerts, but by day, it’s a great place for active families who want sweeping views and light hikes. Older kids can run up the amphitheater stairs (a workout, trust us), while little ones can explore the visitor center and short trails nearby.

The scenery is epic and the vibe is peaceful—with just enough of a challenge to make it feel like an “adventure.” Free parking is available in multiple lots, depending on how far you’re willing to walk. Early mornings are best to beat the heat and the crowds.

Worth the quick drive from Denver, this museum is made for hands-on, imaginative play. Kids can pretend to be astronauts, chefs, or firefighters—all in safe, colorful spaces that spark creativity without feeling overstimulating.

It’s best for the toddler to early elementary crowd, and there’s even a calming sensory room for when kids need a break. Free parking is available right out front. Pair it with lunch in downtown Lafayette to make a full, easygoing day.

Less than 90 minutes from Denver, this free natural wonder is basically a giant outdoor playground made of red rock. The trails are mostly flat and stroller-friendly, and kids love climbing the lower rock formations (within safety limits!).

There’s also a cool visitor center with interactive exhibits and epic views of Pikes Peak. Parking is free but fills up fast, so earlier is better—especially on weekends. Bring lots of water, and don’t skip the photo ops—this place looks like Mars.

This mountainside zoo is unlike any other—it’s built into a hillside, which means you’ll get exercise and views while visiting giraffes, elephants, and even grizzly bears. It’s super interactive, with chances to feed animals, ride a sky lift, and explore exhibits built for wandering.

Be ready for uphill walking (strollers will get a workout) and make sure to wear good shoes. Parking is free but can get tight, especially midday—come early or be prepared to shuttle in from overflow lots. It’s consistently ranked one of the best zoos in the country, and yep—it lives up to the hype.

Want to feel like you’re flying without jumping out of a plane? iFLY Denver lets kids (ages 3+) and adults float in a vertical wind tunnel for a safe, skydiving-style thrill. The whole experience—from gear-up to flight—is smooth, exciting, and totally unforgettable. It’s great for birthdays, first-timers, or just doing something wildly different. Parking is free and right out front, and there’s a comfy viewing area for spectators, too.