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Recently, we had the opportunity to visit some family members in the Denver area. My husband and I had never been to Denver and we weren’t sure what we should do. We technically only had one day to see the sights with our kids and, because the weather was too cold, we needed to find indoor activities. I thought I’d share our little adventure with you because we had a lot of fun!
DENVER FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM
The Denver Firefighters Museum is housed in the original Firehouse Number 1 built in 1901. It now holds several exhibits that document the history of firefighting in Denver with many hands on activities that are perfect for families.
Just walking up to the building was cool because it’s been preserved as it was in 1901. Our boys were so excited to walk in and see everything! Literally every single corner of the museum was filled with something.
They had models of of firetrucks from the beginning, an area where the kids could dress up and pretend to drive a modern day firetruck, a command center room that showed how they relay calls to different firehouses, and a touching memorial to the firefighters lost in the World Trade Centers during 9/11.
WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
When I read the description of this place, I thought it sounded really fun! But we had no idea how much we’d love it until we walked in. My husband was literally enthralled, just like a little boy again.
The Wings Over the Rockies Aire & Space Museum is housed in a World War II Era Air Force hangar. It’s filled with fighter planes from World War II up until modern times.
You can walk right up to them and sit inside some of their empty engines.
They also have a flight simulator that gives you an idea of what the first flight with the Wright Brothers would have been like.
And a new Travel In Space Exhibit that has a model of the Space Station that you can walk through!
THE CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
I admit, this stop was mostly for me. I love beautiful architecture and heard that this cathedral was beautiful. It did not disappoint!
This cathedral was officially consecrated in 1921, though it’s construction began in 1890. With white marble around the altar, a Gothic vaulted ceiling, and beautiful stained glass, it was a peaceful haven in the midst of the city.
Our oldest appreciated it’s beauty and helped us to find Biblical scenes in the stained glass windows. It was also a great teaching opportunity as we discussed how different religions worship and what is holy to them.
THE DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
Our kids were most excitied about seeing the dinosaurs here and learning about space. Two of their favorite subjects!
Exhibits here included the Prehistoric Journey, Egyptian Mummies, Gems & Minerals, Space Odyssey, and Wild Life Exhibit. Some of the exhibits change so be sure to check and see what is available on your trip.
We literally ran from fossil to fossil. My kids and hubby were enthralled by the variety of bones, some of the hands on teaching stations, and being able to watch archeologists as they prepared fossils and cleaned them.
One of our favorite exhibits was the Disovery Zone. It included several things for the kids to do that were hands on learning, their favorite activity! They loved the Water Way which had fun ways for the kids to manipulate and interact with waterways, based Denver’s City Park.
OTHER FAMILY FUN
While we weren’t able to see many things, here are some fun ideas I found in my research that will are going to stop at on our next Denver visit.
We had such a fun day exploring a new city! Denver has so much to offer for families with young children to young adults. If you’d like to see how our day went in Colorado Springs on our little weekend getaway, be sure to visit this post and see the fun (including my kids becoming little cave explorers!).
