Winter in Denver may be known primarily for great après ski opportunities and Mile High Holiday deals, but a taste of the tropics can still be found year-round at several Mile High City attractions.

Denver Botanic Gardens: Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory

Where: 1005 York St., Denver
Tropical Experience: Escape the elements and enjoy an hour in a tropical paradise at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The lush Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at the York Street location is one of the most compelling tropical plant displays in the country, including banyan tree roots and cloud forest orchids. The largest single structure tropical conservatory in the U.S., this captivating attraction also features various food plants, including bananas, chocolate, and coffee. Head for the tree-tops! The conservatory’s two-story model of a banyan tree gives visitors an aerial view of the tropical forest.
More Info: www.botanicgardens.org  

Downtown Aquarium: Aquarium Adventure

Where: 700 Water St., Denver
Tropical Experience: Denver may be landlocked, but there are plenty of opportunities to discover ocean-dwelling critters. The Downtown Aquarium, the largest aquarium west of Chicago, offers an up-close look at some truly unique aquatic creatures, including stingrays, Asian arowanas and moray eels. In the Aquarium Adventure exhibit, travel to a tropical rainforest, where tangled roots provide hiding places for small fish species. Then spend some time exploring a coral lagoon and a sandy beach. Looking for even more interactive fun? Thanks to the aquarium’s scuba program, visitors can get in the 1.2-million-gallon tank and swim with the fishes – and sharks!
More Info: www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver

Butterfly Pavilion: Tropical Odyssey

Where: 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster
Tropical Experience: At the family-friendly Butterfly Pavilion – a truly “only in Denver” attraction –  explore the new Tropical Odyssey, a journey that takes visitors to the tropical rainforests of South America, featuring some of the world’s most vibrant butterfly species. Learn all there is to know about the farming of these magnificent creatures and the fascinating metamorphosis of some of the world’s most vibrant butterfly species - the Blue Morpho butterfly, Owl butterfly, Longwing butterfly and the Malachite butterfly. A hands-on, interactive experience, Tropical Odyssey immerses visitors in the remarkable world of the butterfly and teaches the vital importance of how sustainable business is helping to save the rainforests.
More Info: www.butterflies.org  

Denver Zoo: Tropical Discovery

Where: 2300 Steele St., Denver
Tropical Experience: The Denver Zoo’s popular Tropical Discovery leads visitors through a winding pathway past waterfalls into a darkened cave. Explore a temple ruin deep in the heart of the jungle  and travel along a tropical riverbank to a mangrove swamp - and spectacular coral reefs - where a variety of fresh-water and marine fish and exotic turtles can be seen swimming in a 2,250-gallon cerulean blue pool. Back on land, wander around a cypress swamp and balmy tropical marsh through the world's largest indoor Komodo dragon habitat.
More Info: www.denverzoo.org

Toyota Elephant Passage at the Denver Zoo