As a mountain city, Denver blends urban excitement with outdoor adventure, providing plenty of activities for families of all types. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, this city offers stunning views and countless opportunities for outdoor exploration. With its cold winters, indoor activities also abound.
Although well-known for its thriving brewery scene and scenic drives, Denver excites kids of all ages with a wide variety of activities. Check out these kid-friendly things to do in Denver, including activities specifically for winter and a few restaurants for dining afterward.
Related: Guide to Utilities & Service Providers in Denver
Kid-Friendly Activities in Denver Anytime
Museum of Illusions
Neighborhood: Central Business District
The Museum of Illusions is full of interactive exhibits that will change your perspective and blow your mind. The exhibits dive into a history of illusions, as well as displaying explanations of how some of the most well-known illusions work, then, the space opens up into an interactive area that engages and challenges your senses. Use the museum’s unique background to snap your next family photos.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Neighborhood: City Park
For an activity that will stimulate the mind, look no further than the Museum of Nature and Science. Exhibits change regularly, so each time you visit, you can find new topics to explore and learn about. The Gates Planetarium allows visitors to take a walk through the stars, with shows like One World, One Sky; Destination Solar System; and Dynamic Earth. The Infinity Theatre shows immersive, 3D iMax features, ranging from T-Rex to Blue Whales to the Animal Kingdom.
Denver Firefighters Museum
Neighborhood: Central Business District
Learn about the history of fire service in Denver over the past 150 years at the Denver Firefighters Museum. This museum features educational exhibits full of photographs and artifacts as well as interactive areas where kids can “drive” a fire engine and see what the living quarters look like. Two Saturdays a month, the museum hosts a story and craft time with a fire twist. They also offer fire safety classes for children as young as preschool age.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Neighborhood: Cheesman Park
The Denver Botanic Gardens, one of the most highly rated botanic gardens in the United States, features specimens from a variety of climates, from the tropics to the tundra. Check out the Mordecai Children’s Garden, which offers hands-on experience and opportunities for play so that children can form a personal connection with plant life. The Botanic Gardens hosts art exhibits, temporary displays, plant sales, free days, and members-only events throughout the year.
Children’s Museum of Denver
Neighborhood: Jefferson Park
The Children’s Museum of Denver presents a tactile experience for children of all ages. Kids can learn about water and bubbles, engage their imagination as they pretend to be a veterinarian, get lost in storytime or put on a puppet show, and create their own masterpieces in the Art Studio or the Teaching Kitchen. They also host a variety of family-friendly workshops and even adult activities, like Joy on Tap night. The museum offers a number of discounted ticket days and free nights each year.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Denver in Winter
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Neighborhood: Central Business District
Experience the magic of skating outdoors at the Downtown Denver Rink this winter. Skate rentals are available for both kids and adults, or bring your own skates and enjoy the rink for free. Organizers host a number of events throughout the season, including Taylor Swift Birthday Night and Disco ABBA Night, as well as National Ugly Sweater Day and Onesie & Pj Skate Night. This limited attraction stays open from mid-November to early February.
Ruby Hill Park
Neighborhood: Just west of Platt Park
Ruby Hill Park is an 88-acre park offering year-round activities. During the winter, Ruby Hill Park hosts some of the best sledding in the metro area, with three main sledding hills. The Rail Yard section of the park contains 13 boxes, rails, and other features for skiers and snowboarders. It opens to the public daily from January through February, weather permitting. This free attraction requires you to bring your own equipment. But, the location and no-cost entry make it perfect for families that can’t make it to one of Denver’s nearby ski areas.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Neighborhood: City Park
Although perfect for visiting year-round, the Denver Zoo offers a unique opportunity to see how different animals thrive in the winter. Visitors can also see warm-weather-loving animals in their indoor habitats. During the holiday season, they put on the Zoo Lights festival, which runs from mid-November to early January. Zoo Lights allows families to experience the zoo after dark and enjoy over three million lights.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Denver
Acova
Neighborhood: LoHi (Highland)
To start a new family dining tradition, head to Acova after your family adventures. With an eclectic menu that starts with diablo eggs and wings for appetizers, and continues with everything from burgers and sandwiches to beef short ribs and spicy sausage linguini for dinner, everyone in your group will find a meal they love. The kids’ menu lists simpler fare, serving up safe bets for picky eaters, such as PB+J sandwiches, grilled cheese, and chicken fingers. Plus, for each order from the kids’ menu, they donate $2 to a local children’s charity.
The Denver Central Market
Neighborhood: RiNo
The Denver Central Market houses eleven different vendors under one roof, giving everyone in the family a chance to choose their own adventure. Choose from the sharable and snackable items at Lunch Boxx, pizza or pasta from Vero Italian, or a salad bar with a twist at Green Seed Market. With so many options, you can please everybody and sample from a variety of fares.
Ace Eat Serve
Neighborhood: Uptown
For a dining experience like no other, try the Asian-inspired menu at Ace Eat Serve. The bar focuses on craft cocktails, beers, and an extensive list of Japanese whisky for grownups, but the most surprising and kid-friendly feature at this eatery is the ping pong hall. Choose from indoor or outdoor seating, or grab a ping pong table and enjoy full kitchen and bar service while you play.
Plan Your Move to Denver
Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Denver, want to check out the local skiing, or need some excitement to beat the winter blues, Denver is a wonderful place to call home. If you are overwhelmed by all of the logistics involved in moving, let AptAmigo help! Our expert agents can help you find the perfect apartment. We’ll scout out the best locations based on your preferences and schedule tours for you.
Here Are Some Apartments to Get You Started
The Best Apartments in LoDo, Denver
Tour the Best Denver Penthouses with AptAmigo
Lori Walker is a freelance writer and content marketer. She writes personal essays, memoir, and poetry in Tulsa, where she lives with her husband and cat, Joan Didion.
