Denver, Colorado's mile high city is full of family friendly activities and attractions. It is home to great museums, restaurants, parks and shopping. Denver has it all. There are endless places to take the kids to have some good healthy family fun. You should remember Denver's altitude, and make sure you keep the kids well hydrated. If you're not used to the altitude, be aware of the signs of altitude sickness. Watch for fatigue, weakness, dizziness and nausea. Make sure that for the first day or so nobody over exerts themselves and keep drinking plenty of fluids. Denver has such a lot to offer families, there is so much to see and do, that choosing which activities you have time for will be the only problem.

Children's Museum of Denver
2121 Children's Museum Drive, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433 7444
www.cmdenver.org

The Children's Museum is a great place to start and a phenomenal place to spend some family time. Children of all ages will love the fun and educational hands on activities. From the moment you catch sight of this unusual building, with it's cool exterior, it is clear that you are in for an interesting experience. The museum is divided in to themed areas, with well designed, age appropriate activities.There is something for everyone, from new born to 10 years old. With it's huge magnetic walls, the Alphabet Soup exhibit is perfect for kids of all ages to experiment with magnetic letters. Whether your little one is a toddler who is simply fascinated by the colors and shapes, or a you have a budding poet, creating verse before your eyes, Alphabet Soup allows your children to explore their freedom of expression. Budding artists will love The Arts al a Carte exhibit, and what better memento of your family trip than your child's work of art.

The Downtown Aquarium
700 Water St, Denver, 80211
(303) 561 4450
www.aquariumrestaurants.com/do wntownaquariumdenver/flash_con tent

At this fun family destination you can choose whether to swim with the fishes or sleep with the fishes! The Aquarium offers an incredible opportunity to snorkel in the Under the Sea Exhibit.You can also spend the night and camp out at the aquarium, allowing a unique view of this phenomenal facility and it's inhabitants. These are really popular events so booking early is a good idea. Even without these special events, the Downtown Aquarium is a wonderful destination for the whole family, and one that should be included in any itinerary.

Denver museum of Nature and Science

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
303-322-7009 www.dmns.org

School age kids will love this Museum. Check out the Great Mummy exhibit or take a tour through the galaxy in the Space Odyssey exhibit. Kids either love or loathe Dinosaurs, and if yours fall in the first category, then a trip back in time through the Prehistoric Journey display will be a big hit. Hands on exploration is encouraged and in no time at all your little paleontologists will be unearthing fossils and treasures and be intrigued and inspired.

Hammonds Candies Factory
5735 N. Washington Street, Denver Co 80216
(303) 333 5588
www.hammondscandies.com

The only thing better than a kid in a candy shop is a kid in a candy factory. Hammonds has a great factory tour that everyone will enjoy.Hammonds has been a Denver institution since 1920, when Carl Hammond opened his first candy factory. Since then, they have delighted the taste buds of generations of kids with their hand pulled hard candy, delicious chocolates, lollipops and candy canes. As the factory tour is completely free of charge, you will have that much more left to spend in the candy shop at the end of the day.

Elitch Gardens
200 Elitch Circle Denver, Co 80204
(303) 595 4386
www.elitchgardens.com

This is the premier destination for the roller coaster riding, water park loving family. Located in downtown Denver this is the perfect summertime destination. Elitch boasts every type of amusement park ride from tea cups for the tiny tots to hair raising super coasters for the speed freak of the family. Everyone will be exhausted long before the day is over! On a hot day it is Elitch Gardens water park that is the premier family hangout spot. Bring your bathing suit and plan to spend a full day riding water slides and soaking up the mile high sun. Remember to bring along your sunscreen as the suns rays at this altitude can quickly burn.

The Butterfly Pavilion
6252 West 104th Ave.,Westminster, CO 80020
(303) 657 5944
http://www.butterflies.org

The Denver Butterfly Pavilion has been enchanting families for over a decade. Living within the 7000 square foot rain forest habitat are 1,200 butterflies and over 350 different tropical plant species. Kids young and old will be delighted as they watch the miracle of spectacular butterflies emerging from their Chrysalis stage, or witness the release of the young butterflies into the rain forest. The atmosphere is hot and humid, so on a cool day make sure to dress in easily removable layers.

Denver Zoo
2300 Steele Street,Denver, CO 80205
(303) 376 4800
www.denverzoo.org

Denver Zoo is huge, so make sure you arrive early in the morning and plan on spending the whole day. There are plenty of great animal habitats that allow you to get some great up close views of the animals. The Zoo is laid out well, with lots of great educational information and fun activities to do. The Carousel and the train are definite hits with the younger children. The train offers a fun way to get an overview of the area and see some interesting parts that are otherwise hidden, almost a behind the scenes tour. Denver's Zoo is renowned for it's conservation efforts and success. It is a fun destination that allows even the youngest children an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world we share with these magnificent creatures.

Pow Wow
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt Street, Denver, Co 80216
www.denvermarchpowwow.org

Every March, Denver celebrates it's rich cultural history. The Denver Indian Community stages an annual event like no other. It is a spectacular celebration of Native America arts, culture and history. Whether you are looking for an educational experience to enrich your family's understanding of this vital part of America's heritage, or looking for a a fun family event, this is the perfect day out.

Denver Pavillions Shopping Mall
www.denverpavilions.com

Denver Pavillions is a wonderful mall. Located in the heart of downtown, boasting plenty of family friendly restaurants it is the perfect destination for a family shopping trip and a comfortable meal. They have a great movie theater, which works really well as a bribe to keep the kids in line while you indulge in a little retail therapy, They also play host to street festivals and events, from music and art festivals to Sand Volleyball right there in the street.

The Down Town Arts Festival
www.downtowndenverartsfestival .com

Every year in May the city streets come alive as artists and art lovers alike flock the the city. It is a fun and exciting event, with plenty of street entertainment, food and treats to keep the whole family busy, located around the Pavilion Shopping Mall area.

REI
1416 Platte Street, Denver, Co 80202
(303) 756 3100
www.rei.com/stores/18

Denver is the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, and a mecca to all outdoors lovers.It is no surprise that REI finds it's home in Denver, and celebrates all that is good about mountain living and the outdoors. Their flagship store in Denver, is a destination in itself. Home to mountain bike trails and a 45 foot climbing wall it is attraction not to be missed. They offer the best in outdoors equipment, and amazingly knowledgeable and passionate staff. Their local knowledge is a great resource for anyone looking to venture beyond the city limits, and they have just about any equipment that you could possibly need!

Dave and Busters
2000 S Colorado Boulevard Retail Complex, Suite D Denver, CO 80222
303 759 1515
www.daveandbusters.com

Dave and Busters is a chain of family entertainment restaurants, that will be familiar to many. If it's new to you, be warned, it is noisy, colorful and a whole lot of fun. Their eat and play combos offer the best deal for families. The food ranges from burgers, to pastas and salads. The fun part is taken care of by plenty of arcade style games and fair ground games. The volume does tend to get a little intense at times, but it will definitely be a fun family evening. They offer lots of specials and promotions so it's a good idea to check the web site before you visit.

Denver is a phenomenal city. It boasts a great climate and an incredible location, with it's proximity to the mountains. It is the perfect location for any family vacation, no matter what the season. Next time you are heading for the mountains take some time to stop in Denver. It has a lot to offer families. Great museums, art galleries and restaurants are just the tip of this great city's wonderful attractions.

Learn more about this author, Julie Wood.
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