North America · United States
Family Hotels in Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City combines an outdoor lifestyle, a walkable arts district, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains to create one of the most well-rounded family destinations in the American West.
Why Families Love Denver
Denver delivers a remarkable quality of family travel: a vibrant zoo, a world-class natural history museum, a dedicated children's museum, an outdoor concert venue unlike anything on earth, and easy access to Rocky Mountain National Park — all wrapped in 300 sunny days per year. It's an outdoorsy city with genuine urban polish.
Denver sits at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. Drink significantly more water than usual from day one, especially for children. Altitude headaches typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
The 16th Street Mall is a free shuttle running the length of downtown — kids enjoy riding it between stops and it's a great way to explore the restaurant and shop district.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre offers free morning yoga and workout sessions open to the public most days when no concert is scheduled — the setting is jaw-dropping and completely free.
Union Station in LoDo is a beautiful restored rail terminal filled with excellent restaurants and a hotel bar. It's worth stopping for lunch or an afternoon treat with kids even if you're not taking the train.
Hyatt Hotels in Denver
View all Hyatt details →Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center
📍 Downtown / Convention Center
$169–$309
12,000–20,000 points
Families love the pool and the central location; business and leisure travelers alike praise the well-maintained rooms and friendly service.
Grand Hyatt Denver
📍 Downtown / 16th Street Mall
$189–$349
15,000–22,000 points
Guests consistently highlight the rooftop pool views and stylish rooms; families appreciate the 16th Street Mall location for easy, car-free exploring.
IHG Hotels in Denver
View all IHG details →InterContinental Denver
📍 Capitol Hill / Uptown
$179–$319
25,000–35,000 IHG One Rewards points
Guests praise the elegant rooms, personalized service, and quieter Capitol Hill location; families note the easy access to Denver Art Museum and Civic Center Park.
Crowne Plaza Denver
📍 Downtown / Midtown
$139–$249
15,000–22,000 IHG One Rewards points
Families consistently mention the indoor pool and fair nightly rates; the location draws praise for being close to everything without paying the Convention Center premium.
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown
📍 Downtown / LoDo
$99–$179
8,000–12,000 IHG One Rewards points
Budget-conscious families call this the smartest downtown pick; the free breakfast and LoDo location make it a standout value for multi-night stays.
Top Family Attractions in Denver
Denver Zoo
zooOne of the top-rated zoos in the US features over 3,000 animals across African savanna, primate exhibits, Toyota Elephant Passage, and a conservation carousel beloved by young children.
💡 Tip: Check for the Zoo Lights holiday event in November and December — a dazzling after-dark experience for families.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
museumA world-class natural history museum in City Park with Egyptian mummies, dinosaur fossils, a full-dome planetarium, IMAX theater, and exceptional exhibits on space exploration and Colorado wildlife.
💡 Tip: City Park surrounds the museum with playgrounds and a boating lake — plan time in the park before or after your museum visit.
Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
museumAn award-winning interactive museum designed entirely around the curiosity of young children, with outdoor adventure zones, water play, art studios, and construction areas for ages 0–8.
💡 Tip: Weekend mornings fill up quickly — arrive right at opening or book a timed entry ticket online to avoid waiting at the door.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
landmarkA natural geological phenomenon 15 miles west of Denver where 300-foot sandstone formations frame a world-famous outdoor concert venue. The hiking trails are free and accessible to families with older children.
💡 Tip: The Ship Rock Grille restaurant inside the park is family-friendly. On non-concert days, you can walk the concert steps for a workout with stunning views at no charge.
Denver Botanic Gardens
natureTwenty-three acres of beautifully curated gardens including a children's garden, Japanese garden, tropical conservatory, and a seasonal concert series that pairs beautifully with a picnic dinner.
💡 Tip: The summer Concert Series at the Botanic Gardens is a beloved Denver tradition — a picnic on the grass with live music is a perfect low-key family evening.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
theme-parkColorado's only combined theme and water park sits in downtown Denver with roller coasters, thrill rides, and a large water park — a reliable half-day or full-day family option.
💡 Tip: Purchase tickets online at least a day in advance for the best discount pricing. The water park is most appealing from late June through August.
Family Activities in Denver
Rocky Mountain National Park Day Trip
The most visited national park in the Rockies is just 65 miles north of Denver and offers family-friendly hikes, elk watching, alpine visitor centers, and some of the most dramatic scenery on the continent.
16th Street Mall Exploration
Denver's car-free pedestrian mall stretches a full mile through downtown with free shuttle service, street performers, dozens of restaurants, and easy access to all major downtown sights.
Clear Creek Rafting (Golden, CO)
Family-oriented whitewater rafting on Clear Creek in Golden (30 minutes west) offers Class II–III rapids suitable for children aged 7 and up with experienced guide companies.
Denver Art Museum
A landmark Frederic Remington and Daniel Libeskind-designed art museum with an outstanding Western American art collection, interactive family galleries, and free admission for children 18 and under.
Denver Family Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Complete Family Guide to Denver
Neighborhoods, dining, transportation, safety, and packing tips — everything you need to plan your family trip.
Read the Full Guide →