Don’t let the weather get you down! We’ve gathered up this list of family-friendly spots in the Denver area that offer all the indoor play you are looking for. Whether it’s a snow day or you just need to get out of the house for a fun family activity, read on for our picks on the best indoor playgrounds in Denver for kids!
photo: Farnaz N. via yelp
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
This spot is the ultimate destination for the under-10 set with hand-on exhibits around every corner. Head to Fire Station No. 1 to suit up in your gear and slide down the fire station pole. After you save the city from the fire, bag and weigh your groceries in the market and take your pets to the vet. There are opportunities for climbing, art-making and exploring, and when the weather is good, definitely head outside to the Adventure Forest.
2121 Children’s Museum Dr.
Denver, CO
Online: mychildsmuseum.org
CU Museum of Natural History
This spot is ideal for budding paleontologists and explorers. Families with young children should be sure to visit the Discovery Corner to make, play and learn with real museum specimens, puzzles, art projects and books. Regularly scheduled programs include monthly Family Days focused on families with children age 3-12, and weekly Mornings at the Museum for 2-5 year old children and their caregivers.
Henderson Building
15th & Broadway
Boulder, CO
Online: colorado.edu
photo: WOW! Children’s Museum via yelp
WOW! Children’s Museum
We love this spot for kids who really want to explore the world around them. It offers hands-on science activities, art projects, performances and more. Kids can pretend to be a pirate, milk a cow, shop the supermarket, create huge bubbles, practice their medical skills in The Little Clinic and much more. They also offer sensory-friendly playtime for those who might want to visit when fewer people are there.
110 N. Harrison Ave.
Lafayette, CO
Online: wowchildrensmuseum.org
Kids Wonder
Kids Wonder values quality time spent climbing, exploring, pretending, jumping, giggling and enjoying childhood. This open play space is geared towards the 8-and-under crew and offers Lil’Town for young walkers and up. Lil’Town has a home, school, grocery store, cafe, construction zone, fire station, vet and a theater. For toddlers there’s a safe and developmentally appropriate area with soft play, small climbers with slides, small play houses and even a tiny bounce house. Several bigger inflatables cater to kids from 3-8 years old.
7562 South University Blvd., Suite GG
Centennial, CO
Online: kidswonder.net
photo: Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to disconnect from nature. Head to the top of Lookout Mountain and visit the nature center there. They have a hands-on play room and offer naturalist-led programs throughout the year like nature journaling, hikes and junior ranger talks.
910 Colorow Road
Golden, CO
Online: jeffco.us
SkyZone
This trampoline center is the place to go when the kids need some serious exercise. It features a foam pit, wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball and basketball. Special toddler time hours give kids four and under the opportunity to jump with fewer people there.
9851 S. Parker Rd.
Parker, CO
Online: skyzone.com
photo: Little Moneky Bizness via yelp
Little Monkey Bizness Parker
Jump in the inflatable, climb through the climbing structure and get your wiggles out at this spot that’s perfect for a snowy day. There’s an area just for crawlers and lots of area for parents to sit. Bonus: free coffee and WiFi! Sock are required so don’t forget them. They have other locations in Centennial, Colorado Springs and Westminster.
10430 S. Progress Way
Parker, CO
Online: parker.monkeybizness.com
Apex Clubhouse Adventure Playground
We especially love this spot as it’s totally free for everyone! It’s a paradise of creative and interactive play possibilities for ages 1-10, unless an older child is accompanying a younger sibling. There are tubes, ladders, slides and all sorts of other exciting features. Children imagine they’re in a giant treehouse as they romp through the spacious, multi-level play area containing simulated water features, hollow logs and fun playhouse themes.
13150 W. 72nd Ave.
Arvada, CO
Online: apexprd.org
—Kate Loweth
RELATED STORIES
Denver’s Best Events for Kids & Families This Month (& Most are Free!)
A Perfect Weekend in Denver: 15 Things You Have to Do
16 Trips That Will Make Your Kids Smarter
