Hands-on science
In Denver, you can inspire future paleontologists with dinosaur fossils out in their natural mountain habitats or learn the secrets of stargazing. The magic of science is everywhere here, and it’s made extraordinary for children.
This highly interactive museum is a whole cosmos of discovery. With a specialist discovery center aimed at young children, it’s fully hands-on, providing education and experimentation as well as planetarium shows, epic IMAX screenings, and awesome animal skeletons.
2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver CO 80205.
Dinosaur Ridge
Bring the ancient past roaring to life with a trip out to Dinosaur Ridge, near Golden. Kids will love trekking the trails and sandy beaches, taking part in fossil hunts and looking out for the footprints left by dinosaurs including Triceratops and Stegosaurus. There are also special shuttle bus tours, so your whole clan can clamber aboard for a trip back in time.
16831 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison CO 80465.
Creature features
From the African savannah to the depths of the ocean, creatures from every corner of the globe coexist happily in Denver. Whether it’s creepy crawlies or big cats which your family goes crazy for, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for close contact with animals great and small. Denver Zoo
Taking up almost 80 acres of Denver’s City Park, the zoo is home to thousands of animals. All the crowd-pleasers are present and correct, with lions, giraffes, and gorillas among them, but Denver Zoo also has plenty of less common creatures, including clouded leopards and achingly cute red pandas.
2300 Steele Street, Denver CO 80205.
Theme parks
With water parks and amusement parks in and around Denver, the city offers a great choice for family days out. High-octane thrills and spills have been part of Denver’s culture since 1890, when the first theme park opened here, so you’re in for a fun ride.
Located right in central Denver, Elitch Gardens offers an adrenaline rush just steps away from the shops and restaurants of the city. Since it’s a theme and water park combination, you get the best of both worlds. Thrill seekers will love the Half Pipe and Brain Drain roller coasters, while little ones have their own set of rides.
2000 Elitch Circle, Denver CO 80204.
Family dining
From traditional grills and burger joints to international fusion cuisine, Denver has plenty of culinary highlights. But it’s not just food that the city’s restaurants serve up: when it comes to family dining, there’s entertainment to keep the kids happy for hours too.
Less a restaurant and more an indoor theme park serving food, Casa Bonita could never be accused of subtlety. This towering, pink empire of Mexicana has its very own waterfall and is a wonderland for kids, with regular cliff diving, pirate fights, and puppet shows throughout the day. The food is robust Tex-Mex fare, with a special kids’ menu.
6715 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood CO 80214.
The Buckhorn Exchange
Denver’s oldest restaurant is a treat for the whole family. Crammed with vintage décor and relics of the Wild West, it’s got a true pioneer atmosphere. Kids will love the burgers and ribs on their menu, while adults can indulge adventurous tastes, sampling alligator and elk.
1000 Osage Street, Denver CO 80204.
