DOWNTOWN DENVER
Children’s Museum NEW Joy Outdoor Adventure Park
Opened on June 13, 2015, the new 60,000 square foot outdoor play space includes water features, climbing, and tunnel systems to channel all that kid energy! www.mychildsmuseum.org
Downtown Petting Zoo & Train Ride (at the Denver Aquarium)
During the summers the small area directly in front of the Denver Aquarium features a petting zoo, mini train ride, and carousel. Perfect for kids of all ages! www.aquariumrestaurants.com
Platte Valley Trolley
Located in the perfect location between Confluence Park, the Denver Aquarium, and the Children’s Museum the historical Platte Valley Trolley offers river views and open car fun for the whole family. www.denvertrolley.org/
Civic Center Eats
A wonderful lineup of food trucks at Civic Center Park every Tuesday and Thursday from 11am – 2pm during the summer months. Grab some some delicious food and head over the the adjacent Denver Art Museum or Library to make it a full day of fun. www.civiccenterconservancy.org
50s, 60s, 70s TOYS Exhibit at the History Colorado Center
June 13 – October 4 take your kids to check out toys from YOUR generation! The History Colorado Center also includes great interactive displays and activities for kids. www.historycoloradocenter.org
Four Mile Historic Park
A historic oasis – right in the middle of Denver! Four Mile Historic Park features the oldest homestead in Denver – with horses, goats, chickens, and carriage rides. Each month the park holds a “historic day” where all employees are dressed up in 18th century costume, food (included with entrance fee!) is cooked over an open stove, and interactive areas provide wonderful learning opportunities for kids (and adults!). https://www.fourmilepark.org/
Inside the Orchestra
Enjoy an engaging 50-minute performance created to get families and children of all ages “inside the orchestra.” Music is designed to be explored and enjoyed. Check the website for upcoming concert dates. www.insidetheorchestra.com
City Park Jazz
Take in the ultimate in Denver people watching at City Park Jazz. Weekly performances from various artists keep the lineups fresh and fun. Pack a picnic, games, snacks, and chairs and stay for the sunset. www.cityparkjazz.org
Moredecai Children’s Garden
More than just looking at flowers, the 3-acre Children’s Garden offers a place for kids and families to explore and discover. Hunt for bugs in the Glorious Grasslands and play in the water of Pipsqueak Pond. You can also pack a lunch and picnic in the grass field of the main gardens, or in the adjacent Cheeseman Park. www.botanicgardens.org
THE SUBURBS
Pirate’s Cove Water Park
A great small water park for little and big kids alike. Big water slides, a lazy river, and expansive toddler play area for those Colorado hot days. www.pitratescovecolorado.com
Belleview Petting Zoo and Train Ride
A fun park with a stream that winds through it, a petting zoo and train to ride. Zoo and train cost only $1/ticket. Bring water shoes, a bucket and net and the kids can even catch crawdads. www.englewoodgov.org
Colorado Railroad Museum
Enjoy the day filled with locomotive history. Train rides every Saturday. There is also an annual “Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine” to plan for! www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org
Swim Beaches
When it gets hot – the hot get in the water! Check out the following state parks that offer swimming in the surrounding Denver area:
• Bear Creek Lake Park
• Boulder Reservoir
• Chatfield State Park
• Cherry Creek Reservoir
• Aurora Reservoir
Paddle Boarding
Standup paddle boarding has become a great Colorado pastime! With excellent local reservoirs and resources, you can be enjoying a water-filled day with your little one before you know it! Check out the following locations for easy paddle board rentals:
• Union Reservoir, Longmont
• Big Soda Lake, Lakewood
• Boulder Resevoir
• Cherry Creek Reservoir
Lollipop Park
It’s hot! When you want to stay indoors, but still want a day of excitement, try Lollipop Park. It’s a small indoor amusement park with rides for little and bigger kids. www.lollipoppark.com
THE FOOTHILLS
Tiny Town
A short drive from Downtown Denver is a 100-year old hidden treasure! Tiny town offers darling kid-size buildings, a playground, train rides, and a refreshment stand with hot dogs and ice cream. www.tinytownrailroad.com
A Day in Golden
Start out enjoying the playground at Lions Park. Make your way up the Clear Creek pathway, watching the brave tube and kayakers on the river. There are even a few places to put your toes in the water. Along the path also lies an old homestead with historic buildings and chickens you can feed! Have lunch and ice cream in town – making your way back to the car at Lion’s Park while the kids doze off in the stroller. www.goldenhistory.org
Splash at Fossil Trace
The largest water park in Jefferson County, Splash at Fossil Trace boasts water slides, a lap pool, a fountain play area and more. Take a break from the water to relax in the sun, or build sandcastles on the banks of this man-made beach scene. www.splashingolden.com
Buffalo Bill Grave & Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Take a drive up Lookout Mountain Drive (via Golden) and head to the nature center and grave of Buffalo Bill for a taste of Colorado history and hands on activities. If you take the “back way” home (via I-70) you can also stop and see the Buffalo Herd Nature Preserve on exit 254. www.buffalobill.org
Boulder Farmers Market
Happening every Saturday from 7:30am – 2pm. Fill your day with delicious food, drinks, and ice cream. Enjoy sitting in grass next to the Boulder Creek, where kids can dip their toes in the water. www.bcfm.org
Front Range Day Hikes
• Bear Creek
• Eldorado Canyon
• Turkey Trot
For a comprehensive and easy-to-read list of all the hikes near Denver visit the website: ” www.dayhikesneardenver.com
THE MOUNTAINS
Georgetown Train Ride
For kids that might enjoy a bit more scenery and excitement with their train ride! One hour train-rides through the Rockies – with and without lunch. www.georgetownlooprr.com/
Horseback Riding in Vail
One mile from the Vail Village, tucked against the a beautiful southern slope of the Rocky Mountains lives Vail Stables. Offering picturesque views of Vail, a friendly staff, and affordable prices, this is a stop you just have to make. Full day and half day rides for adults and bigger kids, 20-minute pony rides for little ones ages one and up. There is also a large shaded play area for kids with sandbox, toys, airplane shaped see-saw, and picnic tables. www.vailstables.com
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park
So perhaps not so “forgotten” but one of those things you haven’t done in a while. Have the kids become Junior Rangers at the Moraine Park Discover Center, enjoy horseback riding at local stables, kid-friendly hikes, and attend some hands-on programs through The Rocky Mountain Conservancy Field Institute. After your big day head to Estes Park for some old town Colorado charm.. and don’t forget the homemade fudge! www.visitestespark.com
THE PLAINS
Wild Animal Sanctuary
An mile long elevated walking platform over an open space wild animal sanctuary featuring wolves, lions, leopards and more! www.wildanimalsanctuary.org
A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP AWAY
North Pole
Located near Colorado Springs (about 1 hour 15 minutes from Denver), the North Pole is “Home of Santa’s Workshop”, a Christmas themed family amusement park. Featuring a ferris wheel, carousel, and lots of kiddie friendly rides. Kids can even visit Santa in his house! www.northpolecolorado.com
Roxann Blue
©2015 Kerry Stutzman, Head & Heart Parents
Roxann is mom to a energetic toddler, graphic designer, and contributing author for Head & Heart Parents. In her spare time she likes to sleep. You can learn more about her at www.roxannblue.com
