Hi everyone! Let’s discuss Outdoor Activities in Denver for kids. It’s starting to get warm outside, and it’s time to make plans to keep yourself or your kids busy. Denver has it all for family fun outdoors, so I will list a few favorites here.
Outdoor Activities in Denver
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,988-acre Refuge adjacent to Denver and Commerce City, Colorado. When visiting, you may see bison, coyotes, raptors, white-tailed deer, and many songbirds. Reservations are required, and the best way to experience this 15,000-acre Refuge is by taking the 11-mile Wildlife Drive in your vehicle. The Wildlife Drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, and it’s free. The Refuge has more than 330 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish species. It’s for sure a fun place to take kids!
Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is always a must-do for me and my little ones. I always purchase the membership if I plan to go more than once to the zoo, and especially if you have a big family, it’s worth buying the membership and visiting the zoo a few more times. Right now, my kid’s favorite attractions are the elephant and flamingos, and we usually explore just one side of the zoo every time we go there. The zoo is always fun in the summer, so remember to wear sunscreen, bring a hat on hot days, and drink lots of water on hot days.
Denver Botanic Gardens
They have two locations: York Street, in Denver, and Chatfield Farms in Littleton. I love Chatfield Farms in October because of their pumpkin patch and other activities. The York location has many art exhibitions, programs for children and families, and a special space for little ones called the Mordecai Children’s Garden. It’s one of Denver’s first green rooftops and changes with the seasons. Each ecosystem has interactive elements for kids, like swinging bridges and water features. My kids enjoy the Denver Botanic Gardens, and we are always during activities over there. Check their website for events all year round!
Elitch Gardens – Outdoor Activities in Denver
Elitch Gardens in Denver is a must-have for many families during the summer. They have more than 50 rides and a 10-acre swimming area with slippery slides, crashing waves, and lazy rivers, so you can easily spend the whole day there if you have bigger kids. Like the zoo, if you plan to go more than once during the summer, it is probably best to look at the membership prices as they will be cheaper.
Dinosaur Ridge
My kids love dinosaurs. What about yours? If you and your kids love learning about them, this is a cool stop in Morrison. You can also have guided tours, where a volunteer guide interprets the dinosaur tracks and bone fossils, local history, and geology during this outdoor one-way, 1.5-mile tour on a paved trail. So, plan on 1.5-2 hours if you choose to do this. We haven’t done it yet because it might work better for older kids, but we are not sure since we have experienced it.
You can get a discounted pass and visit Dinosaur Ridge and the Morrison Natural History Museum, or you can do what we did. We visited the Red Rocks Amphitheater and went on a walk with the kids, then visited Dinosaur Ridge and stopped at a restaurant on our way home. Kids love exploring the trails surrounding the theater, and a spectacular view of the plains makes it a perfect place for a kid-friendly hike.
The Hudson Gardens
My kids love walking in the gardens, especially from spring to fall. The Hudson Gardens, located just a few minutes from downtown Littleton, offer over thirty acres of garden exhibits, trails, open spaces, and event venues. It’s a perfect spot for families, with plenty of space to explore and enjoy nature together. Plus, there are always new things to see and experience throughout the year. Our favorite is walking around in the fall when they get the pumpkins displayed all over the garden. You have to purchase a ticket to see them light up at night, but during the day you can explore for free.
Outdoor Activities in Denver
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What do you think of these suggestions? Have you been to all of them? If not, try some of these locations with your family or friends.
Also, when was the last time you had family photos taken by a professional photographer? Kids grown really fast, and pictures are nostalgic. You can sit down and spend at least an hour going through pictures of your loved ones. I usually sit down, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and go through one of my photo albums very often. I am a Denver photographer, so if you’re looking for family or high school senior portraits, I would love to work with you. Check out my website to learn a little bit more about my art!
