The Mordecai Children’s Garden is a dedicated 1.5-acre interactive outdoor garden within Denver Botanic Gardens designed specifically for children, featuring a treehouse, water play area, a geology-themed dig pit, and a fairy tale garden that younger kids absolutely love. General admission is $15 for adults and $11 for children ages 3-15; household membership at roughly $75 pays off quickly for families. Open daily 9am to 5pm (until 8pm in summer); the children’s garden is tucked near the south entrance — ask at the gate for the family map. Strollers are welcome on all paved paths though the children’s garden has a few wood-chip sections where a compact umbrella stroller handles better than a full frame. Pack a picnic lunch as the on-site cafe is overpriced; the large lawn near the main pavilion is perfect for a family spread between exhibits.

Address: 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206

Google Maps: Click here for directions

Cost: Paid $$