2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver
303/433-7444
www.cmdenver.org

HOURS: Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

COST: $7.50 adult, $5.50–7.50 child, $5.50 senior

Whether you are traveling with a small child or are just tired of having the kids make a mess in your own house, the Children’s Museum is a good place to explore. The museum offers 11 “playscapes” for a variety of ages—such as the “assembly plant” for ages four to eight, where kids use real tools and recycled materials to build whatever they want, or the “Center for the Young Child” for newborns to four-year-olds, where creepers can practice on carpeted slopes and toddlers can play house in a tree.

The simplest play areas are the best here—a painting room, a small puppet theater, a mirrored wall to dress up and dance in front of, a real fire engine to “drive,” and the outdoor playground near the bike path and South Platte River.

Every day of the week there is a story time at the museum, and the first Tuesday of each month the museum is open late with free admission. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits and shows such as the Blue Man Group. They also offer additional games and events for Easter, Halloween, and other holidays.

Eat Street Café has grown-up and kid food with little tables and chairs for sitting inside. There are also picnic tables outside near the playground. The least crowded time to visit the museum is right when they open or mid-afternoon.