Denver offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions that work well for different ages and interests. The Denver Zoo is a top choice, with hundreds of species, interactive exhibits, and seasonal events that engage kids throughout the year. Nearby, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science provides hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and rotating special exhibits that are built around curiosity and discovery. The Downtown Aquarium combines marine life displays with touch tanks and themed dining, which can be especially appealing for younger children. For outdoor fun, Denver’s City Park, Washington Park, and Confluence Park offer playgrounds, open green spaces, and trails that are suitable for strollers and bikes. Families looking for a more immersive experience can also consider the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, which is specifically designed for play-based learning and exploration.

Educational activities for kids in Denver are available across museums, cultural institutions, and outdoor learning spaces. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a key destination, with exhibits on space, dinosaurs, wildlife, and human health, plus scheduled programs like science demonstrations and workshops. The History Colorado Center offers interactive exhibits focused on Colorado’s past, including hands-on displays that encourage kids to explore local history and culture. The Denver Public Library system regularly hosts children’s story times, STEM activities, homework help, and reading programs that are free or very low cost. For outdoor education, the Denver Botanic Gardens and its Chatfield Farms location provide nature-focused programs, discovery trails, and seasonal events that teach kids about plants, ecosystems, and conservation. Many local organizations also offer seasonal camps and classes in art, coding, and science, so checking city and community center calendars can reveal additional options.

Denver’s climate and proximity to the Rocky Mountains make it ideal for kid-friendly outdoor activities for much of the year. Within the city, families often enjoy biking or walking along the Cherry Creek Trail and South Platte River Trail, both of which offer relatively gentle routes and access to parks and playgrounds. City Park, Washington Park, and Sloan’s Lake Park are popular for picnics, boating or paddleboarding (in season), and open play areas. The Denver Zoo and Denver Botanic Gardens offer outdoor learning experiences with well-maintained paths suitable for strollers. For a short trip outside the city, destinations like Red Rocks Park, Lookout Mountain, and Roxborough State Park provide family-friendly hiking trails with scenic views and varying difficulty levels; many of these trails are manageable for older kids and beginners. During winter, nearby mountain resorts and Nordic centers offer sledding, tubing, and beginner ski or snowboard lessons within a reasonable drive from Denver.

Denver has a strong selection of indoor options that work well for cold or rainy days. The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a leading choice, featuring interactive exhibits focused on art, science, building, pretend play, and early childhood development. Many families also visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Downtown Aquarium for indoor exploration that can easily fill a half or full day. In addition, there are several indoor trampoline parks, climbing gyms with youth programs, and family entertainment centers that offer bowling, arcade games, and mini golf. Local recreation centers typically provide indoor pools with slides or kid-friendly splash areas, as well as open gym times for running and play. Indoor art studios and maker spaces sometimes host drop-in craft sessions and workshops designed for children, making them good options for creative, structured activities away from the weather.

A kid-friendly day in downtown Denver can be structured around a few major attractions within walking or short transit distance. Many families start at the Denver Union Station area, which offers cafés, casual dining, and open lobby seating where kids can watch trains arrive and depart. From there, you can walk or take the free 16th Street MallRide to reach the Downtown Aquarium or the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, both located near the South Platte River. Including a stop at Confluence Park allows for river views, open space for play, and access to nearby walking paths. If your family enjoys museums, you can add a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Denver Zoo in City Park, which are a short drive or rideshare away from the core downtown area. Planning for regular snack breaks, scheduling key attractions in the morning when kids have more energy, and building in flexible time for playgrounds or free play can help keep the day balanced and enjoyable.