Denver Museum of Nature and Science Tours

Denver Museum of Nature and Science showing a city and flowers
Denver Museum of Nature and Science featuring interior views
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Denver Museum of Nature and Science which includes interior views
Denver Museum of Nature and Science


You’ll find everything from Ancient Egypt, to dinosaurs, to space travel in a mix of hands-on and informative exhibits.

In 1868, pioneer and naturalist Edwin Carter moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, and began collecting specimens of local wildlife in his log cabin. Locals were invited to have a look and as the popularity, and population, of the “Carter Museum” grew, so too did the need for a larger building. In 1900, the Colorado Museum of Natural History, now the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, was founded. It’s currently located in City Park, three miles (five kilometers) east of downtown.

The collection expanded over the years and the museum now holds more than 1 million objects and specimens, including model replicas, ancient artifacts, dinosaur bones and interactive multimedia displays. Eight permanent exhibits and a rotating calendar of temporary displays cover a range of topics, including North American Indian cultures, prehistoric times, space exploration and wildlife.

After you explore the collections, take a seat in the IMAX Theater, which plays documentaries several times a day, mostly in 3-D. There’s a rotating schedule of films through which you’ll explore the depths of space, encounter mysterious sea creatures at the bottom of the ocean, or venture into the Arctic. Learn the secrets of the universe at the 125-seat planetarium. This state-of-the-art facility uses projections, video and sound to teach viewers about everything from black holes to super volcanoes.

In the Discovery Zone, families with children will appreciate the hands-on activities, such as puzzles, science experiments and craft.

It’s worth checking the official museum website before visiting for show times and details of traveling exhibits. For those in need of an energy boost, refreshment options include a Grab and Go Snack Bar if you are on the run, or T-Rex Café, which serves more substantial hot meals.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science is conveniently located near the city center, and parking is free. It’s also accessible on city bus lines, and there’s a bike rack.

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Best Lodging Options Near Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Holiday Inn Denver East by IHG

Holiday Inn Denver East by IHG

3.5 out of 5
3333 East Quebec Street, Denver, CO
Holiday Inn Denver East by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver

4 out of 5
3203 Quebec St, Denver, CO
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver
Steps to City Park & Mountain Views--Minutes to Downtown!! MANY AMENITIES!!

Steps to City Park & Mountain Views--Minutes to Downtown!! MANY AMENITIES!!

Denver
Steps to City Park & Mountain Views--Minutes to Downtown!! MANY AMENITIES!!
This house is a 6 bedroom(s), 4.5 bathrooms, located in Denver, CO.

This house is a 6 bedroom(s), 4.5 bathrooms, located in Denver, CO.

Denver
This house is a 6 bedroom(s), 4.5 bathrooms, located in Denver, CO.
Sonesta Denver Downtown

Sonesta Denver Downtown

4 out of 5
1450 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO
Sonesta Denver Downtown
Hilton Denver City Center

Hilton Denver City Center

4 out of 5
1701 California St, Denver, CO
Hilton Denver City Center
Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver

Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver

4 out of 5
1776 Champa St, Denver, CO
Hyatt Centric Downtown Denver
The Holiday Chalet

The Holiday Chalet

3 out of 5
1820 E. Colfax, Denver, CO
The Holiday Chalet
Hyatt Place Denver Downtown

Hyatt Place Denver Downtown

3.5 out of 5
440 14th St, Denver, CO
Hyatt Place Denver Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science offers a variety of exciting activities, including engaging wildlife exhibits and captivating theater performances. Visitors can explore new experiences through interactive displays, guided tours, and educational programs. The museum is a popular destination for day trips, making it an ideal spot for family outings and educational adventures in the heart of Denver.

Shopping

Visit the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, just 2 miles from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment options. Also, check out the Stanley Marketplace, located 3 miles away, offering a unique selection of local vendors and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

At Coors Field, catch a thrilling baseball game while soaking in the energetic atmosphere. Enjoy a live show at Fillmore Auditorium, where music and entertainment blend for a vibrant night out. For a peaceful retreat, explore Denver Mountain Parks, offering serene landscapes perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Water World, a vibrant waterpark 8 miles from the museum, perfect for family fun. For adrenaline junkies, Bandimere Speedway offers exciting motor racing 14 miles away, while Laser Quest, an adventure activity 7 miles away, provides exhilarating laser tag battles.

Nightlife

Experience Denver's nightlife by catching a show at the nearby Paramount Theater, which offers a mix of culture and romance. For a unique twist, visit the adults-only International Church of Cannabis, or enjoy a film at the charming Mayan Theater, perfect for family and entertainment vibes.

Find the best attractions near Denver Museum of Nature and Science

When visiting the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, explore nearby attractions like the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Denver for a cultural experience. Enjoy the urban parks around the area for family-friendly activities, and consider attending events at local conference venues. With a mix of education and entertainment, there's plenty to discover that caters to both city explorers and nature enthusiasts alike.

  • Union Station: A beautifully restored historic building, Union Station is a vibrant hub filled with shops, restaurants, and art. It offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern convenience, making it a perfect spot to relax or explore.
  • Colorado Convention Center: This expansive event venue is known for its striking architecture and hosts a variety of conferences and expos. The Convention Center provides a bustling atmosphere that showcases Denver’s business and cultural initiatives.
  • Ball Arena: Home to thrilling sports events and concerts, Ball Arena is a family-friendly entertainment facility. Experience the excitement of a game or a live performance in this lively venue that brings the community together.

Best time to go to Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The best time to visit Denver Museum of Nature and Science can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Denver Museum of Nature and Science falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Denver Museum of Nature and Science falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February28.6°F (-1.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
August71.2°F (21.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September65.1°F (18.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October50.2°F (10.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
November38.5°F (3.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
December28.9°F (-1.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Denver Museum of Nature and Science

To save money on your trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, consider visiting between November and January when hotel prices are lower, especially on Sundays. Utilize Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting prices from lowest to highest and bundling your hotel with flights for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Denver Museum of Nature and Science are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Denver Museum of Nature and Science is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Denver Museum of Nature and Science is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable rates and special offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by bundling your hotel stay near the Denver Museum of Nature and Science with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.