Exterior view of Union Station in Denver, showcasing its iconic architecture and signage.

Top Denver Attractions For Kids

Here are the most popular Denver attractions for kids! Enjoy these top-of-the-world spots while visiting the Mile-High City in Colorado. From thrilling rollercoasters to discovering dinosaur fossils, parents who love to travel are recommending the best things to do while visiting Denver with kids.

Be sure to upvote the ones you love, and add anything new to the list!


 
    butterflies.org

    Butterfly Pavilion

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    Gina I. said:  Butterfly Pavilion is home to over 1,600 free-flying butterflies, and so much more! Check out a handful of indoor exhibits displaying tarantulas, sea star adaptations, beetles, bees, spiders, and other invertebrates. They also have an outdoor nature trail and play area for kids to explore.

    Click through to the site to see when Butterfly museum free days are, too!

    Westminster, CO
    dinoridge.org

    Dinosaur Ridge

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    Gina I. said:  This National Natural Landmark is considered the top dinosaur tracksite in America. One of the most kid friendly things to do in Denver, children can explore tracks and fossils on the famous Dinosaur Ridge Trail (a self-guided walking tour is free). There's a visitor's center with a Triceratops skull, T-rex teeth, and hands-on experiences like a simulated dinosaur dig!

    Morrison, CO
    coloradorailroadmuseum.org

    Colorado Railroad Museum

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    Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Step back in time to experience an 1880s railroad depot with modern exhibit features such as videos and interactive hands-on activities for the kids. Learn about the history of the railroads serving Colorado for over 125 years and see over 100 real locomotives, cabooses, passenger cars and more. Your family can also enjoy a 15-20 minute train ride around the 15 acre Rail Yard (for an additional fee). Check their site for special events including a Day out with Thomas, Polar Express Train Rides and more!

    Golden, CO
    Photo by: Kristy Pepping

    Boulder, CO

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    Kristy Pepping said:  If you want to get out of Denver for the day, I highly recommend Boulder. You will see some mountains along the way and it's home to the University of Denver. The downtown area offers a lot of shopping, awesome breweries and restaurants, kid-friendly art and even a splash pad if you arrive during summer. We actually went to Spruce Pool which is a nice public pool near town.

    Boulder, CO
    Photo by: Kristy Pepping

    Estes Park Aerial Tramway

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    Kristy Pepping said:  When we went to Denver, we wanted to take the kids up into the mountains, so we settled on staying in Estes Park which is about one and a half hour from Denver. This town sits at the base of the mountains and is very scenic with a special walking path that parallels a river that runs behind the main street. Be sure to check out its aerial tram that runs seasonally that's a fun option for families!

    Estes Park, CO
    nps.gov

    Rocky Mountain National Park

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    Shila said:  Rocky Mountain National Park is located about an hour and a half outside Denver. Known as one of the best national parks for families, the entire landscape is a magnificent experience to drive through, as well as hike, bike, camp, and climb. In fact, there are over 300 miles of trails to explore, the most famous being Trail Ridge Road which peaks at over 12,000 feet. Families should check-in at the visitor center to map out the most kid-friendly options for them. Trails range from flat and mild to expert. Discover waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife!

    As you circle through the park by car, Grand Lake, CO, at the western entrance, is home to a few sandy lake beaches too.

    Estes Park, CO

Primary photo:   Eric Donzella on Unsplash

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