Is Union Station good for toddlers? Yes. Union Station is surprisingly toddler-friendly with wide stroller aisles, the Wynkoop Plaza fountains for entertainment, family restrooms with changing tables, and Confluence Park just 10 minutes away. Best time: weekday mornings before 11am when it's less crowded.
Quick Facts
- Best age: 1-4 years old
- Time needed: 2-4 hours
- Best parking: Wewatta Street Garage
- Family restroom: Near Tattered Cover bookstore
- Stroller-friendly: Yes, wide aisles and working elevators
- Ideal weather: 60-75°F
- Cost: Free to explore (food extra)
The Wynkoop Plaza Fountains
The fountains right outside Union Station are toddler magic. Kids get mesmerized watching the water shoot up. One mom mentioned her toddler spent an hour just pointing and squealing at the fountains.
Parent tip: Bring extra clothes. Even if your kid doesn't plan to get wet, they will. The wide steps around the fountain area are perfect for sitting while toddlers explore safely.
Surprisingly Stroller-Friendly
Union Station is one of the most stroller-friendly spots downtown. Wide aisles everywhere. Smooth floors. Working elevators.
Parents mention doing laps around the main hall when kids get fussy. The high ceilings and constant activity of people coming and going? Free entertainment for curious toddlers.
Inside Spots That Work
- Terminal Bar area - Comfy seating for feeding time
- Tattered Cover bookstore - Kids section tucked in the back
- The main hall - Perfect for stroller walks when weather's bad
Milkbox Ice Cream
Milkbox has tiny sample spoons that are perfect for toddlers. Give the little one a few licks of vanilla and they're thrilled.
The staff here are used to kids. Dropped spoons, sticky hands, the occasional meltdown - they've seen it all. Plus, you deserve that salted caramel after wrangling a toddler all morning.
Where to Eat
Skip Snooze on Weekends
Yes, it's family-friendly. Yes, they have high chairs. But weekend waits can hit 45+ minutes. With a toddler? That's asking for trouble.
Better Options
Mercantile Dining & Provision: Less crowded before noon. They bring bread immediately (lifesaver), and there's a quieter back section.
Next Door Eatery: Casual vibe, quick service, and they don't mind if half the food ends up on the floor.
Confluence Park Escape
When Union Station gets too stimulating, Confluence Park is 10 minutes away with a stroller. Total game changer.
There's grass for crawling. Water to watch. Space to spread out a blanket. This is the go-to when kids need to burn energy.
What to Skip With a Toddler
- 16th Street Mall - Too crowded, too much concrete, nowhere to really stop and let them explore
- Larimer Square at peak times - Beautiful for photos, nightmare for navigating with a stroller
- Any restaurant without immediate seating - Waiting with a toddler is playing with fire
Sample Schedule That Works
- 9:00 AM - Arrive early (Wewatta Street garage has easiest access)
- 9:15 AM - Grab coffee while toddler has a snack
- 9:30 AM - Fountain time at Wynkoop Plaza
- 10:30 AM - Explore inside/bookstore
- 11:00 AM - Early lunch (beat the crowds)
- 12:00 PM - Diaper change (family restroom near Tattered Cover)
- 12:15 PM - Quick Milkbox stop
- 12:30 PM - Walk to Confluence Park
- 1:00 PM - Park time
- 2:00 PM - Head home for nap time
Bathroom Locations
Best option: Family restroom near Tattered Cover. Solid changing table, actually clean.
Backup: Crawford Hotel lobby - you might need to ask at the desk.
Skip: Main hall restrooms - no changing tables.
What to Pack
- Two outfit changes - Fountains = wet kid
- Pouches over messy snacks - Easier cleanup
- A blanket - For impromptu park stops
- The stroller - Even if they walk sometimes
- SO many wipes - For everything
Weather Matters
Perfect (60-75°F): Fountains are fun, inside isn't packed.
Too hot (85+°F): Plaza becomes miserable, everyone crams inside.
Too cold: Skip the fountains, Union Station inside gets slammed.
Weekdays are always better if you can swing it.
What Parents Would Do Differently
- Start earlier - 8:30 AM is the sweet spot
- More snacks - Whatever you pack, double it
- Portable high chair cover - Restaurant high chairs can be sketchy
- Downloaded shows - Emergency meltdown backup
The Bottom Line
Union Station with a 1-year-old isn't just doable - it's actually pretty great. You've got indoor and outdoor options. Food everywhere. Space to move. And when things go sideways (because they will), you're never far from an exit strategy.
The key? Low expectations, high snack count. That's basically the secret to any toddler outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union Station stroller-friendly?
Yes. Wide aisles, smooth floors, and working elevators make it one of the most stroller-friendly spots in downtown Denver.
Are there changing tables at Union Station?
Yes. The family restroom near Tattered Cover bookstore has a changing table. The Crawford Hotel lobby also has one. Main hall restrooms do not have changing tables.
Can toddlers play in the Wynkoop fountains?
Yes. The fountains are popular with kids and parents often let toddlers splash around. Bring extra clothes as kids will get wet.
What's the best time to visit Union Station with a toddler?
Weekday mornings before 11am are ideal. Weekends get crowded, especially for restaurants like Snooze which can have 45+ minute waits.
Where should I park at Union Station with a stroller?
Wewatta Street Garage has the easiest access for strollers. It connects directly to Union Station without having to navigate outdoor stairs.
Is there a playground near Union Station?
Confluence Park is a 10-minute stroller walk from Union Station. Commons Park, slightly further, has a larger playground area.