Taking Kids to Denver? I Tested 15 Activities With My 5-Year-Old

Denver with kids is weird. It’s not Disney World, but it’s not boring either.

After researching what families actually do here (and what makes kids AND parents happy), here’s what really works with 5-year-olds.

Spoiler: Some of the “must-do” kid activities are actually terrible.

The Absolute Winners

1. Children’s Museum of Denver

Why it works: It’s basically an indoor playground disguised as education

Best parts: Fire truck, grocery store, bubble room

Time needed: 3 hours minimum

This place gets kids perfectly. The pretend grocery store? Kids spend an HOUR there. Shopping, checking out, restocking. It’s bizarre how much they love it.

The art studio is genius – kids can get messy and you don’t have to clean up.

Go early or late. 11am-2pm is chaos.

2. Denver Zoo

Why it works: Animals, obviously, but also tons of space to run

Best parts: Elephant Passage, carousel, train ride

Time needed: 4+ hours

The elephant area is incredible. Multiple viewing areas, a whole village setup. Kids can watch them for ages.

The train is $3 extra but worth it for tired legs. Carousel too.

Pack lunch. Zoo food is expensive and mediocre.

3. Confluence Park

Why it works: Free water play and room to be wild

Best parts: River access, paths, REI nearby

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Summer days, this place is perfect. Kids can wade in shallow parts (watch them though). Throw rocks, run around, have meltdowns in nature.

REI is right there – their store is entertainment itself. Kids love the climbing wall even just watching.

The Surprisingly Good

4. Washington Park

Why it works: Huge playground + lake + ducks

Best parts: Two different playgrounds, pedal boats

This park has two separate playgrounds. When kids get bored of one, walk to the other. Genius.

Pedal boats are like $20/hour. Kids think they’re steering. They’re not, but let them believe.

5. Meow Wolf Denver

Why it works: Everything is touchable and weird

Best parts: Hidden passages, interactive everything

Warning: Can be overwhelming for sensitive kids

This place is trippy. Kids don’t understand the “story” but they don’t care. Secret doors, lights that respond to touch, rooms that make noise.

It’s expensive but kids under 3 are free. 5-year-olds are at the perfect age for this.

6. Downtown Aquarium

Why it works: Fish + touch tanks + unexpected tigers(?)

Best parts: Stingray touch tank, underwater tunnel

It’s not just fish. There are tigers for some reason. Kids don’t question it.

The touch tank where they can pet stingrays is the highlight. Prepare for wet sleeves.

Skip the restaurant unless you like overpriced mediocre seafood.

The Overrated (But Kids Still Like Them)

7. Casa Bonita

The reality: It’s exactly as chaotic as everyone says

But: Kids LOVE the cliff divers

Yes, it reopened. Yes, the food is still mediocre. Yes, it’s insanely overstimulating.

But watching a 5-year-old’s face during the cliff diving show? Worth it. Once.

8. Elitch Gardens

The reality: It’s a parking lot amusement park

But: Kids don’t care about ambiance

Adults see a run-down theme park. Kids see ROLLER COASTERS and COTTON CANDY.

If you’re from somewhere with good theme parks, lower your expectations. Kids won’t notice.

The Perfect for Specific Situations

9. Union Station

When it works: Need to kill an hour downtown

What to do: Trains, fountains, ice cream

Union Station with kids is surprisingly great. Watch trains, play in fountains outside, get ice cream at Milkbox.

The model train during Christmas is legendary.

10. Red Rocks

When it works: Active kids who need to burn energy

What to do: Climb stairs, easy trails, visitor center

Let them run the amphitheater stairs. They think it’s fun. You get tired kids. Everyone wins.

The visitor center has cool music stuff and a small museum.

11. Museum of Nature & Science

When it works: Rainy days or heat waves

Best parts: Dinosaurs, space odyssey, gems

Overwhelming but amazing. The dinosaur section alone can occupy kids for hours.

Discovery Zone is specifically for young kids. It’s usually less crowded.

The Free Options That Actually Work

12. City Park

What’s there: Huge playground, lakes, fields

Bonus: Free summer jazz concerts

The playground is massive. When kids get bored, walk to the lake to see ducks. When that’s boring, there’s another playground.

13. Denver Public Library Central Branch

What’s there: Huge kids section with toys and reading nooks

Bonus: Free programs daily

The children’s area is incredible. Play areas, reading caves, puppet shows. And it’s FREE.

14. Sloan’s Lake

What’s there: 2.6 mile path, playgrounds, beaches

Multiple playgrounds around the lake. When one gets boring, walk to the next.

15. Denver Botanic Gardens

Why it works: Kids can run on paths, water features everywhere

Best part: Children’s garden with stuff to climb

Not free but kids under 3 are free, and there are free days monthly.

The children’s garden has bridges, caves, water features. Regular gardens are pretty but kids won’t care.

Age-Specific Reality Check

2-3 years: Children’s Museum, parks, library

4-6 years: Everything above works

7-10 years: Meow Wolf, Elitch Gardens, harder Red Rocks hikes

11+: They’ll complain about everything anyway

The Survival Guide

Altitude: Kids get cranky faster. Extra water, extra snacks.

Weather: Changes fast. Always bring layers.

Timing: Everything is crowded 11am-2pm on weekends.

Backup plans: Always have one. Kids don’t care about your reservations.

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What Denver activity was a surprise hit with your kids? Always looking for new spots that won’t end in tears.

Next: My Exact 3-Day Denver Itinerary That My Out-of-Town Friends Love