by Holle Abee

Created on: March 15, 2009   Last Updated: May 15, 2009

Denver is a wonderful vacation destination for families, any time of year. The natural scenery is spectacular, and each season offers its own opportunities for fun. Adults and kids of all ages will find plenty of amusements. Below are 30 kid-friendly activities in the Greater Denver area:

DENVER ZOO (www.denverzoo.org

2300 Steele Street, Denver

888-638-5648

One of the most popular zoos in America, this amazing zoo has lots of different habitats, including rain forests, marine pools, caves, tropical jungles, savannah, tundra, and African villages. 4,000 animals, 700 species, rides, shows, interactive events, and special activities for kids will keep all ages entertained.

ELITCH GARDENS AND ISLAND KINGDOM WATER PARK (www.elitchgardens.com

2000 Elitch Circle, Denver

303-595-4386

This is a combination amusement park and water park, featuring an observation tower, a carousel, a thrilling coaster, a giant wave pool,waterfalls, free-fall slides, Captain Hook's Lagoon,and awesome views of the mountains. With over 40 rides, special play areas and rides just for little kids, and cabanas, this is real family fun for all ages!

ADAMS MYSTERY PLAYHOUSE (www.denver.com/murder-mystery-dinner-theater/

2406 Federal Boulevard, Denver

888-203-1975

Enjoy a meal and try to solve an intriguing murder mystery by playing the part of sleuth for an evening. Mysteries just for kids are offered, too, but children under five or six might not be able to follow the plot. The plays are interactive, very entertaining, and humorous!

DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM (www.aquariumrestaurants.com

700 Water Street, Denver

303-561-4450

Home to hundreds of species and a restaurant with a 150,000-gallon tank. Different tanks, over one million gallons total, present different marine ecosystems and their inhabitants. Visitors six and up can even swim with the fish for an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience! Kids will thrill to the "touch tanks." Fun and educational for all ages.

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE (www.dmns.org

2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver

303-322-7009

With mummies, Native American artifacts, dinosaur fossils, a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a special area for kids, this museum is a great adventure for all ages. You can spend hours here and not be bored. There's also a snack bar and a gift shop. Kids will learn while having fun!

WATER WORLD (www.waterworldcolorado.com

1800 W. 89th Avenue, Denver

303-427-7873

This water park has 64 acres of rides, more family tube rides than any other park in the US. Thrill rides,

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