From the Air Force to candy to coins, you can get a behind the scenes look with these free, family friendly tours in the Denver Area to your list!
5 Free Family Friendly Tours in the Denver Area
Denver Mint Tour
Find out where your money comes from at the Denver U.S. Mint tour. The free, 45-minute tours are led by knowledgeable guides and provide a fascinating look into the history of coins. Tour tickets are available from the Tour Information Window on Cherokee Street between Colfax Avenue and West 14th Avenue. It opens at 7 a.m. on Monday through Thursday (excluding observed federal holidays), and will remain open until all tickets have been distributed. No advance tickets available. Note: All attendees must be 7 and up.
Hammond’s Factory Tour
Ever wonder how lollipops, candy canes and other Hammond’s treats are made? Bring your curiosity and your sweet tooth for a complimentary tour of the Hammond’s Factory. Watch as your favorite treats are pulled, twisted, shaped and packaged by hand—just like they have been since 1920. Take home a tasty sweet treat, fresh from the factory! Tours run every half hour on the half hour during factory business hours, and last 30 minutes. Strollers are allowed.
National Center for Atmospheric Research Lab Tours
Exploring The National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Laboratory and Visitor Center is a fun and educational experience in the Denver metro area. Public and private tours are best suited for kids above 5th grade. Meet up with our tour guides in the lobby to learn about atmospheric science and current research being conducted at NCAR. No reservations are necessary.
Want to tour on your own? The NCAR Tour App provides the perfect opportunity to explore the NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center at your own pace. The app works on all website browsers as well as on both Android and iOS devices. iPads are also available to check out from the Front Desk during weekdays between 8 a.m – 4 p.m.
Colorado State Capitol Building
Tour the Colorado State Capitol Building! Capitol tours are limited to 20 people on a first come, first served basis. The free guided tours are available Monday–Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and last one hour. The observation dome is included in your tour and includes a 99-step climb accessible by stairs only. All tours begin at the Visitor Information Desk, north side, first floor.
You may enter the building on the north side (Colfax and Sherman Avenues), up the stairs, or use the ADA accessible ground level entrance (14th and Sherman Avenues), under the stairs.
Air Force Academy
Located just north of Colorado Springs, at the base of the Front Range, the Air Force Academy campus sits on 18,500 acres of breathtaking mountain panoramas. It boasts stunning mid-century modern architecture, state-of-the-art Division I athletic facilities, and unparalleled academic research centers. Much of the Academy is open to the public. Begin at the Visitor’s Center for information on cadet life, souvenirs and a nature trail. Learn about how to get on base and what to see.
