Denver, Colorado is a lively city full of fun activities to do for families of all ages. The city is just a short drive from the Rocky Mountains, bringing gorgeous views to the west of Denver. Colorado is known for its outdoor experiences appealing to all 4 seasons for outdoor enthusiasts. In this guide, I will share the best family-friendly things to do in Denver and nearby cities.

Best Family-Friendly Things to do in (and Near) Denver

Table of Contents

1. Watch a Colorado Rockies Game

Contributed by Rachel of Caribbean Uncovered

Recommended Hotel: Hyatt House

What does a city that gets 300 days of sunshine mean? Baseball games never get rained out! Well, almost. The Colorado Rockies play at Coors Field, right in downtown Denver. This is a must-do family activity if you’re visiting Denver during baseball season!

The Rockies make the games fun for everyone, whether you have little ones or teenagers. Not only is it perfect for kids of all ages, but this is one of the most affordable activities in the city.

Average ticket prices range from $10-$50, depending on where you want to sit. If you’re really on a budget, head to the ticket office before the game for “Rock Pile” tickets, which go as low as $2 per ticket for some games!

The stadium is conveniently located on the Denver RTD line so you don’t have to worry about driving into the city. If hot dogs and peanuts aren’t your style, there are plenty of nearby restaurants to grab a bite before or after the game.

And to top it off, the sunsets from Coors Field are some of the best in the city. Perfect for taking a moment to enjoy and grabbing a few memory-making photos during the game.

2. Take a Hammond’s Candies Factory Tour

Contributed by Meggie of Parks Family Travel

The Hammond’s Candies factory tour is a fantastic family outing year-round. The free 30 minute tour can be booked up to six months in advance online and is usually offered Monday-Saturday between 9:15 amand 2:15 pm. Each tour will accommodate groups up to 45 people. Because it only takes 30 minutes, it’s great for all ages – older kids will enjoy watching the actual candy making process, and little ones with short attention spans won’t get too restless.

Kids (and adults) can get a kick out of sporting their own old-fashioned Hammond’s paper hat, and everyone will enjoy the free, large-sized candy cane at the end of the tour. The tour ends in a well-stocked candy shop, so be prepared to field requests from kids wanting an extra treat. Besides their traditional chocolates and candies, you can purchase more unique flavors like the Pigs N’ Taters chocolate bar or a frosting-filled birthday cake flavored candy cane. This is the perfect Denver spot for families looking for fun while staying on a tight budget.

3. Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Contributed by Megan of Lets Jet Kids

Recommended Hotel: Denver Marriott West

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the popular destinations when visiting Denver during the summer.  While there are various red-rock areas to visit in the area, Red Rocks is unique because of its venue and activity offerings.

A short 20 minute drive from downtown Denver over to Morrison is required to find this park and amphitheater. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is well known for its incredible acoustics thanks to the gorgeous red rock walls that surround the seating area.  Taking in a concert here will be an incredibly fun and memorable experience. The amphitheater offers concerts of all types throughout the season.  There are typically at least a few that are family-friendly (like The Piano Guys who occasionally drop in).

Along with music, the amphitheater also offers movies in the summer, right under the stars.  The movies are always family-friendly options, perfect for a fun evening out.

But in addition to the amphitheater, families of all ages will love hitting the trails that surround the amphitheater.  Trading Post Trail is especially fun, scenic, and easy enough for little ones to enjoy.

While shows, concerts, and events like yoga sessions have various costs to them, Red Rocks is free otherwise.  That means parking, hiking, and visiting the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in the Trading Post is all free, making it the perfect and affordable day out for families.  A visit to Red Rocks is ideal for families young and old thanks to the variety of activities.

4. Go Paddleboarding at Local Lakes

Contributed by Sonia of Carey on Travels

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) provides a refreshing escape from the heat in Denver from May to September. Ideal for those aged 8 and above, Denver’s reservoirs offer SUP fun for avid swimmers. The Denver’s SUP scene shines at several locations, that all have convenient SUP rentals, lessons, and calm, motorboat-free waters, catering to paddlers at any skill level.

Nestled in Chatfield State Park, Chatfield Gravel Pond boasts a mile-long stretch framed by beautiful mountain views. Aurora Reservoir offers a peaceful paddling experience against a backdrop of distant peaks. Nearby, Bear Creek State Park presents a prime spot with proximity to Red Rocks for an adventurous day out. Union Reservoir, a Longmont treasure, entices with picturesque views of Long’s Peak.

Rental prices vary from $20 to $30 per hour, with options for kids to share boards and availability of half or full-day rentals. Most of these locations require a daily park access fee, which ranges from $10-$20 per vehicle. Safety is paramount; life jackets are mandatory at all locations. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or trying SUP for the first time, Denver’s reservoirs provide a fantastic place for this beloved water sport.

Rental and lesson options abound:

• 5280 Paddle Sports caters to Chatfield Gravel Pond and Aurora Reservoir, among others.
• Rocky Mountain Paddleboard serves Union and Bear Creek Reservoirs, plus more.
• Aurora Reservoir Rents operates at Aurora Reservoir.
• Embrace the outdoors and navigate the tranquil waters of Denver’s SUP destinations.

5. See Wings Over the Rockies

Contributed by Adrienne of Destinations and Desserts

Located on the former Lowry Air Force Base on the eastern side of Denver, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is one of the best things to do in Denver with kids. Aviation enthusiasts will love this museum, which showcases more than 50 famous military and civilian aircraft, and includes hands-on activities such as flight simulators (some at additional cost) and an area where you can build and test your own paper airplanes. A separate children’s play area is geared towards children 6 and younger.

Since this museum is indoors, it can be visited year-round. Admission is $19.95 for adults, and $12.95 for children ages 4-16 (children 3 & under are free). Admission is also free for members of the Association of Science and Technology Centers’ reciprocal admission Travel Passport Program. Allow at least 1-2 hours to see the museum, although children are likely to be happy to stay for longer.

6. Go Skiing at Keystone, Colorado’s Family Resort

Contributed by Taryn from Chasing Trail

Recommended Hotel: River Run Village by Keystone Resort

One of the best family-friendly things to do near Denver is take a day trip to Keystone. Basically a straight shot west of the city on I-70, Keystone is widely considered the best Summit County ski resort for families. 

Kiddos as young as 3 can take lessons, and Keystone offers a variety of programs geared specifically toward children. Families with beginning skiers will want to start at Camp Keystone or the Discovery Learning area. Pricing varies significantly because of the various season passes, as well as dynamic pricing models, but Keystone is consistently a solid budget option. Night skiing is a big thing here, too, which gives you more time on the slopes each day.

The resort has plenty for families to do off the slopes, as well. Winter activities include ice skating, sleigh rides, snow tubing, concerts, seasonal festivals — (gumbo cookoff, anyone?), and more. And don’t miss the world’s biggest snow fort (which is exactly what it sounds like!), at the top of Dercum Mountain. 

If you plan to make a weekend out of it, the abundance of on-mountain lodging options are not only convenient, but also some of the most affordable of any Colorado mountain towns. 

Keystone isn’t just a winter destination, either. It transforms into a sun-drenched, wildflower-filled mountain playground come summertime, with hiking, biking, summer tubing, lake activities, golf, and more.

7. Hike at Garden of the Gods

Contributed by Jolayne of Just Wander More

Recommended Hotel: Cheyenne Mountain Resort

There are so many things to do in Denver, Colorado for kids, teens and adults. If you have a little extra time for exploration, plan a fun family adventure to Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods—just over an hour away from Denver. The Garden of the Gods is an amazing collection of red rock formations nestled against the Rocky Mountains.

The Garden of the Gods is FREE to visit and is open all year long—perfect if kids (and adults) love to hike, rock climb, take pictures, or scramble on rocks. There’s a little bit of something for everyone with over 20 miles of trails to explore in the park. You might find the best time to visit is from May through October. 

You’ll love the:

• Nature walks guided by Park Naturalists
• Living History Tours from Rock Ledge Ranch
• Rock climbing classes
• Bike and electric bike tours
• Junior Ranger program
• Segway tours
• Visitor Center
• Trading Post
• Paved trails and accessibility

8. Visit Chatauqua Park in Boulder

Contributed by Denise of Chef Denise

If your family loves hiking in awe-inspiring destinations and delicious food, head to Chatauqua Park in Boulder. Maps of the trails can be found at the Rager’s cottage. Most are easy to moderate. If your kids are very young, it’s still worth visiting for the close-up views of the star of the show—the Flatirons. 

Chatauqua Park is one of the best free things to do in Boulder, so in the summer you’ll have more crowds and parking will be more difficult. That couples with cooler temperatures make spring and fall are perfect. The fee for parking depends on the day of the week, and there is free street parking nearby. Weekdays work best if you can swing it.

It’s possible to picnic in the park at Bluebell Shelter, but the historic Chatauqua Dining Hall (reserve ahead) is a nice treat. This is one of the best restaurants in Boulder and there’s plenty of kid-friendly menu items. Plus your family will get a little dose of history. The building dates back to 1898!

9. Explore Downtown Golden

Contributed by Amber from Amber Everywhere

Get in touch with Colorado’s western heritage by visiting Downtown Golden. Set only about 20 minutes west of Denver, historic Downtown Golden offers incredible views of Table Mesa, shopping, hiking, and beautiful green parks. Like Denver, Golden is a year round destination, but it’s especially wonderful in the shoulder months of May and September.

Kids 8-13 will love exploring Golden’s interesting shops, marveling at the statues depicting life in the old west that are dotted throughout downtown, and enjoying a treat from a local ice cream shop. For a budget-friendly meal, grab breakfast burritos from Bonfire Burritos on Ford Street.

Take a drive up to Buffalo Bill Cody’s Museum and Grave to learn about this fixture of Colorado history. The drive is beautiful, with opportunities to take in the scenic views from Lookout Mountain or even squeeze in a quick hike in Windy Saddle Park. 

Many activities in Golden are free to visit, but the Buffalo Bill Museum is $5 to enter for adults and $1 for kids 5-17. Kids under 5 are free. 

If you want to stay longer, consider booking a charming B&B or historic hotel in Golden. 

10. Visit the Royal Gorge

Contributed by Urvi of Urvi’s Travel Journal

The Royal Gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arkansas, stands as a prominent canyon along the Arkansas River and located approximately 60 miles beyond the captivating rock formations of the Garden of the Gods. Here, the renowned Royal Gorge Bridge claims the title of America’s highest suspension bridge, with its support anchored only at two ends. 

While Royal Gorge Bridge Park is open year-around including holidays, do check their website for inclement weather especially in winter. Summer is the best season to enjoy the rides and views at the park. Buy general admission ticket online you will get $3 discounted price than at the gate and the ticket is valid for one year.

Besides strolling on the bridge and enjoying the landscape there are plenty of activities to enjoy like Via Ferrata (10 years or older and starts with $150), Skycoaster ( rider must be 46”-82” Tall, starts with $38 per rider), zipline ( rider must be 4’0”-6’8” Tall, Riders must weigh between 100-245 lbs – Wind can change the weight requirements) Gondola ride (no restrictions so all family members can ride and this ride is included with your general admission ticket), and playland. During summer be sure to book your activities online to avoid wait times.

Thank You for Reading The 10 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Denver!

Thank you for visiting my family travel blog. I hope you enjoyed this list of family-friendly things to do in Denver and nearby cities. If you’re new to the area, you will fall in love with all the outdoor activities Denver has to offer for families. Enjoy your adventures!