As every parent and childminder knows, kids can add a lot of complications to even the simplest of routes – particularly in an unfamiliar place. So, if you’re planning a trip to Denver with kids, it’s probably a good idea to arm yourself with some basic travel and transport knowledge before you step on the plane. In general, getting around Denver with children is fairly straightforward – but you will have an easier time of it if you know what to expect in advance. Some families prefer the flexibility of a hire car, while others rely on trains, buses, or short taxi journeys. Your plans, the ages of your children, and the places you want to visit will all influence the best option for your trip.
Collect a hire car at the airport
If you plan to visit attractions across the Denver area, collecting a hire car after landing can save you a lot of time and hassle. Look for a Denver airport car rental with plenty of room for luggage, pushchairs, and everything else that comes with traveling as a family.
Compare vehicle sizes before booking. A compact car may suit two adults traveling light, while a larger SUV or minivan gives children more space on longer journeys. Check whether child seats are available if you do not plan to bring your own. And don’t forget to make sure the vehicle you pick matches the kind of trip you’re planning. For example, if you don’t plan to leave the city much, you might get on better with a smaller, nippier vehicle that can easily fit into small parking spaces. If you want to strike out for the mountains and national parks, on the other hand, something bigger and tougher is probably a good idea.
Use public transport in the city
Denver’s Regional Transportation District operates buses and light rail services across the city and surrounding suburbs. Public transport in Denver can be very useful if your plans focus on downtown Denver, where hunting down parking can sometimes take longer than the journey itself.
Children aged four and under travel free on RTD services, while older children qualify for reduced fares. Buy tickets before boarding where required, and check service times before leaving your hotel.
Book a ride when you need one
If you decide not to bring or hire your own vehicle, Uber and Lyft services can be useful for shorter journeys. Remember to book a larger vehicle if you’ve got a lot of shopping, luggage, pushchairs, etc.
If your children still need child seats, check the available options before confirming the journey – and bear in mind that availability is likely to vary a lot depending on the area and the time of day.
Explore by bike
Denver has a fantastic and extensive network of cycle paths and shared trails. If your children are confident cyclists, hiring bikes can turn part of the journey into another activity rather than simply traveling between attractions.
Choose routes that match your children’s ages and experience – remember that cycling should be a fun outdoor activity, not a chore (particularly if you want your kids to carry healthy habits like cycling into later life!)
Walk when you can
Several of Denver’s best-known attractions are within easy walking distance of one another. For example, the 16th Street Mall, Civic Center, and nearby museums are all within walking distance of one another, so they can be combined into a single day.
Comfortable footwear will make a big difference to your walking days, particularly if your plans include several hours on foot. A lightweight pushchair can also help younger children to cover longer distances without becoming overtired.
Pack for Denver’s climate
Denver’s elevation and sunny climate catch out plenty of first-time visitors. If you’re visiting during the summer months, carry drinking water throughout the day and apply sunscreen before spending long periods outdoors. However, weather conditions can also change quickly, so pack an extra layer for cooler mornings, air-conditioned buildings or evening temperatures.
If you’re visiting during the winter, pack warm sweaters and coats, but don’t worry too much about freezing. Denver’s climate is relatively mild throughout the year.
Build breaks into the day
Children do not need to have every hour filled with sightseeing. In fact, if you pack the itinerary too tightly, they’re likely to get fatigued and start playing up. Parks, playgrounds, and open spaces give everyone the chance to slow down between museums, shops, or other attractions.
City Park works particularly well as a break spot because it’s next to Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. A stop there can fit easily into a day spent exploring other parts of the city.
Plan each day around your route
Look at a map each morning before leaving your accommodation and group nearby attractions together. Shorter journeys between stops leave more time for exploring and reduce the amount of traveling during the day.
