Photo: Connor Carlbom
Photo: Carla C
Photo: University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
★4.5(327 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Preschoolers enjoy the large dinosaur displays and touchable specimens, while elementary and middle schoolers appreciate the detailed exhibits on ancient civilizations, geology, and Colorado wildlife. The interactive elements keep various age groups engaged.🧡 Saved by 16 families
About
The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History offers an impressive collection that brings science to life for young explorers. Kids can get up close with towering dinosaur skeletons, marvel at authentic Egyptian mummies, and engage with hands-on interactive displays that make learning about natural history exciting and accessible.
Highlights
- ✓Life-sized Allosaurus and Stegosaurus skeletons that tower over visitors
- ✓Egyptian mummy display with authentic artifacts and sarcophagi
- ✓Discovery Corner with touchable fossils, minerals, and specimens
- ✓Colorado wildlife dioramas featuring native animals in realistic habitats
- ✓Meteorite and mineral collection with specimens kids can examine closely
Pro Tips
- 1.Parking is limited on campus, so arrive early or use the nearby parking garages on Broadway - arrive before 10am on weekends to snag a spot more easily
- 2.The Discovery Corner has hands-on activities specifically designed for younger children, including fossil replicas they can touch and examine
- 3.Admission is free, but donations are encouraged - a great budget-friendly option for families
- 4.Download the museum's scavenger hunt from their website before visiting to keep kids engaged throughout the exhibits
- 5.The museum is relatively small, making it perfect for younger kids who tire easily at larger museums
Best Time to Visit
Visit weekday mornings (Tuesday-Friday, 9-11am) when the museum is quietest and kids have space to explore. Weekends can get busy with local families, especially on rainy days. Summer mornings offer a nice indoor break from the heat before outdoor Boulder activities.
What to Know
Admission is free (donations welcomed), and parking is available in nearby campus lots and garages for a fee. The museum has no food service, but you can picnic on campus grounds, and restrooms are family-friendly with changing tables.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. The museum occasionally hosts special family events during school breaks and holidays. It's a particularly popular rainy-day destination, so expect larger crowds during inclement weather.
Nearby Eats
The Hill neighborhood, just blocks away, offers family-friendly options like Illegal Pete's (build-your-own burritos) and Cosmos Pizza. On campus, grab snacks at the UMC food court with various quick-service options kids enjoy.
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