Experience the Best of Downtown Denver with Kids!
Denver is an amazing city that attracts a lot of young families because of its abundant amount of (and unbeatable access to) outdoor recreation. You’ll find tons of great places to eat and explore right in the middle of downtown. There are so many family-friendly Denver attractions both indoors and out, and with the beautiful sunny weather that Colorado boasts in the summer there is no excuse not to get out and explore downtown Denver with kids!
How to Get to Denver, Colorado
Denver is known as the Mile-High City due to it’s location, sitting 5,280 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Flying into the Denver International Airport is your best option, where it is a quick 30-minute drive to downtown. Or take an Uber, Lyft, or private airport transport as most of the sights downtown are within walking distance from one another.
If you are driving in or plan on renting a car, there are plenty of parking spaces and easy-to-read traffic signs to get along safely and smoothly downtown (unlike other big cities we have traveled through like Chicago, which can be slightly unnerving).
The Best Time to Visit Denver
Denver is considered a year-round destination, and the best time to plan your trip depends on the interests of those traveling. The summer months between June and August are the most popular time to visit Denver because of the plethora of outdoor activities. The city’s parks and lakes offer hiking, camping, rock climbing, and water activities during this season. However summer also brings the peak tourist season, which can mean high prices and crowded attractions.
Fall in Colorado is absolutely spectacular, with ideal weather, changing leaves, and fewer crowds. If you are looking for winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling, then winter and early spring (November through April) is the best time to visit Denver. The city’s surrounding mountains offer plenty of opportunities for winter sports. Just note that the winter season can bring unpredictable weather and icy roads for travelers.
LEARN MORE: Why You Should Visit Estes Park in the Fall
What Makes Downtown Denver Family-Friendly
Downtown Denver is a great location for families with children. There are numerous attractions, museums, and activities that cater to kids. The city’s light rail system provides easy access to these attractions and other parts of the city. There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and cafes in the downtown area, as well as playgrounds and parks. And the laid-back vibe of the city itself evokes a feeling of comfort and safety.
Awesome Things to Do in Downtown Denver with Kids
Denver’s downtown area is truly unique. Never have we experienced so many great things to do in a downtown area, from sports fields and stadiums to theme parks, city parks, and water parks- all in the heart of downtown. We enjoyed each and every one of these activities while we were living in Colorado, there’s something on this list for everyone in the family!
See a Rockies Game at Coors Field
Baseball, the All-American pastime, is such a great game to experience as a family. What sets the Coors Field apart from so many others are the gorgeous views from the upper deck seats! These “cheap seats” really are the best in the house, so a family can enjoy the game without spending a ton of money. Plus you can bring in outside food so pack a lunch, grab your seats and enjoy some quality family time!
Also, Coors Field has the best fireworks display for the 4th of July hands down. Living in Florida we’ve seen our share of Disney’s displays, and the celebration after the Rockies game was unparalleled. Following the game guests are admitted onto the field for a spectacular fireworks show, which awed the whole family.
Ride the Train to Union Station
If your little ones are into trains, the light rail system is a great inexpensive thing to do in downtown Denver with kids. Riding the light rail is a clean, efficient, and safe way to travel throughout Denver. Stop at Union Station to get out and grab a coffee or some lunch.
Just behind Union Station is a splash pad, perfect for hot summer afternoons in the city. It is free and wide open, so you can watch the kids play while you sip a coffee (or a cocktail, no judgement here)!
Chill Out with Ice Cream at Little Man
The Little Man Ice Cream Company has been around since 2008, scooping hand-made ice cream cones and cups for Denverites right in the heart of downtown. Their ingredients are locally-sourced, and they even have vegan and gluten-free options. The line can be long especially on a hot summer afternoon, but there is plenty of seating with shade for those waiting.
Also you can feel good about those sweet calories due to Little Man’s philanthropic vision. For every scoop of ice cream purchased, a scoop of rice, beans or other essentials are donated to communities in need around the globe. And, with every new location they open (they have 6 now scattered throughout the Denver area) they donate a portion of their proceeds to locally-influenced causes. Win-win!
Visit the Downtown Aquarium
If you have kids that love mermaids as much as our daughter (and all 5 of our nieces, let’s be real), the Downtown Aquarium is a must. Mostly indoors, this is a great place to spend a super hot or rainy afternoon. There are plenty of fish, aquatic animals, reptiles, jellyfish, and sharks to observe and learn about.
The aquarium even offers a super-cool underwater adventure restaurant with under-the-sea mermaid shows while you eat! Where else can you paint with a sloth, have a private mermaid meet-and-greet, dive for pearls, or meet animals like sea turtles and sharks and hang out with an octopus, all downtown?
Travel Tip: Purchase the Denver CityPASS ahead of time to save money on attractions such as the Downtown Aquarium, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Get Your Thrills at Elitch Gardens Amusement Park
For the thrill-seeking families, Elitch Gardens is a must-see spot when visiting downtown Denver with kids. Both an amusement park and water park in one, Elitch offers endless amounts of entertainment and excitement during the summer season. There are thrilling rides and attractions to get your adrenaline pumping, as well as refreshing pools and water slides to cool you down on a hot day.
See a Show at the Ball Arena
Not sure if you heard but, the Denver Nuggets just captured their very first NBA championship in 2023! Try to catch a game late in the season if you are visiting Denver in the summer. The Ball Arena (formerly the Pepsi Center) is also home to the Colorado Avalanche hockey team, and hosts a multitude of events throughout the year. From Disney on Ice to Bruce Springsteen, the arena is an awesome place to see a show!
Explore the Denver Flagship REI Store
The REI store located right in the middle of downtown Denver is a flagship location offering supplies for any outdoor adventure imaginable from camping and hiking to fishing, biking, and rock climbing. With many interactive activities for kids including a climbing wall, a mini campsite, and a bike test ride area, it’s a great place for families to spend a few hours indoors.
If you are planning on visiting any of the 4 national parks in Colorado, pick up a National Parks Pass while you are at REI. Rocky Mountain National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison are awesome parks to visit as a family, and the pass gets you into any National Park for an entire year.
Rent a Scooter and Explore Downtown
If you’re looking to explore Denver in a fun and exciting way, consider renting a scooter for a few hours! There’s no better way to see the sights and experience the city than buzzing around on a scooter, and there are plenty for rent right in the heart of downtown. Uber and Lyft have scooters and bikes at stations all around Denver and renting one is as easy as downloading the app and scanning the barcode on the rental.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, renting a scooter is a fantastic way to get around the downtown area with kids easily in order to further enjoy the city’s activities, scenery, and architecture. Options for hourly, daily, or even weekly rentals provide families the independence and freedom to create their own adventures.
Get Close to Animals at the Denver Zoo
Located in City Park, the Denver Zoo is spread over 84 acres and is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world. An excellent place to spend several hours or more, the zoo is perfect for kids interested in wildlife and nature. Animals ranging from the smallest monkeys and foxes to the tallest giraffes, tigers, elephants, and rhinos inhabit the zoo.
There are a lot of activities and exhibits at the zoo that kids can enjoy, including daily animal encounters, demonstrations, and feedings. During the summer families can cool off at the misting stations or inside one of the many air-conditioned exhibits. Overall, the zoo is a great place to explore in downtown Denver with kids as it provides a fun and educational experience with family-friendly amenities.
Ride Bikes Along One of the Regional Trails
Denver is recognized as one of the top five U.S. cities for cycling, offering an abundance of opportunities for those seeking an active lifestyle. The extensive trail system contains hundreds of miles of wide and paved trails made for both pedestrians and cyclists to travel easily and safely throughout the metro area.
The 40-mile Cherry Creek Trail is a paved shared-use path that stretches from the downtown metro area all the way to Franktown and Castlewood Canyon. Cherry Creek is a tributary of the South Platte River that runs through the heart of Denver, and these two trails connect in Confluence Park. There are multiple easy access points to the Cherry Creek Trail scattered throughout downtown.
Tour a Candy Factory for Free at Hammond's
Hammond’s Candy Factory has been a Denver staple for over 100 years. Much more than just a candy store, the factory is located just north of downtown and offers free behind-the-scenes tours where groups can watch the candy-makers in action.
Tours are offered every day except Sunday, they are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, and last 30 minutes. The factory produces over 4,000 pounds of candy every day and Hammond’s signature lollipops, candy canes, old fashioned chocolates and gourmet marshmallows can all be purchased at the gift shop.
Check Out the Downtown Denver Skate Park
The Denver Skatepark is a downtown public park and is one of the most popular skateparks in the city. Skaters of all ages and skill levels come here to practice on a variety of obstacles including bowls, rails, and ledges. The skatepark is open daily from dawn to dusk and admission is free. The park is also a great place to watch others skate and enjoy the outdoors in the middle of Denver’s vibrant downtown.
Go to a Broncos Game at Empower Field at Mile High
Empower Field at Mile High is home to the Denver Broncos, where all of the home games have been played since it opened in 2001 (previously the Broncos played at Mile High Stadium). The stadium does indeed sit at a mile in elevation and has a seating capacity of approximately 76,000, producing an impressive sight to behold on game day.
Given the difficulty of competing at altitude, the Broncos are known to have one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL. The panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains are a bonus to enjoying a game with the family. The Broncos are also known for having an extremely strong fan base. Until moving to Colorado, we had never lived in a “football town”. We quickly learned that on game days, the state almost requires you to wear some sort of Broncos attire!
Picnic at One of the Eight Downtown Green Spaces and City Parks
City Park is one of the most popular green spaces in the city, encompassing a sprawling expanse of large open spaces and endless recreational opportunities. Featuring tennis courts, spacious picnic areas, and a variety of playgrounds and other amenities to keep children of all ages entertained, you’ll find yourself completely immersed in the park’s vibrant and lively atmosphere. City Park is also home to a kids splash pad, the Denver Zoo, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Confluence Park is among the top parks to visit when exploring downtown Denver with kids. Located at the confluence of where the Cherry Creek and the South Platte Rivers meet, this urban park is a premier destination for kayakers. The park also provides stunning views of downtown, the ability to dip your toes in the cool water, and a multi-use walking/ biking trail.
Cool Off at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Neighboring the zoo also inside City Park is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. They have a wide range of exhibits to explore including dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, and a planetarium. On those extra hot Denver summer afternoons, the IMAX 3D Theater is a great way to cool off and spend your time indoors. Additionally the Discovery Zone offers a variety of interactive activities for families such as archaeological sandpits and water features.
Get Back to Nature at the Denver Botanic Gardens
Covering a sprawling 23 acres, the Denver Botanic Gardens stands out as one of the most impressive places to visit downtown for both adults and kids. With its wide variety of themed gardens changed throughout the year, visitors are treated to an unparalleled experience.
One of the most exciting areas for kids is the Mordecai Children’s Garden, a specially designed section created to pique the interest of those interested in exploring plants and nature with hands-on exhibits. Here kids can engage in numerous outdoor activities including interactive gardening sessions, exploration of diverse plant species, and exciting nature walks. Additionally the garden features a fun wading stream, offering kids a refreshing way to cool off in the summer.
If you are visiting Colorado in the fall, check out the Denver Botanic Garden’s Chatfield Farms located just south of Denver in Littleton. This 700-acre working farm produces an annual fall festival complete with a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, local craft booths, live music, and food trucks. Kids will also enjoy a corn maze, tractor and hayrides, photo booths and carnival games.
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Denver is such a unique urban area that somehow maintains a small-town feel inside a big city. The parks and open spaces break up the tall buildings and highways, and the never-ending views of the Rockies remind you that nature is just a short drive away!
More great cities full of epic things to do with kids:
Happy Travels!
