Family-Friendly Fun in Denver

Once the exciting mayhem of the holidays in Denver has subsided, the winter days start to feel endless. Ice and snow keep us indoors much of the time, and a pattern of work, eat, sleep emerges that might feel more than little like drudgery.

It can be especially difficult for those of us who enjoy nature as a primary source of recreation. As the nation’s most active state, Coloradans find every opportunity to get outside. Avid cyclists can still be seen on the roads, even when there is snow on the ground. And freezing temps are no excuse to skip a hike if the mood calls for it. 

Even with that Colorado “can-do” attitude, however, the winter months are stil much less amenable to outside fun, especially if you have kids. It’s one thing for an adult to brace the chill and head to the mountains at 3 am, but you can’t always do that with small children.

Luckily, Denver has plenty of options to keep the whole family entertained. As a bonus, the ones on this list are all indoors, so there is no need to plan for the weather or bundle everyone in seven layers of clothing. 

Children’s Museum at Morisco Campus

The whimsical facade of the Denver Children’s Museum looks as if it is constructed from building blocks. Image courtesy of westword.com.

What began as a tiny museum in a converted bus in 1973 is now a Denver icon. The current building opened its doors in 1984, and the Children’s Museum has been a family favorite ever since. 

There are dozens of fun activities at DCM for children and their parents. Everyone loves the Bubble Room, where you can encase yourself in a giant bubble and learn the science behind these amazing spheres. Future engineers can use real tools in the workshop and follow building patterns to bring derby cars, houses, and other designs to life.

One of the best spots is the art studio, which is a full-sized classroom with painting supplies, easels, tables, sinks, and drying racks. Children are encouraged to free-paint on existing sculptures, and they can even use clay paint on the windows. At certain times of the day, a separate studio is dedicated to lessons; kids can learn all about using a specific art medium from the Artist in Residence.  

Denver Children’s Museum Hours: 

Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm

Cost of Admission: 

Ages 2-59, $15

Ages 60+, $13

Reservations required? 

Yes, go here to make your reservation. 

Masks required: 

Yes, as of the date of this posting, masks are required. Check the website for updates regarding COVID-19 protocols. 

Food Available? 

Yes, there is a cafeteria with pre-made snacks and drinks, or you can bring your own lunch.

Downtown Aquarium

The beautiful glass architecture of the Downtown Aquarium lights up at night. Image courtesy of aquariumrestaurants.com.

The Downtown Aquarium is within walking distance from the Children’s Museum. In fact, the two share the same parking lot. If you’re feeling bold, you might visit both in one day!

The aquarium has some beautiful and interactive exhibits with tropical fish, reptiles, and mollusks, all of which you might expect to see at an aquarium. What you might not expect to see among fish and sea turtles, however, are three Sumatran tigers smack in the middle of the museum.

The tigers were entrusted to the aquarium years ago as part of the American Zoo Association’s Species’ Survival Plan (SSP). Sumatran tigers are endangered, and zoos and aquariums participating in the SSP employ captive breeding programs for such species to help ensure their survival. It is a treat to see these beautiful creatures roaming the enclosure, occasionally going for a dip in the pool, or floating on one of their toys in the water. 

At the end of the museum is a delightful hands-on stingray exhibit. The curious and friendly rays swim up to you for pets or food, which you can purchase from staff on site.  

Downtown Aquarium Hours: 

Monday-Thursday from 10am to 9pm
Fridays from 10am to 10pm

Saturdays from 9am to 10pm

Sundays from 9am to 8pm

Cost of Admission: 

Ages 3-11, $17.99

Ages 12-64, $23.99

65+, $22.99

Reservations Required? 

No, but they are strongly recommended. You can reserve your tickets here. 

Masks required: 

Yes, as of the date of this posting, masks are required. Check the website for updates regarding COVID-19 protocols. 

Food Available? 

Yes, you can purchase snacks in the gift shop or there is a restaurant inside the museum (reservations recommended). 

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Discovery Zone at Denver Museum of Nature and Science features a Dinosaur Gulch where you can uncover dinosaur bones using your own brush. Image courtesy of dmns.org.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a massive and eclectic collection, making it suitable for kids of all ages. They have rotating specialty exhibits as well as permanent installations that range from prehistoric dinosaur bones to an interactive planetarium. 

Little ones will enjoy the Discovery Zone, where they can play with toys in the Water Way, build with magnets, and perform culinary experiments in the Science Kitchen . Older kids will be fascinated by the Egyptian Mummy exhibit and a massive collection of minerals and gems. 

Be sure to visit the Museum Gift Shop for unique, funny, and thoughtful souvenirs.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science Hours:

9am to 5pm, daily

Cost of General Admission:

Ages 3-18, $14.95

Ages 19-64, $19.95

Ages 65+ $16.95

Reservations Required?

No, but it is strongly recommended you purchase your timed-entry ticket ahead of time. You will need to purchase a separate ticket for special exhibitions.

Masks Required?

No, masks are not required but are strongly recommended. Check the website for updated information regarding COVID-19 protocols. 

Food Available?

Yes, there is a small grab-and-go area with pizza slices, pre-made salads, drinks, and snacks, or you can visit the T-Rex Cafe for a bigger selection. 

Convergence Station by Meow Wolf

One of the other-worldly rooms featured in four stories of interactive installation spaces in Convergence Station. Image courtesy of meowwolf.com.

Meow Wolf began as a small, inclusive arts space in Santa Fe in 2008. In September of last year, the company opened its third permanent installation in Denver,  “Convergence Station.”

Art exhibitions are not always an option for families, especially those with young children who have a strong urge to touch everything. This is what sets Meow Wolf apart-it’s exhibits are meant to be touched, explored, and interacted with. 

Over 300 artists, including some 110 from Colorado, created the rooms in Convergence Station. The self-described “portals” are filled with surreal imagery, textures, and sculptures that all connect in an underlying science-fiction narrative. You will feel transported to another dimension, walking through otherworldly spaces filled with strange-yet-familiar objects and scenes. It is a truly unique experience that will have you coming back again and again.

Meow Wolf Denver Hours:

Sunday-Thursday from 10am to 10pm

Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 12 am

General Admission Cost*:

Ages 5-13, $30

Ages 14-64, $35

Ages 65+, $30

*These are the general admissions prices for residents of Colorado. Visitors from out of state will have to pay an additional $10 per ticket.

Reservations Required? 

Yes. Reserve your Convergence Station tickets here. 

Masks Required?

Please refer to current county guidelines for mask requirements indoors. 

Food Available?

Yes. The HELLOFOOD Cafe & Bar serves grab-n-go options, hot plate entrees, snacks, and beverages. 

Have you been to any of our top family-friendly spots? Let us know about it in the comments!