Planning a family trip to Denver? We’ve rounded up the best kid-approved activities that will keep your little ones entertained and excited.
We all know keeping kids entertained is the biggest challenge of having a successful vacation. It can make or break your entire trip.
Be sure to read this post about surviving a road trip with kids if Denver is just a stop along your road trip this summer. Also, remember to stock up on healthy road trip snacks for the car ride too.
Check out our top 10 picks for things to do with kids in Denver, Colorado. Get ready for endless fun in the Mile-High City.
Meow Wolf
Meow Wolf is a super fun and crazy art experience in Denver that’s perfect for families. It’s like stepping into a colorful, magical world where you can explore all sorts of wild and creative rooms. Each room is different, with lots of cool things to see and touch, secret passages to find and surprises around every corner.
Each area is designed by different artists, creating a fantastic, dream-like environment that kids and adults alike will love exploring. Tickets can be purchased online, with discounts available for children and seniors. It’s a one-of-a-kind place that promises an unforgettable family outing.
Beyond Light Show + Arcade
Beyond Light Show + Arcade is an attraction where families can enjoy two awesome attractions in one place. Here, lights dance to music and lots of fun games await. Kids will surely love the dynamic patterns and rhythms of the lights.
After the show, you can head to the arcade, where you can play a variety of games, from classic pinball machines to the latest video games. It’s an excellent way to spend a few hours having fun and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The venue often runs specials and combo deals for families, making it an affordable and exciting option for a day out.
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions in Denver is a truly fun place where nothing is what it seems. It’s full of mind-bending exhibits and optical illusions that trick your eyes and make you think twice. Kids and adults will love walking through rooms that make you feel dizzy, taking photos that look impossible and seeing cool holograms. It’s not only fun but also educational, as it teaches visitors about the science behind the illusions. Affordable ticket prices and a central location make it a convenient and enjoyable stop for a family day out.
Little Man Ice Cream Factory
Little Man Ice Cream Factory is a delightful treat for families visiting Denver. This ice cream shop is shaped like a giant milk can and serves up some of the best ice cream in town. Kids will love trying different flavors like cookies and cream or chocolate chip cookie dough, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
You can also take a tour of the factory to see how the ice cream is made, making it both a tasty and educational experience. Located in the trendy Highland neighborhood, it’s a perfect spot to cool down and indulge in some sweet treats after a day of exploring the city.
Colorado Bounce Company
Colorado Bounce Company is a fun indoor trampoline park in Denver where kids can jump and play all day long. It’s filled with bouncy trampolines, foam pits to dive into and cool obstacle courses to conquer. The park is designed for safe jumping and has special areas just for little kids, so even the youngest ones can have a blast to their hearts’ content. With affordable entry fees and special family packages, it’s an excellent choice for a fun-filled day.
Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, just outside Denver, is a magical place for families to explore nature up close. Home to thousands of butterflies, as well as other insects and marine life, this conservatory provides a hands-on learning experience that kids will love.
Walking through the tropical rainforest habitat, visitors can see butterflies flying freely and even have the chance to hold Rosie, the famous tarantula. The pavilion also features educational exhibits and outdoor gardens, making it a wonderful place to learn about the natural world. Reasonably priced tickets and the opportunity for unique encounters make it a must-visit.
Tiny Town
Tiny Town, located just outside Denver in Morrison, is a charming miniature village where everything is small and adorable. This historic attraction features over 100 tiny buildings, including a working railroad that kids can ride on, little houses and schools. It’s like stepping into a tiny world where everything is just the right size for little adventurers to enjoy. It’s also great for picnics and outdoor play, with playgrounds and open spaces to run around. Affordable admission prices and the nostalgic charm of Tiny Town make it a wonderful destination for a day trip.
Downtown Aquarium
Denver’s Downtown Aquarium offers an underwater world right in the heart of the city. Families can explore a variety of exhibits showcasing marine life from around the world, including sharks, stingrays and colorful fish. The interactive touch tanks allow kids to get hands-on with sea creatures, and the mermaid shows add a touch of magic to the experience. The aquarium also features a full-service restaurant where you can dine with views of a giant fish tank. Ticket prices are reasonable, and the combination of education and entertainment makes it a great choice for a family outing.
Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge, near Denver in Morrison, is an exciting place where families can see real dinosaur tracks and fossils up close. You can walk along trails and learn about dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago. The guided tours are fun and teach you interesting facts about the fossils and the prehistoric creatures that roamed the area.
Kids can touch real dinosaur bones and see footprints left by dinosaurs long ago. The scenic trails offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect blend of education and outdoor fun. With free admission to the outdoor exhibits and affordable guided tour options, it’s a budget-friendly and captivating experience.
Fun City Estes Park
Fun City offers a variety of outdoor activities, including go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf and giant slides. Kids can race around on go-karts, splash in the bumper boats or challenge each other to a round of mini-golf with stunning mountain views as the backdrop. Located at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, it’s a wonderful spot for kids to have fun while taking in the stunning mountain scenery. The park also has a gift shop and snack bar, making it easy to spend the whole day there. Reasonable prices and the wide range of activities make Fun City a fantastic destination for a family day trip.
Final thoughts
Discover the magic of Denver through the eyes of your little adventurers. From thrilling discoveries to endless laughter, these kid friendly activities in Denver promise smiles and memories that will light up their faces.
Lara is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. She is also a photographer and recipe developer and has a dessert blog, Give a Girl a Spoon. Follow for travel guides, RV life and how to live like you’re on vacation permanently.