COME TO LIFE | Denver More Ideas for Families ELITCH GARDENS THEME & WATER PARK Mind-blowing rides for those taller than 48 inches, plenty of slower family rides for those who aren’t, Island Kingdom Water Park, a summer concert series, “dive-in” movies and Meow Wolf’s Kaleidoscope ride make the nation’s only downtown theme park a must visit. BLACK AMERICAN WEST MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTER Nearly a third of the pioneers who helped settle Colorado in the late 1800s were Black. These miners, ranchers, teachers, blacksmiths and lawmen were a major part of the Wild West. See their stories brought to life. WATER WORLD One of the biggest and best water parks in the nation, with acres of refreshing summertime fun. With nearly 50 rides and adventures, there’s something for all ages. BUTTERFLY PAVILION 1,600 free-flying butterflies make their home at this one-of-a-kind spot in nearby Westminster, fluttering around visitors in a re-creation of a tropical rainforest. THE WILD ANIMAL SANCTUARY This rescue/educational facility 30 miles outside of Denver is home to more than 650 lions, tigers, bears and wolves. They roam the massive refuge while you walk above them on the Mile Into the Wild walkway. COLORADO DENVER & CITIES OF THE ROCKIES WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES AIR & SPACE MUSEUM AND EXPLORATION OF FLIGHT Visit two locations packed with iconic aircraft, space vehicles, aerospace-heritage artifacts, flight simulators and immersive exhibits. DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM DINOSAUR RIDGE Compare footprint sizes with giant prehistoric beasts on a nature walk in Morrison. You’ll encounter more than 100 fossilized dino tracks, including stegosaurus, apatosaurus and allosaurus. KID-APPROVED WEEKEND IN DENVER Your littles will grin from ear to ear in the Mile High City. Day 1 More than 500 species of ocean-dwellers roam landlocked Denver at Downtown Aquarium . Have close encounters with sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and even Sumatran tigers. ELITCH GARDENS THEME & WATER PARK Nearby is the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus , Older kids will want to check out adventure parks for skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking and skiing/boarding. Denver Skatepark , Ruby Hill Mountain 90 1-800-COLORADO FROM LEFT: ELITCH GARDENS THEME & WATER PARK; VISIT DENVER. an imagination-stimulating journey for newborns through age 8 with a 3½-story climber, a 6-foot bubble, Adventure Forest and much more. Bike Park and Ruby Hill Railyard are a few to scope out. End your first day on 16th Street Mall , a mile-long promenade and one of the city’s most visited attractions. It’s a great spot for dinner, with plenty of kid-pleasing choices. Every block boasts a landmark or public art to keep them stimulated.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 90
