In this second installment of “Things to Do in Colorado with Kids (that you might have forgotten about)” we’ve made another great list – and have included ALL NEW “day bundles” – ideas of how to make one adventure into a day of fun. Just look for the words “Make it a Day!” under each listing to see suggested, tested, and approved places nearby, that wouldn’t warrant their own trip but offer a seamless flow into lunch, picnic, and more activities.
1) Second Start to the Right
Located in the Denver Highlands, this small and charming children’s bookshop offers daily story time (outdoors when the weather is good!) and lots of weekly workshops – including Lego Tinker Time and shoe-tying classes for preschoolers. Their website has a calendar with all the happenings.
Make it a Day!
Piggyback your trip to Second Star to the Right with a stop by The Pasty Republic (delicious and easy lunch!) for some lunch to hang out at the César Chávez Park (4147 Utica St, Denver, CO 80212) park right across the street. There are always lots of friendly kids and parents there. All stops are within steps of each other and offer an easy way to fill up half a day.
2) Little Angels Pony and Pals
For those that love animal encounters and/or petting zoos, this delightful tiny farm offers kids the chance to get up close and personal (really!) with chickens, bunnies, mini pony’s, sheep, a pig, and more. You’ll have to email and set up a time to visit the far as it doesn’t have daily hours open to the public.
Make it a Day!
On your way back from the petting zoo, stop by the enormous Lazydays RV and camper store located right off the highway in Loveland. Kids have a blast looking through all the campers — climbing onto bunk beds, exploring hidden closets, and pretending to drive to faraway places – it’s a great break in the long drive to Ft. Collins.
3) Spider Monkey
Planning a family trip to Colorado? A relatively new jump-themed activity, Spider Monkey offers a fresh collection of things to do – including a trampoline grid, rings, trapeze, and various agility and strength-challenging obstacle courses. Think of the set of American Ninja Warrior packed into one building for you to enjoy! Kid jump (6 and under only) runs from 9 to 10 am daily and is the perfect time to let your little one bounce and explore.
4) Union Station Fountains
The summer can be HOT – and kids just want to get wet. The fountains right in front of Union Station offer a city reprieve for kids. Pack a towel and change clothes for the little ones.
Make it a Day!
Right around Union Station, there are tons of things to check out. We can find ice cream at the Milk box Ice Creamery. Get out of the heat with a stop at the Tattered Cover Bookstore 1628 16th Street, Denver, 80202. They have an adorable kids’ section with a weekly story time Saturdays at 10:30 am. For lunch, Snooze at Union Station is always a hit with adults and kids but can have a long wait. If you’re looking for something quicker, try the Thirsty Lion Restaurant. They have a great kids’ menu and breezy outdoor seating.
5) SNOBAHN
Located south of Denver in Littleton, this indoor ski and snowboard center offers 30-minute lessons for kids ages 4 and up. Keep in mind to wear waterproof pants, or bring along a change of clothes, as the carpet, they “ride” on is wet and will soak their bottoms.
6) Board Game Republic (One of my Favorite Things to Do in Colorado with Kids)
This place is awesome. A wall of board games – old and new, classic and modern – greets you. Burn through as many games as you want. Play something for five minutes and then exchange it for something else. It really is genius and is the perfect solution for little kids who have short attention spans and get bored easily. They also offer some pretty fun food and drinks.
7) Colfax Rec Center (Carla Madison Central Denver Rec Center)
Brand new in 2018, the Colfax Denver Rec Center offers a fresh indoor pool and slide set up for parents of water-loving kids.
Make it a Day!
Plan your trip on a Sunday and enjoy the City Park Esplanade Fresh Market from 9 am – 1 pm. (Sullivan Fountain, E Colfax, and Columbine St, June 3 – Oct 28) where you can grab some delicious freshly made tamales, along with lots of other choices. Take a walk across the street to Tattered Cover Bookstore or Twist and Shout Records to browse the collection of vinyl. If you’re feeling ambitious, stop by VooDoo Donuts at XXXX for a sweet treat that will blow your kid’s mind.
Make it a Day! (Another option)
After a couple of hours in the water, stop by a quick grab-n-go lunch spot (Chipotle, Illegal Pete’s, Noodles, and Uber Sausage are all nearby) and head to Cheesman Park for a picnic in the shade. Find the kid’s playground on the west side of the park. Like Ice Cream is also a short 10-minute walk from Cheesman Park if you’re feeling ambitious.
8) Heritage Amusement Park
Always on the verge of closing indefinitely, take any chance you get to check out the Heritage Amusement Park in the foothills above Golden. Vintage rides and games that will appeal to smaller and bigger kids, along with funnel cake and mini golf, will fill up a full day of summer fun.
9) Casa Bonita
An indoor waterfall with cliff diving will keep your kids entertained for enough time to eat all the sopapillas they can hold. A small arcade (half of the games are broken) and a walk “behind the waterfall” offer kids some additional activities. And did we mention the gorilla that runs around? Kids love this place.
10) Dance Performances at Cleo Parker Robinson Theater
A highly popular venue for local dance troops, check the schedule to see what upcoming shows you and your kiddos might want to check out.
11) Farmers Market in Boulder
Start off at the Boulder Farmers Market held on Saturdays all summer into the early fall. Eat a picnic lunch (we recommend the pupusa tent) on the large grass lawn next to Boulder Creek.
Make it a Day!
Walk up the path (west towards the mountains) to find the Boulder Public Library on the other side of the water with a brand new kids’ play area and almost-guaranteed kids’ activities happening outside.
12) Eldorado Natural Spring Swimming Pool
The historic swimming pool has been a popular destination since its opening in 1905. It is fed directly by a constant flow from the artesian spring. In the Eldorado Canyon foothills west of the Broomfield, it’s the perfect place to spend a day.
13) Nederland – The Carousel of Happiness
Nederland Colorado is one of the smallest towns you’ll find in Colorado but has in its downtown the most beautiful, hand-carved, indoor carousel you will probably ever see. An upstairs playroom with a puppet theatre adds something to do.
Make it a Day!
Follow up with ice cream and coffee at the Train Caboose. They often have live music outdoors on the weekends.
14) Manitou Springs – Cave of the Winds
Cave of the winds offers 45-minute cave tours, perfect for kids ages 5 and up. A large climbing structure out front is free for kids, and a paid zip line thrill ride through the canyon and a three-story obstacle course are available as well.
Make it a Day!
After exploring the caves, check out the Penny Arcade (Its official name is “Arcade Amusements”) located in downtown Manitou Springs. Games from every era are there – costing the same as they did when they were built – bring a bag of pennies, pickles, dimes, and quarters to enjoy all the games as making change is nearly impossible. Afterward, enjoy some fresh funnel cakes and original Slush Puppies for your drive home.
15) Eldorado Canyon State Park
Majestic views. Cascading stream waterfalls. A hidden gem in Boulder. Perfect picnic spots along the river where the water is shallow enough for kids to play in the water.
Make it a Day!
This is an easy full-day activity. Pack a picnic, enjoy the drive, and stake out your picnic spot next to a wide, shallow part of the river. Perfect for groups small or large. Bring water shoes, bug nets, and fishing gear for the kids. There are plenty of opportunities for easy hikes. On the way home, you can stop at the Eldorado Pool for a swim or ice cream as you head out of Boulder.
16) Colorado Springs – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
This zoo is a long drive from Denver, but worth the drive. The zoo is a nice change from Denver, with a walkway at the giraffe’s head level, with the option to buy some leaves and feed them. Go early to ensure they’re still hungry!
Make it a Day!
After the zoo, stop by Helen Hunt falls for a refreshing break.
17) Breckenridge Summer Fun Park and Epic Discovery Park
Located at Peak 8 Base Camp, Breckenridge Summer Fun Park offers rides and activities for little and big kids. Be sure to pack a lunch as the food there is ski pricing.
For slightly older kids with a taste for adventure, the Epic Discovery park offers hiking and ziplines through the Rocky Mountain treeline.
18) CU South Museum
This is something few people know about but is one of the Best Things in Colorado to do with Kids. The website doesn’t tell you at all what this place entails. A smaller version of the Museum of Nature and Science, CU South takes you on a short walking loop through different climates with setup animal scenes to explore. Kids can grab a sheet to find all the animals and receive a prize in the large kid’s play area. They also have an IMAX theatre with daily showtimes.
19) Mid-Air Adventures
12,000 square-foot obstacle course in the air with swings, zip lines, rope bridges & rock climbing. Mid-Air is open to kids from age 2 but is best for ages 5-13.
20) Punch Bowl Social
Perfect for families – food is served right at the lanes. However, Be sure to call ahead – they often book the venue for special events on the weekend.
Make it a Day!
Punch Bowl is located in the heart of South Broadway. There are shops to browse, Sweet Action Ice Cream.
21) Art Garage Denver
Offering drop-in kids classes, the Art Garage is a building full of creativity for kids who love art.
22) Tinker Art Studio in Colorado
A dynamic art studio founded by educators and artists, Tinker is a lively studio balanced with a calm aesthetic.
23) Denver Children’s Theater
Professional adult actors perform for kids with state-of-the-art equipment, sets, and costumes.
24) Seaquest Interactive Aquarium
Take an adventure through rainforests, deserts, and seas with exciting exhibits and activities for families with children of all ages.
25) Kids Space
An indoor activity complex complete with over 9000 sq/ft of the playground, ballistics area, planetarium, children’s museum, classroom/party room, loads of space science, and a world-class, locally roasted, Kaladi coffee shop with confections from Spruce Confections in Boulder.
Check this post for my first post on tips on what to do with your kids in Colorado:
25 Things to Do with KIDS in Colorado (that you may have forgotten about!)
