Don't miss the fantastic gorilla habitat or the underwater viewing at the Northern Shores exhibit.
 Photo: Kids love the dinosaur bones
at the Denver Museum of
Nature and Science
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a mission: to inspire curiosity and excite the minds of all ages through the discovery, presentation and preservation of the world's treasures.
DMNS offers incredible adventures for kids and their parents. Read our short article on the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for more information. |
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Did You Know? Colorado is famous for its quaking aspen trees. It is said that local American Indians referred to them as spirit trees because their leaves seem to always move.  A member of the poplar family, the aspen's leaf stalk is flattened perpendicular to the plane of the leaf. This allows the leaves to flutter in the slightest breeze. The Latin name for this tree is Populus tremuloides. It is this tremulous quality that causes aspen-covered hillsides to shine with such an unusual, glimmering light. |
The Kraal is just one tool
the zoo has for taking kids around the world and showing them, as intimately as
possible, the marvelous variety of animal life on our planet. The zoo is in the
midst of a 15-year, $125 million campaign to enhance the lives of the animals
and improve the experience of its visitors. And like the Kraal, the new
exhibits allow people to observe everything from frogs to gorillas in as
natural an environment as possible.
Because of the improvements
in their homes, the animals behave more naturally, and kid can understand them
better. Youngsters can also see the wide variety of places that animals live,
from the cold waters of the Northern Shores exhibit to the African Primate
Panorama’s thatched roofs.
Viewing areas are well
designed for people under three feet tall, and friendly zoo volunteers in their
green shirts and tan vests are often at hand to answer questions or engage a
toddler in speculation.
Especially popular with
the young set are the Conservation Carousel and the Zoo Train. A nice bonus:
the train has been converted from diesel to clean-burning natural gas, making
for a much more pleasant ride.
When You Go:
Phone Number: 303/ 376-4800
Website: www.denverzoo.org
Address: 2300 Steele Street, Denver.
Directions: From I-25, take Colorado Boulevard about 5 miles north to City Park, or from I-70, take Colorado Boulevard south about 2 miles to City Park. Turn west into the park on 23rd Avenue. The main entrance is about a half-mile from Colorado Boulevard, on the left. Check the website for a map.
Season: Open every day of the year.
Hours: Summer hours (April through September) 9am to 6pm. Winter hours: (October through March) 10am to 5pm. Check the website for feeding and show times.
Cost: Summertime admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for kids 3 to 11 years old, and free for the 3 and under crowd. Wintertime admission is a dollar or so less. Parking is free. Special events, like the Wildlights in December are extra. Check the website or phone for details.
Facilities: The zoo is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and wagons are available for rent at the entrance. A few exhibits, however, require you to leave your strollers outside. Bathrooms with diaper decks are conveniently located for both moms and dads. In addition to numerous concession stands, the Hungry Elephant Café serves a nice variety of meals appealing to both kids and adults. The gift shop stocks a wide variety of souvenirs.
Special
Considerations and Notes: Decide ahead
of time which part of the zoo you would like to see most, as the whole thing in
one day can be overwhelming. We like it best in winter. The crowds are thinner and many of the
animals are more active. One
frosty day we saw polar bears sliding and bouncing on an iceberg in their pond.
Also, the zoo offers several special events throughout the year as well as
preschool classes and programs. Check their website for information.