Kids in the City: Denver

This kid-centric tour of Denver was first published on Expedia in 2012 as part of the “Kids in the City” summer travel campaign highlighting family-friendly urban destinations throughout the United States.

My hometown of Denver is nicknamed the Mile-High City because it sits at 5,280 feet in elevation. At that altitude, we enjoy a glorious mild climate and lots of clear, sunny days all year long. But summer is an especially lovely time to visit Denver with kids because of the plethora of things to do outdoors, as well as some wonderful museums, kid-friendly hotels and tasty restaurants that will please the whole family.

Here are just a few of my “don’t-miss” highlights for visiting families, as well as some suggestions on where to stay and where to eat when you’re in town.

What to do with kids in Denver

Denver Zoo: In City Park, just a few minutes from downtown Denver, the Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 650 different species, including more than 180 endangered animals. From penguins and polar bears to tarantulas and turtles—you name the animal, and you likely can find it here. Preschoolers especially enjoy the $2 carousel and $2 train ride around the zoo.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science: This is, hands down, my kids’ favorite Denver museum, also located in City Park. At ages 12 and 10, they can understand—and appreciate—the detailed exhibits that range from Egyptian Mummies to Prehistoric Journey to Space Odyssey. Our favorite permanent exhibit is Expedition Health, where kids can learn about their own bodies with all sorts of awesome interactive stations. Also on site is a planetarium that offers informative and entertaining shows, and an IMAX Theatre.

Viewfinder Tip: IMAX and Planetarium shows at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are ticketed separately. Keep that in mind when planning your budget for visiting the museum.

Elitch Gardens: Smack-dab in the middle of downtown Denver, Eltich Gardens is an amusement park for all ages. Thrill rides at Elitch’s (as it’s called by locals) include the Mind Eraser roller coaster and the Tower of Doom. Teens love them both. Family-friendly attractions include the 83-year-old carousel, the Tea Cups and KiddieLand, with rides for kids that measure fewer than 54 inches tall. Access to the on-site water park, with slides, rides, sprays, and a lazy river, is included with your admission.

Children’s Museum of Denver: Ideal for kids ages 2-8, the Children’s Museum is conveniently located in downtown Denver. It offers interactive “playscapes” for various age groups. In the “Center for the Young Child,” babies, toddlers and preschoolers have a safe place to explore, climb, and make-believe at a pretend fishing pond. Bigger kids can explore a real fire truck, sell goods at a market, make train tracks, shoot baskets, and put on a puppet show.

United States Mint: Kids can see how coins are made and learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating each one on a free tour of Denver’s downtown outpost of the United States Mint. This is only one of two mint locations nationwide where tours are offered. And the tours are great. The tours are about 45 minutes long—most appropriate for ages 7 and up—and available weekdays from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

Interactive museum display

History Colorado Center: This museum has loads of hands-on experiences for children. When you move a “time machine” over a giant floor map of Colorado, video screens come to life with interesting facts about that particular area of the state. Plus, you can “meet” some of the people who settled on the prairie in the early 1900s, as well as other key players who make up Colorado’s fascinating stories, from the Ute Indians to silver miners to ski jumpers.

City Parks & Recreation trails: Denver is home to more than 200 city parks, which provide a great respite for kids to run off some steam outside. Denver also encourages plenty of biking, strolling, and jogging, with more than 850 miles of recreation paths in and around the city. We like the relatively flat paths that radiate from Confluence Park downtown. Conveniently, the trailheads are located right in front of a giant REI store.

Where to stay with kids in Denver

JW Marriott Cherry Creek: Kids are welcomed at this Denver hotel with open arms—or more specifically, a fun neighborhood scavenger hunt. Child-sized robes to borrow and a full library of complimentary family-friendly DVDs and books are also on hand. Second Home Kitchen + Bar has a particularly great weekend “Pajama Brunch” menu (not to mention an upbeat adults’ lounge scene and cozy outdoor fire pit in the evenings). The expansive Cherry Creek Shopping Center is right next door.

Complimentary coffee at the Four Seasons Denver

Four Seasons Denver: For a splurge, consider this upscale property kitty-corner from downtown’s Denver Center for the Performing Arts; it’s a particularly convenient place to stay if you’ve got tickets to a family-friendly musical here. At check-in, young children receive a special age-appropriate welcome amenity, and the kitchen typically sends a special chocolate treat up to the room. If you’re traveling with an infant, you’ll receive complimentary baby bath products, and staff is happy to help baby-proof your room. A heated pool and Jacuzzi on the third-floor terrace are open year-round.