Your Kid-Friendly Guide to LoDo

LoDo may feel like a perfect destination for adults, with Michelin-starred restaurants, buzzy cocktail bars, and upscale shopping. But the historic neighborhood is also one of the most kid-friendly corners of the Mile High City, offering baseball games at Coors Field in the summer, festive holiday lights at Denver Union Station in the winter—and plenty more year-round.

When planning your stay, two hotels stand out for families. Just a block from Coors Field, The Maven features modern rooms with twin bunks over king beds, creating a fun, functional setup. From 4 to 5 p.m. daily, kids can grab complimentary churros from the Kachina Airstream trailer in the lobby, while adults enjoy a free cocktail between 4 and 6 p.m. at Kachina Cantina or Poka Lola.

At the other end of LoDo, The Curtis Denver delivers a playful vibe kids will love. From free cookies at check-in to themed floors and rooms (the “Fun and Games” room is a favorite), there’s plenty to keep young guests entertained. Don’t miss the hotel’s quirky art collection, which includes bunny-eared sumo wrestlers, oversized Star Trek action figures, and parachuting chocolates.

9 a.m.
Wherever you’re staying, LoDo’s walkability makes it easy to explore with kids. Start your day at Snooze an AM Eatery inside Denver Union Station, where little ones can dig into chocolate chip pancakes or French toast, while adults sip on a morning marg or blood orange punch alongside a breakfast burrito. For a quicker option, stop by LoDough Bakery in the Dairy Block Alley for scratch-made pastries and breads.

10 a.m.
Once everyone is fueled up, wander over to Peak A Boo Toys in McGregor Square. Originally founded in Breckenridge more than 20 years ago, the shop’s Denver location stocks everything from books and board games to stuffies and puzzles—fun for toddlers and nostalgic parents alike.

11 a.m.
Next, mix in a little culture with a visit to MCA Denver, housed in a striking David Adjaye–designed building at 15th and Delgany. With no permanent collection, exhibits are always changing, so check the website before you go. Bonus: admission is free for visitors under 18.

12:30 p.m.
By now, it’s lunchtime, and Denver Union Station provides multiple options. Grab a quick bite at Olive & Finch, known for its sandwiches, salads, and bowls, then browse the Tattered Cover Book Store for vacation reads and kid-friendly titles. If your crew is craving a sit-down meal, The Corner Office next to The Curtis serves a wide range of brunch classics until 1 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. on weekends.

After lunch, head back to your hotel for a little downtime—perfect for naps (kids or parents) before the afternoon adventures.

3 p.m.
Refreshed and recharged, make your way to the Downtown Children’s Playground at 1800 Speer Blvd. along Cherry Creek. If your kiddos are up for a bit more walking, follow the Cherry Creek Trail to Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River.

From there, continue your outing with a leisurely stroll along the newly renovated 16th Street, filled with colorful and quirky sights. Kids will love the beehive climbing structure between Larimer and Lawrence streets, while “Howdy Trouty”—a giant cowboy-hat-wearing cutthroat trout—makes for a prime Instagram photo op. Before wrapping up, stop by Ichigo Matcha for taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) and soft-serve ice cream.

6:30 p.m.
Cap the day with a hearty family dinner at Carmine’s in McGregor Square, where generous, family-style plates of house-made pasta—such as Bolognese and baked ziti—will satisfy both kids and adults. Save room for Carmine’s famous gelato cookie sandwich, which has three scoops of vanilla gelato tucked between two freshly baked brown-butter chocolate chip cookies.