There are a lot of family-friendly things to do in Denver, whether you want to stay indoors or get outdoors. The Children's Museum of Denver is an excellent option if you'd rather stay indoors. It features a variety of interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids of all ages. The Denver Art Museum is another superb option for art lovers of all ages, featuring a variety of exhibitions, from ancient to modern art.
If you're looking for something outdoorsy to do, the Denver Zoo is a great option. It's home to more than 4,000 animals from around the world. The Cherry Creek Trail is another exceptional option. This paved trail stretches for more than 30 miles, making it perfect for a long walk, run, or bike ride.
Overall, Denver is a great city for families, with plenty of activities to enjoy together. Read on for a list of our absolute favorites.
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a world-renowned museum that offers something for everyone. The museum has exhibits you can explore about dinosaurs, space, nature, and more, including the Wildlife Exhibit, the Fossil Gallery, and the Space Gallery. There are also interactive exhibits and activities for kids.
The museum is open every day of the week except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is free for kids ages three and under, and discounts are available for seniors, students, and military members. You can buy tickets online or at the door.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Photo Courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens are a great place to spend a day with the family. There are several gardens to explore, each with its own unique theme. The gardens are home to many different types of plants and flowers. They also offer educational programs for kids and adults alike.
The 16th Street Mall
A mile-long pedestrian mall in Denver, the
16th Street Mall features over 300 shops and restaurants. The mall was opened in 1982 and has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike ever since. Several transportation options are available throughout the 16th Street Mall, including buses, light rails, and free shuttles. The mall is home to a variety of unique stores and restaurants, including the world's largest candy store and the first Chipotle restaurant. The 16th Street Mall is open 365 days a year and is free to visit.
Larimer Square
Photo Courtesy of CU Denver News
Larimer Square is a historic district in Denver home to some of the city's best restaurants, bars, and shops. The square was initially built in 1858 and has been restored and redeveloped over the years. Today, it's a popular tourist destination and a great place to spend an afternoon or evening out with friends. There are plenty of things to do in Larimer Square, from shopping and dining to catching a show at the theater or watching a game at one of the sports bars. The square is also home to several annual events, including the Denver St Patrick's Day parade and the Taste of Colorado festival.
Denver’s St Patrick's Day Parade
Denver's St. Patrick's Day Parade is a longstanding tradition that draws thousands of people to the city's downtown area every year. The parade route winds through the city's streets, and it features floats, marching bands, and more.
The Taste of Colorado
This is an
annual food festival that takes place in Denver, Colorado. The festival features food from over 50 restaurants, as well as music and entertainment. The festival is free to attend, and it typically attracts over 500,000 people each year.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Photo Courtesy of Denver Westword
This festival is a three-day event that features visual arts, performing arts, and culinary arts from around the world. There's something for everyone at the
Cherry Creek Arts Festival, so be sure to check it out when you're in Denver! Admission is free for all attendees, so there's no excuse to!
Cheesman Park
Photo Courtesy of Flickr
The park features a large lake where visitors can go fishing or rent a paddleboat, as well as a playground, walking trails, and picnic areas. In the wintertime, the park turns into a popular sledding destination, and in the summer, it's a great place to relax and take in the fresh air. Cheesman Park is worth a visit if you're ever in Denver!
The Children's Museum of Denver
The Children's Museum of Denver is plenty of fun, offering exciting activities for your kids to enjoy. It looks like an actual museum, but it has games and toys. You can pretend to be a doctor and make bandages or a chef and make pretend soup in the kitchen area. There is also a dress-up area where you can try on different outfits, like a princess gown or a firefighter's suit.
The museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, and it's located in the heart of downtown Denver. Admission is just $10 for adults and children, and it's a great place to take your kids on a rainy day or during summer vacation.
The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a stunning natural feature of Denver. A trip to the Rocky Mountains should undoubtedly be on everyone's bucket list, as they make for an awe-inspiring experience. The mountains are so tall and majestic that they seem to almost touch the sky, and they offer unparalleled views of the surrounding areas. There are plenty of other things to do in the Rockies. You can go skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby ski resorts or go for a ride on a horse through the beautiful forests. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a splendid time in the Rocky Mountains.
Hiking
One of the best ways to experience the Rocky Mountains is by hiking one of the many trails that wind their way through them. There are trails for all levels of hikers, so no matter what your experience or fitness level is, you'll be able to find a route that's perfect for you. Hiking in the Rockies is an ideal way to take in the area's natural beauty, and it's also a great way to get some exercise.
Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Over 100 vendors at the market sell everything from produce to baked goods. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods like sandwiches and salads. The market is a great place to buy local produce and support Colorado’s farmers. It's also fun to explore, with live music and exciting displays.
Denver Zoo
Photo Courtesy of Denver Life Magazine
The Denver Zoo has many different animals from all over the world and features exhibits with insects, amphibians, and reptiles. There is also a children's zoo where kids can get up close and personal with smaller animals.
Dining
Many restaurants cover all types of cuisine in Denver. Whether you're in the mood for American, Mexican, Indian, or Vietnamese food, you'll be able to find a great restaurant in Denver to satisfy your cravings!
The Buckhorn Exchange
The Buckhorn Exchange is a historic restaurant in Denver that has been around for over 100 years. It's known for its delectable food, including steaks, buffalo dishes, and seafood. The restaurant also has a bar that serves cocktails and beer and a gift shop that sells souvenirs.
The Cherry Cricket
This restaurant is known for its burgers made from fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The Cherry Cricket also has a large selection of beers and cocktails available. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and can accommodate large groups.
The Denver Biscuit Company
Photo Courtesy of 10Best
The Denver Biscuit Company is a local restaurant that specializes in biscuits and gravy. They have an extensive menu with something for everyone. Their biscuits are made from scratch and are delicious. They offer a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, with some of their most popular dishes including the Bacon Flight, Chicken and Waffles, and the Biscuit Sandwich. They also have a great selection of drinks, including coffee, tea, beer, and wine.
Little Chengdu
Little Chengdu is a famous Asian eatery in Denver that offers a variety of delicious and authentic dishes from China, Japan, and Thailand. Some of their most popular entrees include:
- Szechuan Beef: This dish is made with marinated flank steak cooked with red peppers, onions, and black bean sauce.
- Beef Lo Mein: This dish is made with pan-fried noodles, stir-fried beef, and vegetables.
- Pad Thai: This dish is made with rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, egg, and peanuts.
- Tokyo Fried Rice: This dish is made with fried rice, chicken, eggs, and vegetables.
Mexican Restaurants
Denver is famous for its Mexican food, and some of the best in town can be found at these five restaurants: La Casa De Manuel, Los Carboncitos, El Tequila, Tacos Y Salsas, Pinche Taqueria, and Rosa Linda's Mexican Cafe. Each of these restaurants has a unique menu and atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner, one of these restaurants will satisfy your Mexican food cravings.
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