by Linda G. Hull

Created on: March 15, 2009   Last Updated: June 23, 2009

If you're thinking covered wagons, shoot-em ups in the street, and rough miners, think again. The Mile High City, situated at the foot of the spectacular Rocky Mountains, is a metropolitan city with lots of western charm. You'll find Denver and its surrounding suburbs to be family friendly with lots of exciting activities to keep you and the kids busy. Denver has 300 days of sunshine a year, so expect brilliant turquoise skies and spectacular sunsets as you vacation in the shadow of the Rockies.

1. Denver Zoo

2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO 80205

303-376-4800

http://www.denverzoo.org

First stop, the Denver Zoo located in Denver's City Park. Have fun learning about 650 animal species, or over 3,500 animals in naturalistic habitats. Shop at the Kibongi Market and dine at the Samburu Grill.

2. The Children's Museum of Denver

2121 Children's Museum Drive, Denver, CO 80211

303-433-7444

http://www.cmdenver.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=main

Learning through play is the museum's motto. Interactive playscapes, such as the Assembly Plant, the CMD Fire Station No. 1, or Arts a la carte are geared for children from newborn through age eight.

3. Elitch Gardens (Water and Theme Park)

2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, CO 80204

303-595-4386

http://www.elitchgardens.com/

Elitch's offers thrill rides, free concerts, live shows, games and arcades, dining, and shopping! Still bored? Try the Island Kingdom Water Park's wave pool, slides, and 5-story treehouse.

4. Downtown Aquarium

700 Water Street, Denver, CO 80211

303-561-4450

http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumd enver/flash_content/index.html

A spectacular public aquarium featuring the famed Aquarium Adventure theme exhibits about earth's habitats, ecosystems, and conservation. Enjoy an unforgettable lunch or dinner at the Aquarium Restaurant seated around a 150,000 gallon aquarium filled with colorful fish species.

5. Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80205

303-322-7009

http://www.dmns.org/main/en/

The amazing interactive exhibits just for kids in the Discovery Zone are educational and fun. Lunch at the T-Rex Cafe or snack at the T-Rex Grab and Go. Watch shows at the Gates Planetarium and Phipps IMAX Theater.

6. Denver Botanic Gardens

1005 York Street, Denver, CO 80206

720-865-3585

http://www.botanicgardens.org/

Thirty individual gardens

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