Tips for Visiting the Denver Art Museum with Kids

We all could use a little more beauty in our lives, right? And there’s no better place to find it in all forms than The Denver Art Museum (DAM)! It is a fantastic place to explore creativity, colors and culture. Packed with hands-on activities, family friendly tours and imaginative exhibits, it also makes for a fantastic place to visit with kids of all ages. 

Planning a trip? Here’s a guide to making the most out of your family day at the museum.

Tips for Visiting the Denver Art Museum with Kids

Art Museum Highlights

• Admission for everyone 18 and under is free, including school field trips and other youth group visits!
• Ticketed exhibitions are only $5 for youth visitors. 
• Each gallery at the museum contains an interactive program in English and Spanish for kids and families to help them better engage with what they are seeing.
• Check out the Family Guide provided by the museum to see an explanation of art within each building!
• Sensory- Friendly Mornings are an opportunity for kids with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders and their families to visit the museum in a safe and fun way. They take place quarterly on the second Sunday of the month.
• Family Backpacks and Art Tubes are available at the Welcome Center, and are filled with tools, games, and art supplies to lead them through the galleries. 

Things to Know

• To ensure admission, book tickets ahead of time online. Advance reservations are not required, but recommended. 
• Grab a snack or grab and go meal from the on-site cafe. 
• Strollers are allowed and can also be rented on a first come, first serve basis.
• You’ll find a variety of parking options including paid garages, street parking, and metered parking. 
• Food and drink is not allowed inside the galleries, only in the lower levels and atriums.
• Single-use family restrooms are located throughout the entire museum. 

Family Friendly Programs

The Denver Art Museum offers a range of activities designed specifically for families. Some must-try options include:

Foxy and Shmoxy

Foxy and Shmoxy are a silly fox duo who perform in front of different artworks each month, encouraging everyone to see and learn about secrets in the art. On the second Sunday from October to May, pick up a letter from the foxes at the fox mailbox in the Hamilton Building or Martin Building and follow the clues to find where the foxes can be found. The 12 to 15-minute performances take place at 10:30 a.m. and at 11:30 a.m.

Create Playdate

Create Playdate is designed to encourage creative thinking, literacy and fun for children ages 3-5. It offers story time, art making and activities at the museum.

Family Center

On level 2 of the Martin Building, the Family Center provides activities such as puzzle-making, drawing, imaginative play with blocks and costumes and much more.  

Create-n-Take Stations

These interactive stations scattered throughout the museum allow kids to create their own artwork inspired by specific pieces on display.

Exhibits Not to Miss That Will Appeal to Children

Some exhibits and areas, such as those featuring contemporary art or interactive displays, may naturally appeal more to younger visitors. A few top choices include:

Wild Things 

This exhibit is based around the art of famed author Maurice Sendak, who wrote Where the Wild Things Are! It also showcases pieces from his personal collection that will be instantly recognized by little ones. (Temporary Exhibit)

The Wild Studio

The Wild Studio is the latest theme for the museum’s studio art making space on level 1 of the Hamilton Building, inspired by the Wild Things exhibition.

Space Command

Space Command is an immersive installation where visitors can be immersed in the exhibit through their senses of sight, sound and touch. (Temporary Exhibit)

Hamilton Building’s Architecture

This stunning space feels futuristic and exciting for children who will enjoy its unique angles and shapes.

Thread Studio

Visit the Thread Studio on level 6 of the Martin Building. Try your hand at textile-based activities. The textures, patterns, and colors here are great for engaging younger ones.

Design Studio

Visit the Ellen Bruss Design Studio on level 2 of the Martin Building to get a behind-the-scenes look at how designers bring their ideas to life. Explore materials, process, and create your own unique designs.

Sensory Garden

Visit the Sensory Garden between May to October to engage your senses and explore the link between creativity and nature. Enter through the Creative Hub on level 1 of the Martin Building.

Once you leave, your children may have found a new love of making and appreciating art. If so, DIY your own artworks at home with the DAM’s Art Explorations feature.

The Denver Art Museum is a wonderful place to introduce children to the world of art and creativity, so don’t stress about seeing everything in one go. Take your time, engage with the exhibits that most catch your child’s attention, and allow them to explore at their own pace. After all, the museum experience is all about making memories and having fun together!