See the sights and learn a lot as you experience Denver, Colorado with children. A fantastic spot for a family vacation, Denver offers myriad opportunities for education as well as breathtaking views and a unique slice of Colorado life. This day includes educational pursuits and visual wonders to entertain children young and old.
Please note that this is not an itinerary submitted by an actual family. This day was planned by one of our travel experts as a recommendation for a family of children with ages 4 through late teens, based on knowledge of the city. Factors such as time, cost and distance have been considered to make this a great day to get a sense of the city and keep the children and teens interested and engaged.
Address: 700 Water Street Denver, CO 80211
Phone: 303-561-4450
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 9:30 pm
Website: http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/
Admission: Adults – $18, Children – $12
Dive into the underwater world at Downtown Aquarium. The aquarium’s major theme is the relationship between inland freshwater ecosystems and the ocean. Explore the path to the ocean taken by the Colorado River in North America and the Kampar River in Indonesia. View endangered fish, river otters and several other animals at the Colorado River Journey. The Indonesian River Journey features a variety of fish and endangered Sumatran tigers. Discover how the rivers empty into different oceans. Children will enjoy petting horseshoe crabs and stingrays in the touch tank. The whole family will enjoy watching majestic mermaids swim to music in the Mystic Mermaid Show. This aquarium is especially unique because it has a full-service restaurant and upscale bar. Guests are seated around the 50,000 gallon centerpiece aquarium, allowing exceptional floor-to-ceiling views from every table. Watch thousands of colorful tropical fish swim around as you enjoy your delicious meal.
Address: 1007 York Street Denver, CO 80206
Phone: 720-865-3500
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Website: http://www.botanicgardens.org/
Admission: Adults – $15, Children – $9
Denver Botanic Gardens feature a wide range of gardens and collections with plants from around the world. The Dryland Mesa, including cacti, yuccas, and other xeric plants, receives no supplemental watering except during extreme drought. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the O’Fallon Perennial Walk, a traditional version of a European perennial border lush with flowers planted closely together to create a vibrant arrangement of colors, heights and shapes. The Rock Alpine Garden is home to over 2,300 species of plants and is a great example of the art of rock gardening. Relax in the peaceful Japanese Garden and Bonsai Pavillion or get a tropical feel at the Greenhouse Complex, showcasing diverse tropical and aquatic collections.
Address: 1326 Tremont Place Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 303-892-1436
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sunday – Closed
Website: http://www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org/
Admission: Adults – $6, Children – $4
The Denver Firefighters Museum is located in a historic firehouse, Historic Station No. 1, built in 1909. Follow firefighters’ boot prints through history and the story of fire. Learn how fire has been communicated about through time, view a display of protective tools and equipment, explore fire engines, learn methods used to extinguish fire and discuss safety tasks that firefighters perform. The second floor features firefighter training, Denver’s historic fires and living quarters at Station No. 1. Young visitors will enjoy the interactive Children’s Gallery, where they learn about fire prevention through technology, an exciting puppet show, reading center, video center and a hop scotch that teaches matches and lighter safety. This unique museum is one you won’t want to miss during your trip to Denver.