9 Must-Do Activities for Families in Denver: Fun in the Mile High City

Denver is an inviting destination for children of every age. With a plethora of outdoor adventures, family-friendly museums, and sunshine shining down 300 days a year, Colorado's capital feels tailor-made for families.

Although the city is becoming pricier, it's hard to resist a visit. Check out the top family activities in the Mile High City and tips for saving money during your stay.

Is Denver a family-friendly destination?

Absolutely! With vast green spaces for kids to play and engaging exhibits that spark their creativity, Denver is packed with fun for young adventurers.

One of the biggest challenges to consider here is the elevation of 5280 feet—it’s no coincidence that Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City. If you or your kids start to feel unwell, experience headaches, or feel unusually fatigued, it might be due to altitude sickness. Take it slow and keep hydrated; it usually takes a few days to adjust to the higher elevation.

Top Family Activities in Denver

Explore City Park

City Park is Denver’s largest green space, spanning 330 acres filled with lush greenery, lakes perfect for fishing and paddle boating, expansive playgrounds, and a splash pad to keep little ones engaged, all while free summer jazz concerts attract audiences of all ages.

Make learning about science enjoyable at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Located on the north side of City Park, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science transforms learning into fun with exhibits that range from classic dioramas to cutting-edge technology (how about a genetics lab on-site?); the IMAX theater and planetarium provide a refreshing escape, especially on warm days.

Watch an animal feeding at the Denver Zoo

Adjacent to the museum, the Denver Zoo features spacious habitats and close encounters with animals from around the globe, including tigers and elephants crossing overhead bridges. Don’t miss the chance to see an animal feeding, where staff share fascinating facts and answer questions from the audience.

Explore the interactive displays at the History Colorado Center

Discover the stories of Colorado’s people and places, from ancient times to the present, at the History Colorado Center. With thoughtfully designed, ever-evolving exhibits—many of which are interactive to engage kids—you'll find plenty to see. Short on time? The museum’s Family Itinerary highlights five must-see favorites for families.

Occasionally, low-sensory mornings, story times for young children, and Lego-building workshops are offered as well. If your schedule allows, consider incorporating some of the museum’s fantastic programs—like a city walking tour, an archaeological dig, or a lecture—into your visit.

Ignite your creativity at the Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus

Joyful children can be spotted throughout the indoor-outdoor Children’s Museum Denver Marsico Campus. With captivating displays and a multitude of activities, having fun is virtually guaranteed.

Interactive exhibits include a kids’ kitchen, crafting areas, water play zones, and aerial adventures. Opportunities for dress-up and imaginative play are plentiful, featuring pretend dentist and vet offices, a grocery store, and more. There's even a designated area just for infants and toddlers.

Embark on an underwater adventure at the Downtown Aquarium

Adjacent to the Children's Museum, the Downtown Aquarium attracts a diverse audience, showcasing creatures from mountain rivers, coral reefs, and rainforests in over a million gallons of water. Marvel at nurse sharks, sea turtles, and barracuda in the Under the Sea exhibit.

Insider tip: You can enjoy lunch at the aquarium restaurant without needing to pay for admission to the aquarium. While you won't have access to all the exhibits, dining next to the large tank filled with sharks and other sea creatures is a thrilling experience for inquisitive little ones. A visit to the Children's Museum followed by lunch at the aquarium makes for an ideal family day out.

Discover the Denver Botanic Gardens

Nestled in the city, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a stunning 24-acre retreat where families can stroll and explore. It features a remarkably diverse collection of gardens showcasing plants from around the world, along with water features and large-scale artworks. Outdoor summer concerts and a festive holiday light display are particularly favored by visitors.

Younger children will especially enjoy the Mordecai Children's Garden, where hands-on activities, such as splashing and wading in Pipsqueak Pond, are highly encouraged.

Explore the interactive and imaginative areas at the Denver Art Museum

As the highlight of Denver’s art landscape, the Denver Art Museum features Old Master paintings, contemporary works, and one of the world's finest collections of Native American art. Special exhibitions keep the museum vibrant throughout the year.

The museum is a joy to explore, actively working to make children feel welcome. With free admission for anyone under 18, along with creative games, activities, and art stations included in many exhibits, it’s a fantastic destination for families.

Visit Confluence Park for biking and water fun

Located in downtown Denver, Confluence Park is a lively destination for families, especially during the summer. Situated where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, it’s a great place to splash in the water and enjoy the small beach; a nearby white-water park is popular for kayaking and tubing as well.

Families can also hop onto the Cherry Creek Trail here, cycling through Denver’s urban landscapes and green spaces. Just north of the park, skaters should not miss the massive Denver Skate Park. For a sweet treat, head across the river to Little Man Ice Cream—just look for the towering 28-foot dairy jug.

Enjoy some of Denver's top spectator sports as a family

With 81 home games scheduled from April to September, catching a Colorado Rockies baseball game is quite convenient. Plus, it won’t cost you a fortune.

Same-day tickets for the outfield (also known as the Rockpile) are just $4 for adults and only $1 for children 12 and under or seniors 55 and older. It’s a great deal, especially for families of multiple generations. You can purchase day-of tickets at the Rockpile Ticket Office near Gate A, and some advance tickets for the Rockpile are available online. Themed nights often feature giveaways like t-shirts, posters, and commemorative cups.

If baseball isn’t your favorite, Denver has other professional sports teams to enjoy, including the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, as well as lacrosse (Mammoth) and soccer (Rapids) teams, making it easy to watch top-tier athletes in action.

Stroll along the accessible trails at Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

Located on the outskirts of Denver, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge boasts over 10 miles of easy hiking paths—ideal for little ones and strollers. As you wander through wetlands, grasslands, and forests, you might spot wildlife like bison, mule deer, and bald eagles; several lakes also feature boardwalks and observation towers.

At the Visitor Center, discover a wealth of information about the refuge in the interactive exhibit hall, and be sure to check out the Discovery Room featuring hands-on displays and wildlife activities. Free family-oriented programs and a wildlife driving tour are also available.

Tips for Planning

• Many attractions in Denver offer discounted or free admission for youth. Utilizing CityPASS, a prepaid ticket package, can also help you save money.

• Traffic and parking in Denver, particularly downtown, can be challenging. Luckily, public transportation covers nearly every area of the city, with discounted fares for those 19 and under—plus free rides for kids 5 and under.

• Scooter and bike shares provide a fun way for kids to navigate the city streets, and services like Uber and Lyft easily fill any transportation gaps.