Activities Suitable for All Ages in Denver, Explored through a Campervan Adventure
In the heart of Colorado, Denver offers a wealth of experiences for families traveling in a campervan. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, educational encounters, or cultural immersion, Denver caters to a wide range of interests while keeping budgets in check.
Carrie Willink, our guide for this journey, suggests starting with the Mesa Trail, a picturesque path that offers breathtaking views of the Boulder Flatirons, approximately 40 minutes from Denver. The trail, starting from the Chautauqua trailhead, is a 6.9-mile in-and-out trail, boasting an open field-like feel at the start before leading you through towering trees. It's a perfect location for a picnic, even if a hike isn't on the agenda.
For those seeking a more urban adventure, the 16th Street Mall, an outdoor pedestrian mall, provides shopping and entertainment at no cost. Street performers add a lively touch to the vibrant atmosphere.
Denver's family-friendly entertainment options are abundant. The Denver Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals across 80 acres, offers a chance to see elephants, giraffes, stingrays, and more. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, with its dinosaur fossils, interactive science exhibits, and the Mordecai Children’s Garden, is another engaging and educational destination.
The Denver Firefighters Museum, a unique, interactive museum, allows kids to try on firefighter gear, drive a truck, and learn safety skills. Admission costs just $9 for adults and $7 for children, with free passes sometimes available at local libraries.
The Denver Botanic Gardens, spanning 24 acres, features rotating art exhibits and a hands-on children’s garden designed for ages up to 8. It encourages exploration and discovery.
For the more artistic-minded, Meow Wolf Denver offers immersive art installations that appeal especially to tweens and teens. The Denver Aquarium, with its family-friendly exhibits, also features marine life and tigers.
City Park, a large urban park, provides recreational activities, picnic areas, and open space to play, often with free or low-cost programming.
Additional low-cost or free options include walking tours of Denver's historic sites, exploring the city's state capitol, taking a tour of Hammond’s Candy Factory, and visiting Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater for hiking and enjoying natural scenery.
Many attractions offer reasonable entry fees or city passes covering multiple sites for one price, helping to save money during your stay.
As the day winds down, unwind at Dakota Ridge RV Resort, a clean and fun camping resort in Denver with clean showers, electric hook-ups, and a playground. Alternatively, unwind with a cup of tea at Tea Bar by Teatulia, a tea shop featuring a tea wall shaped like Colorado's flag.
Denver's vibrant murals make for Instagram-worthy photos during your family-friendly campervan trip. With numerous camping areas around the city, the possibilities for exploration are endless.
So, pack your campervan and embark on a family adventure in Denver, Colorado—a city brimming with unique experiences for families traveling on a budget.
[1]: [Link to source 1] [2]: [Link to source 2] [3]: [Link to source 3] [4]: [Link to source 4] [5]: [Link to source 5]
- Carrie Willink recommends starting with the Mesa Trail, a picturesque path in Colorado, for camping families seeking outdoor adventures.
- Denver's urban adventure can be found at the 16th Street Mall, an outdoor pedestrian mall offering free shopping and entertainment.
- The Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science are family-friendly destinations that cater to educational encounters and offer engaging experiences.
- The Denver Firefighters Museum, with interactive exhibits and lower admission fees, is an ideal spot for kids to learn safety skills and try on firefighter gear.
- Camping families can unwind at Dakota Ridge RV Resort in Denver, while tea lovers may prefer Tea Bar by Teatulia, a tea shop featuring a tea wall shaped like Colorado's flag.
