Sometimes finding age-appropriate activities for toddlers can be tricky. But thankfully, the Denver area offers many opportunities to play, explore, imagine and even give mom or dad a break!
20 Things to Do with Baby and Toddlers in the Denver Area
1. Play in the sand at Kids Dig
Kids Dig in Littleton features a large 40-ton sandbox for kids 7 and under. You can get sandy with your kids or let your kiddo dig on their own. Trucks, shovels, pails, blocks, pipes, cones and other sand toys add to the fun. Kids Dig is only open til nap time (1:30 p.m.), Tuesday through Sunday. Two adults are free and kid prices are $17 for one hour or $27 for two hours of play. Private play and birthday party rentals are also available.
2. Get active at Tumble HAUS
Tumble HAUS is a membership-based club for families. Members can participate in 50-minute classes scheduled throughout the week or drop-in during open tumble times, which last for 90 minutes. The owners strive to give kids freedom to explore how they are most comfortable. Check their website for a weekly schedule of events.
3. Run the town at Kids Wonder
Kids Wonder features something for all ages at its play center in Centennial. For crawlers, a soft area features climbers, slides, small play houses and a tiny bounce house. All toddlers will enjoy Lil’Town where they can run their own town that includes a house, school, grocery store, restaurant, construction zone, fire station, veterinarian, and theater. Admission is $15 per child, adult admission is $2, and free for crawlers and infants with a paying sibling.
4. Crawl around at Monkey Bizness
Monkey Bizness in Parker and Westminster are indoor playgrounds perfect for a cold or rainy day. Open play is offered daily as well as specia events including Parent’s Night Out!
5. Take a spin on the Carousel of Happiness
The restored Carousel of Happiness in Nederland features 57 hand carved animals, many depicting endangered species. A ride is $3 and infants 9 months and older ride free.
6. Explore at the WOW! Children’s Museum
The WOW! Children’s Museum in Boulder County offers a chance to charge your toddler’s imagination and creativity. Bring the little ones here to introduce them to science, physics, and survival skills through experiments and demonstrations. This museum is great for toddlers and older siblings. One day a week, masks are required to protect toddlers who aren’t able to be fully vaccinated yet.
7. Visit the fishies at the Denver Aquarium
Sharks, fish, eels, and more fill the tanks at the Denver Aquarium. There are hands-on opportunities to touch a variety of sea creatures. Check the website for mermaid shows!
8. Play, imagine and explore at the Children’s Museum at Denver Marsico Campus
Visit this amazing museum for little ones! From the early learner’s oasis to the hands-on play with bubbles, water, art and more, this is a great place for babies and toddlers alike. If the weather is nice, don’t miss Joy Park!
9. Get up close with 1,600 butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion, 15 minutes from downtown, allows you to interact up close with butterflies, moths and other invertebrates. Tickets are $9.95 and free for kids under 2.
10. Jump, slide and climb at Kickin It
Infant and toddlers are encouraged to play independently and creatively at Kickin It. This indoor play ground includes a playlet, ball area, climbing wall and rotating play areas. Monthly memberships and day passes are available.
11. Play at Discovery Park
We love this park in Wheat Ridge which includes an awesome toddler playground, splash pad, nature play area with a creek and sand.
12. Burn energy at Lava Island
An epic playground in Aurora for all ages includes slides, trampolines, soft play and a cafe. Kids and adults pay a $10 entrance fee, 11 months and under are free.
13. Walk the Family Nature Play Trail at the Denver Zoo
Observe and delight in nature on the nature play trail on Thursday and Friday mornings. Zoo educators are available to encourage exploration and help kids dig in the dirt, clumb under bushes and more fun!
14. Pretend together at the Play Street Museum
Your kids will have fun imagining and pretending in the town square or exploring the interactive exhibits at this Highlands Ranch location. Four sessions of play are offered each weekday.
15. Feed and touch the animals at SeaQuest
Explore animals from five continents in Littleton! Follow their Facebook page for special events like character appearances, animal feedings and more.
16. Take a class at Gymboree Play and Music
Classes are offered from birth to age 5 with play-based curriculum that can feature songs, sensory play, physical play and more.
17. Shop and play together at Cherry Creek
Take a break from errands and play at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, lower level outside of Macy’s. The play area closes from 2-2:30 p.m. for cleaning.
18. Get a first taste of science at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Explore the building and hunt for colors, look for baby animals, or count birds and dinosaur bones. The Museum includes ideas specific for babies and toddlers on their preschool page.
19. Grab a cone at a Little Man Ice Cream Co. location
Grab a toddler sized cone at the 28-foot milk can in Lower Highlands. Or, visit one of the other locations all with super fun buildings that make that ice cream taste even sweeter.
20. Visit the Children’s Sculpture Garden at the Pearl Street Mall
Climb on a snail or perhaps a rabbit. If you’re in the area, this is a great little stop for little ones!
