Denver is a city full of things to do for the whole family. We already know that it is important to find a place that has alternatives for the kids. Well, when it comes to museums, the same thing happens.
The museum itself is associated with traditional art culture, which can be a bit boring for some, especially children. However, there are many museums that offer not only educational opportunities, but also unique, family-friendly exhibits, activities, and interactive exhibits for children.
Just as Denver has many trampoline parks, indoor playgrounds and more, it has plenty of museums for kids. Here is our list of the best museums for kids in Denver, featuring a variety of fun exhibits and hands-on experiences for all ages! So what are you waiting for to take the family for a unique experience?
Museums for Kids in Denver: Our Favorite Picks
1
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
When we start the conversation about kids' science museums in Denver, this is one of the first options that comes to mind. With its many educational attractions for kids, such asa planetarium, IMAX theater, children’s discovery zone, and world-class science and nature exhibits, it’s a must-see for families! Let your kids discover space exploration and mummies! Fun and education guaranteed!2
The Children's Museum of Denver
Considered one of the best Museums for Kids in Denver, you can’t miss this one! Kids will find a 3.5-story climbing tower, a 6-foot bubble, clay sculpting masterpieces, and endless exhibits and activities! Every family in Denver should visit this amazing place.3
Wings Over The Rockies
Located in Hangar #1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base, Wings Over The Rockies features over 182,000 square feet of hangar space filled with aircraft, spacecraft, space vehicles, artifacts, military uniforms and more! It is a great choice when looking for Denver kids museums. The little ones will love experiencing realistic flight simulators and many other cool activities!4
Denver Botanic Gardens
Not exactly a museum per se, but it somehow manages to fulfill the concept. The Denver Botanic Garden has two locations: Chatfield Farms and York Street. Kids and families can enjoy endless garden explorations, learn about plants from all over the world, and enjoy several kid-friendly events and activities.5
Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is the place to introduce the little ones to the magical world of art. There are events, programs, activities, camps for all ages, and family-friendly art exhibits. In fact, it is one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast!6
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver features the art and culture of our time through rotating exhibitions and public education programs. Check out MCA Denver’s Self-Care Sundays and a variety of offerings designed for Teens! This is a great option to consider when looking for Museums for kids in Denver.7
Clyfford Still Museum
There are many amazing options for kids to see art in Denver, and the Clyfford Still Museum is one of them! The museum offers Family Tours (included with admission) designed for families with children ages 5-10. These tours are interactive. Your family can play, create and explore! Children 17 and under are FREE every day.8
History Colorado Center
The History Colorado Center is a great option if you want to visit museums for kids in Denver! The rich history of Colorado comes alive at the History Colorado Center. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, and the many educational programs and special events!9
Downtown Aquarium
With over a million gallons of underwater exhibits, the Downtown Aquarium serves as a unique kind of kids museum in Denver! You will see over 500 species of animals, enjoy a dining experience, and so much more!10
Center for Visual Art
The Center for Visual Art (CVA) is the Metropolitan State University of Denver's off-campus art gallery. It provides art experiences for all ages by local and international artists and serves as an interactive laboratory for MSU Denver and the community! Its family-friendly art exhibits are something you and your little ones won’t want to miss!11
Colorado Railroad Museum
Trains fans will have a blast at the Colorado Railroad Museum! The museum features over 100-gauge steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, caboose HO Model Railroad, and a G-scale garden railway! There’s also a gallery and library to check out making it another great option when looking for Denver museums for kids!12
Morrison Natural History Museum
This is Jefferson County's original paleontology museum and the perfect place to discover Colorado's dinosaurs with hands-on learning spaces, exhibits, and expert guides! Kids will enjoy a variety of fun and interesting activities, including exploring historic and modern fossils and seeing real research in the Fossil Preparation Lab.13
Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is a National Natural Landmark that can easily serve as a great option if you’re looking for fun and engaging Museums for Kids in Denver. It has been ranked as the top dinosaur track site in the entire country and one of the top such sites in the world! Don't let your child miss out on its variety of cool dinosaur activities!14
Overland Trail Museum
Come see what life was like for Colorado's early settlers many years ago. This museum houses many pre-1915 structures that are still standing today. This historic piece of Colorado history is as informative as it is fun, which makes it a perfect destination for kids museums in Denver!15
Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion features amazing exhibits that allow guests to get up close and personal with the wonders of nature's hidden heroes through hands-on, interactive experiences for all ages! Kids and parents alike will love this indoor tropical conservatory with more than 1,600 butterflies and other invertebrates.If you are looking for places to mix education and fun, these museums for kids in Denver are an excellent option for family entertainment! Whether you are interested in dinosaurs (usually the kids’ favorite!), science and nature, or other interactive museums, the important thing here is that there is a wide variety of options to choose from.
And if not, you can always opt for something super laid-back like mini golf or an exciting game of laser tag! The family will never get bored!