Two Days, Two Kids, Too Much Fun . The Mile High City is an amazing destination for kids. In addition to the world-class Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science, there are all kinds of attractions to stimulate and excite young minds, and great ways to release all that energy kids have. This two-day itinerary is jam packed with family fun for an experience you or the kids won’t soon forget.

Your first two attractions are in the Riverfront neighborhood. From downtown load the family on to the Riverfront Trolley and head out. If you’re driving or walking, simply go west on 15th St. to Platte Street. Turn left at Platte and continue past the REI building. Platte Street turns into Water Street and you’ll see your first stop ahead on the left.

• First Stop: Downtown Aquarium at 700 Water St.

  (303)561-4450
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  Denver may be a landlocked state but there’s plenty of marine life to see at the Downtown Aquarium. More than one million gallons of fresh and seawater exhibits offer a fascinating view of marine ecosystems from around the planet. Take a self-guided tour and set your own pace as you view more than 500 species of animals including sharks, eel, grouper, rainbow fish, trout and more. Young children love the brightly colored fish while older kids love the desert thunderstorm exhibit that simulates a flash flood, and the tiger exhibit with big cats splashing and playing in the water. And everyone will love the interactive Sting Ray touch tank.
  
  After coming face to face with sharks and other creatures of the deep, head down the street to your next stop.

• Next Stop: For kids 3-8 years old: The Children’s Museum at 2121 Children’s Museum Dr.

  (303)433-7444
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  Just one look at the colorful, interestingly shaped building and you know the kids will have a good time. The museum has 11 interactive Playscapes where children can shoot baskets, climb on an authentic fire engine, build toy railroads and go shopping in a mini-supermarket. This hands-on learning experience is an ideal destination for children ages 3 to 8 years old. You should also know that the first Tuesday of each month is free from 4pm to 8pm.
  
  Having climbed aboard a real fire engine, now would be the perfect time to take the kids to the next attraction.

• Next Stop: The Denver Firefighters Museum at 1326 Tremont Place

  (303)892-1436
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  Located in historic Denver Fire Station No. 1, the building was erected in 1909 and served as a working fire station until 1974. The kids will love the hands-on activities as well as the exhibits that provide information on fire safety and prevention. Be sure to have the camera ready as they try on equipment, slide down the pole, ride on a fire truck designed specifically for kids and pretend to put out fires. The museum also has a gift shop with toys, apparel, books and more.
  
  Now that the kids are telling you they want to be fire fighters when they grow up, it’s time to head for the next destination.

• Next Stop: the Denver U.S. Mint at 320 W. Colfax Ave.

  The best things in life are free, including admission to the Denver U.S. Mint. More than five billion coins are made here each year and it’s also the second largest storing facility of gold bullion in the U.S., behind only Fort Knox. Being home to so much money, you can imagine security is extremely tight. You won’t be allowed to carry in purses, cameras, pens, lipstick, strollers, diaper bags, or cell phones.
  
  Now that the kids know money does not in fact grow on trees but is made in a highly secure government building, you should take them to another government building. Head to the Capitol Hill neighborhood for the next destination.

• Last Stop: The 16th Street Mall for dinner

  You’ll find a number of places to eat on and around the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall. Denver Pavilion on the south end of the mall offers a number of familiar restaurants while the pedestrian mall itself is lined with outdoor cafes and unique dining establishments. Whether you’re in the mood for Chinese food, fine dining or simply want to grab a sandwich, the area is packed with family friendly establishments. While you walk around the area you’ll be entertained by street performers and can get in some shopping as well.
  
  If you thought day 1 was fun, wait until you see what day 2 has in store. The itinerary today calls for a bit more traveling but just as much fun. The day starts close to downtown with a couple great parks to explore and take in some action. Grab a bagful of bagels and muffins, a cup of coffee and head toward the REI Flagship store where nearby you’ll find your first stop of the day.

• First Stop: Confluence Park located near REI at 1416 Platte St.

  Renovated in 2002, this is one of the most frequented downtown parks and home to the South Platte River’s premiere kayak chutes. The kids will experience quite a rush watching adventure seekers brave the rushing waters. If there aren’t any kayakers, don’t worry; it’s still worth the trip for the great views of downtown and an extensive walking and biking trail. A quick trip to Confluence Park is a great way to start the day.
  
  After watching the action that takes place on water, now take in some action that takes place on land and head to your next destination.

• Next Stop: Denver’s Skate Park located in the Platte Valley north of Commons Park at 2205 19th Street.

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  Ollies, grinders and rail slides are just a few of the moves you and the kids can take in at Denver’s 50,000-square-foot skate Park. Always packed with skaters, you’ll see novices and experts alike attack the urban environment of planters, curbs, rails, bowls, half-pipes and more.
  
  Now that you’ve kicked off the morning with a couple adventure sports, it’s time to head to Westminster for your next stop.

• Next Stop: Denver SkatePark in the Platte Valley north of Commons Park at 2205 19th St.

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  Ollies, grinders and rail slides are just a few of the moves you and the kids will see at Denver’s 50,000-square-foot SkatePark. Always packed with skaters, you’ll watch novices and experts alike attack the urban environment of planters, curbs, rails, bowls, half-pipes and more.
  
  Now that you’ve kicked off the morning with a couple adventure sports, it’s time to head to Westminster for your next stop.

• Next Stop: Butterfly Pavilion at 6252 W 104th Ave.

  (720)974-1871
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  This 30,000-square-foot facility was the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the nation. Here you’ll see more than 1,200 free-flying butterflies imported form around the globe from as far away as Kenya and Malaysia. Be sure to wear white or bright colors, as they tend to attract the butterflies.
  
  Now that you’ve seen little creatures that flutter about, now take the kids to where giant creatures roamed the earth in pre-historic times. Drive southwest from Westminster to Morrison Colorado for your next stop of the day.

• Next Stop: Dinosaur Ridge at 16831 W. Alameda Pkwy. in Morrison CO.

  (303)697-3466
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  Dinosaur Ridge is a geologically interesting National Natural Landmark. This is a place where millions of years ago huge reptiles roamed the earth and where today you and the kids will find Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Allosaurus, Apatosaurus and Stegosaurus. Take a free, self-guided tour that includes 16 interpretive signs that describe the fossil remains and other relevant features of the area. The Visitor Center is a great place to start as you can ask questions before you embark on your prehistoric journey.
  
  While you’re in the area, now is the perfect time to head down the road to your next stop.

• Next Stop: Red Rocks Amphitheatre 17598 W Alameda Pkwy in Morrison CO.

  (303)697-3466
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  Aside from being a geological wonder 70 million years in the making, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the world’s most famous concert sites and a must see for any music enthusiast. Well-known symphonies, and bands such as The Beatles to U2 have graced the stage surrounded by dramatic 500-foot high red sandstone cliffs. Kids love exploring the trails surrounding the concert venue, and a spectacular view of the plains make it a perfect place for a kid-friendly hike. There are also dinosaur tracks and fossil fragments dating back 160 million years to captivate amateur geologists and kids alike.
  
  By now, it’s getting pretty close to dinner and a good time to start heading back toward Denver. Drive to Lakewood for an early dinner and your last stop of the day.

• Next Stop: Casa Bonita at 6715 W Colfax Ave. (Colfax and Pierce) in Lakewood.

  (303)232-5115
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  Casa Bonita is a must-do for families. Spend an evening at this huge Mexican themed restaurant featuring strolling mariachis, flame jugglers and a 30-foot waterfall complete with cliff divers. This popular family dining destination also has a small puppet theater, a “haunted tunnel” called Black Bart’s Cave, an arcade with a large skee-ball room and a magic theater.

  That completes the two-day family fun tour. Of course, Denver has many other family attractions including many where you can spend an entire day. Those include:

  Water World Spend a day splashing in the wave pools or speeding down water slides with the family.
  1850 W 89th Ave
  Phone: 303.427.7873
  Web: www.waterworldcolorado.com
   
  Elitch Gardens Denver’s downtown amusement park with everything from easy-going Merry-Go-Rounds to heart racing roller coasters.
  2000 Elitch Circle
  Phone: 303.595.4386
  Web: www.elitchgardens.com