[griffin2004]

DD, age 6, and I will be spending a few days in Denver in June. I'd love your insider suggestions on fun things for us to do.

The Children's Museum?
The zoo?
The Mint?

Thanks!

 

[LeighB]

The Denver Nature and Science Museum is great! There is a lot to see and do there.
the Children's Museum is great too, but I think it's really geared toward younger kids. There is an aquarium across the parking lot. It's pretty small and doesn't take long to go through, but it's nice.
There is a great bookstore, the Tattered Cover. I love that place, and you find almost anything there.
The Zoo is nice. My Dh doesn't like it, but I've always enjoyed it.
I haven't been, but I've heard great things about the Butterfly Pavilion. It might be perfect for a 6 year old little girl.
My younger brothers loved the mint. They are a bit older, 10 and 12. But your dd might like it.
Have fun!

 

[Peony]

If your DD likes trains (mine do so this is always a hit when we go to Denver), there is a great train museum in Golden, not far from Denver at all. There is also an small family run amusement park in Golden which is cheap and a blast. http://www.fishandfarm.com/

We really like the Nature and Science museum. The zoo is nice. I'm really not a fan of the children's museum in Denver, it has always been really packed every time we've gone, to the point where my DC can't even play and it's not fun. And I've always heard great thing about the Butterfly Pavilion but I've never gone, maybe one of these trips up there!

 

[maida]

I second the Denver Nature and Science Museum. I have 6 and 4 1/2 year old boys, and we love it there. We got a membership in August and drive up from Colorado Springs about once a month. We haven't run out of things to do there yet and we've been 4 times this year already.

 

[LeighB]

Oh, and if she is into dinosaurs, there is Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison.

 

[Theoretica]

We go into Denver every couple of months and looooove it! Ditto on what everyone's already said, also the Hammond's Candy factory is a must (yum, great behind the scenes tour, free) as is Celestial Seasonings teas (also free tour). The mint tour is ok but frankly a bit dry for the younger crowd, might be worth it to wait and do it when they are older. Still though, it's free and interesting.

Dinosaur ridge is a huge DEFINITELY, way cool to see the tracks! Also pay the $3 for the bus tour, the guides have loads more information and it's well worth it.

If I think of anymore I'll post, but Denver is just way too much fun and we absolutely love it, always something to do!

HTH
Bellevuemama

 

[goransmom]

Another vote for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, not only a great place to visit, but it is adjacent to City Park, there is a dancing fountain to play in on hot days and a lake to walk around.

Also, Lakeside Amusement Park is a small traditional amusement park, Admission is about $2 and the kiddie rides are $.50. Very low key and pleasant to walk around.

Have a great visit!

 

[griffin2004]

Wow! Thanks, everyone. These are fabulous suggestions. I may extend our stay a day or two!

 

[dislocator3972]

In City Park (where the zoo and museum of nature and science are located), Sunday nights in the summer are home to City Park Jazz. It's a free concert and everyone brings blankets and picnics and wine and has a pretty fantastic time.

Plus, Denver is home to a TON of festivals, etc. Denvergov.org tends to have the most comprehensive schedule of everything going on in the city.

Enjoy!

 

[Drummer's Wife]

There's also Red Rocks, if you have the time it's beautiful.

 

[34me]

We are members of the Museum of Nature and Science and the Zoo. We have member ships to both. If you have a membership to any of your local museums see if they have reciprical agreements - we have been to museums in Phoenix and Chicago with ours.

The Butterfly museum is neat. There are two basic rooms. One is bugs in tanks and the other is Butterflys on the loose. All kinds and they are just everywhere. There are several benches to sit on as well as lots of foliage and you can just sit and watch. Very nice.

There's always the Colorado Rockies if you like baseball and the schedule fits. Or the Colorado Outlaws if you prefer lacrosse or the Rapids if Soccer is your thing.

My guys enjoyed the Mint at 2,4 and 6 but that was pre 9/11 so I'm not sure what you actually get to see anymore.

If you have a vehicle Celestial Seasonings has a nice tour any your kiddo is just old enough (5+). The Leaning Tree Museum (Western Art - could be kinda boring for a kiddo but free so easy in and out) is practically accross the street.

Estes Park is pretty for a longer drive but much more touristy in June.