Let me just say, completely on the record, that I have been LOVING the daily rainstorms in Denver lately!
They remind me of countless afternoons spent huddling under the ride covers at the old Elitch's Amusement Park, where I worked in the summers through high school. I used to love running for cover and waiting out the storm, watching the rain drive out the crowds and then seeing how clean and shiny everything looked when the rain stopped and the rainbow appeared right above the old merry-go-round.
But, alas, my good friends at 9News Weather are saying that it's about to get hot and dry again, and I am already dreading the weekend trying to keep the kids entertained when it's unbearably warm out.Here are some of my go-to ideas...by the way, since my kids range in age from toddler to tween, we sometimes divide and conquer, since the big kids don't like doing little kid stuff...
1. Hit the Children's Museum of Denver. My littles never tire of the activities here, and luckily they have a lot of special events, guests, and exhibits that keep it interesting even though the main attractions are always the same. Try to go as early as possible, as it tends to get crowded in the afternoons, especially on the weekends.
Other museums and local attractions that have plenty of A/C and kid-based activities:
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2. Head for the hills. It's always cooler in the mountains, and whether you tire the kids out on a family-friendly hike at Chataqua or Lair of the Bear, or you retreat to the ski resorts for some summer mountain action, it always feels good to take advantage of the Rockies and get out of the city for a bit. You can also get a great deal on hotels and restaurants in the summer if you want to make a weekend of it!
Some of our favorite mountain towns:
3. Go to the pool! The Denver metro area has a ton of options, both indoor and outdoor, to make up for the obvious land-locked lack of beach. We like the Apex Center when we want to truly relax...with the zero-entry kiddie pool and the huge slides, as well as the adults-only hot tub as well as a family spa, my kids never get tired of hanging out here, and I like how they have tons of tables and chairs, free wifi and no need for sunscreen!
Some outdoor pool/lake options:
4. See a show. I think that my kids end up seeing most kiddo movies in the theater, because to be honest it's nice to sit in the quiet and dark for a couple of hours with no fighting or complaining.
The Denver area has everything from IMAX to second-run super-cheap movies at Elvis Cinemas...as well as first-run movie theaters all over the place. I like to use the Denver Post Movie Times section to check out what's playing.
Other options for on-stage entertainment:
DCPA - Denver Center for Performing Arts
5. Burn some energy indoors! The Denver metro area has a ton of indoor play areas for kids of all ages. My favorite free mall play area is the one at Cherry Creek mall, which was just renovated with a Looney Tunes theme.
I also like the one at Flatirons, which also has a huge sandpit outside.
There are also several pay-to-play options that the kids really like...
Big Time Trampoline Fun Center (Opening Soon)
If you would like more information about any of these places, or just want some more advice about where to take the kids to play when it's just too darn hot to hang out outside, let me know!
Socials