In my opinion, this is a good place for those younger than 2. There is plenty of room to run around and things to climb. Everyone’s favorite is the ant hill on the second floor. Outside of the museum, you can catch the trolley, which is probably just as much fun as the museum.

This is the all-time favorite for Denver parents. The children play and climb on big plastic breakfast foods like sausages and cereal bowls, and run around in circles for hours. There are always plenty of kids, and it is a guaranteed success. It is free, and if you come with more than one adult, one adult can always get some shopping in. Your child will not miss you a bit – guaranteed!

Slowest times are on Sundays before the mall opens at 11 – if you really don’t want to shop.

A great neighborhood cafe in Park Hill (Perk Hill in Park Hill…..) with its own little playground. That’s exatly what every cafe should have – a place with good coffee and cookies for mom and ice cream for the kids while offering free outdoor activites.

I always meet someone I know here. Kids of all ages really enjoy the space station, the dinosaurs, and the Discovery Zone. There is plenty of room to run around the animal halls as well. The Discovery Zone is staffed with super-friendly volunteers who always have some trick up their sleeve. Have you ever seen shaving cream explode or a square bubble? You can spend the whole day if you also take in a movie at the Imax or visit the planetarium. Annual passes are real money-savers!

A parent in Denver must have a membership to the Denver Zoo (appr. $70/year for the family). This is a fantastic place to run, run, run without running into cars. The train is a favorite for kids, and the caroussel is fun for them, too. Sometimes we just go for a quick visit to see Mimi and Dolly the elephants and ride the train. Of course, kids love to feed the birds during the summer. You can buy nectar for $1 and have the birds sit on your hands while they drink. The bug toss in the aviary is also cool for little guys.

My favorite time is December when the zoo is open until 9 p.m. for the zoolights. Hot chocolate and popcorn is not optional for us…

A good place for the winter if the kid likes bugs, since it has more to offer than just butterflies (which fly around). Be sure to hold Rosie the Tarantula and look for the turtles that are walking around in the pavillion. If you are lucky, you will catch the feeding of the turtles (with worms!).