Things to Do Near Denver With Your Preschooler

Finding things to do with your preschooler near Denver can be challenging. Life with a little one can sometimes feel like you’re on a loop—cycling through the same playground, the trusted family taco spot, and the nearby library. While those standbys are wonderful, it’s amazing how refreshing it can be to shake up the routine. By venturing just beyond your own neighborhood and exploring the outer edges of Denver, you’ll find countless opportunities to spark curiosity, discover new favorites, and create little adventures together beyond the expected. 

Denver Preschool Program (DPP) has a full lineup of places to eat, play, and explore in the neighborhoods surrounding downtown Denver. 

Things To Do Near Denver: NORTHWEST, BERKELEY

Eat: Head to Tennyson St. for a wide array of dining options. Family-friend favorites include the brightly-colored Call Your Mother Deli, Hops + Pie artisan pizzeria, and Cozy Cottage. Cruise the street and pop in anywhere that looks delicious — you can’t go wrong!

Play: Centered on Tennyson and 42nd, Cesar Chavez Park is a playground for all ages with tables, shade, and an open sports field. Make it a play pit stop or grab food and have a picnic since the park is just steps from Tennyson restaurants. Head north just a few blocks and you will also find Berkeley Lake–take a stroll or stop at the lakeside playground. 

Explore: For feline-friendly kids, check out the Denver Cat Company, a warm interactive space to meet rescue kittens who are available for adoption ($15/adults, $2/kids). 

Things To Do Near Denver: SOUTH CENTRAL, PLATT PARK

Eat: From South Pearl Street dining to local haunts closer to the University of Denver, Platt Park is packed with family-friendly food and fun. Try out Jelly Cafe, Maria Empanada, Bacon Social House, or the famous DuffyRoll Cafe for a bite. 

Play: Platt Park Playground is just four blocks west from South Pearl. The park offers a leafy playground and open grassy areas — perfect for your preschooler to run off steam or stop for a snack or picnic.

Explore: Create magic in the everyday with a Fairy Walk! Search for the dozens of miniature fairy doors tucked along shops between Jewell and Arizona. This is a fantastic, free treasure hunt for curious little ones. Download the map or let your imagination guide you. For an indoor option, pop into Spectra Art Space, a small local gallery featuring interactive experiences for all ages. 

Things To Do Near Denver: EAST, LOWRY

Eat: Lowry Beer Garden is centrally-located with amply outdoor space, regular music, and a great kids’ menu. Or pop just outside the city limits to Stanley Marketplace, a family favorite with ample food options, shops, and even a roller-skating rink. 

Play: For a fun day of play, check out Bayaud Park and Picnic Area and Neighborhood Park — both have large playgrounds and ample space to stretch little legs and let off some steam. 

Explore: Playstreet Museum – Lowry offers an immersive and educational experience for children with art exhibits, a kid-sized play city, and seasonal special events. Reserve your spot ahead of time online ($17.50 per child ages 1-8).

For the little aviator in the family, check out Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. This fun location offers more than 100,000 square feet of planes and space craft, memorabilia, simulators, and historical storytelling ($20/adults, $13/Youth 4+ and free for under 3). 

Things To Do Near Denver: NORTHEAST, CENTRAL PARK

Eat: Central Park hosts a range of family-friendly dining options. Check out Cuba Cuba, the satellite location of one of Denver’s most famous restaurants. Or try Carmella’s for East-coast style pizza and small batch ice cream. 

Play: Be sure to visit Central Park, Denver’s third largest park. It offers an 80-acre recreation area including a Dr. Seuss inspired playground, climbing wall, picnic areas, sports fields, and interactive water features. 

Explore: Just north of Central Park is another outdoor wonder, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. A preserve home to bison, deer, songbirds, and waterfowl, this is an expansive urban refuge for wildlife. Take the 1-mile Discovery Trail or the Lake Mary Loop (0.6mi) to cross boardwalks and piers overlooking the water. 

Sign Up for More Preschooler-Friendly Activities

DPP offers a bilingual (English and Spanish) monthly newsletter, Family Dispatch, to provide insights and ideas for preschool families as well as ways to save on your preschool costs. Sign up today!