Top Things to Do in Denver for Families

 

 

 

Denver City and County Building from Colorado State Capitol, Denver Civic Center, Denver, Colorado

Photo by Ken Lund via Flickr

 

With family-friendly hotels in Denver, the Mile High City never disappoints its visitors, especially those tagging with children. Denver offers families plenty to enjoy for a quick weekend trip or a longer stay with hotels like The Brown Palace Hotel.

 

Here are cool ideas that are perfect for the whole family.

 

 

 

 

Water and Theme Parks

 

Theme parks will always be a hit among children, even among teens. In Denver, visit Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park. With its 53 rides, including its famous twisted-steel Mind Eraser roller coaster, this is an all-day attraction in the city.

For those visiting during summer, Water World lets visitors beat the heat with its 64-acre property of waterslides and splash pools. An all-time favorite is Lakeside Amusement Park.

If you have more time to spare, travel 30 minutes outside Denver and enjoy exhilarating water sports. Denver offers outdoor activities for the whole family with Denver tours like whitewater rafting in different levels from beginners to advanced.

 

 

 

 

Museum Hopping

 

Boddhi and mike @ Denver children's museum

Photo by Stacey via Flickr

 

Denver is home to many interactive museums, which are perfect for parents to relax while the kids release their energy. The Children’s Museum of Denver suits those with children ages 3 to 8. Come during the first Tuesday of the month for free admission.

A landmark in the city is the Denver Firefighter Museum, which offers informative tours on fire safety. Kids will have the best time as they pretend to be firefighters and try on the uniforms.

For kids who love the outdoors, Dinosaur Ridge is the spot where dinosaur fossils were found. Kids will enjoy “discovering fossils” while learning more about different kinds of dinosaurs.

 

 

 

 

Animal Fun

 

Watch friendly creatures at the Denver Zoo, housed in the famous City Park. There are 4,300 animals in the zoo from elephants to lions. Kids (and parents) will love the close-encounter activities like feeding the giraffes.

Right in the center of Denver is Downtown Aquarium, where kids can enjoy sea creatures and groups can enjoy an upscale dining experience. The aquarium not only features marine animals, but also tigers and otters. The aquarium also holds performances like mermaid shows.

 

 

 

 

Red Rocks

 

Viewing South of Red Rocks

Photo by David Fulmer via Flickr

 

Red Rocks Amphitheater & Park is must-see for every visitor. Highly accessible from most Denver hotels, families will enjoy different concerts and performances in the city. Set in the midst of two iconic red rocks, it is a feast for the eyes.

When there are no concerts, tourists and locals hike and jog within the amphitheater. The surrounding park opens to more hiking and walking for visitors.

 

 

 

 

Walking Along the Promenade

 

With its downtown location, all Denver visitors can always spend time at the famous 16th Street Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade with iconic patterns of red, white, and gray granite stones.

Shop, dine, or simply enjoy people watching at the 16th Street Mall for at least a half-day. Nearby are more city attractions, thus a good starting point for first-time visitors when exploring Denver.

 

 

Along with its hotels and restaurants, Denver is one of America’s friendliest cities when it comes to family travel. Whether you have small children or teens, you will definitely find activities suited for your group.

 

 

This article is part of the #HipmunkCityLove Project. Check out my recommended hotel in Denver at Hipmunk!

 

 

 

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