Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Denver, CO - 2019
Denver's favorite places to take kids for 2019
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. 2019'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.
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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
Denver Museum of Nature & 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, and a planetarium make the Denver Museum of Nature & Science 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.
Carousel of Happiness
The Carousel of Happiness, operating year-round, is Nederland's magical menagerie with 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ.
Great Play Cherry Creek
Great Play has been created with two objectives: to ensure that kids have fun, and to help them reach their full physical potential, to help every child develop a love of physical activity that will lead to an active, healthy and confident life.
My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Denver area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the list of best places to take kids this year!
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
At Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, you can do it all. Whether you’re navigating through a 3 ½ story climber, stepping inside a 6-foot bubble, sculpting a clay masterpiece or powering a hot balloon, there is always something new to explore. Every day, our expertly designed exhibits and programs encourage kid-powered learning and open doors for Colorado's curious young minds to express what they know and to discover, create and explore more - on their own terms.
WOW! Children's Museum
WOW! Children’s Museum engages all families in educational, hands-on experiences that connect curiosity, creativity, and discovery. WOW! is committed to providing STREAM focused exhibits and programs that fosters creative and innovative thinking and nurtures a love of learning.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is about sharing the wonders of the natural world with kids of all ages and providing memories for a lifetime. Here, you do more than just look. Named 4th-Best Zoo in North America by USAToday’s 10Best, you’ll get to explore newly renovated and award-winning exhibits. Discover more than 30 species of endangered animals. Interact with our giraffes and don’t miss the chance to hand-feed them! Soar over your favorite animal exhibits and take in breathtaking views of the city below on the Mountaineer Sky Ride.
Denver Botanic Gardens
The mission of Denver Botanic Gardens is to connect people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone. 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, family workshops and fun evening events are available. Visit www.botanicgardens.org for a complete list.
Anderson Farms
Take a ride on the hayride to the pumpkin patch, walk through the 30 acre corn maze, visit the barnyard, race on the pedal karts, ride the barrel train, and take the little ones to the kiddie coral and the hay bale maze. Located in Erie.
Water World
Water World is celebrating 40 years as America’s largest family water park! With 50 attractions over 70 acres, all set in a grassy park setting, Water World captures relaxation, challenge and fantasy in rides like the Voyage to the Center of the Earth, Lost River of the Pharaoh’s and the very popular Lazy River. Picnics are welcome (no glass or alcohol) and parking is always free. You can get more details and access valuable discounts at www.WaterWorldColorado.com.
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.
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.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. The dramatic sandstone monoliths serve as a history book of animal and plant life in the area for the past 250 million years.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. In a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top!
Kids Wonder
South Denver Metro’s only play facility for children 0 to 8 providing a wide range of fun activities dedicated to intentional play in a safe environment. Kids Wonder’s 13,000 square foot play center offers children many opportunities to challenge themselves as they learn to navigate social relationships and unleash the power of their imaginations.
Boondocks Food and Fun
Boondocks Food & Fun Colorado Attractions: bowling, laser tag, arcade, mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts,rookie track, and a ropes course.
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
The mission of the visitor center is to provide public education and a continuous stream of revenue for Garden of the Gods Park.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are Denver's Major League Baseball franchise. They are currently members of the National League West Division. Their home venue is Coors Field.
Monkey Bizness
Monkey Bizness in Centennial, is a place where kids can truly “monkey around”! Whether it be on our giant indoor playground or for a birthday party or event, we provide a safe, clean environment for family fun. Our indoor playground and party center is conveniently located southeast of Arapahoe and I-25 on Easter Avenue. At Monkey Bizness, kids under 10 years old can go monkey around in a jungle of fun with inflatable jumps, slides and obstacle courses. We even have a special area set aside for toddlers – designed for kids 3 years and younger
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
Great Play Cherry CreekGreat Play has been created with two objectives: to ensure that kids have fun, and to help them reach their full physical potential, to help every child develop a love of physical activity that will lead to an active, healthy and confident life.
Favorite Place to Have Fun OUTSIDE
Denver ZooDenver 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
Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
Denver Museum of Nature & ScienceThe 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, and a planetarium make the Denver Museum of Nature & Science 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.
Favorite Performing Arts
Arvada Center for the Arts and HumanitiesThe Arvada Center celebrates and elevates the human condition with engaging arts, humanities, education, and entertainment that expand the cultural landscape for everyone who visits us.
Favorite Kid-Friendly Farm
Anderson FarmsTake a ride on the hayride to the pumpkin patch, walk through the 30 acre corn maze, visit the barnyard, race on the pedal karts, ride the barrel train, and take the little ones to the kiddie coral and the hay bale maze. Located in Erie.
Favorite Nature Center
Denver Botanic GardensThe mission of Denver Botanic Gardens is to connect people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone. 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, family workshops and fun evening events are available. Visit www.botanicgardens.org for a complete list.
Favorite Arts Education
Arvada Center for the Arts and HumanitiesThe Arvada Center celebrates and elevates the human condition with engaging arts, humanities, education, and entertainment that expand the cultural landscape for everyone who visits us.
Favorite Sports Education
YMCA of Metropolitan DenverMore than a gym, the Y is a community, where everyone is welcome to create connections, build strength, and discover their fullest potential. YMCA members in Arvada, Denver and Littleton find fitness, friendships, and family through healthy living, community activities, and programs for all ages. The YMCA is where you truly belong.
