As a Colorado native and mom, I understand how important it is to take my kids to do fun activities when we can. Many of these places are located between Denver and Colorado Springs. My kids are one and five so I try to plan things that both age groups will enjoy (and me too).
1. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus – located in downtown Denver. This is a fun place to visit during any season here in Colorado. Inside, they have a large fire truck that kids are able to play on. They have special areas dedicated for little babies and toddlers to crawl around as well. One of our favorite parts of the museum is they have so many areas for creative play (a veterinary office, a grocery store, and even an assembly plant). If you don’t mind your kids getting wet, they have an area where they can play with bubbles, launch geysers, play with water jets, and more! In the winter, they have an outdoor “ice-skating” rink and areas where children can go sledding or even stand in a giant snow globe. In the summer, they have outdoor games and a little stream where children are able to play in the water. If you are traveling through Colorado or even live here, definately check this place out!
2. Downtown Denver Aquarium– located right next to the Children’s museum, this is a fun spot to check out any time of the year. With so many different types of aquatic animals, you won’t get bored with all of the bright colors and interesting fish. What I love most about this is that they have live tigers that live in the center of the aquarium. At the very end, you have the ability to pet stingrays! They also have a restaurant inside if you were interested in seeing an aquatic show while you eat.
https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/
3. Denver Museum of Nature and Science– located in Denver, this museum is perfect for both kids and adults alike. Many exhibits have child friendly activities, such as the space exhibit that has a small play area for toddlers to crawl around. This exhibit allows you to drive a space rover and even a virtual reality transporter that allows you to see what life is like in space and other planets. Make sure to check out the Egyptian mummy exhibit to see thousand old mummies and what life was like for them. One of my favorite exhibits is the Discovery Health exhibit where you can learn more about the human body, health, and even see what you will look like throughout different phases in your lifetime. The discovery zone has a huge play area for kids of all ages and allows them to be a paleontologist and find bones, play with water, or even get creative with arts and crafts. This museum is an awesome place to visit anytime!
4. Denver Zoo– located in Denver, this zoo is huge and has so many different types of animals. What is nice about this zoo is that it is all on flat ground so you don’t have to worry about walking uphill, although I will say bring comfortable shoes because to see the entire zoo you will need to do a lot of walking. My favorite animal in this zoo is the pink american flamingos. Check them out!
5. Water World– located in Federal Heights just outside Denver, this is a must during the hot summer days. Children under 40″ inches in height are free, so grab your little ones and head to the pool this summer. With a huge lazy river, you’ll be sure to catch a wave. On top of that, they have so many different rides for different ages. If you don’t know how to swim like me (a grown adult) don’t worry, they offer many rides that don’t have a deep end. Feel free to bring your own snacks for the day or purchase them there. I recommend purchasing a locker for the entire day and then a Splash Cash wristband (waterproof bracelet with up to $100 cash) that way you don’t have to worry about losing your items.
6. Manitou Springs Penny Arcade– If you haven’t checked out the Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, you are missing out. This arcade has hundreds of old arcade games like Pac-Man and pinball as well as little electronic rides. This arcade is mostly outside so definately check it out when it’s nice outside. The city of Manitou is a touristy little town with lots of little shops, restaurants, and even an old time photography studio where you can dress as though you live in the Pioneer days.
7. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo– located in Colorado Springs, this zoo was voted #4 best zoo in North America in 2021 and it’s no secret why. With it being on a beautiful mountainside, you get to experience the views of Colorado Springs while here. You have the ability to directly go right up to the giraffes and feed them while outside, see the elephants in their huge waterfall, or see the newly renovated hippo and penguin exhibit. If you have extra time, be sure to check out the Will Rodger’s Shrine of the Sun, located above the zoo and included in your membership. This shrine sits on top of the mountain and allows you to see the entire city.
8. Cave of the Winds Mountain Park– located in Manitou Springs, you’ll be sure to want to check this out. Here you can go underground and explore several different caves. Because it’s underground, it tends to be a bit chilly so bring a jacket. If you are a daredevil, try out the Terror-Dactyl ride that launches you 150 feet into the canyon. Cave of the Winds also offers different types of tours such as haunted lantern tours and caving 101. The best part is that children three and under are free.
9. The Broadmoor Seven Falls– located in Colorado Springs, you’ll enjoy seeing waterfalls located in a beautiful woodsy canyon. With 224 steps to the top, you can enjoy some of their famous hiking trails and the beautiful scenery. At night, they even have the waterfalls light up with different colors. It’s a beautiful place to visit if you are passing through town.
https://www.broadmoor.com/adventures/seven-falls
10. Rock Ledge Ranch– located in Colorado Springs, this historic museum is a fun place to learn about Colorado’s past. With actors dressed as the respective time period, you’ll get a tour of what life was like back then. The different houses and buildings have not been changed since they were inhabited by families hundreds of years ago. Regardless if you like history or not, it is so cool to see how people lived back then and what their homes looked like.
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