Whether it’s a snowy winter day or a scorching summer afternoon, Denver’s indoor play areas provide a perfect escape for families looking to keep their little ones entertained. Bookmark this curated list of 30+ places where families can enjoy time together or allow kids to play while the parents and caregivers kick back for a moment of peace!
30+ Places for Kids to Play Indoors in Denver
Connect with Nature, Indoors
Lookout Mountain Preserve and Nature Center provides an interactive exhibit taking visitors on a tour of the flora and fauna of the foothills ecosystem. Kids will enjoy a hands-on play room and observation room. The Nature Center offers free naturalist-led programs in every season for individuals, families, schools and groups.
The Butterfly Pavilion might celebrate the outdoor world, but it provides the perfect indoor space for smaller kids to run out some energy. Between the play area and butterfly house, it is easy to spend a few hours exploring. Take advantage of the free story time as well! 
Dive into an underwater adventure featuring a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits at the Downtown Aquarium.
Learn Something
Defy logic at the Museum of Illusions! This unique museum offers a captivating experience where reality and perception collide in the most delightful ways. Perfect for curious young minds, the Museum of Illusions encourages interactive exploration through mind-bending exhibits that challenge perception and spark creativity. From optical illusions that defy logic to hands-on exhibits that engage all the senses, it’s a place where learning feels like play. Whether you’re escaping the heat or rain, or simply seeking a break from routine, this museum promises a memorable adventure that will leave both kids and adults in awe.
Explore interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that encourage learning through play at the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.
Unleash your little one’s imagination with aviation-themed exhibits and engaging programs for aspiring young pilots at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.
While it’s structured to be informational and educational, there’s also lots of room and encouragement to play at the Denver Firefighters Museum.
Cultivate creativity through art-centric activities designed for young minds at the Denver Art Museum. They offer family programs and all visitors under 18 are always free!
With over 9,000 square feet of indoor playground, the kids will be active for hours while also enjoying hands-on STEM activities at the Kookalooz Space Playground.
Play Street Museum is an exciting and educational play space designed for children to explore, discover and learn through imaginative and pretend-play experiences with hands-on exhibits.
Intended for children 0 to 6 years of age, Kids Wonder combines free play with developing social, emotional and physical development. It is open seven days a week!
The WOW! Children’s Museum offers storytime, hands-on activities, age appropriate performances and innovative play. A crowd favorite is always the giant Light Bright.
Immerse yourself in an intriguing visual, sensory, and educational outing at the Museum of Illusions. Elementary aged kids will get a kick out of this place!
Enjoy the maker space and exhibits at the History Colorado Center. Kids are always free.
Get Active
Sometimes called “Archery Dodgeball”, two teams battle it out with bows and foam-tipped arrows from opposite sides of the arena at Archery Games Denver. Kids can also take part in Nerf wars at Dart Arena. Grab a group and enjoy a day full of competition. Would recommend it for upper elementary aged children.
Activate Indoor Park offers bounce castles, trampolines, rock climbing and slacklines. It has areas for older kids and toddler specific play areas so a wide range of ages can enjoy.
Denver Bouldering Club has three gyms to choose from in the area, and provides great exercise and excitement for those who love a challenge. They have instruction and climbing for most ages. The Spot Gym is another perfect place for them to learn how to climb safely.
Bounce Empire will take an entire day, but if you really want a special outing, take them here! A giant warehouse full of inflatables, challenges and fun.
Lollipop Park is perfect for younger kids. This amusement park offers gentle rides and inflatables for children under the age of 10. Sweet spot is probably ages 3 to 6.
The Sensory Spot in Parker caters to both neurotypical and neurodivergent children with art tables, sensory bins, books and so much more. It is typically a quiet place for play and for caregivers to relax while children are entertained. An admission ticket allows you to come and go as you please for one day.
Enroll in a kids soccer class at Bladium Sports & Fitness Club, where they start them as young as 18 months!
Slick City Action Park is for kids four and over who love high-flying fun to get their adrenaline pumping. It has indoor slides (with no water) where children will catch some serious air, and a sports court park.
Skate City has several locations around the city, and provides retro fun for the entire family.
Lava Island is play heaven for toddlers to tweens. It offers trampolines, mazes, giant slides and much more.
Enjoy a meal while the kids play in the dedicated play area within Denver Central Market.
Kids Dig is home to a 40 ton sandbox for construction truck lovers and those who just love to get a little messy. Join in the fun with your child, or let your little one dig away while you take a moment to yourself.
The Apex Center features two NHL ice rinks, 23,000 square feet of indoor water fun, natural rock climbing wall, three full-sized gymnasiums, and a free indoor playground for young children. There’s plenty to explore for an activity-filled family day. Kids 2-17 receive a pass for under $10, $5 if you are a resident of Arvada.
Little Monkey Bizness is designed for children 8 and under, with age-appropriate play and climb areas.
Play Games
Monster Mini Golf pairs the classic game of mini golf with blacklights, music, disco balls, a DJ and locally inspired, hand-painted glow in the dark art. It is not too scary for little ones, but elementary aged children will enjoy this destination the most.
Enjoy a combination of arcade games, laser tag, and an XD dark ride at the Boondocks Food & Fun center. Save the bumper boats, go-kart racing and mini golf for a nicer weather day.
Transport your family to the golden age of arcades with classic games and modern favorites at Mile High Arcade. Mom and Dad will have fun here too!
Denver’s indoor play spaces cater to a diverse range of interests, ensuring that kids of all ages can find a haven for fun and exploration. From educational museums to adrenaline-pumping trampoline parks, the Mile High City has it all for families seeking indoor adventures when the weather won’t cooperate.
