From the great outdoors to its vibrant culture, the Mile High City offers endless opportunities for adventures to experience with your preschooler. With so much to choose from, The Gardner School crafted a special itinerary with a blend of activities that will be fun for the whole family!
Morning (9:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
Start your day off with some fresh air and gorgeous sights at the Denver Botanic Gardens (York Street). Your children will have 24 acres to explore with colorful flowers and a wide diversity of plants from around the world to discover! Be sure to check out the Mordecai Children’s Garden for some magical hands-on experiences. - Denver Central Market (11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)
Recharge with a snack or lunch at Denver Central Market. This food hall offers a variety of options including fresh fruit and gourmet treats, ensuring there’s something here for every palate! Be sure to check out the market’s website for a look at daily deals and food specials!
Afternoon (12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- Denver Trolley (Noon)
Climb aboard the Denver Trolley to experience a historic piece of Denver’s 20th-century electric rail transit system. Your family can take the trolley to multiple stops around the city, including preschooler favorites like the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus (see below), the Downtown Aquarium, and even Elitch Gardens. The trolley operates Thursdays – Monday, May 25 – August 14. - Children’s Museum of Denver (12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Hop off the trolley and hit up the Children’s Museum of Denver to explore the one-of-a-kind hands-on exhibits, art studio, and creative play zones. A typical visit can last one to three hours, and exhibits are designed for infants and children up to age 8. Check out the museum’s tour video for a closer look at what to expect. - Wings Over The Rockies (2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Immerse your children in the captivating world of aviation and space exploration at Wings Over The Rockies Air & Space Museum. The museum features dozens of historic airplanes, space vehicles, and interactive exhibits that allow you to get up close and personal with aircraft and memorabilia.
As you plan your day, keep in mind the individual needs of your child, including nap times and snack breaks. This itinerary is a simple guide that you can adjust to suit your family’s preferences and pace!
A Few Fun Extras
If you don’t mind driving outside of the heart of Denver, these family-friendly experiences are some of our must-sees!
- Butterfly Pavilion
Experience what it’s like to be surrounded by 1,800 free-flying butterflies at this invertebrate zoo. You can even get an up-close glimpse at nature in action from the comfort of your own home by checking out the zoo’s high-def cams and live feeds!
- Dinosaur Ridge
Located just east of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Dinosaur Ridge is the site of the world’s first Stegosaurus excavation in 1877. Children can dig for fossils or check out the exhibit hall to see what Colorado was like millions of years ago!
- WOW! Children’s Museum
WOW! Children’s Museum aims to inspire every child’s learning and curiosity through play. WOW! is committed to providing S.T.E.A.M.-focused exhibits and programs that foster creative and innovative thinking and nurture a love of learning.
A Partner For Parents
The Gardner School is proud to partner with parents to provide support as you provide your children with new experiences. Take a look at our blog page for inspiration and helpful tips on a wide variety of topics.
Interested in enrolling your child at one of The Gardner School locations in Denver? Find a location near you and reach out to schedule a tour! We’re always here to answer your questions.