From dinosaur fossils to alien worlds, Denver’s indoor attractions offer year-round fun for families. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, feed stingrays at the Downtown Aquarium, journey through otherworldly realms at Meow Wolf, or slide down poles at the Firefighters Museum.
When Colorado weather takes an unexpected turn, Denver's incredible indoor attractions ensure the fun doesn't stop. Whether you're a local parent looking for a weekend plan or visiting with energetic little ones, Denver Local Unplugged knows how important it is to keep kids entertained while staying warm and dry. The resource recommends 10 spots in the Mile High City that combine learning with serious fun.
This museum turns learning into a thrilling journey through time and space. Kids can stand beneath towering dinosaur skeletons, admire sparkling gems and minerals, or blast off into the cosmos at the Gates Planetarium. The Egyptian Mummies exhibit offers a fascinating peek into ancient civilization, complete with authentic artifacts thousands of years old!
But the best part? The Discovery Zone. This hands-on area invites kids to touch, build, and explore. Little paleontologists can dig for fossils, while future astronauts test interactive space displays. With activities designed for every age group, including toddlers and teens, there's something for everyone.
The Children's Museum at Marsico Campus takes creativity and curiosity to the next level. Every exhibit encourages kids to explore with their hands, eyes, and imagination. They can build towers in the Assembly Plant, get messy in the Paint Studio, or learn water physics while splashing away in the Water area.
Multi-level climbing structures offer the perfect energy outlet, with zones for different age groups, from soft climbing areas for toddlers to bigger challenges for older kids. Even better? Parents are encouraged to join in, making it an experience the whole family can share and enjoy.
This isn't your average history museum. The History Colorado Center brings the state's past to life through immersive, sensory-rich exhibits. The highlight? A massive 60-foot floor map where kids can guide a steampunk-inspired time machine across regions, "unlocking" videos and stories from Colorado's past, from mining boomtowns to Native American settlements.
Little explorers can hop into a Model T Ford for a virtual road trip, take a simulated ski jump off Steamboat Springs, or descend into a recreated hard-rock mine. Exhibits are designed to engage children while still offering rich historical insight for adults.
Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station is hard to explain, which is exactly why kids love it. This 90,000-square-foot immersive art installation invites families into four alien worlds, each with its own unique environment, storylines, and secrets to uncover. Instead of "do not touch" signs, you'll find glowing buttons, hidden passageways, and drawers begging to be opened.
Children become part of a wild, unfolding narrative about converging dimensions. One moment they're in a space station, the next they're crawling through crystalline caves or stumbling into a futuristic city. Despite the surreal visuals, the experience is family-friendly with plenty of whimsy to engage younger visitors. Plan for at least 2 hours, though many families stay half a day just trying to see it all.
The Downtown Aquarium brings the ocean to landlocked Denver with more than 500 species across colorful reef tanks, deep-sea habitats, and rainforest exhibits. One of the biggest hits? The stingray touch pool, where kids can gently feel and feed the sleek, graceful rays (for a small fee).
But it's not just fish. Sumatran tigers roam a jungle-themed temple, colorful macaws perch in aviaries, and snakes, lizards, and frogs offer surprises around every turn. Families can hop on the aquatic carousel, ride the narrated Aquarium Express train, or book premium experiences, like swimming with sharks or attending a live mermaid show.
Housed in Denver's historic Fire Station No. 1, the Firefighters Museum lets kids step into the boots of local heroes. They can suit up in kid-sized firefighter gear, slide down a real pole, and ride miniature fire trucks designed for pretend responders.
Interactive exhibits teach fire safety through play, think hose aim practice, a dispatch simulator, and a look at antique fire engines up close. Parents love the educational value, while kids stay fully engaged thanks to the museum's hands-on approach and exciting hero-themed play.
Housed in a massive 1930s-era Air Force hangar, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum captivates young pilots and space enthusiasts alike. With more than 50 aircraft and space vehicles, from vintage warplanes to modern jets, the museum gives kids the rare chance to climb into real cockpits and imagine themselves soaring through the skies.
Interactive exhibits help future engineers and aviators explore the science of flight. Kids can build and test paper airplanes, try flight simulators, and learn about lift, drag, and thrust through hands-on challenges. Bonus: Throughout the year, the museum hosts special events like drone demos, model rocket launches, and even astronaut meet-and-greets.
Want to hit the slopes without the snow? SNÖBAHN Action Sports Center lets kids learn to ski or snowboard year-round, no mountains or mittens required. The facility uses advanced treadmill-like slopes that mimic real skiing conditions and adjust to all skill levels.
Children as young as three can join in, with mini-sized gear and experienced instructors guiding them. The best part? No freezing temps, scary chairlifts, or crowded runs. Instead, kids get instant feedback, practice specific movements, and build confidence in a low-pressure environment. It's a great intro before heading to real mountains, or just a fun, active day out.
At iFLY Denver, kids can experience the thrill of skydiving without ever jumping from a plane. A vertical wind tunnel creates the sensation of freefall in a completely safe, supervised setting. Even little ones (ages three and up) can take flight, guided by trained instructors throughout the experience.
The session starts with a quick training video and flight demo. Then it's gear-up time: helmet, goggles, jumpsuit, and nerves of steel. Once inside the tunnel, kids get 1-2 minutes of flight per round, roughly the same free-fall time as an actual skydive. Instructors stay by their side, helping them float, turn, and even attempt gentle spins if they're ready.
The whole experience takes about 2 hours and includes multiple flights. Family packages are available, making this an unforgettable bonding moment that surpasses standard attractions.
If your kids think mini golf is boring, they haven't been to Holey Moley. This isn't your average windmill-and-castle course; it's an immersive, 27-hole playground packed with pop culture references, quirky challenges, and just the right amount of mayhem.
Families can choose from multiple themed courses like "Fairway to Heaven," "Dude, Where's My Par?," and "Par-Tee Time." Expect everything from shark-infested waters and neon sugar wonderlands to a "granny's bedpan" putt that'll have everyone in stitches. Each hole is a full-on set piece with lights, sound effects, and Instagram-worthy weirdness.
Located in the historic Denver City Cable Railway Co. building, Holey Moley offers plenty of space for families. When kids need a snack break (or parents need a cocktail), the venue's ambient bar and food space hits the spot, with comfy booths, themed drinks, and mid-round chill zones.
Denver's indoor attractions ensure that unpredictable weather never has to cancel your plans. From hands-on museums that spark curiosity to energy-releasing adventures like skydiving and skiing, the Mile High City delivers year-round options to keep the whole family entertained, rain, shine, or snow.
Many top spots, like Meow Wolf and iFLY Denver, often sell out during weekends, school holidays, and peak tourist seasons. Booking in advance can help avoid disappointment and keep your day running smoothly. Pro tip? Create an itinerary that combines mentally engaging and physically active stops to keep kids of all ages happy and stimulated.
With so many standout options under one sky-high roof, Denver easily ranks as one of the most family-friendly cities in the U.S., no matter the season. To explore more local favorites and family-tested tips, check out expert online guides like Denver Local Unplugged.
