The Denver Zoo is open every day of the year and is home to nearly 4,000 animals representing 700 species including the incredibly rare okapi, the red-bellied lemur, the Amur leopard, the black rhino and the Siberian tiger. The Denver Zoo, which is located just 5 minutes from downtown Denver covers over 80 acres and is located in Denver’s historic City Park. Come visit Mshindi, the resident Rhinoceros and artist. Mshindi paints with a paintbrush, his work can be viewed in the Pachyderm House.
Visit the Denver Art Museum on the first Saturday of every month to receive free admission. The museum is located at 100 West 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204. Stop by the Museum Shop and pick up a gift for someone back home or shop for yourself.
See the Downtown Aquarium, an UnderWater Adventure, while in Denver. The mythical mermaids will entertain you with their choreographed numbers put to music while you learn the importance of taking care of the environment. All of the exhibits look interesting, go see Under the Sea, At the Wharf, The Rain Forest, or Sunken Temple. You can even watch Heran the Tiger complete a training session. Make this one a meal stop as you can dine in front of a 50,000-gallon floor to ceiling aquarium.
When you are looking for a slower-paced day remember the Denver Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the themed gardens or go on a wildflower hike, or even visit a historical farm. Denver Botanic Gardens has guided and self-guided tours depending on your preference. The Mordecai Children’s Garden allows you and your child to explore how plants and animals live together on Marmot Mountain or race pine cones down Springmelt Stream. They could even hunt for bugs in the Glorious Grasslands or watch the aquatic life at Pipsqueak Pond.
Elitch Gardens has something for everyone. Family shows such as Cirque Conjure combine illusion, music, dance, and comedy in their uniquely created shows. Take a trip through time in Doc Hall’s Old Time Photo, or stop by EG Ink and get yourself some body art. Miss Mary’s Confectionary, features hundreds of different kinds of candies, cookies, and caramel apples. Oh, did I mention that there is also a theme park and waterpark at Elitch Gardens? Do you like rides that make your heart pound? Try the scary Boomerang Steele Coaster or the spinning Half Pike. Like it a little slower? You can ride the carousel or fly on dragon wings. Even slower? Watch while the kids race in a hot air balloon or captain their own boat at Ding Dong Dock. Now it’s time to cool off and enjoy the water. Slide down the 64’ Acapulco Cliff Dive or ride a raft down Castaway Creek. Elitch Gardens is a great way to spend the day.
