Top Family-Friendly Activities in Denver
An urban center next to the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a city that has a ton to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts, beer-lovers, theater-goers and families can all find ways to have fun and enjoy what this city has to offer. Whether you’re planning your very first visit to the Mile High City or you’re a local looking for some fun ways to spend the day with your family, here are some activities your whole family is sure to enjoy:
Make a splash at Water World. If the sun’s out and the weather’s warm, consider a visit to Water World. This water park is acclaimed as one of the best in the nation, and it’s easy to see why! It’s packed with lots of slides and attractions, including a lazy river and a wave pool. Bring a picnic lunch to keep costs low, or enjoy some of the concessions the park has to offer. Either way, you’ll want to slather on the sunscreen – the sun shines a little brighter and burns a little faster at 5,280 feet!
Visit the Butterfly Pavilion. For an indoor activity you won’t find anywhere else, visit the Butterfly Pavilion, located just fifteen minutes outside of Denver in Westminster, CO. As you’d guess from the name, this lush tropical conservatory is home to more than 1,600 butterflies, but that’s not all you’ll find here! The Butterfly Pavilion is also home to a host of bugs, bees, insects and spiders, including the Pavilion’s most well-known inhabitant – Rosie, the tarantula. You’ll be glad you spent a couple of hours exploring this unique attraction.
Explore the Denver Zoo. Home to over 400 species of animals, the Denver Zoo is a perfect way to spend a sunny day in the city. Check the zoo’s schedule before you arrive to plan your day – there are lots of rotating keeper talks, animal feedings and exciting shows scheduled throughout the day to experience. If you’d prefer to leave your agenda open, you’re guaranteed to have a great time strolling through the zoo and checking out the various exhibits.
(This photo of Denver Zoo is courtesy of TripAdvisor)
Check out Dinosaur Ridge. Dinosaur Ridge is located just outside Denver in Morrison, CO and is a great place to spend a day with your family – especially if your little ones are big fans of dinosaurs! This location is the site of some important dinosaur-related discoveries, including the first stegosaurus bones ever found. Follow Dinosaur Ridge Trail to see footprints left behind by giant creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago or get a glimpse of what ancient habitats may have looked like. While you’re there, you can even touch actual dinosaur bones!
Grab lunch or dinner at Casa Bonita. There’s no place in the world like Casa Bonita. You’ll need to purchase a meal – but you don’t go for the food. With cliff divers leaping from above, arcade games to play, and roaming mariachi bands to add a little extra ambiance to this over-the-top spot, Casa Bonita is more experience than restaurant. Kids will have a blast exploring Black Bart’s Cave and devouring delicious sopapillas once they finish their meals.
Rain or shine, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Denver to keep the family entertained. Know of any great family-friendly spots to visit in Denver that aren’t on this list? Leave a comment and let me know!
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