Explore the family-friendly activities for kids in Denver, Colorado — from museums to animals to historical attractions.
Denver Zoo
Head to the Denver Zoo any day of the year for a family-friendly activity that offers plenty of things to do and see, thanks to nearly 4,000 animals, a train and a carousel. Clean facilities, stroller-friendly walking paths lush with greenery and an affordable entry fee make the fact that they do not allow you to bring in outside food a mere inconvenience at best. Leave a little extra time and patience to find a parking spot when you arrive and choose from a variety of transportation modes once inside. Plan your visit for a summer morning or anytime during fall or winter to avoid crowds of children’s groups and school field trips.
Location: 2300 Steele Street, Denver, Colorado 80205
Phone: 720-337-1400
Website: denverzoo.org
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Easy parking, plenty of bathrooms and tons of room to explore make this museum a hot spot for kid’s activities in Denver. Your kids will love the giant dinosaur greeting them at the entrance, and the friendly growling lion will graciously accept your donations at the end of your visit. The museum offers tons of interactive kid’s activities while the planetarium will expand your family’s minds. Hungry kiddos can be fed at the T-Rex Café or Grab & Go snack bar. And special exhibits and the IMAX films can be enjoyed for a few extra dollars. Check the museum’s website for free admission days.
Location: 2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80205
Phone: 303-370-6000
Website: dmns.org
Hammond’s Candies Factory Tour
Free admission and candy samples make this factory tour one of the yummiest things to do with kids in Colorado. Your youngsters can sport a paper candy-maker’s hat and learn about the candy factory during the tour and video, which last about 30 minutes. Your family can also witness candy being created and packaged on the spot, ending with an assortment of free candy samples once the tour is complete. Although this kid’s activity may be better suited for kids grade school-aged and up, the factory welcomes visitors of every age. For an extra fee, you can go behind the scenes and actually help the candy makers create these sweet confections first-hand!
Location: 5735 N. Washington Street, Denver, Colorado 80216
Phone: 888-226-3999
Website: hammondscandies.com
The Capitol Building
Families looking for things to do with kids ages 8 and up shouldn’t miss a trip to the Capitol Building in Denver. The free tour is surprisingly in-depth, or you can take advantage of unrestricted access to the entire building, including a chance to sit in the gallery and watch legislative proceedings when they’re in session. You can climb the stairs to the top of the dome, or ascend the steps to the 1-mile mark above sea level and pose for a family photo. However, note that there are no elevators up either of these stair adventures, so it is not handicapped or stroller accessible. For a special treat, bring bread to feed the ground’s many squirrels.
Location: 200 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: 303-866-2604
Website: colorado.gov/capitoltour
United States Mint
Looking for free activities for kids and families in Denver, Colorado? Then make sure you visit the U.S. Mint for an educational activity that will teach you more than you ever knew about our country’s currency. The 30- to 40-minute tour is best suited for older children, and takes you behind the scenes in three areas to see money being made and counted, as well as old equipment. Note that reservations need to be made several weeks in advance and that all visitors, including children, will be security screened before allowed access to the building. Leave plenty of time to find parking or head to the lot across from Pint’s Pub for reasonable parking rates.
Location: 320 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, Colorado
Phone: 303-405-4761
Website: usmint.gov
Image courtesy of Dave Parsons/Denver Zoo
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