Denver Museums for Kids: A Guide To Fun And Educational Exhibits

Denver, Colorado is a city known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural offerings. Among the city's many attractions, the museums stand out as a must-visit destination for families with children. Denver's museums offer a wide range of exhibits and activities that are both educational and entertaining for kids of all ages.

One of the most popular museums for kids in Denver is the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus. This museum is designed specifically for children and features interactive exhibits that encourage hands-on learning and exploration. Kids can climb, crawl, and play their way through exhibits that cover everything from science and technology to art and culture.

Another great museum for kids in Denver is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. This museum offers a variety of exhibits and activities that are both fun and educational. Kids can explore the mysteries of the universe in the planetarium, learn about ancient civilizations in the anthropology exhibit, or get up close and personal with live animals in the wildlife exhibit. With so many options to choose from, Denver's museums are a great way for kids to learn and have fun at the same time.

Overview of Denver Museums for Kids

Denver is home to many museums that are great for kids of all ages. These museums offer a wide range of exhibits and activities that are both educational and entertaining. Some of the most popular museums in Denver for kids include:

• Denver Museum of Nature & Science: This museum is a great place for kids to learn about science and nature. It features a variety of exhibits, including a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a dinosaur exhibit.
• Children's Museum of Denver: This museum is specifically designed for kids and features a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. It's a great place for kids to learn and play.
• Denver Art Museum: While not specifically geared towards kids, the Denver Art Museum offers a variety of exhibits and activities that are great for families. The museum also offers free admission for kids 18 and under.
• History Colorado Center: This museum is a great place for kids to learn about Colorado's history. It features a variety of exhibits and interactive activities that are both educational and fun.

Overall, Denver offers a great selection of museums that are perfect for kids and families. Whether you're looking for a museum that's specifically designed for kids or one that offers a variety of exhibits and activities, you're sure to find something that will keep your family entertained and engaged.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is a great place to take kids who love art. The museum has a wide variety of artwork on display, ranging from contemporary pieces to ancient artifacts. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids of all ages.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Denver Art Museum is the "Create-n-Takes" area, where kids can make their own art projects to take home. There are also hands-on exhibits that allow kids to touch and explore different types of art materials.

The museum also offers a variety of family-friendly programs and events throughout the year. These include art-making workshops, storytime sessions, and special exhibitions that are designed specifically for kids.

Overall, the Denver Art Museum is a fantastic place to take kids who are interested in art. With its wide range of exhibits and interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

History Colorado Center

The History Colorado Center is a must-visit place for families with kids who love history. The museum offers an interactive and engaging experience that brings Colorado's past to life.

The exhibits at the History Colorado Center cover a wide range of topics related to the state's history. Kids can learn about the early Native American cultures, the pioneers who settled in Colorado, and the mining boom that shaped the state's economy.

One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the "Living West" exhibit, which explores the lives of the people who lived in the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibit features interactive displays that allow kids to experience life in a frontier town, ride a stagecoach, and even pan for gold.

The History Colorado Center also offers a variety of programs and events for families and kids. From hands-on activities to guided tours, there is always something new and exciting to discover at the museum.

Overall, the History Colorado Center is a fantastic place to learn about the history of Colorado and the American West. With its engaging exhibits and interactive displays, kids are sure to have a fun and educational experience.

Denver Firefighters Museum

The Denver Firefighters Museum is a great place to visit with kids and learn about the history of firefighting in Denver. The museum is located in a historic fire station building that was built in 1909 and served as a working fire station until 1974. The building was then converted into a museum in 1980.

The museum has a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of firefighting in Denver, including antique fire trucks, firefighting equipment, and uniforms. Kids can learn about the tools and techniques that firefighters use to fight fires, as well as the history of firefighting in Denver.

One of the highlights of the museum is the interactive exhibit that allows kids to experience what it's like to be a firefighter. Kids can dress up in firefighting gear and climb aboard a fire truck. They can also learn about fire safety and how to prevent fires from starting.

The Denver Firefighters Museum is a great place to visit with the whole family. It's a fun and educational experience that kids will love. Whether you're a local or just visiting Denver, the museum is definitely worth a visit.

Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a great place for kids to learn and play. The museum has many interactive exhibits that are designed to teach children about science, math, art, and more. One of the most popular exhibits is Joy Park, an outdoor play area that features a climbing wall, a slide, and a water play area.

Inside the museum, kids can explore the teaching kitchen, where they can learn about healthy eating and cooking. There are also many other interactive exhibits that encourage kids to use their imaginations and explore the world around them.

The Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a great place for families to spend time together. The museum offers many programs and events throughout the year, including story times, art classes, and science workshops. With so much to see and do, the Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a must-visit destination for families with young children.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a great destination for families with kids who are interested in science and nature. The museum has a wide range of exhibits that cover topics such as geology, paleontology, botany, and zoology.

One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is the Space Odyssey exhibit, which features a variety of interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about space and space exploration. The exhibit includes a space shuttle simulator, a Mars rover simulator, and a planetarium that shows movies about space and the universe.

The museum also has a large collection of fossils, including a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that is over 40 feet long. The Prehistoric Journey exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the history of life on Earth, from the earliest single-celled organisms to the dinosaurs that roamed the planet millions of years ago.

For younger children, the Discovery Zone is a hands-on exhibit that allows kids to explore the natural world through play. The exhibit includes a sand pit where kids can dig for fossils, a water table where they can learn about aquatic life, and a play area where they can learn about the different habitats that animals live in.

Overall, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a great place for families to learn about science and nature together. With a wide range of exhibits and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Forney Museum of Transportation

The Forney Museum of Transportation is a great place to take kids and families who are interested in transportation history. Located in Denver, Colorado, the museum has a collection of over 600 artifacts that showcase the evolution of transportation over the years.

Visitors can see everything from classic cars and motorcycles to trains and airplanes. One of the highlights of the museum is the Union Pacific "Big Boy" steam locomotive, which is one of the largest steam locomotives ever built.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum also offers guided tours and educational programs for kids. These programs are designed to help kids learn about the history of transportation in a fun and interactive way.

Overall, the Forney Museum of Transportation is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in transportation history. With its extensive collection of artifacts and educational programs, it is sure to be a hit with kids and families.

Wings Over the Rockies

Wings Over the Rockies is an air and space museum located in Denver, Colorado. It is a great destination for families with kids who are interested in aviation and space exploration.

The museum features a variety of exhibits, including vintage aircraft, space vehicles, and artifacts from aviation history. There are also interactive exhibits where kids can learn about the principles of flight and explore the inner workings of aircraft engines.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Apollo Moon Landing exhibit, which features a lunar module and other artifacts from the historic Apollo 11 mission. Kids can learn about the challenges of space travel and the science behind the moon landing.

In addition to the exhibits, Wings Over the Rockies also offers a variety of educational programs and events for kids. These include summer camps, flight simulators, and workshops on topics such as rocketry and aerodynamics.

Overall, Wings Over the Rockies is a must-visit destination for families with kids who are interested in aviation and space exploration. With its engaging exhibits and educational programs, it is sure to inspire a love of science and technology in young visitors.

Planning Your Visit

When planning a trip to Denver museums with kids, it's important to consider a few factors to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

Research and Plan Ahead

Before heading out to any museum, it's a good idea to do some research online. Check out the museum's website to find out about hours of operation, admission fees, and any special exhibits or events that may be happening during your visit. Some museums offer free admission on certain days or times, so be sure to take advantage of those opportunities if possible.

Travel and Transportation

Denver has a great public transportation system, including buses and light rail, which can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. If you're driving, be sure to check for parking options near the museum, as some areas may have limited parking or require a fee.

Pack Accordingly

When visiting museums with kids, it's important to pack accordingly. Bring snacks, water bottles, and any necessary medications or first aid supplies. Depending on the museum, you may also want to bring a stroller or carrier for younger children, as well as comfortable shoes for everyone.

Organization and Time Management

To make the most of your visit, it's important to stay organized and manage your time effectively. Consider creating a plan or itinerary for your visit, including which exhibits or areas you want to see first. Be sure to allow enough time to explore each exhibit, but also be flexible and open to changing your plans if needed.

By following these tips and planning ahead, you can ensure a fun and educational experience for the whole family at Denver's museums.

Additional Resources

For families looking to explore Denver museums with their kids, there are a variety of additional resources available to enhance the experience.

Guides and Apps

The Denver Art Museum offers a free app called "DAM Kids" that provides interactive tours and activities for kids ages 5-12. The app includes fun challenges and games that encourage children to engage with the art in a meaningful way.

The Children's Museum of Denver also offers a free guide for families visiting their exhibits. The guide includes tips for exploring each exhibit, as well as suggested activities and questions to spark conversation and learning.

Downloads and Activities

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a variety of free activity sheets and coloring pages available for download on their website. These resources are a great way to extend learning beyond the museum visit and keep kids engaged with science topics at home.

The Molly Brown House Museum offers a "Molly Brown at Home" activity kit for families to download and complete together. The kit includes hands-on activities and crafts inspired by Molly Brown's life and legacy.

Access Programs

Many Denver museums offer access programs for families with children who have special needs or disabilities. The Denver Art Museum, for example, offers sensory-friendly programming and accommodations for visitors with autism spectrum disorders.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science also offers a variety of access programs, including sign language interpretation and audio description for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.

Overall, these additional resources can help families make the most of their Denver museum experience and create meaningful learning opportunities for kids of all ages and abilities.

Special Programs and Events

Denver museums offer a variety of special programs and events for kids throughout the year. These programs and events are designed to engage children in fun and educational activities that are both entertaining and informative.

One of the most popular programs offered by Denver museums is the Polar Express. This program takes kids on a magical journey to the North Pole, where they can meet Santa Claus and his elves. Kids can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and other treats while listening to stories and singing carols.

Another popular program is the Day Out with Thomas. This program allows kids to ride on a real-life Thomas the Tank Engine train, meet the characters from the show, and participate in other activities and games.

Denver museums also offer a wide variety of happenings throughout the year, including special exhibitions, workshops, and performances. These events are a great way for kids to learn about different cultures, art forms, and scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.

Overall, Denver museums provide a wealth of opportunities for kids to learn and have fun. With their special programs and events, kids can explore the world around them and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Denver is home to a variety of museums that are perfect for kids of all ages. To make the most of your visit, it's important to plan ahead and take advantage of all the resources available to you.

One of the best ways to explore Denver's museums is to start with a map and plan out your route ahead of time. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that you don't miss any of the exhibits that your kids will love.

When exploring the museums, encourage your kids to have fun and feel free to touch and interact with the exhibits. Many museums have hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that are designed to engage kids and make learning fun.

If your kids love art, be sure to check out the Denver Art Museum. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits that are perfect for kids, including a collection of Western art and a section dedicated to contemporary art.

For kids who love science, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a must-visit. The museum has exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration, and even has an IMAX theater that shows educational films.

No matter which museum you choose to visit, be sure to show your kids plenty of love and support. Encourage them to ask questions and explore on their own, and be sure to take plenty of photos to remember your visit.