Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Denver, CO - 2020
Denver's favorite places to take kids for 2020
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. 2020'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 connecting people to the awe and importance of wild animals while providing unparalleled care, educational experiences, and local and global conservation efforts that help save wild places and wildlife. Denver Zoo's community passionately supports our mission everyday: Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, you will experience world-class wildlife displays that take you to Earth’s wildest places, huge dinosaurs that transport you back in time, interactive space exhibits that make your mind wonder, and personalized health science fun that puts your body to the test. Phipps IMAX 3D Theater places you on the edge of your seat and in the middle of the action, and Gates Planetarium is your ticket to the universe.
Whether you have an hour or all day, with family or on your own, your mind will open to real science and adventure that dazzles, enlightens, and inspires.
Anderson Farms
Anderson Farms is Colorado's largest fall family entertainment destination. Activities include wagon rides to the pumpkin patch with over 70 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds and a 25 acre corn maze.
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!
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.
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.
Carousel of Happiness
The Carousel of Happiness is a one-of-a-kind, magical menagerie with 57 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Open year-round in the small mountain town of Nederland on the Peak-to-Peak Highway, the Carousel makes a great day-trip from Denver. The Carousel also features an upstairs puppet theater where children can engage in creative play after they ride.
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 like no other zoo – on a mountainside overlooking Colorado Springs. Feed our world-renowned giraffe herd, hop alongside the wallabies, and feel the powerful roars of our lion pride. Don’t miss our brand-new Water's Edge: Africa, home to hippos, African penguins, warthogs and lemurs. Our interactive beach gives penguins access to waddle alongside you, and you’ll see eye-to-eye with our hippos at the edge of their pool. A rope bridge will give you up-close, overhead views of the hippo yard.
Our guests contribute $500,000 per year to conservation efforts worldwide. Each admission generates 75¢ for conservation, so you can do good while you have fun!
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. Mordecai Children’s Garden is closed summer 2020 due to COVID-19, but some in-person and virtual family programs are available. Visit www.botanicgardens.org for a complete list.
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!
Water World
Water World, America's largest water park is filled with over 50 slides, rides, pools and attractions on over 70 acres! Water World is the perfect family destination for fun under the sun and 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 Mile High Flyer, Denver's only water coaster! Picnics are welcome and parking is always free. Buy online to maximize your savings. For operation hours and details visit www.WaterWorldColorado.com.
National Western Stock Show
See rodeos, horse shows, Wild West shows, An Evening of Dancing Horses (R), Super Dogs, a downtown parade, the Coors Western Art Exhibit & Sale, Children's Ranchland, the Super Bowl of livestock shows, and Colorado's largest trade show.
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.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Refuge is home for more than 330 species of wildlife including bison, bald eagles, deer, and burrowing owls. Visitors enjoy nature programs, guided wildlife viewing tours, fishing, wildlife photography, and hiking on over 10 miles of nature trails. We also have a 11-mile self-guided auto wildlife drive. Come visit the refuge FREE!
Tiny Town and Tiny Town Railroad
Historic Colorado landmark since 1915. More than 100 hand-crafted miniature buildings in a town, rural and mountain setting. Authentic steam train rides.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
The mission of Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver is to educate and inspire people of all ages about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future.
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.
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.
Elitch Gardens
Since 1890, Elitch Gardens in Denver has been America's only downtown theme and water park. The park is open May through October with 53 rides, live shows, thrilling roller coasters, an entire water park, and Fright Fest in October.
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
Kids WonderSouth 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.
Favorite Place to Have Fun OUTSIDE
Denver ZooDenver Zoo is a leader in connecting people to the awe and importance of wild animals while providing unparalleled care, educational experiences, and local and global conservation efforts that help save wild places and wildlife. Denver Zoo's community passionately supports our mission everyday: Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
Denver Museum of Nature & ScienceAt the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, you will experience world-class wildlife displays that take you to Earth’s wildest places, huge dinosaurs that transport you back in time, interactive space exhibits that make your mind wonder, and personalized health science fun that puts your body to the test. Phipps IMAX 3D Theater places you on the edge of your seat and in the middle of the action, and Gates Planetarium is your ticket to the universe.
Whether you have an hour or all day, with family or on your own, your mind will open to real science and adventure that dazzles, enlightens, and inspires.
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 FarmsAnderson Farms is Colorado's largest fall family entertainment destination. Activities include wagon rides to the pumpkin patch with over 70 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds and a 25 acre corn maze.
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. Mordecai Children’s Garden is closed summer 2020 due to COVID-19, but some in-person and virtual family programs are available. Visit www.botanicgardens.org for a complete list.
Favorite Arts Education
Denver Center for Performing ArtsThe DCPA is one of the nation’s largest non-profit theatre organizations. We are inspired every day to create, share, teach, excite and perform for our community. We offer virtual and in person theatre classes for students PreK- Adult and virtual and in person private coaching in acting, audition prep, voice, commercial voice over and public speaking. DCPA Education’s In School programs help educators bring their curriculum to life by working with our professional Teaching Artists. In School offerings include Book Stars – PreK Literacy program, AT&T High School Playwriting Competition, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, Arts Integration – Dramatic Learning.
Favorite Sports Education
Apex CenterThis rec center literally has it all: indoor pools and waterpark, climbing walls, ice skating, party rooms, sports courts, fitness and more! Resident and non-resident rates and memberships available.
