Looking for fun things to do in Denver with kids? Family-friendly adventures? Unique ways to entertain youngsters? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re babysitting or have some rambunctious kiddos of your own, you know how hard it is to please children. Getting everyone up and out of the house can be tricky, especially when all they want to do is sit and watch TV. Lucky for you, there’s tons of incredible activities in and around Denver – perfect for little adventurers of all ages!
From indoor skydiving to scavenger hunts, alpaca encounters to rafting, we’ve rounded up 22 of our fave things to do in Denver with kids. We’ve also included a few at-home activities to try on those snowy (or rainy) Colorado days.
THINGS TO DO IN DENVER WITH KIDS – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
With nearly 300 days of annual sunshine, Denver is the perfect place to get out and enjoy some fun in the sun!
1. Downtown Photo Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a super fun way to keep your kiddos engaged while you explore the city. Plus, with these whimsical, app-led hunts, all you need is a smart phone. As a family, you’ll trek through the city, solving challenges and taking photos along the way. Feeling extra adventurous? Don’t miss this zombie-themed hunt!
2. Meet and Greet Adorable Alpacas
If your family’s a bunch of animal lovers, then this Immersive Alpaca Encounter should be at the tippy-top of your Colorado bucket list. All ages are welcome on this one-of-a-kind farm that’s located just 15 miles from Denver. Your kids will have a blast feeding, petting, and interacting with fluffy alpacas. You can even pose beside them and take home incredible photos – perfect for hanging on the fridge!
3. Zip Through the Air
Ah, ziplining: it’s fun, it’s thrilling, it’s an unforgettable thing to do in Denver with kids!
Feel adrenaline coursing through your veins as you step up to a raised platform. Don’t look down as you wave goodbye to your family and take a leap of faith. You won’t believe your eyes as you soar amongst the treetops, taking in awesome views on your way back down to Earth!
This thrilling mountain adventure is perfect for kids and of course, kids-at-heart!
4. Paddle Down a Rocky Mountain River
Float, splash, and ride down one of Colorado’s famous rivers in a zippy, inflatable raft! As the winter snow melts off the Rockies, Denver’s rivers fill up – creating some of the best rapids in America.
But don’t let that intimidate you. With these kid-friendly trips, your whole family can enjoy bouncing over mellow, Class II and Class III rapids. Now that’s one Denver experience they’ll be talking about for years!
5. Ride in a Historic Train
All aboard the Leadville Railroad! During this action-packed adventure, your family will experience the best of both worlds: a 2-hour train ride through the Rockies AND a high-flying zipline tour.
Admire amazing views of the Continental Divide while this historic train climbs 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Then, zip back down the mountain along 5, double-cabled ziplines! Kids as young as 7 years old can join in on the fun.
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6. Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Denver’s mountains are calling…and you must go! Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away from Downtown and is home to some of the state’s best hiking trails. Some of our favorite, kid-friendly trails include Dream Lake, Alberta Falls, and Lily Lake. Explore this picturesque park as a family, or join a local expert on a guided tour!
7. See a Bison at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Swap skyscrapers for open skies at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. This pristine wilderness offers miles of nature walks, wildlife viewing (including a herd of American Bison), and a chance to learn about natural habitats. Plus, your kids can participate in the refuge’s super fun Junior Ranger program!
8. Visit Dinosaur Ridge
Located just 15 miles west of Downtown Denver, Morrison’s Dinosaur Ridge is the #1 dinosaur track site in the nation! It’s home to over 250 dino tracks, fossils, and even the world’s first Stegosaurus discovery.
Your kiddos won’t believe their eyes as they follow in the footsteps (literally!) of Colorado's prehistoric beasts. As you explore the ridge, try to imagine what life was like 100 million years ago.
9. Go Wild at the Denver Zoo
Roaring with excitement, the Denver Zoo is a must-visit for families. Wander through the various habitats, from the African savannah to a massive, indoor rainforest. Along the way, you’ll come face-to-face with 3,000+ amazing animals including lions, elephants, tigers, rhinos, and more. This AZA-accredited zoo puts animal welfare first and works hard to inspire the community to save wildlife for future generations.
10. Play and Picnic in City Park
Nestled just outside the Denver Zoo, City Park is a great place to visit after your wild adventure. Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal under lush green trees or take a stroll around Ferril Lake. And for the youngsters, City Park is also home to some of the most unique playgrounds around – you have to see them to believe them!
11. Become BFFs With Horses
Got a horse fanatic on your hands? Come face-to-face with beautiful horses during this Horse Leadership Experience. Teens and tweens (ages 9 and up) will have a blast connecting, communicating, and working with horses on a stunning, 55-acre ranch. Trust us, this is one Denver adventure that they’ll never forget!
12. Cool Off at Water World
From thrilling water slides to giant wave pools, lazy rivers to splash parks, Water World has something for everyone! It’s also the perfect spot to cool off on those scorching summer days. Our favorite ride? It’s gotta be the Voyage to the Center of the Earth! Beginning in a dark cave, you’ll zip into a prehistoric world. See a long-necked Brachiosaurus, animatronic pterodactyls, and of course, a massive T-Rex!
13. Explore the Mile High Flea Market
You just never know what you might find at the flea market! Every weekend, thousands of vendors fill the market, bringing everything from toys and books to one-of-a-kind treasures. Plus, there’s a farmer’s market and a hand-full of carnival rides. Take on the Dragon Coaster, zip down the Super Slide, or enjoy some market views on the Ferris wheel!
THINGS TO DO IN DENVER WITH KIDS – INDOOR ADVENTURES
For those cold and snowy days (or even the scorching hot ones!)
14. Try Indoor Skydiving
Children as young as three years old can experience the thrill of Indoor Skydiving! Treat the whole family to an epic, high-flying day of fun – no planes or parachutes necessary. Your kids will have a blast as they float, fly, and freefall inside a high-powered wind tunnel. Be sure to bring your phone and take lots of photos!
15. Play at Immersive Gamebox
Step inside Immersive Gamebox – your portal to a whole new world! This unique gaming experience features the latest touchscreen and motion sensing technology. All you have to do is slip on a comfortable visor and let the games begin! Go on an action-packed adventure, solve mind-boggling puzzles, and so much more.
16. Book a Virtual Kids Cooking Class
Share the magic of cooking with your family! With these virtual classes, your kiddos can learn how to cook – without having to brave the chilly Colorado weather. Take your pick from all sorts of tasty options. From Italian favorites to breakfast foods, pizza, cinnamon rolls, and so much more!
17. Experience the Children's Museum of Denver
When it comes to things to do in Denver with kids, the Children’s Museum is 100% a must-see. This interactive wonderland was designed for kids between the ages of 0 and 8 and features TONS of hands-on exhibits. From mini cityscapes to science experiments, and even a giant, outdoor playground, exploring a museum has never been so much FUN!
18. Channel Your Inner Sculptor
These incredible at-home sculpting kits come with everything you need to unleash your child’s inner artist! Using special air-dry clay, paint, and a variety of tools, they’ll bring their imagination to life. Watch as they create cute creatures, colorful vases, dishes, and more. Sculpting is an excellent way to keep them engaged and enhance their fine motor skills!
19. Make Fizzy Bath Bombs
Transform regular old bath time into a magical experience with this bath bomb kit! Everything you need to create fun and fizzy bath bombs will be shipped to your front door. Together, learn how to use simple ingredients like baking soda and citric acid to create a fun bath accessory. You can even customize your bath bomb’s color and add in mini toys to make it more fun for your family.
20. Visit the Downtown Aquarium
Come face-to-fin with magical underwater creatures at the Downtown Aquarium! This fully indoor aquarium will keep your family entertained as you explore a variety of fun exhibits. Watch your kiddo’s eyes light up as they watch colorful fish, sea turtles, sharks, and so much more! Plus, their 4-D theater will make you feel like you're part of the underwater action.
21. Discover the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Fossils, mummies, animals, and more…you name it, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has it! As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a massive T-Rex skeleton. Wave hello to this toothy giant before exploring all three levels of exhibits. Together, you’ll travel to the edges of space, play in the Discovery Zone, and even see a real-life fossil lab!
22. Have a Fiesta at Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita isn't just a restaurant – it’s a legendary Denver landmark!
Designed to look like a Mexican village at night, your kiddos won’t believe their eyes as they step inside. Snag a table overlooking the indoor lagoon and watch cliff divers leap through the air.
Following your meal, you can explore all the nooks and crannies of this multi-level restaurant. Dare to explore Black Bart’s cave, play in the arcade, watch whimsical puppet shows, and more!
From immersive museums to thrilling adventures, there’s TONS of fun (and unique!) things to do in Denver with kids. Looking for even more family-friendly experiences in the Mile High City? Plan your next day out with Virgin Experience Gifts!
