The Denver Adventure

Welcome to the capital of Colorado. Denver is an amazing city, and part of that is simply due to the location. Popularly referred to as the Mile High City, Denver is measured as being exactly 1-mile above sea level. This has two pretty interesting side effects. One, the air vapor is thinner in Denver than most other places, meaning that objects in the air experience less resistance. This means that if you’re a family of golfers, baseballers, etc. you’ll be likely to see a new personal record in distance traveled of the balls you hit. The other side effect of less air resistance is universally enjoyable: with less water vapor in the air, colors in Denver appear more vibrant and alive than colors you’re used to. Use that incentive to get the kids out exploring the Mile High City! Of course, you need places to explore, and that’s where this article comes in handy.

 

Denver Zoo

Several of Denver’s coolest attractions happen to be free. So if you only want to spend money in one place, it’s gotta be the Denver Zoo. The zoo is the single most popular paid attraction in Denver, and you’ll understand why when you see it. At 80-acres, this is one zoological park that you’re gonna want to devote a whole day to. The zoo has plenty of educational opportunities for children and adults alike, as well as a series of up-close and personal animal encounters you can sign up for. Stay away from the lion claws!

 

This is also a good place to teach the youngsters about the importance of conservation and respect for nature. For an added bonus of fun, sign up for one of the zoo’s bonus events. This October, the zoo is offering trick or treating and strange/creepy animal demonstrations during their Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo! If creepy’s not your thing, there’s plenty of wholesome events to sign up for as well.

 

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre can be whatever you need it to be. History point, exercise point, entertainment point. The most popular use of this gorgeous ochre sandstone theatre is as a music venue. And, in truth, there aren’t many experiences that will get you pumped like listening to a world-renowned artist performing in an acoustically ideal setting. But since this is all about family, you should also know that you can appreciate Red Rocks Amphitheatre as just a part of Red Rocks Park. Consider taking the family for a hike through Red Rocks Trail, maybe even on horseback…? You could even take an early morning Red Rocks yoga class! All that exercise tends to work up an appetite, so check out Ship Rock Grille, which offers delicious food alongside a stunning view of the park. However, the park ranger will kick you out of the park an hour past sundown, so make sure you know some cool activities to do in Denver at night.

 

Denver Botanic Gardens

Do you love the idea of seeing the nature surrounding Red Rocks Park but aren’t as into the whole “spending a whole day outside” thing? The Denver Botanic Gardens is the perfect place for you and yours. Not only is this garden dedicated to increasing access to fresh, healthy food through community efforts, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and entertaining places in Colorado. Sized up to 23-acres, the Denver Botanic Gardens easily fit a conservatory, a variety of themed gardens, and a sunken amphitheater used for concerts. If you are into the idea of some Denver camping, this would be the place for it.

If you’re getting sick of the sun, we don’t recommend trying the gardens 7-acre corn maze…some people who go in never come out…just kidding! But seriously, this is one huge corn maze. The gardens also offer special seasonal attractions year-round. Check out their upcoming Halloween event where they light up pumpkins like spooky lanterns, called Glow in the Garden! This garden is also the best place in Denver to just stop and smell the flowers, and there’s no obligation to do anything at all. If you want to simply sit and appreciate the beauty around you as a family, well that’s a fantastic choice.

 

Coors Field

Let’s be honest, none of us go on vacation to get a work out in. But with all these recommendations that have a focus on walking and exploring, it’d be understandable if you were starting to feel tired just from reading about the Mile High City. That’s why it’s important to swing by Coors Field for a ballgame and a brew. Well, just a ballgame for the kids, but you get the idea. Now, you might be thinking, “Hey, I can bring my family to a ballgame anytime I want” which is probably true. But have you ever brought your family to a ballgame with 50,000+ other fans all cheering alongside you? Now that’s an experience that the younger members of the group will remember for the rest of their life.

To be clear, this isn’t everything that’s family friendly in Denver. The Mile High City has all kinds of entertainment, including fun museums, epic theaters, fancy dining, and more. Part of the fun of exploring a new city as a family is finding places you didn’t even know existed. Get out and about in the colorful and delightfully warm land of Denver, and have a blast doing it!