Your Guide to Visiting or Rediscovering Denver with Kids

Whether you’re visiting Denver with kids or live in town, Denver is one of the best and safest cities to visit (and live). It also has a great number of fun, child- and family-friendly destinations, attractions and activities. Whether it’s museum time, a day at the park or the zoo, or a sports game perhaps, there’s something for the whole family! Check out some of these Denver gems when planning your next trip or looking to fall in love again with the city as a local.

City Park

City Park is Denver’s premier regional park, and is chock-full of attractions. Chances are you’ve already heard of the Denver Zoo at the eastern edge of City Park. It’s one of the most renowned zoos in the country, and with its plethora of exotic animals is Denver’s most popular cultural attraction. Go for a ride on the Conservation Carousel or the Zoo Railroad while you’re there!

The park itself also features a number of lakes that you can go swimming and paddling in, or take the family out for a picnic. They also host free jazz concerts in the summer!

If perhaps you’re looking to spend the day inside instead, City Park also hosts the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The museum is stacked with dinosaur bones from local sites. The Discovery Zone features archaeological sandpits and hands-on activities for kids (and those who are still child-like). There is also an IMAX theatre and a planetarium. Check out some of the museum’s temporary exhibitions and programming, like “Explore Stonehenge’s Story—One pf Change and Continuity” exhibit or the elf scavenger hunt.

Along The River

The South Platte River winds right through the heart of downtown Denver and is spotted with all sorts of family attractions. One can see marine life at the Downtown Aquarium, for example, on the river’s west bank. The aquarium features not only marine life, but also bird, reptile and tiger habitats. Pan for gold, become a marine biologist for the day, view a mermaid show, or ride the Aquarium Express or Aquatic Carousel.

A little downstream is the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, with hands-on exhibits for children. (Reservations are required.) Afterwards, take the kids on one of over 50 rides at the Elitch Gardens Water Park, just across the river. Slippery slides, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a tide pool are just a handful of the attractions!

For a more subdued day, check out Confluence Park. Just a bit upriver from Elitch Gardens, Confluence Park is one of the more popular parks in the city. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities like kayak chutes and biking and walking trails, or just dip their feet in the shallows a bit. A few blocks away—just on the other side of the Millennium Bridge—is the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art as well, which is free for children under 18!

Denver Pro Sports Teams

If you’re a sports fan, Denver is the city for you. Denver is one of the fortunate 13 cities to have teams in all four major sports: the Colorado Rockies (Major League Baseball), whose season runs April to September; the Denver Broncos (National Football League), who play from September to January; the Denver Nuggets (National Basketball Association), whose season stretches from October to June; and the Denver Avalanche (National Hockey League), who go from September to April. There’s nothing like taking your kid to their first game, or making a yearly or even a monthly tradition of attending games. You can also visit the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame for free for a look at sports history.

Make the Most of Exploring or Visiting Denver with Your Kids

Denver has so many family-friendly activities, so take your time to see them all! Make exploring the city—be it on the weekends if you’re locals, or a regular holiday stop if you’re from out of town—your new family ritual.

Vacations and staycations are an opportunity to unplug, have fun, and spend quality time with loved ones. Not only is Denver one of the safest cities in the U.S. to live and visit—it’s also a fun destination with activities and attractions for every member of the family. To get the most out of your trip, create a game plan with an itinerary. And pace yourself so that you won’t need a vacation from your vacation!

Taking a Vacation from Your Vacation

Everyone loves an exciting family vacation, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Take yourselves out on the town for an adult night before you go, or after an exhausting-but-exhilarating time on vacation. Or if a work emergency arises while you’re on your Denver excursion, what should you do with the kids while you put out the fires? If you need a little alone time (even if just for a few hours) consider hiring a sitter.

A reputable babysitter service provider such as Call Emmy can find you a sitter anytime, anywhere. Their sitters are all over the United States, so there’s sure to be someone to help you out no matter where you go. All their nannies/sitters are rigorously vetted, and Call Emmy matches your needs—your exact specifications—to one of their experienced, expert sitters.

Call Emmy can help you find the perfect nanny/sitter on your vacation (and after you return home). Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your children are in capable, trustworthy hands and take some guilt-free time for yourself or for you and your partner. Who knows? Your children might need a break, too.Find a trusted babysitter in Denver – or almost anywhere – on demand. Download the Call Emmy app today!