While many think of snow when they think of Colorado, its mile-high capital city, Denver, is a burgeoning metropolis and a fun destination for families to explore.
One of the city’s most notorious family attractions is Casa Bonita. An entire episode of the popular Comedy Central cartoon “South Park” was dedicated to this kid-friendly, over-the-top Mexican restaurant, and if you ask any Coloradan if they know or have been to the place, the answer is almost always “yes.” Whether or not locals groan at the mention of this infamous eatery, children of all ages will delight in the three-story restaurant’s cliff divers, fire jugglers, arcade games, pirate caves and the truly delicious sopapillas (pastries).
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Denver is known as the “Mile-High City” due to its elevation.// (C) 2010 Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
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While Casa Bonita may be one of Denver’s most well-known family attractions, it’s certainly not the only one. The Denver Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the U.S. There, visitors can see more than 3,500 animals representing 650 different species, including exotics like the amur leopard, black rhinos, vampire bats and more. Families can also visit new habitats such as Predator Ridge, with 50 animals from Africa in a large, naturalistic habitat. Tropical Discovery is another habitat that includes a mangrove swamp, a coral reef, a cypress swamp and a tropical marsh, as well as the largest indoor Komodo dragon habitat. The seven-acre Primate Panorama, home to large and small primates from around the world, including a one-acre, free roaming gorilla habitat, is not to be missed.
Kids will also enjoy the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. It is a leading resource for informal science education in the region offering a variety of exhibitions, programs and activities for kids to learn about the natural wonders of Colorado, the earth and the universe. The museum also includes an Imax Theater, which is currently showing “Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure” and “Wild Ocean” through Feb. 18. “Arabia,” which will begin on Feb. 19, explores the ancient tombs and shipwrecks of the Red Sea.
The Children’s Museum of Denver, which provides rich play experiences and a dynamic learning environment for kids ages newborn through 8 years old, is a place for them to discover, explore, play and enjoy. It offers innovative and interactive “playscapes,” or hands-on exhibits such as the CMD Fire Station No. 1, where children can sound the siren, flash the lights and learn what it takes to be a firefighter on a real Denver Fire Department truck. Other exhibits include Arts a la Carte with finger-painting, noodle art, puppet shows and more; Ready Vet Go!, a kid-sized veterinary clinic; and more. The museum also offers engaging daily programming and exciting year-round special events.
For shopping, Denver’s 16th Street Mall area is easily navigable for families with a free tram that stops along a 16-block stretch of shops and eateries like the Hard Rock Cafe and the Cheesecake Factory.
Sports fans can also witness some of the nation’s top athletes watching one of Denver’s professional sports teams. The Denver Broncos play at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium and basketball fans can take in a Denver Nuggets game at the Pepsi Center. The Colorado Rockies, who were in the World Series in 2007, play at Coors Field. All games are easily accessible from Denver’s downtown area.
For active families, Denver is the perfect starting point for a ski vacation. Aspen, Beaver Creek, Vail, Crested Butte and more are all within driving distance of the city. Areas like Winter Park are even closer and could feasibly make a great day trip.
Whether Denver is a jumping-off point for a longer vacation, or a weekend getaway, the city is a great stop for families.
Resources
Where to Eat:
Casa Bonita
Cliff divers, fire jugglers and delicious sopapillas. Get a table with a view of the action.
6715 West Colfax Ave., Lakewood
303-232-5115
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The Hard Rock Cafe
Located on Denver’s 16th Street Mall, it’s easy to spot — just look for the 20-foot neon guitar on the outside.
1215 18th St., Denver
303-295-1864
Where to Stay:
Denver Marriott City Center
1701 California St., Denver
303-297-1300, www.marriott.com
Hotel Monaco Denver — A Kimpton Hotel
1717 Champa St., Denver
303-296-1717; www.monaco-denver.com
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton,
Denver Downtown
1845 Sherman St., Denver
303-864-8000; www.hamptoninn.hilton.com
When to Go:
Denver is truly a year-round destination. May to October is pleasant and sunny. For snow, visit from November to April.
Getting There:
Denver is easily accessible by air, with regular flights from around the country. The Denver International Airport is located about a half-hour outside the city.
What to Do:
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St., Denver
303-376-4800; www.denverzoo.org
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
303-322-7009; www.dmns.org
Children’s Museum of Denver
2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver
303-433-7444; www.mychildrensmuseum.org
The 16th Street Mall
www.denver.org
