101 Family Day Trips and Staycation Ideas Around Denver
Remember, it's always best to follow each link to get details about your visit directly from your destination, since some places operate seasonally or by reservation, as well as to check each venue's COVID requirements (masks, limits, social distancing).
Free activities and splurges that are worth it. The coolest stuff for a staycation in town and road trips for less than a tank of gas from Denver. Kids Out And About has tons of ideas for family travel, with places to explore, learn, and have fun!
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Explore Gardens & Sculpture Gardens
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Denver Botanic Gardens |
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Heritage Lavender |
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The Hudson Gardens |
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Sculpture Park at the Arts Complex |
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Civic Center Park |
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Busy Bee Lavender Farm |
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Colorado Mountain Lavender |
Get Wild on a Hike
Time Travel Today
Make Life a Beach
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Chatfield State Park |
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Grand Lake |
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Jackson Lake State Park |
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Boulder Reservoir |
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Confluence Park |
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Bow Mar Beach |
Splash into Some Water Fun
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Water World |
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Brighton Oasis Family Aquatics Park |
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Glenwood Hot Springs |
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Great Wolf Lodge |
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Pirates Cove Water Park |
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Discovery Bay Water Park |
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The Splash At Fossil Trace |
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Walsenburg Water Park |
Spend the Day at a Museum
Explore These Cities
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Boulder |
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Colorado Springs |
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Glenwood Springs |
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Estes Park |
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Manitou Springs |
All Aboard Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (and Boats!)
Grow Some Fun at the Farm
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Cottonwood Farm |
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Anderson Farms |
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Miller Farms and Corn Maze |
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The Urban Farm |
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Sunflower Farm |
Play Ball!
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Colorado Sports Hall of Fame |
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Family Sports Center - Centennial |
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Lil' All Stars Athletics |
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Colorado Avalanche |
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Denver Nuggets |
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Denver Broncos |
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Colorado Rockies |
Treat Yo' Self
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Glacier Home Made Ice Cream and Gelato |
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Little Man Ice Cream |
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Bonnie Brae Ice Cream |
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Sweet Action Ice Cream |
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Liks Ice Cream |
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Ice Cream Riot |
Connect with Nature
Amuse Yourself at These Amusement Parks
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Lakeside Amusement Park |
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North Pole; Santa's Workshop |
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Elitch Gardens |
Talk to the Animals
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Denver Zoo |
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Butterfly Pavilion |
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The Wild Animal Sanctuary |
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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo |
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Pueblo Zoo |
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Wishing Star Farm |
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Englewood Farm & Train at Belleview Park |
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Vist a Denver area Dog Park |
Take A Spin On A Carousel
Get Active Indoors
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iFly Denver |
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Shredder Ski and Play Gym |
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Boondocks Food and Fun |
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Waterworks Aquatics |
Challenge Yourself
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Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park |
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Valmont Bike Park |
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Museum of Outdoor Art |
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Swim With the Sharks at the Downtown Aquarium |
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Colorado Wilderness Rides and Guides |
Shop Your Heart Out
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Timbuk Toys |
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The Wizards Chest |
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Talulah Jones |
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Second Star To The Right Bookshop |
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Into the Wind |
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Mile High Comics |
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Wax Trax Records |
Limiting our list to 101 ideas meant some great destinations may have been left off the list - if there is something you’d like to see added, share it with us on Facebook!
Most of these destinations are within an hour from downtown Denver. For those that are a bit farther away:
= Less than 1 hour away
= 1 to 2 hours away
= 2 to 3 hours away
= Just over 3 hours away