by Sandie Mcgary

Created on: November 28, 2008   Last Updated: October 02, 2010

Taking a trip to Denver anytime soon? Well be sure to check some of the local tourist hotspots while you are there. There are no limits to what Denver has to offer, from dinner theatre to the famed 16th Street Mall. This article will let you in on some of the top ten tourist attractions in the Denver area that are sure to make your vacation a dream come true.

1.) Adams Mystery Playhouse: 2406 Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO 80211 ; Tel. 1.888.203.1975

Anyone in the mood for a good murder mystery? Denver offers the Adams Mystery Playhouse. A wonderful spot that gets guests involved in solving an old fashioned murder mystery while they dine. Adams Mystery Playhouse is an interesting attraction when you are looking for something a little different for you and your family.

2.) 16th Street Mall: 16th St, Denver, CO, 80202

The 16th street mall offers a multitude of goodies sure to make any shop-a-holics heart melt. With 16 blocks of restaurants and shops to navigate, feel free to hop on one of the environmentally safe shuttles to get to your next destination. Whether it is one of their divine restaurants or one of their most popular stores, you are sure to find everything you want and need.

3.) Denver Botanic Gardens: 1005 York St., Denver CO; Tel. 720.865.350

For those that enjoy a more scenic and colorful stroll, with the fragrance of just about every flower you can think of, take a stroll into the Denver Botanic Gardens. The beautiful scenery is sure to brighten your day.

4.) Denver Firefighters Museum: 1326 Tremont Place, Denver, CO 80204

Located in the historic Denver Fire Station No. 1, the museum offers hands on activities and provides valuable information on fire safety and prevention. Kids are able to try on fire suits, slide down the pole and ride in a fire engine truck designed just for kids. A wonderful spot to take the kids that will offer fun as well as valuable information.

5.) Denver Center for Performing Arts

Interested in taking in some theatre? With all of the wonderful plays that the Center has to offer, you are sure to find something to peak your interests.

6.) Butterfly Pavilion: General Information 303-469-5441

The Denver Butterfly Pavilion offers a tropical conservatory filled with about 1200 butterflies that have been imported from all over the world. Their exhibits are perfect for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12, but kids of all ages would love it.

7.) U.S Denver Mint: 320 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80204

While in Denver, take a tour of the U.S Mint facility. They offer a guided tour which shows how blank ore becomes treasury coins.

8.) The Molly Brown House Museum: 1340 Pennsylvania St., Denver CO; Tel. 303.832.4092

The Unsinkable Molly Brown, one of the survivors from the tragic sinking of the titanic. This guided tour of her home tells about Molly's rise to social status when her husband discovered gold and other exploits of her life. It also provides history of her home after her death .

9.) Denver Zoo: 2300 Steele St., Denver CO 80205; Tel. 1.888.638.5648

Let's not forget about the furry friends that Denver has to offer. With over 4,000 animals from Lion, Tigers, Kangaroos and more. This is sure to family favorite.

10.) Elitch Gardens: 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, Colorado; Tel. 1.303.595.4386

An amusement park to be reckoned with, with its 350 foot observation tower to its scream-tastic roller coasters. There is something there for all ages. From kids to grandparents, you are sure to hit a home run when you take the family for a day out at Elitch Gardens.

From a trip to the Zoo to a day at an amusement park, when it comes to vacation spots, Denver has it all.

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