Where is Confluence Park? Confluence Park is at 15th Street and Platte Street in downtown Denver, behind REI flagship store. Free admission, open 5am-11pm daily. Kids can wade in shallow water, watch kayakers on the practice chute, and play on grassy areas. 10-minute walk from Union Station. Restrooms inside REI.
Park Overview
Confluence Park sits where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River. Free outdoor water play, grassy picnic areas, paved paths for bikes/scooters, and a kayak practice chute that entertains kids for hours. Located behind REI flagship store, 10 minutes walking from Union Station.
Open 5am-11pm daily year-round. Wheelchair accessible. Dog friendly. No admission fee, no tickets needed. Shallow water in most spots is safe for kids to wade. Cherry Creek Trail starts here for biking.
Why Kids Love It
Kids can wade in shallow water, throw rocks, watch kayakers, and get completely soaked. Nobody stops them. The current is gentle in most spots. The kayak chute is the main attraction—kayakers practice rolls and techniques while kids watch from the rocks. Better entertainment than screens.
Big grassy areas for running. Concrete paths for scooters and bikes. Hills for rolling down. Space to explore without contained playground limits. Dogs can play in the water alongside kids.
What to Bring
Your kids WILL get wet—pack towels, complete change of clothes, water shoes (rocks are sharp). Bring snacks and water since food options are limited. Sunscreen is essential—water reflection doubles UV exposure. Cheap water toys (buckets, boats) add extra fun.
Restrooms are inside REI, not in the park. Plan bathroom stops. Weekends get busy but never overwhelming. Expect dirty, wet, muddy kids—that's the point.
Best Ages for the Park
Toddlers (1-3): shallow edges only, constant supervision near water. Ages 4-7: perfect age—can wade deeper, climb rocks, run wild. Ages 8-12: bring bikes or scooters for Cherry Creek Trail access. Nearby skate park for older kids.
Teens may complain but enjoy it with friends. Bring a football or frisbee. The urban setting feels less "kid park" than traditional playgrounds. Dogs welcome—can play in river alongside kids.
Best Time to Visit
Arrive 9-10am before heat peaks—claim a shady spot, let kids adjust. Mid-morning: explore water edges, throw rocks, watch kayakers start practicing. By midday: full water chaos mode. Early afternoon: start drying off, exhausted kids ready for naps.
Weekday mornings are least crowded. Weekend mornings busy but manageable—arrive before 9:30am. Summer evenings have best kayaker activity. Avoid first hot Saturday of summer when everyone has the same idea.
Seasonal Guide
Summer: peak season for water play. Arrive before 10am. Fall: less water play but great trail walking, beautiful cottonwood colors. Winter: open year-round, bundle up, watch dedicated kayakers, feed ducks.
Spring: water runs high and fast from snowmelt—keep kids closer to edges, more supervision needed. After heavy rain: skip for 2 days until water clears and slows. Wait for ideal conditions.
Nearby Attractions
REI Flagship Store is right there—clean bathrooms, climbing wall demos, AC escape. Downtown Aquarium is a 10-minute walk (good rainy day backup). Nearby skate park for older kids. Food trucks sometimes near REI, Starbucks nearby.
Cherry Creek Trail starts here for biking—22 miles to Cherry Creek Reservoir. Union Station is 10 minutes walking for restaurants and train connections. Bring picnic supplies since direct food options are limited.
Parking
Weekdays: easy parking on Platte Street or lots near REI. Weekends: arrive before 9:30am or park at Union Station and walk 10 minutes. Lot behind Denver Beer Co often has spots. Street parking on Platte Street surroundings.
Best parking is behind REI on weekdays. Union Station parking structure works as weekend backup. Free street parking available on outskirts if you're willing to walk a few blocks.
Safety Tips
Water is shallow but moving—constant supervision for kids under 5. Current is gentle but exists. Some spots have undertow during spring runoff. Water shoes essential—rocks are slippery and sharp. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes (water reflection doubles UV).
Families feel safe despite urban setting. Daytime visits are secure. Skip after heavy rain when water gets fast and muddy. Without proper supplies (towels, clothes, water shoes), you'll regret the visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Confluence Park free?
Yes. Free admission, no tickets needed. Open 5am-11pm daily year-round. Parking on nearby streets is metered or in paid lots.
Where exactly is Confluence Park?
15th Street and Platte Street in downtown Denver, right behind REI flagship store. 10-minute walk from Union Station. Where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River.
Can kids swim in Confluence Park?
Kids can wade in shallow areas but it's not a swimming spot. Water is typically ankle to knee deep in safe areas. Current exists so constant supervision is required.
Are there bathrooms at Confluence Park?
No restrooms in the park itself. Closest bathrooms are inside REI flagship store next door. Plan bathroom stops before arrival.
Is Confluence Park safe?
Yes for daytime visits. Families report feeling safe despite the urban setting. Water shoes recommended for sharp rocks. Constant supervision for young children near water.
Are dogs allowed at Confluence Park?
Yes. Dog friendly on and off leash. Dogs can play in the water alongside kids. Popular with dog owners for the water access.