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Family trip booked this summer for Colorado? Locals looking for family-friendly activities during the warmer months? Get your planner out because there are many things to do in Denver with kids of all ages! Here's a curated list of our top recommendations, attractions, and experiences to enjoy with your children!
Top 6 Things to Do in Denver with Kids This Summer
Are you looking for something to do in Denver with the family today? Or perhaps you're planning things to do in Denver with kids when you arrive at the Mile High City this summer? Here are our top six attractions for family fun:
Photo Credit: @denverzoo
- Denver Zoo: The Denver Zoo boasts over 3,000 animals, along with engaging summer exhibits, including the Flamingo Enhancement Walks and the OceanX Education Portal. From June through the beginning of August, the zoo extends its hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 8:00 PM, offering discounted admission, animal demonstrations, live music, and scavenger hunts.
- Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus: This museum melds education and fun, offering hands-on activities that focus on STEM, health, and the arts. There are exhibits for children from infancy through age eight.
- Downtown Aquarium: The Denver Downtown Aquarium may not be as large as others in the U.S., but it still offers up a lot of adventure. Children can partake in the Stingray Reef touch tank and sign up to snorkel with the fish and rays. The Aquarium restaurant offers up views of the central aquarium while dining.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science: At the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, families can enjoy fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and biology. There's also an IMAX theater and planetarium on site for more educational fun. Some temporary exhibits for the Summer 2025 season include "Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep" and "Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia" (closing August 24, 2025).
- Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park: From April through October, enjoy thrilling rides and water attractions, suitable for all ages. Theme park admission includes free water park admission from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition to your standard theme park attractions, there are many other special events, including "Dive-In Movies" at 6:30 PM. On select Fridays, watch a movie, such as Despicable Me 4, from the Wave Pool.
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum: Your kids can learn about aerospace history and see historic aircraft. Our favorite is the 1929 Eaglerock, one of the best-selling airplanes in the United States before the Great Depression.
Photo Credit: @wingsmuseum
Consider a Denver CityPASS
If you plan to explore 3, 4, or 5 of the top attractions in Denver, the Denver CityPASS is worth checking into. Great for families and adults, the Denver CityPASS provides you with discounted access during regular hours for:
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- Downtown Aquarium
- History Colorado Center
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Botanic Garden
- Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
- Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
- Denver Art Museum
Many of these attractions are located close to each other in Downtown Denver. While not included with the CityPASS, adults can also enjoy the local art galleries and history museum, History Colorado Center.
For more information on purchasing the Denver CityPASS, click here.
Photo Credit: @denverbotanic
Must-See Outdoor Attractions in Denver
Since it's the summertime, some top things to do in Denver with kids are outdoors! Take advantage of the warmth and sun by planning a stop at:
- Denver Botanic Gardens: You can stroll through the beautifully curated gardens, which include a children's garden designed for interactive exploration. This is also a great indoor/outdoor attraction, allowing you time inside to take a break from the summer weather.
- City Park: City Park, next door to the Denver Zoo and Museum of Nature & Science, is home to open spaces, playgrounds, and paddle boat rentals.
- Sloan's Lake Park: Another park to add to your list is Sloan's Lake Park. You can walk or bike around the lake, enjoy mountain views, or play ball in their open fields.
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge: If your children are animal lovers, this one is for them. Take a drive through this former military site turned wildlife sanctuary. You may spot bison, deer, and prairie dogs. You can also take a break from the car ride by walking the free nature trails.
Free Things to Do in Denver, Colorado, with Kids
There's never a shortage of free things to do in Denver with kids, especially during the summer months. These no-cost activities will keep your kiddos entertained without breaking the bank or your vacation budget:
- Colorado State Capitol: From Monday through Friday, you can take a free guided tour throughout the Capitol and climb the steps of the "Mile High" marker. If you're traveling with older children, this is a must.
- City Park Jazz: On Sundays throughout the summer, City Park hosts live jazz concerts from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Bring a blanket, picnic food, and enjoy live music with the entire family.
- Union Station Splash Pad: Kids can beat the heat with the interactive fountains, located outside Union Station.
- Hammond's Candy Factory Tour: Take a free tour at Hammond's. Children will learn how lollipops and candy canes are made, and they'll receive a treat at the end.
Photo Credit: Hammond's
Tips for Making the Most of Your Denver Visit
To ensure that your family has an unforgettable experience in Denver, make sure you plan ahead! Start by checking the weather and packing proper clothing.
Next, create your itinerary, including all the things to do in Denver with kids. Once you've planned out your main activities, determine where you're going to dine - and check if they're kid-friendly/ You may also want to consider getting a city pass for major attractions.
You also want to determine how you're going to explore Denver, CO. Are you going to be walking a lot? Renting bikes? Or will you be spending most of the time in a car? This will impact the clothing and footwear you pack for yourself and your little ones.
While these may seem like small steps, they can significantly enhance your trip, making it more enjoyable and efficient.
Start Your Denver Family Adventure Today
Denver's diverse offerings promise an adventure for everyone in your family. With many things to do in Denver with kids, there's something for everyone! The city surely won't disappoint.
Before you pack your bags to embark on your Denver, CO, vacation, you may want to declutter your home. Coming back to a fresh, clean, and organized space is a breath of fresh air after the busyness and chaos of a trip. So, consider renting storage in Colorado before you do! For locals making a weekend trip out of Denver, Storage Star has five convenient storage facilities near you:
