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Denver Local Highlights

Denver, CO, USA

Hours vary by location.

$$

local-highlights

With 300 days of sun a year, it’s likely that good weather will accompany your visit and you’ll be able to spend lots of time outside in Denver!

You could spend a whole day in City Park. Its two playgrounds and splash pad have reopened, making it a great place for your kids to cool down and there is plenty of space to run around (the park is 330 acres). There are multiple paved paths winding around the large park, making it a great place to walk or run with a stroller or to ride bikes with your kids. You can even rent swan boats to ride around in the pond in the center of the park. One of the best things about City Park is that it is right next to the Denver Zoo (2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205) and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205), meaning the area has more things to do than you could fit into one day! The zoo is very fun and features a tram that you can ride around the whole zoo. That means that if it’s too hot or if the kids get tired from all the walking you can still see all the animals while taking a break from walking. Make sure to reserve a ticket online and bring a mask. There is something for everyone at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which features ten permanent exhibitions as well as temporary ones, and has a section for young children in each exhibition! It might be helpful to purchase your ticket in advance, as they are operating at a limited capacity right now. Make sure to bring a mask as they are requiring them!

Washington Park is another favorite. It has a new playground, paved paths for scootering and biking,  and a great sandbox. The Downtown Aquarium (700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211) is also worth a visit! It not only has your usual fish and sharks but also has a tiger and some snakes! 

If you’re looking for a sweet treat, visit Sweet Cow (1882 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210) for a classic homemade waffle cone and a delicious scoop of ice cream. Their 60’s style decor is super cute and your kids will love it. Inside Scoop Creamery (1535 Platte St, Denver, CO 80202) is also yummy and made locally. They even have cookies and sandwiches, just in case anyone in your group isn’t in the mood for ice cream. If you’re looking for flavors that are out of the box, try High Point Creamery (215 S Holly St, Denver, CO 80246). They feature flavors like basil blackberry swirl and cornbread with strawberry jam. 

If you’re looking to move your body, visit Bear Creek Trail at Lair o’ the Bear Park (22550 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453). It’s conveniently located only 30 minutes from downtown Denver, but you will feel like you’re far from the city. It’s especially good for little kids, it’s super shady and you can stop and put your feet in the water! If you want to get further from the city, stop at Gem Lake (Lumpy Ridge Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517)! It’s an hour and a half drive from Denver and a 3.5-mile hike that ends at a gorgeous clear lake. Rocky Mountain National Park is near Gem Lake and is definitely worth a visit, especially in the warmer months. Its high mountain peaks and beautiful valleys are easily driveable, with lots of places to stop and look at the views with little kids. 

Features

Hiking Interactive Activities Shopping Ice Cream Shop
Thoughtfully captured by:
The happyly team

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