2013 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Denver, CO

1. Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science inspires curiosity and excites minds of all ages through scientific discovery and the presentation and preservation of the world's unique treasures

Exciting exhibitions, and IMAX theatre, anda  planetarium make the Denver Museum of Science and Nature a must-see for families with children. A discovery zone for kids, exhibits on Mummies, Space Exploration, Wildlife, and Prehistoric creatures cover the bases of kids' favorite science and nature topics. A "don't miss"

2. Children's Museum of Denver

At the Children's Museum of Denver we believe in kid-powered learning. Every day, our expertly designed exhibits and programs open doors for Colorado's curious young minds to express what they know and to discover, create and explore more - on their own terms. Since 1973, the Children’s Museum of Denver has served the metro-Denver community as a learning institute dedicated to the education and growth of young children, newborn through age 8, and their caregivers.

3. Downtown Aquarium

The entertainment and dining complex features a public aquarium boasting more than a million gallons of underwater exhibits that highlight fascinating ecosystems around the world. Downtown Aquarium houses over 500 species of animals, the interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, Aquarium Restaurant, Dive Lounge, the Nautilus Ballroom and amusements for the entire family.

4.    Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care and visitor experience. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission. We provide extraordinary experiences every day for our animals and visitors and our core values are evident in everything we do:

Protect • Honor • Innovate • Engage • Empower • Serve

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5.    Funcity

Funcity has lazer tag, bowling, indoor raceway, miniature golf, inflatables, and a three story foam factory.

6.    Wings Over the Rockies

Colorado's offical air and space museum! Exhibits on aircraft, rocketry, an extreme simulator and more await you at this delightful museum.

7.   Tiny Town

Spend the day among kid-sized buildings, riding the train, enjoying the fresh air while the kids frolic on the playground, and then relaxing with your picnic lunch or something from our snack bar while the sound of the breeze in the tall pines washes your stress away. There’s lots to do at Tiny Town, and one of the first things most people do is ride the train!

8.    Denver Firefighters Museum

Welcome to the Denver Firefighters Museum. If the heart of a great museum is its subject, then the Denver Firefighters Museum is truly one of the greatest in the world! The Museum offers not only outstanding exhibits on the history of firefighting in Denver focusing on the Denver Fire Department, but innovative and exciting hands-on activities that allow visitors to interact with the traditional exhibits. From groundbreaking state-of-the-art gallery space to engaging programs and special events, there is always something new to explore

9.    Lakeside Amusement Park

Lakeside Amusement Park is a large facility with excitement, history and charm.  Located in Denver, Colorado, at I-70 and Sheridan, on a picturesque lake (with great mountain views), trains, a merry-go-round, a drop tower, bumper cars, and many spinning rides, Lakeside is the perfect site for family fun and large events.  Kiddies' Playland is filled with rides specifically for young children.

10.    Elitch Gardens Theme Park

Thrilling rides. Entertaining shows. Refreshing water slides. Two parks for the price of one await you at Colorado’s coaster capital, Elitch Gardens. Give your family a much-needed escape at the area’s #1 theme and water park.

11.   Rock Creek Farm 

. Join us for fall family fun activities at one of the largest and most entertaining Halloween attractions in northern Colorado, admission is always free. We have over 100 acres of U-Pick-Em pumpkin fields for you to explore and find the perfect pumpkins. Pumpkins aren't where the fun stops, take a hay ride, try our hay bale maze or get lost in the winding paths of over six miles of Corn Mazes. Visit with our pigs, goats, ponies, donkeys, chickens and other farm animals. Enjoy our selection of fall festive treats and decorations such as gourds, indian corn, caramel apples, baked goods, straw bales and more.

12.    Denver Mountain Parks

Many of Colorado's most significant landscapes are within the Denver Mountain Parks system. These iconic landscapes draw more than two million visitors to Denver and the region each year, who often travel thousands of miles to enjoy our Mountain Parks attractions.

13.    Denver Botanic Gardens

A wide variety of programs are available for children and families to explore plants and the natural world. . Be sure to also visit Mordecai Children’s Garden – drop-in programs are available daily, weather permitting.

14.    Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

The Museum illustrates the life, times, and legend of William F. Cody. It includes exhibits about Buffalo Bill's life and the Wild West shows, Indian artifacts and firearms. See Sitting Bull's bow and arrows, Buffalo Bill's show outfits, Frederick Remington's "Portrait of a Ranch Hand," and many other objects from the Old West in the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave

15.    Butterfly Pavillion

Butterfly Pavillion is th zoo of small wonders and big experiences! With over 5000 animals you can step into the world of Rosie the tarantula, or the water's edge to a world of undersea creatures. Visit the tropical rain forest with over 1600 butterflies and end your journey in the beautiful gardens.

16.    Dinosaur Ridge

150 million year old dinosaur bones are encased in sandstone at eye level and visitors are encouraged to touch, feel, and experience these remnants from Late Jurassic floodplains and stream channels! 100 million year old dinosaur tracks sit atop layers of sand and mudstone, the pads of the toes and patterns of migration seen in over 300 footprints and 37 trackways. There’s something for everyone here at the Ridge, so let’s go explore!

17.    Denver Public Library         

              Immersing children from birth in literacy-rich environments where they discover the joy of reading and learning, motivating them to achieve and graduate from high school.DPL offers early literacy programs, such as storytimes for babies and preschoolers that are based on best-practices and are designed with a strong emphasis on reading aloud to children and making the experiences fun. They also offer after school programs where underserved youth have a safe place to go, learn new skills and even make new friends. Two Reading Rocket bookmobiles provide fun reading materials at 26 Denver Public School locations throughout the year, while for over 80 years, the annual Summer of Reading program focuses on making reading and literacy-related programs fun and accessible for kids of all ages to help avoid “summer learning loss.”

18.    Morrison Natural History Museum

Discover Colorado's dinosaurs with expert guides and hands-on exhibits at Jefferson County's original paleontology museum. Encounter historic and modern fossil finds and see research in progress at the Paleo Lab. A visit is the perfect orientation to the Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge areas. Located 25 minutes west of Downtown Denver in Morrison, Colorado.

19.   Jumpstreet  

Boasting over 20,000 square feet of wall to wall trampolines, trampoline dodge ball and other unique and fun activities, we are the perfect place to “Come Bounce Off Our Walls”!You are never too old to have fun at jumpstreet!

20.    Monkey Bizness

Monkey Bizness in Central Denver, CO is an exciting concept in children’s amusement where kids truly can “monkey around”! With colorful, interactive and exciting play structures of all shapes and sizes, kids will never get bored of climbing, bouncing, swinging, sliding and basically… going bananas!