2014 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Denver, CO | Kids Out and About Denver <

2014 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Denver, CO


Denver's favorite places to take kids for 2014

There are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in greater Denver! Each year, we survey Denver parents to find out where they love to take their kids. 2014's results are below. And make sure to sign up for our fantastic FREE weekly newsletter with dozens of ideas each week for local stuff to do with kids, many of them free.

1. Carousel of Happiness

The Carousel of Happiness is Nederland Colorado’s magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ.

 

2. Majestic View Nature Center

Majestic View Nature Center is a place to learn about, understand, & appreciate the area's natural features & cultural history by interacting directly with nature! The Center features hands-on nature displays, wildlife exhibits, kid's area & more!

 

3. 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

 

4.  WOW! Children's Museum

WOW! Children's Museum is dedicated to providing educational hands-on exhibits, activities and programs for all children - bringing families together in a creative environment that sparks imagination and inspires learning through play.

 

5.    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"

 

6.   Miner's Maze Adventureland at Heritage Square

Miner’s Maze Adventureland: get lost & let your imagination run wild! With an action-packed two-level labyrinth, friends can watch the twists and laugh at the turns, as the maze offers exciting adventure for family fun entertainment.

 

7.  Water World

Water World, one of America's largest family water parks, is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Denver on 70 beautifully landscaped acres. We feature 48 creatively-themed aquatic attractions, offer free parking, and family picnics are always welcome! www.waterworldcolorado.com

 

8.    Downtown Aquarium

sites/default/files/downtown aquarium.png

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.

 

9.  LLT Fun Center

Loveland Laser Tag Fun Center is the perfect place for birthday parties, team-building events, youth group outings, and more! We offer a huge multi-level laser tag arena, an indoor ropes course, a laser maze, a climbing wall, and arcade games.

 

10.  Big Time Trampoline Center

Metro Denver’s finest indoor trampoline park and family fun center! All ages and abilities can play together, centrally located with easy interstate access, home grown and family owned! Great for birthday parties!

 

11.  Loveland Opera Theatre

Loveland Opera Theatre is located in Loveland, Colorado, and is dedicated to helping emerging artists as they begin their opera careers, as well as giving all singers - young, old, or in between - a chance to develop a love of opera.

 

12.  Pumpkin Patch of Centennial

The pumpkin patch at Good Shepherd Episcopal sells a variety of pumpkins, mini pumpkins and gourds. All pumpkins are grown on the Navajo Reservation. Proceeds benefit organizations helping the homeless and the hungry.

 

13.    Children's Museum of Denver

sites/default/files/denvercm.gif

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.

 

14.    Rocky Mountain National Park

Straddles the Continental Divide with 76 mountains more than two miles high within the park's 412 square miles of scenic beauty. Trail Ridge Road, which cuts through the park, is the world's highest continuous highway.

The Woodlands Children’s Museum is a cooperative learning environment that provides children with multiethnic and multicultural experiences.  - See more at: http://www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org/about.html#sthash.2Yu1OBOq.dpuf
The Woodlands Children’s Museum is a cooperative learning environment that provides children with multiethnic and multicultural experiences.  - See more at: http://www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org/about.html#sthash.2Yu1OBOq.dpuf
The Woodlands Children’s Museum is a cooperative learning environment that provides children with multiethnic and multicultural experiences.  - See more at: http://www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org/about.html#sthash.2Yu1OBOq.dpuf
 

15.  Adventure Golf and Raceway

Adventure Golf & Raceway, Denver's premier miniature golf and Go Karts facility, located in Westminster, Colorado. Experience three of America's most incredible 18-hole miniature golf courses: The Lost Continent, Adventure Cove and Buccaneer Bay. In total, 54 beautifully landscaped holes of fun and daring excitement to test your mini golfing skills.

Butterfly Pavilion is the zoo of small wonders and BIG experiences!

We are home to over 5,000 animals! Embark on an adventure to the realm of Rosie, our famous tarantula. Step to Water’s Edge to be immersed in an underwater world full of sea creatures. Explore our tropical rainforest where 1,600 butterflies rule the sky! End your journey in our gardens and nature trail where you’re sure to see critters of all kinds.

- See more at: http://www.butterflies.org/visit/about-us#sthash.V7HAYVKy.dpuf

Butterfly Pavilion is the zoo of small wonders and BIG experiences!

We are home to over 5,000 animals! Embark on an adventure to the realm of Rosie, our famous tarantula. Step to Water’s Edge to be immersed in an underwater world full of sea creatures. Explore our tropical rainforest where 1,600 butterflies rule the sky! End your journey in our gardens and nature trail where you’re sure to see critters of all kinds.

- See more at: http://www.butterflies.org/visit/about-us#sthash.V7HAYVKy.dpuf

 

16.  Boondocks Fun and Food

Boondocks offers indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. At Boondocks you can bowl, play laser tag, use the arcade, play in the kiddie cove soft play area, play mini golf, drive the bumper boats, and race with the go karts.

 

17. Colorado Pumpkin Patch 

Climb on our straw bale pyramid, play in the rope maze, launch gourds, visit our petting zoo, take a pony ride, enjoy a hay ride, play in the corn box, and don't forget to pick out you pumpkin.

 

18.  Denver Art Museum

A trailblazer in creating innovative opportunities that encourage visitors to interact with the collection, the museum is also known internationally for the way we help our visitors explore art and their own creativity.

 

19.   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.

 

20.  Buckaroo's

A western-themed family entertainment center inside the Colorado Mills Mall. Buckaroos offers a wide variety of action-oriented attractions great for all youngsters from ages 3 and up. (Note: Buckaroo's is temporarily closed; they are recommending that you visit their Miner's Maze Adventureland location at Heritage Square.)

 

2014 Winners in Special Categories

In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in six categories. Here were their choices.

Favorite Place to Have Fun INSIDE

KOAAFavoriteSealsm.jpg

Carousel of Happiness

Favorite Place to Have Fun OUTSIDE

KOAAFavoriteSealsm.jpg

Denver Zoo

Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum

KOAAFavoriteSealsm.jpg

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

   

Favorite Performing Arts

KOAAFavoriteSealsm.jpg

Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids

 

Favorite Kid-Friendly Farm

Anderson Farms

 

Favorite Nature Center

 

Rocky Mountain National Park

Favorite Sports Team

KOAAFavoriteSealsm.jpg

Denver Broncos

 


© 2014, KidsOutAndAbout.com. This information may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of KidsOutAndAbout.com.



If you are not already on our weekly mailing list for our free e-newsletter, please sign up below. You'll find out everything that is happening at these places and a lot more -- way ahead of time!

Tags