I Took My 1-Year-Old to Union Station Denver – Here’s What Actually Worked

Taking a 1-year-old to Union Station might sound like a recipe for disaster. But here’s the thing – it’s actually one of the best spots in Denver for little ones.

I’ve been researching family-friendly spots around Union Station, and the feedback from parents is surprisingly positive.

Here’s what actually works (according to dozens of parents who’ve been there).

The Wynkoop Plaza Fountains Are Toddler Magic

You know those fountains right outside Union Station?

Parents say this is THE spot. Kids get mesmerized watching the water shoot up. One mom mentioned her toddler spent an hour just pointing and squealing at the fountains.

What parents recommend: 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. During summer, you’ll see tons of families doing exactly this.

Inside Union Station = Surprisingly Stroller-Friendly

Here’s what I didn’t expect – 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 – Has 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 Is Your Secret Weapon

I know what you’re thinking. Ice cream for a 1-year-old?

But Milkbox has these tiny sample spoons. Parents swear by this – 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 Actually Eat (Skip the Wait)

About Snooze: 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 option: Mercantile Dining & Provision. Less crowded before noon. They bring bread immediately (lifesaver), and there’s a quieter back section.

Parents report that Next Door Eatery also works well – casual vibe, quick service, and they don’t mind if half the food ends up on the floor.

Confluence Park – Your 10-Minute Escape Plan

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. Parents mention this as their go-to when kids need to burn energy.

You’ll see other families with the same idea, especially on nice days.

What to Skip With a 1-Year-Old

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 basically playing with fire.

A Schedule That Actually Works

Based on what successful Union Station parents do:

• 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

The Bathroom Reality Check

The family restroom near Tattered Cover is your best bet. Solid changing table, actually clean.

There’s another in the Crawford Hotel lobby, but you might need to ask at the desk.

Main hall restrooms? No changing tables. Skip them.

Pack This Stuff (Trust Me)

• 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 Changes Everything

Parents report totally different experiences based on weather:

Perfect: 60-75 degrees. Fountains are fun, inside isn’t packed.

Too hot (85+): 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

After talking to parents who’ve done this:

1. Start earlier – 8:30 AM is the sweet spot
2. More snacks – Whatever you pack, double it
3. Portable high chair cover – Restaurant high chairs can be sketchy
4. Downloaded shows – Emergency meltdown backup

Other Nearby Spots Parents Love

When you’re ready to explore more:

• Denver Children’s Museum – 10 minutes away, made for this age
• McGregor Square – Big open plaza, often has family events
• Commons Park – Bigger than Confluence, great playground

The Real 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, right?

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What’s your go-to spot at Union Station with little ones? Always looking for new tips that actually work with toddlers.

Next up: 27 Free Things I Actually Do in Denver on Weekends – because toddler activities get expensive FAST.