The doctors at Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics LOVE winter in Denver. You may know us as your super fun, trusty Englewood pediatric dentistry and orthodontics office, but when we’re not bringing out your kids’ best smiles, we’re all about the Colorado lifestyle in our free time.
For Dr. Paddy, skiing is his passion and he spent his formative years on the ice playing hockey so you just might see him and his family out on the slopes or ice this winter. But amazing outdoor rec isn’t where the winter activities in and near Denver stop. There are a ton more things to do in Denver, Colorado, during winter. Follow along with this guide to kid-friendly things to do in Denver in winter for the best season ever!
Children’s Story Times at the Englewood Public Library – Englewood
Instill a love of literature in your kiddos and meet other parents at Englewood Public Library’s various Story Times, ranging from baby-focused through preschool. With stories, songs, and play, Story Times are among the most popular things to do in Denver with toddlers. And for older kids? The library has weekly tween and teen drop-ins and events. The first week of January features a Children’s Winter Break Program to keep kids busy before school starts again. Check out the calendar for specific dates and times.
Swimming at the Englewood Recreation Center
Swimming is one of those tried and true indoor kids activities in Denver for winter fun… and for every season really! Englewood Parks and Recreation offers open swim every day as well as swim classes for all ages. Take a look at the schedule.
Ice Skating at Southwest Rink in Downtown Denver
If you’re looking for kid-friendly things to do in Denver that are extra special in winter, look no further than outdoor ice skating at Southwest Rink. The outdoor ice rink is open to the public through February 11. Admission is free, and skate rental is available. It can’t get much more magical than outdoor city skating during the holidays, right?
Sledding in Englewood and Surrounding Areas
Sledding hills abound in Colorado. So, for your next family outing, bundle up the family and head out for some excitement. It’s one of those winter activities near Denver that you can’t miss out on. Check out this list from Colorado Parent to find a good hill close to you.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Free Days – Denver
Come in from the cold and explore! The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of those go-to indoor kids’ activities to do in winter that the whole family will enjoy. And bonus, visits are free this winter on January 8, 28, and February 25.
Hitch a Ride to the Slopes with Snowstang
A list of winter things to do in Denver isn’t complete without including skiing and snowboarding. Need a lift to the lift? Colorado Department of Transportation’s got you with Snowstang service. Snowstang runs weekends and holiday Mondays from December 17 – May 7. Pick up and drop off schedules from Denver Union Station to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, and Steamboat Springs.
Skiing or Snowboarding at Ruby Hill Terrain Park – Denver
Denver in February offers one of the coolest things to do outside: the seasonal opening of Ruby Hill Rail Yard, a really fun area of Ruby Hill Park located at the intersection of Platte River Drive and Jewell Avenue. It is the first free terrain park in the country and has six to eight rails and boxes in different configurations for varying skill levels that you can ski and snowboard for free. Snowguns cover the area with snow and the park stays open until the snow melts in March. This activity is a joint effort between Denver Parks and Recreation and Winter Park Resort. Typically, free ski and snowboard equipment rentals are available Friday through Sunday.
Children’s Museum of Denver – Denver
As one of the top kid-friendly things to do in Denver in winter, we think you could spend all day here with the little ones. Explore exhibits, take part in daily activities and special events and even play on a real fire truck or frolic in the bubble room. Plus, Snow Days are on now until February 16th.
Englewood Parks and Recreation Active Kids Programs
The Englewood Parks & Rec department has several indoor kids activities in winter to keep kids active, including swimming lessons, tumbling for tots, dance and gymnastics. See the Englewood Magazine & Recreation Guide for registration details and dates.
My Gym – Highlands Ranch
So this one isn’t in Englewood or Denver, but it’s mere minutes from Englewood. It’s worth the trip as one of your winter things to do near Denver when your kids need to get out their wiggles when it’s too cold outside to play.
The kiddie gym has classes and programs for children ages six weeks through 10 years old that incorporate dance, music, games, sports, gymnastics and more while allowing them to learn and socialize.
Tour the U.S. Mint – Denver
One of the things to do in Denver, Colorado during winter you might’ve not considered? If your kids love getting their allowance, visiting The United States Mint on West Colfax Avenue might help them learn (and appreciate?) where that money comes from. The Denver Mint offers free, guided tours Monday through Thursday. Tours are for visitors ages seven and up and cover the history of the United States Mint and how coins are made.
Climb and Play at REI – Denver
REI’s flagship store on Platte Street in Denver is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts and the perfect place to include on your list of things to do in Denver, Colorado during winter. No, we’re not just talking about shopping: kids can practice their climbing skills on the Climbing Pinnacle at an indoor Kids’ Climbing Class.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – Denver
This family-friendly Denver museum offers aircraft, space and rocket exhibits. Kids will love seeing real, enormous airplanes up close. If you have a Star Wars fan in the family, the museum has a ¾ replica of Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing, too. Check out their packed calendar of events where kids can make crafts, enjoy stories or even climb aboard certain aircraft and explore the cockpits.
Butterfly Pavilion – Westminster
And for a different kind of flight, how about the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, just 15 minutes from downtown Denver? It’s one of these great winter activities near Denver since it’s warm and tropical inside! Oh, and yes, the thousands of butterflies are fabulous, too. You’ll also learn about bees, the little critters you can find in your Colorado backyard, and the beautiful creatures in our water ecosystems.
Denver Art Museum – Denver
Have budding artists in your family? A visit to the Denver Art Museum is a great way to inspire your creative kiddos. Admission is free for kids 18 years old and under. Make this an even more fun thing to do in Denver by encouraging your kids to pack sketchbooks, clipboards, paper, and their favorite drawing and coloring tools to capture what they see.
Kids Dig – Littleton
Winter activities near Denver don’t get more creative than this! With outdoor playgrounds often wet and cold during winter, you do have an option for your wee sandbox lovers. About 20 minutes from Englewood at Kids Dig, you’ll find 40 tons of sand indoors with Tonka and CAT trucks for kids seven years old and under to dig, scoop, and move.
Indian Hot Springs – A Rejuvenating Soak
Ok, we admit, this is one of those winter activities near Denver that might skew toward families with older kids. But we thought a day outing to the mineral pool and baths at Indian Hot Springs would be a relaxing, post-mountain-day activity. Families are welcome, though there is an age minimum for the geothermal caves and Club Med.
Grizzly Rose Family Night – Denver
The family that dances together, stays together. Okay, maybe that’s not quite the expression but it can ring true of Family Nights at cowboy-inspired establishment Grizzly Rose. Sundays are Family Night, where doors open at 6 pm, and there’s live music and a free line dancing class at 7 pm. Maybe your kids will even brave the bucking bronco!
