Botanic Gardens and Bookish Butts: A Perfectly Silly Denver Send-Off

Our Denver Botanic Gardens Family Itinerary: A Gentle Final Adventure

For the last day of our trip, we followed a relaxed Denver Botanic Gardens family itinerary—perfect for slowing down while still making memories. After a week of high-energy exploring, we were craving something calmer but still kid-friendly and worth remembering.

We’d heard great things about the Denver Botanic Gardens, especially for families, so that’s where we began. What followed was a sweet mix of fountains, nature play, insect encounters, and a splash-pad send-off that felt like a perfect close to our Denver adventure.

A Stroll Through Cheesman Park

There’s a park within walking distance of the gardens, so we arrived early and strolled over to Cheesman Park. On the way, we passed some of the most stunning historic homes I’ve ever seen—massive, elegant, and clearly full of stories.

Once inside the park, we had a little trouble locating the playground and were short on time, so we settled in by the large fountains. My kids were perfectly content walking along the fountain edges and running through the open grassy fields while we waited for the gardens to open.

Exploring the Botanic Gardens (Eventually)

We entered through the main entrance of the Botanic Gardens, only to discover that the children’s area was actually above the parking garage where we had started. So, back across the street we went—up the elevator and into the Mordecai Children’s Garden.

The kids’ area was charming and well-designed, especially for younger children. My daughter loved grabbing a scavenger hunt sheet and searching for the listed items. There was a small stream to explore, a sand pit to dig in, and plenty of natural elements to interact with.

While my kids enjoyed it for about an hour, it definitely seemed geared toward toddlers and preschoolers—there were lots of little ones under three having the time of their lives.

A Lucky Insect Encounter

Just as we were about to leave, we stumbled upon a vendor event happening in the main garden area. Total luck! My kids got to make insect crafts, look at bugs under microscopes, and learn about local bees. It was the perfect little educational detour before hunger hit hard.

My kids were fascinated by the insect microscopes and hands-on science booths. If your little explorers love learning through experiments, we highly recommend MEL Science. Their monthly kits make STEM feel like play- and they’re perfect for curious minds on the go.

Ice Cream Detour: Sweet Izzy (Almost)

I had been saving our ice cream outing for the last day as a sweet send-off. I was especially excited to try Sweet Izzy, a fully gluten- and dairy-free ice cream shop just down the road from the gardens.

Unfortunately, the area was packed and parking was impossible. After circling the block more times than I care to admit, I finally gave up and pivoted.

Stanley Marketplace: A Happy Plan B

Plan B turned out to be a win—we headed to Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. Not only was there plenty of parking (hallelujah), but the building itself was full of amazing smells and food options.

After a week of fried everything, I was craving something lighter, so we landed at Boychik, a Mediterranean spot with a bright, airy vibe. Most of their menu was naturally gluten-free if you skipped the pita. I ordered the chicken shawarma plate, which came with hummus, quinoa, veggies, and a mix of flavors I couldn’t quite name—but loved.

The kids split a plate of chicken and fries, which worked out perfectly.

Books, Butts & Dairy-Free Scoops

After lunch, we wandered into The Bookies, a charming children’s bookstore tucked inside the marketplace. My daughter was completely captivated by a hilariously titled book called I Need a New Butt! and the cozy reading nook made it hard to leave.

We wrapped up our visit with a stop at Sweet Cow, the ice cream shop inside Stanley Marketplace. While their dairy-free options were limited, the mango and chocolate peanut butter flavors were absolutely heavenly. We enjoyed them on the open patio, soaking up the sunshine and reflecting on our week.

Splash Pad Finale at Benedict Park

Our final stop was Benedict Park, chosen for its proximity to where we were staying—and its splash pad. It was a scorcher of an afternoon, and this park delivered.

Beyond that was a skate deck and a splash pad that felt more like a shallow creek with sprinklers—perfect for cooling off. And the cherry on top? An actual bathroom. Always a win.

As we packed up wet swimsuits and happy memories from Benedict Park, I found myself marveling at everything we’d packed into this week—zoos, museums, gardens, parks, bookstores, marketplaces… it was a whirlwind of family joy.

Honestly? If you’re planning to hit multiple spots like we did, Denver CityPASS makes the math and the logistics so much simpler.

 Denver with Kids – FAQ Guide for Family Traveler

Is Denver a good place for a family vacation?

Yes! Denver offers a mix of outdoor adventure, hands-on museums, and kid-friendly dining. Whether your crew loves nature, science, animals, or quirky bookstores, the Mile High City has something for every age.

What are the best things to do in Denver with kids?

Some top picks include:

• Denver Zoo – Over 3,000 animals and interactive exhibits
• Museum of Nature & Science – Dinosaurs, space, and hands-on learning
• Botanic Gardens – Especially the Mordecai Children’s Garden for nature play
• Children’s Museum of Denver – Water features, art studios, and outdoor adventure zones
• Dinosaur Ridge – Real fossil footprints and outdoor trails
• Butterfly Pavilion – Indoor rainforest with 1,600+ butterflies

Is Denver CityPASS worth it for families?

Absolutely—especially if you’re planning to visit several attractions. Denver CityPASS lets you bundle 3–5 top spots at a discounted rate, which means more memories and more budgeting ease.

Families can mix and match from local favorites like:

• Downtown Aquarium
• Museum of Nature & Science
• Botanic Gardens
• Children’s Museum of Denver
• Wings Over the Rockies
• Denver Art Museum
• History Colorado Center

Passes are valid for 7 consecutive days, so you have plenty of time to wander at your own pace. We loved how it made planning simpler—one less thing to think about between playground hunts and lunch pivots. For a week of adventure, it was a gentle win.

What’s the best time to visit Denver with kids?

Spring and fall (April–May or September–October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates. Summer is great for splash pads and outdoor festivals, but it can get busy.

How many days should we spend in Denver?

Plan for 3–5 days to explore the city’s highlights at a relaxed pace. If you want to add day trips to places like Red Rocks or Rocky Mountain National Park, consider a full week.

What’s the best way to get around Denver with kids?

• Driving is easiest for families—especially with strollers or gear
• Light rail and buses are affordable and fun for transit-loving kids
• Walking works well downtown, especially near Union Station and City Park

Where should we eat with kids in Denver?

• Oblio’s Pizza – Gluten-free options and casual vibes
• Hammond’s Candy Factory – Free tours and sweet treats
• Sweet Cow – Dairy-free scoops and patio seating
• Stanley Marketplace – Tons of choices, easy parking, and kid-friendly seating

Wrapping Up Our Denver Adventure

We ended our Denver adventure tired, happy, and full of memories. From gardens and fountains to books and bubbles, this city gave us a week of connection, curiosity, and joy. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out our trip.

As we packed up memories from the week, I steeped something delicate to match the mood—Jasmine Pearls from Art of Tea.

Each pearl unfurls like a petal, releasing soft floral notes and that whisper of calm only jasmine can bring.
For slow endings and sweet reflections, this tea has become my go-to ritual after family adventures.

If you missed the rest of our Denver series, you can catch up here:

• Day 1: Denver Zoo & Paco Sánchez Park
• Day 2: Denver Museum of Nature & Science + Oblio’s Pizza
• Day 3: History Colorado Center & Hammond’s Candy Factory
• Day 4: Children’s Museum & North Side Tavern

Each day brought something new—whether it was hands-on learning, outdoor play, or gluten-free foodie finds—and I hope our journey helps inspire your own family’s Denver adventure!