Top Spots for Summer Playdates In Denver
The kids are out of school for the summer, and it's time to arrange those all-important playdates. Get the kids together to explore and play, entirely entertained by someone who isn't tired momma. Playdates today don't have to be the same boring activities either. Check out some of these great options for special days out that both kids and their parents will love.
Tiny Town
6249 S. Turkey Creek Road
Morrison, CO 80465
(303) 697-6829
tinytownrailroad.com
Price: $5 adult park admission/$3 kids/$2 train rides
Just a short drive outside of Denver up Highway 285 will take you and your playdate group to a bouncing ballroom of fun. Tiny Town was originally built in 1920 by George Turner as a gift for his young daughter. Over the years, it has seen its share of difficulties, but Tiny Town is open to the public again this year. This giant collection of kid-sized buildings is the perfect place for kids of all ages. The train rides depart every 30 minutes and come complete with replicas of real Rio Grande F7 diesel engines. Plus, Tiny Town allows you to bring your own picnic lunch — or purchase from the snack bar — and picnic on the lovely park grounds.
Related: Staying Safe In The Summer Sun
Ridge Recreation Center & Indoor Pools
6613 S. Ward St.
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 409-2333
ifoothills.org
Price: $5.25 children/$7.25 adults/$21 household
Nothing says summer more than swimming. Of course, with the tough-to-predict weather in Colorado, it isn't always a good plan to head outdoors for swimming in Colorado. Check out Ridge Recreation Center with three indoor pools instead. The Leisure/Activity Pool is filled with tons of fun for the whole family, complete with floor geysers, a body flume slide, bubble bench and play structure.
Wildlife Experience
10035 Peoria St.
Parker, CO 80134
(720) 259-8381
thewildlifeexperience.org
Price: $10 general admission for adults/$6 children
Take the group to the Wildlife Experience, for a fun time even the adults will appreciate. The Wildlife Experience is a bit like a museum, but new this season is the Rainforest Adventure, a multisensory expedition that will introduce visitors to tropical rainforests from around the world. Meet scientists as they teach your little ones how they study the rainforest. Kids may become a research assistant, take a look through an oversized microscope, and even climb a nine-foot-tall tree to explore a gorilla nest.
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 376-4800
denverzoo.org
Price: $12 for adults/$8 for children
The Denver Zoo is another wonderful place to meet up with that rowdy playgroup. Delight with the children in seeing all of the animals, and there is enough going on to keep them all entertained for the whole day. Don't miss the lumbering elephants, the fancy flamingos and this zoo's exciting reptile exhibit. Be sure to check out all of the special activities for kids including KinderQuest, Junior Explorers and Zoo You. Plus, the Denver Zoo offers a discount for groups of 10 or more, so be sure to call ahead to get the discounted rate.
TreeHouse Discovery
2000-D E. County Line Road
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
(303) 795-8733
treehousediscovery.com
Price: $10 general admission for children/free adults
TreeHouse Discovery is a great activity for those with the younger kids, specifically crawlers through age 8. The fun facility offers age-appropriate activities with two play structures safe for toddlers and crawlers, plus an open discovery area with toys and lots of entertainment for your kids. Bring your own lunch, or buy snacks from the snack room, for an entire day of exciting exploration with the little ones.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
