Photo: Chris Smith
Photo: Yusuf Jalal
Photo: Joshua Genz
Denver Botanic Gardens
★4.8(17,777 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the water play and sensory experiences in the Children's Garden, while elementary-aged kids enjoy identifying plants, exploring the ecosystems, and participating in scavenger hunts throughout the grounds.🧡 Saved by 450+ families
About
Denver Botanic Gardens is a paradise for families, featuring the incredible Mordecai Children's Garden where kids can explore six distinct Colorado ecosystems through hands-on nature play. Beyond the children's garden, the 24-acre oasis offers stunning displays of plants from around the world, interactive water features, and seasonal events that make learning about nature an adventure.
Highlights
- ✓Mordecai Children's Garden with six Colorado ecosystems to explore
- ✓Interactive water features and splash zones perfect for hot days
- ✓Climbing logs, tunnels, and nature play structures
- ✓Seasonal butterfly exhibit and wildlife spotting opportunities
- ✓Beautiful gardens and art installations throughout the grounds
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when gates open at 9 AM for the most peaceful experience and cooler temperatures in summer months
- 2.Bring swimsuits and towels during warmer months,kids will want to play in the water features at the Children's Garden
- 3.Pack sunscreen and hats as there's limited shade in some areas, especially in the Children's Garden during midday
- 4.Download the free Garden Explorer app before visiting for interactive scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged
- 5.Members get free admission and can visit multiple times,worth it if you're local or visiting for an extended stay
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) for smaller crowds, or during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when weather is mild and gardens are at their most beautiful. Summer brings stunning blooms but can get hot and crowded on weekends.
What to Know
General admission is $15 for adults, $11 for youth (3-15), and free for children under 3; members enter free. Limited on-site parking is available for $10, but street parking nearby is often free with a short walk. The on-site café offers light meals and snacks.
Seasonal Notes
The gardens are open year-round with holiday light displays (Blossoms of Light) from late November through January being especially magical. Spring and summer offer the most vibrant blooms, while winter visits are shorter but less crowded. Some outdoor areas of the Children's Garden may be less appealing in cold weather.
Nearby Eats
Head to Steuben's Food Service (5 minutes away) for comfort food classics and a great kids menu, or visit Park Burger on 17th Avenue for gourmet burgers and shakes that please the whole family.
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