Kids love to explore and traveling gives them every opportunity to do just. This is especially true with a visit to Denver museums. Give kids a little information and their busy little minds can be quite innovative. Denver is home to a thriving museum scene. Check them out – from Colorado history museums to fine arts including these kid friendly Denver museums.
Child on a horse at the Buffalo Bill Museum near Denver. Photo: VISIT DENVER
5 Kid-Friendly Denver Museums
Denver loves its art and culture scene, and the Mile High City also embraces its little residents with kid friendly Denver museums. The following are a selection of Denver’s family friendly, intriguing and unique museums that will open up your kids’ mind and imagination.
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum
Less than 15 minutes north of downtown Denver, the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is a 40,000 square foot facility housed in a 1939 hangar. It’s charged with preserving the history of its location, 1938-1994 Lowry Air Force Base, now Colorado’s official air and space museum and also home to Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.
Wings Over the Rockies Photo Credit: Steve Creceliu & VISIT DENVER
Open 7 days a week, the museum features military and generation aircraft collections, multiple exhibits including hands-on exhibits, such as Aviation Xtreme, and open cockpit demonstrations. Annual events include B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber Fly-in.
ADMISSION: Adults (13 – 64) – $11.00, Children (4-12) – $6.00, Children (3 and under) – Free
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The Denver Firefighters Museum
Photo: Denver Firefighters Museum
The Denver Firefighters Museum calls home the Historic Station No. 1, at 13th and Tremont. Built in 1909, it’s actually the second station one in Denver. This historic firehouse details Denver’s firefighting history, hands-on activities, and traditional exhibits.
Follow firefighter footprints through the themed galleries to its hands-on activities, ranging from child-size firefighting gear to tools, with other galleries devoted to children and special exhibits.
ADMISSION: Adults $6.00, Seniors and Students $5.00, Children 12 -2 $4.00
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
A statue of a bronco outside Sports Authority Field, the location of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. Photo: Greg Throw and VISIT DENVER
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame highlights outstanding Colorado athletes, coaching and sports administration, from football to boxing to golf and swimming. Located at Sports Authority Field (Denver Broncos stadium), you can also add a “back-of-the-house” tour of the home of the Denver Broncos.
ADMISSION: MUSEUM ADMISSION IS FREE OF CHARGE, THERE IS A FEE FOR TOURS.
Colorado Railroad Museum
Located in downtown Golden, Colorado’s first capitol city, the Colorado Railroad Museum was established in 1959 to memorialize Colorado’s colorful railroad era. The 15-acre outdoor railyard and indoor museum highlight the state’s revolutionary narrow gauge mountain railroads, steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses, featuring the oldest working locomotive in Colorado, the D&RG.
The railyard also features the HO Model Railroad and G-scale garden railway. Inside the 1880s-style depot are thousands of rare old Colorado railroad photographs, artifacts, and document. Enhance your train experience with the Colorado Railroad Museum’s themed events, ranging from Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine to the Colorado Wine & Music Train.
Admission is relatively inexpensive (see below). But as a bonus, museum guests are invited to enjoy the outdoor picnic area with a pavilion, shaded by Colorado Cottonwood trees (especially welcome after a few hours outside in the mountain sunshine). Pack your favorite picnic lunch and beverages, but do keep in mind we are an alcohol-free facility.
We live within 5 minutes of this train-themed museum, and my grandkids never tire of exploring the railyard.
ADMISSION: General Admission: Adults (16-59) $10, Child (2-15) $5, children 2 and under free. Special events, such as Thomas the Tank, usually require advance reservation at additional cost.
The Colorado Railroad Museum is located 20 minutes from downtown, and 1 of several kid friendly Denver museums. Photo Credit: Diana Rowe, Traveling Grandmom
Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
Take the scenic, curve-filled drive up Lookout Mountain above Golden to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, celebrating the memory of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
Located 30 minutes from Downtown Denver, the drive is absolutely beautiful. Located on a 7,377-foot peak, your drive twists and curves with spectacular (and often scary!) views of Denver (12 miles east) and the city of Golden below.
Upon arrival at the Lookout Mountain Center, make your way to the Buffalo Bill Museum. This Denver museum is home to a collection of historic objects, including Wild West show memorabilia, Indian artifacts and firearms, all illustrating the legendary Buffalo Bill’s life between 1846 and 1917.
ADMISSION: Adults: $5.00, Children 6 – 15: $1.00, Children age 5 and under: free
Click here for five more Denver Museums to Visit with Kids.
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Colorado Railroad Museum, 1 of 5 Kid Friendly Unique Museums
