Sometimes the weather just isn't cooperative for a day at the park. If you're looking for things to do with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in the Denver Tech Center, you've come to the right spot! We've rounded up local venues that offer storytimes, classes, drop-in play sessions, crafts, performances, and other exciting opportunities for family-friendly fun.
Hours, pricing, and availability may change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.
The 5 and Under Guide is brought to you by:
Hardin Waldrip Law PLLC
Call (303) 741-4949 to learn about their complimentary childcare powers of attorney.
First things first...
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CLASSES
Active Athletics (Littleton): Get the whole family active with parent-tot classes (for kids 16 months old to 3 years old) or enroll your preschooler in a 55-minute long coed program throughout the week. Open gym for crawlers up through age 8 is offered Monday through Friday for only $8 per participant.
Kickin' It Kids Gym (Denver): Kids, ages 6 months old through 12 years old, will develop confidence through locomotor, stability, and social activities during parent-assisted classes (for the youngest participants) and coach-led drop-off classes for older children. Visit the playground during open play sessions for engaging indoor entertainment year-round!
Michaels (multiple locations, Centennial & Denver): In-store crafting events vary by location throughout the year. Kids as young as 3 years old may participate in hands-on arts and crafts activities alongside a parent or caregiver.
Music Together® (Mile High Dance Center, Centennial): Kids under the age of 5 will enjoy music and movement classes alongside their caregiver(s). Music Together introduces children to the pleasures of making music themselves in fun, engaging ways.
Pre-K Performing Arts Classes (PAA Colorado, Highlands Ranch): PAA offers a variety of performing arts classes for students as young as 3 years old. Classes operate on a 15-week semester schedule, and students may enroll at any time. There is a Shareformance at the end of the semester so you can see everything your shining star learned.
Pee Wee Art (Curtis Center for the Arts, Greenwood Village): Curtis Center for the Arts offers a variety of art classes for preschoolers, children, teens, and adults. Kids as young as 3 years old can participate in a hands-on introduction to new art mediums and techniques (drawing, painting, sculpture, etc) while they develop their creative process.
Snobahn (Centennial): Kids as young as 3 years old can experience the thrill of winter sports during a private skiing lesson at Snobahn, an indoor ski and snowboard facility located at The Streets at Southglenn.
Recreation Centers & Gyms (multiple locations): Discover music and movement classes, arts and crafts, swimming, introductory sports, and a variety of other hands-on enrichment at a community recreation center. Age-appropriate activities are available throughout the year, so we recommend checking at the start of each season for new, upcoming opportunities.
- Club Greenwood (Greenwood Village)
- Cook Creek Recreation Center (Denver)
- Eisenhower Recreation Center (Denver)
- Englewood Recreation Center (Englewood)
- Family Sports Center (Englewood)
- Goodson Recreation Center (Centennial)
- Lifetime Fitness (Centennial)
- Littleton Family YMCA (Littleton)
- Schlessman Family YMCA (Denver)
INDOOR PLAY
Candeeland (Greenwood Village) ~ One of the DTC's newest play paces, Candeeland is home to an incredible indoor playground paradise for kids, along with a world-class candy store, arcade, and restaurant.
Chuck E. Cheese's (multiple locations): Kid-friendly food and entertainment await at Chuck E. Cheese's! Play simple arcade games, enjoy ride-on attractions, participate in special events, and experience character meet and greets with Chuck E. himself.
IKEA (Centennial): IKEA Centennial offers family-friendly in-store events throughout the year. Potty-trained children may experience a free hour of drop-in childcare at Småland, a designated playspace complete with a ball pit, art supplies, and toys, while the adults shop.
Kids Wonder (Centennial) ~ Perfect for the youngest of kids (ages 0 to 8), Kids Wonder is dedicated to physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development through play. Guests can enjoy an interactive tiny town, age-appropriate climbing structures, inflatables, and special events throughout the year.
Urban Air Adventure Park (Aurora) ~ Visit Urban Air Adventure Park during a Jumperoo session, a two-hour timeslot each week that is specifically designed for kids ages 5 and younger... no big kids allowed! During this exclusive playtime, the youngest adventure-seekers can enjoy the tube playground and trampolines.
Restaurants with Indoor Playgrounds ~ A kids' meal and a playground make for an inexpensive outing on a rainy day. Grab a bite to eat and stay for some indoor play at a local restaurant.
- McDonald's, 8241 S Holly Street, Littleton
- McDonald's, 7075 E Hampden Avenue, Denver
- Chick-Fil-A Hampden & I-25, 7785 E Hampden Avenue, Denver
- Chick-Fil-A S Colorado & Yale, 2710 S Colorado Blvd, Denver
- Chick-Fil-A Broadway & Dartmouth, 3085 S Broadway, Englewood
- Chick-Fil-A Greenwood Village, 9331 E Arapahoe Road, Greenwood Village
STORYTIME FUN
Kids of all ages can enjoy storytimes and special events, plus loads and loads of books at local libraries and bookstores. Register for a library card to access an assortment of unconventional items (like instruments, learning kits, and free museum passes) to borrow. And be sure to save the date for used book sales to discover excellent deals on stories your kids love to read again and again.
- Arapahoe Libraries (multiple locations)
- Barnes & Noble (multiple locations)
- Denver Public Libraries (multiple locations)
- Englewood Library (Englewood)
- Second Star to the Right (Denver)
MOVIE THEATERS
Ready to take your toddlers or preschools to a family-friendly feature film? Try a matinee for smaller crowds and lower-priced admission. Stop by the concessions counter for kid-approved snacks and beverages. Booster seats and sensory-friendly showings may be available at select theaters.
OUTDOOR FUN
Belleview Miniature Train & Children’s Farm (Englewood) ~ Get up and close with your favorite barnyard animals at this one-of-a-kind petting zoo. Then, hop aboard a miniature train ride to take in views of Belleview Park. Though the park itself is open year-round, the petting zoo and miniature train are only available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. As an added bonus, this venus is next door to Pirates Cove, so you can easily extend your next outdoor adventure.
Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora) ~ Bring a bucket and shovel for sand play along the shoreline at Cherry Creek State Park's swim beach. If the weather is nice, toss on a life vest and dip your toes in the water. Add to the adventure by exploring the beautiful hiking trails and horse stables. Special events are offered throughout the year.
Pirates Cove (Englewood): Open seasonally (typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), Pirates Cove offers water fun for visitors of all ages. The youngest guests may enjoy a sand play area, spray garden, and a zero-depth entry leisure pool. Onsite concessions are available to fuel your eager swimmers.
Washington Park Wheel Fun Rentals (Denver) ~ With over 2 miles of walking, running, and biking paths, and well over 100 acres of green recreational space, Washington Park is a picturesque outdoor space for the entire family. Toddlers and preschoolers may enjoy a front-row seat in a 4-wheel Surrey cycle while you navigate your way around the lake, or toss on some life vests and explore the lake itself via pedal boats and kayaks.
Parks & Playgrounds (multiple locations): Let them get dirty! We are so lucky to live in Colorado, where the sun shines brightly most days — even through the winter. We have a parks and playgrounds section in our directory and are constantly adding new parks as we explore them ourselves:
This guide is brought to you by:
Hardin Waldrip Law PLLC
(303) 741-4949
Hardin Waldrip Law is a boutique estate and business planning law firm. We assist individuals and families with creating planning documents that fit their unique goals, such as:
- last will and testaments
- trusts
- powers of attorney
- appointment of guardianships
- business entities
- purchase and sale agreements
- marital and cohabitation agreements
If you have kids, now is the time to plan to ensure that their inheritance is protected and that a guardian is named to care for them in your absence.
Ask about their complimentary childcare powers of attorney to give you peace of mind while you travel or are busy at work!
Call (303) 741-4949 or visit www.hardinwaldriplaw.com to learn more. Connect on Facebook and Instagram too.
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