You’re in Denver, and the kids are ready to play. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, you’ll find no shortage of kid-friendly things to do in Denver. From towering dinosaurs to immersive art installations, the city offers fun things that blend hands-on learning with wide-open exploration.

The Denver metro area features diverse, family-friendly attractions for kids of all ages, including vibrant playgrounds, interactive exhibits, and scenic walks. Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or planning packed days in Denver, this guide makes every moment count.

1. Denver Zoo at City Park

Let your little explorers meet elephants, rhinos, and giraffes at the Denver Zoo, one of the largest in the nation. The Toyota Elephant Passage is a crowd favorite. Around the park, you’ll find paddle boats, green space, and a shady playground near the giraffe enclosure. It’s a great way to start or end your visit to Denver.

2. Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Dinos, gems, a Discovery Zone, and a planetarium keep curious minds buzzing. In the museum and visitor center, younger kids climb and discover while older ones explore Colorado’s ecosystems, fossils, and astronomy. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is always worth visiting, whether local or exploring from afar.

3. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

With splash zones, climbing towers, and sensory exhibits, this attraction is designed for discovery. Each play area sparks creativity in toddlers and early elementary ages. Families with a tot often call this the best hands-on spot in the Denver area to introduce kids to exploration through play.

4. Downtown Aquarium

 

Sharks, touch tanks, mermaids, and a floor-to-ceiling fish tank make the Denver Aquarium a hit. Kids will enjoy feeding stingrays and spotting clownfish. Located near Confluence Park and riverside trails, it adds even more activities for kids in the city’s heart.

5. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

At the former Lowry Air Force Base, this space museum invites kids into cockpits, flight simulators, and aviation exhibits. Storytimes and STEM activities help kids learn the science behind aviation. Quieter than most attractions in Denver, it’s a good choice for a relaxed midday outing.

6. Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station

Lose yourself in this surreal art maze from Meow Wolf. Teens and preteens unravel the story while younger kids engage with color-rich, tactile zones. There’s always something new to explore, from otherworldly rooms to portals and hidden passageways. This is one of the most imaginative family attractions available in Denver.

7. Denver Botanic Gardens

 

Stroll shady paths and themed gardens with a stroller in tow. Seasonal scavenger hunts, pollinator gardens, and water features keep the kids moving. The Mordecai Children’s Garden has nature-based activities for kids, including bugs to study and habitat trails to explore. It’s a peaceful favorite around Denver.

8. Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park

In downtown Denver, this amusement and water park delivers family thrills in a rare urban setting. Kids will love the splash zones, pint-sized coasters, and the lazy river. At the top of the rides, you’ll catch unbeatable views of the Denver skyline and Colorado Rockies.

9. Denver Firefighters Museum

Vintage fire engines and kid-friendly gear put little ones in the action. Nearby, the Denver Art Museum and History Colorado Center complete your cultural circuit. At History Colorado, kids step onto a reimagined main street and explore how the past shaped the present—making it a must for families who want history to feel alive.

10. Butterfly Pavilion (just outside of Denver)

Walk through a tropical dome filled with 1,600 butterflies. This destination gives kids up-close moments with exotic wildlife, from tarantulas to sea creatures. Add a stop at the Colorado Railroad Museum, where real locomotives tell the story of how Denver connected to Colorado Springs and the Front Range. Both spots are beloved for the way they combine movement and wonder.

Make the Mile High City Easy

 

Navigating Denver with kids is simple when your gear is ready for the elevation and mountain weather. We offer plenty of gear that help little ones stay comfy and entertained, along with all-weather strollers designed to easily handle changing skies and rocky paths.

For pet parents, BabyQuip provides travel-friendly pet crates, calming blankets, and stimulating toys to keep your pets relaxed, entertained, and safe. At the same time, you can explore Denver’s trails, museums, and neighborhoods together.

Snap selfies at the Museum of Illusions, catch a Denver Nuggets game or wander galleries in the vibrant Denver home arts district. From historic landmarks to botanical trails, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly things to do in Denver.