Top Way To Spend A Fall Day With The Family In Denver
The fall leaves are starting to turn and the weather is getting cooler. However, that doesn't mean that it is time to close yourself off inside and wait for summer. It means that it is the perfect time to enjoy some of Colorado's great fall activities. Since the fall weather can be fickle in Colorado, try the City Park neighborhood where you can run inside and enjoy the Denver Museum of Nature and Science or spend time outside at the Denver Zoo or City Park. No matter how you decide to spend the time, be sure to get the whole family together and take advantage of these great family-friendly fall activities.
Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 376-4800
www.denverzoo.org
Start your day at the amazing Denver Zoo. With over 650 species and 3,500 different animals, the Denver Zoo is a wonderful place to ignite your child's curiosity or just enjoy a great fall day. There are many different habitats that will immerse you and your family in the world of the animals themselves. Take a visit to Primate Panorama, Tropical Discovery or Predator Ridge and see how the animals really live. In addition, the Denver Zoo hosts many free days throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for the next free day.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 370-6000
www.dmns.org
Just a short walk from the Denver Zoo lies Denver's premier nature and science museum. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is the perfect place to immerse yourself and your family in a whole new world. For the youngest science fans, check out the Discovery Zone located on the second level. From making crafts to digging for dinosaur bones or trying a hands-on science experiment, it is a great spot for your young children. In addition to the multiple exhibits, the museum is also host to the Imax Theater and the amazing Denver Planetarium.
Related: Top Family Friendly Entertainers in the Denver Area
City Park
17th Ave and Colorado Blvd
Denver, CO 80238
www.denvergov.org
Take a break from the busy day and relax in Denver's City Park. Located right next to both the Zoo and the Museum, City Park is one of the largest parks in the Denver parks system. With a great playground, lots of beautiful sculptures, fountains and both handball and tennis courts, there is plenty to do in this beautiful park. Take a picnic, spread out under one of the huge trees and enjoy the beautiful Colorado fall weather.
White Fence Farm
6263 W. Jewell Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80232
(303) 935-5945
www.whitefencefarm-co.com
After all of that activity, you must be hungry. Head to Lakewood for the best fried chicken in town. Since 1973, the White Fence Farm has been serving family style in this farm environment. What makes this restaurant so special is the fun and interactive farm. While you are waiting for your table, take a walk outside or stroll through the old-time gift shop and buy some hams and jellies. The kids will have a blast playing in the playground or spending time in the petting zoo. There is also a huge two-story slide called "the Pig Chute" and lots of old-school games in the arcade.
Bonnie Brae Ice Cream
799 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 777-0808
www.bonniebraeicecream.com
Finish your fun-filled fall family day with some of the best ice cream in Denver. Bonnie Brae has been handcrafting ice cream for more than 25 years in the cozy Denver neighborhood. With flavors like Cherry Mash, Mint Oreo and Raspberry Trifle, there is something there for even the most discerning tastes. The whole atmosphere is like walking back in time with a retro feel in the great neighborhood environment near Washington Park. It is the perfect way to wind down after such a full day.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.