The Children's Museum of Denver

Sitting at the non-mobile infant play area- the pond- overlooking the mobile infant
and start of young toddler  play areas. The aspens looked beautiful!

  The Children's Museum of Denver is great for infants and toddlers. The first time that I went I was expecting a small enclosed play pit similar to those that I've seen elsewhere, but was pleasantly surprised to see a very large, multiple room set-up that was especially made for non-mobile infants (a sort of soft pond play area with posters about talking to and singing with your children for caregivers), mobile-infants (a wide open space with a big basket of soft toys and balls, and all sorts of things on the walls to touch, spin and manipulate, a small hill-like stairway, and lots of tunnels and nooks to crawl in and under), young toddlers (a small boat to sit and rock in, a slide, textured floors and small climbing areas), and older toddlers (a small grocery store, pretend play areas). There is also a small gazebo type area with curtain in the room for nursing moms. Make sure to bring your socks- the infant toddler areas are shoe free!

In a small cave with mirror.

Rolling balls in the open play area.

  A visit here is pretty self-explanatory, basically just follow the child's lead. Let them crawl around and touch everything and encourage them to explore new areas as well. For non-mobile infants you can lay them in spot where they can see and hear other children playing, and bring them different toys to touch and shake. 

  When my little one started to get fussy just shy of an hour in I carried him as we walked briefly through the rest of the museum. I let him touch the lights on the firetruck, and then watch the balls fall from the ceiling in the ball room. He didn't seem to show interest in the bubbles in the bubble room, but did really like spinning the large flowers in the cave room. This took less than 15 minutes and then we headed home for food and a nap!

Spinning Flowers.

  I would definitely recommend the Children's Museum for little ones, but make a few notes before going to save yourself from large crowds and an unpleasant experience for you both: 

- Mondays are group-free, so can be less crowded. You can also call and ask how many people they are expecting for any given day (see their website)

- Hours   M, T, Th, F  9:00- 4:00
                              W  9:00- 7:30
                 Sat + Sun 10:00- 5:00
      *The first Tuesday of each month is FREE from 4-8pm

- Not the cheapest outing in my opinion, but worth it once in a while: Under 1 free, Age 1 and Seniors $7, Ages 2-59 $9.

- Free parking in a large lot connected to their building is a perk!

- Next to their lot is a large playground, area for picnicking, and the beautiful walking path that goes past the Aquarium and down the trolley path to REI. Maybe bring the stroller and take a little cruise before heading home. 

- The Museum itself asks on their website to have a "stroller free visit" as there is limited space for stroller parking. I definitely noticed this myself and was glad that I only brought a backpack and carried him in. 

- Small lockers for $.50

- And, for the safety of all guests, there are no adults allowed in the museum without children, and no children allowed without adults. (lol, it seriously says this in bold next to an asterisk on the website!)


*All information gathered came directly from their website.