Denver with Kids: The Perfect One-Day Union Station Itinerary (2025 Guide)

Planning a family day in Denver? Here’s exactly how to keep kids happy while exploring downtown – without exhausting yourself or breaking the bank.

After testing this route with families of all ages, we’ve perfected a one-day Denver itinerary that starts and ends at Union Station. No rental car needed, minimal walking, and yes – there are bathrooms everywhere you’ll need them.

Photo by Andrew Coop on Unsplash

Why Union Station is Your Best Home Base (Even If You’re Not Staying There)

Union Station isn’t just a train station – it’s Denver’s family command center. Free WiFi, clean bathrooms with changing tables, indoor and outdoor seating, plus a dozen food options when someone has a meltdown. Park once ($8-20/day in nearby lots) or arrive by light rail from the airport ($10.50).

Money-Saving Tip: Download the ParkWhiz app before arriving to reserve parking for $8-12 vs. $20+ drive-up rates.

Your Hour-by-Hour Denver Family Schedule

8:30 AM: Start Strong at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Why it works: Located inside Union Station, no walking required. Their pancake flight ($14) lets picky eaters try three flavors. Kids eat free on Tuesdays.

Parent hack: Order the kids’ meals first – they come out faster. Grab coffee from Pigtrain (20 feet away) while waiting for a table.

Budget: $45-60 for family of four

Best for ages: All ages (high chairs available)

9:30 AM: Downtown Aquarium Adventure (Skip the Pricey Extras)

Walking time: 12 minutes from Union Station via 16th Street (flat, stroller-friendly)

Here’s what’s actually worth your money at the Downtown Aquarium:

• Basic admission ($19.99 adults, $13.99 kids 3-11): Includes everything except the train and carousel
• Must-see: The shark tunnel (go at 10:30 AM for feeding time)
• Hidden gem: Free stingray petting at 11 AM and 2 PM
• Skip: The 4D theater unless you have kids under 6 who love bubbles

Money-saver: Buy tickets online for 10% off. AAA members save 15% at the door.

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

12:00 PM: Free Fun at Confluence Park (Where Tired Kids Revive)

Why go: It’s FREE, spacious, and has that Colorado outdoor magic parents are looking for.

What to bring:

• Towel (kids will want to wade)
• Sunscreen (Denver sun is intense, even in winter)
• Lunch from Whole Foods (next to Union Station) or Union Station Mercantile

Ages 2-6 love: Throwing rocks in the water and watching kayakers
Ages 7-12 love: The climbing rocks and spotting fish
Parents love: Shaded benches and the fact it’s impossible to lose sight of kids

1:30 PM: Quiet Time at Tattered Cover (Your Secret Weapon)

The genius move: This isn’t just a bookstore – it’s a 45-minute reset button for overstimulated kids.

• Kids can actually touch and read books (unlike museums)
• Free storytime Saturdays at 2 PM
• Coffee bar for desperate parents
• Bathroom location: Back left corner, no purchase required

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

2:30 PM: Children’s Museum of Denver (The Afternoon Game-Changer)

Getting there: 7-minute Uber/Lyft ($8-10) or catch the Route 28 bus (free with kids under 5)

Admission strategy:

• Regular admission: $19.95 (ages 2-59), Under 2 free
• After 4 PM: $14.95 (still gives you 2.5 hours)
• First Tuesday monthly: $1 admission (expect crowds)

Can’t-miss exhibits by age:

• Toddlers: Water play area (bring change of clothes)
• Ages 4-7: Real fire truck they can climb
• Ages 8+: Teaching kitchen with real cooking
• All ages: The three-story climbing structure

Insider tip: There’s a quiet room on the second floor if anyone needs a sensory break.

Photo by Mike Doherty on Unsplash

5:30 PM: Dinner at Union Station (Without the Meltdowns)

Best bets for families with tired kids:

• Terminal Bar: Counter service (no wait), mac and cheese ($8), outdoor seating by fountains
• Mercantile Dining: Quick-service marketplace, everyone can choose different foods
• Stoic & Genuine: If kids can handle a sit-down meal, best kids’ menu ($12-14)

Summer bonus: Let kids play in the splash fountains outside while you finish your drink. Bring towels!

7:00 PM: Choose Your Ending

If kids still have energy: Walk 5 minutes to Larimer Square for ice cream at Gelato Boy ($5 cups)
If everyone’s done: Free MallRide shuttle for a “train ride” back to your car
If staying downtown: Union Station’s Great Hall has live music Thursday-Saturday

Photo by Kait Duffey on Unsplash

The Real Parent Questions, Answered

Total Cost for Family of Four:

• Budget version: $150-180 (pack lunch, skip aquarium, free museum day)
• Standard version: $280-350 (all attractions, eat out twice)
• Splurge version: $400+ (add train rides, treats, souvenirs)

Is This Doable with a Stroller?

Yes. Every location is stroller-accessible. The Children’s Museum has free stroller parking. Confluence Park paths are paved.

What About Naps?

Best quiet spots: Tattered Cover has comfy chairs, Union Station’s upper level has quiet corners, or head back to your hotel after lunch and skip the Children’s Museum.

Weather Backup Plan:

Too hot: More time at indoor venues, skip Confluence Park
Raining: Everything except the park works perfectly
Snowing: Kids love the Union Station plaza in snow – bring mittens

When to Use This Itinerary

Perfect for: Families with kids 3-12, one-day Denver visits, staying downtown without a car, grandparents looking for manageable activities

Skip this if: You have only teenagers (they’ll want 16th Street Mall instead), kids under 2 (too much walking), or want nature/mountain activities

Local Parent Tips That Make Everything Easier

• Download RTD Mobile Tickets app for easy bus/train payment
• Wednesday-Sunday are less crowded at all venues
• Pack snacks – Denver altitude makes kids hungrier
• Every location has water fountains – bring refillable bottles
• Union Station bathrooms are cleanest at 8 AM and 6 PM
• The altitude is real – kids need more water and move slower the first day

Save This Checklist for Your Day:

☐ Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk about 2 miles total)
☐ Layers (Denver weather changes fast)
☐ Sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
☐ Water bottles
☐ Snacks for lines
☐ Phone charger (for photos and ride apps)
☐ Small towel (for water play)
☐ Cash for fountains and street performers ($5-10)

The Bottom Line

This Union Station family day delivers what Denver visitors actually want: a taste of the city that’s manageable with kids, won’t drain your vacation budget, and creates the kind of memories that make children ask “Can we come back?”

Best of all? When someone inevitably asks “What’s next?” – you’re already at Union Station with a dozen backup options. That’s not just good planning. That’s parenting genius.