Planning a trip to Denver? For travelers who love history, science, and hands-on exploration, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the city's most rewarding stops. This expansive museum blends ancient wonders with modern discoveries for an experience that appeals to every age and interest. From dinosaur fossils and sparkling gems to interactive labs and planetarium shows, the museum offers plenty of reasons to spend a day discovering.
Below, you'll find an overview of the museum's standout exhibits, family-friendly spaces, and helpful tips to make your visit as smooth as possible.
Must-See Exhibits and Collections
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is home to a variety of Permanent Exhibitions that highlight both the natural world and the universe beyond.
Prehistoric Journey
This gallery takes you on a time-travel adventure through the evolution of life on Earth, from single-celled organisms to towering dinosaurs and the rise of mammals. Along the way, you'll encounter prehistoric habitats bursting with life, including an epic clash between an allosaurus and a stegosaurus. Kids and adults alike love comparing their size to a giant dragonfly or snapping a selfie with a massive T. rex skull. The experience continues in the Earth Sciences Lab, where real scientists and dedicated volunteers prepare fossils using modern technology. Watching the work unfold adds an exciting behind-the-scenes look at how discoveries are made.
Space Odyssey
This reimagined gallery transports you into the world of astronomy and exploration. With a mix of high-tech displays and playful hands-on stations, visitors can create their own star-filled skies, feel the rumble of a rocket launch, or even experiment with how space and time bend around the body. Along the way, you'll hear perspectives on the night sky from both scientists and Indigenous storytellers, adding depth to the adventure.
Wildlife Halls
More than 90 detailed dioramas bring animals and habitats from every corner of the globe to life in the Wildlife Halls. From the icy wilderness of Alaska to the savannas of Africa and the forests of Australia, these three-dimensional "postcards" capture both the beauty of the animals and the delicate balance of the ecosystems they call home. Interactive elements, like trying on virtual moose antlers or testing your skills in a predator-and-prey game, make the experience lively and fun for all ages.
Gems and Minerals
This dazzling hall leads you through a recreated mine shaft and into a world of sparkling specimens. More than a thousand minerals from Colorado and beyond are on display. Among the highlights is a giant topaz once owned by artist Salvador Dalí, a piece that adds a surprising twist of art-world history to the gallery. With rare finds and eye-catching formations throughout, this space is as visually stunning as it is educational.
Expedition Health
This gallery explores how your genes, lifestyle, and environment shape who you are. Interactive stations let you test movement, coordination, and even your reflexes in fun challenges designed to get you thinking about how your body works. You can also peek into the Genomics Lab, where scientists conduct research and showcase techniques that reveal more about people and animals. It's an energetic space where science connects directly to everyday life.
Together, these galleries create a lineup of unforgettable exhibitions that show off the best of science, history, and creativity all under one roof.
Cultural and Ancient World Displays
Alongside its focus on science and nature, the museum devotes significant space to human history. The Egyptian Mummies gallery is a fascinating stop, and it features preserved remains and artifacts that reveal the mysteries of ancient Egypt. The combination of history, archaeology, and cultural storytelling makes these exhibits especially compelling for visitors interested in humanity's past.
Family-Friendly Activities at the Museum
Families will find plenty to keep kids engaged throughout the museum. The Discovery Zone, designed especially for children under the age of eight, offers a lively environment where learning is powered by play. Young explorers can splash in water features, dig for fossils, and build imaginative creations while experimenting with simple science concepts.
In addition to permanent spaces like the Discovery Zone, seasonal programming keeps things fresh. Summer brings outdoor activities and workshops, while the school year offers special events tied to classroom learning. These changing experiences mean that every visit feels new, even for locals who return frequently. The museum's thoughtful approach to family programming makes it an excellent choice for a day out with kids.
Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Experience
Planning ahead makes a big difference in how enjoyable your museum visit will be. For those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, weekday mornings usually provide the most relaxed environment, while weekends and holidays tend to be busier.
The on-site café makes it easy to pause for a break, offering meals and snacks that appeal to both adults and children. If you're driving, keep in mind that parking is available but can fill quickly during peak hours. Arriving early or using public transportation often works best.
Another way to make the most of your visit is to tailor your route based on your group's interests. Dinosaur enthusiasts will get the most out of starting in Prehistoric Journey, while families with younger children might prefer beginning in the Discovery Zone. By aligning your time with what excites your group most, the museum becomes even more rewarding.
Save on Denver's Top Attractions With CityPASS® Tickets
General admission to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is included with Denver CityPASS® tickets, which also give you big savings on other popular things to do in Denver. The benefits don't stop at the museum doors—CityPASS® tickets include entry to other favorites like the Denver Zoo, Denver Botanic Gardens, and more.
Some experiences at the museum, such as the Gates Planetarium, Infinity Theater films, and select temporary exhibitions, require an additional ticket. Planning ahead helps you decide which extras are worth adding to your itinerary.
The value of a CityPASS® ticket goes beyond convenience. Tickets are valid for seven consecutive days, so you can spread your visits out over the course of a week instead of feeling rushed. Even better, a CityPASS® ticket offers savings of up to 44% compared with buying individual admission tickets separately. That means more opportunities to explore Denver while keeping your budget in check.
Purchase your CityPASS® ticket today and receive it directly to your phone. If you prefer everything in one place, you can manage your admission tickets and attraction details right from the My CityPASS® app. With just one purchase, you'll gain access to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science along with several of Denver's top attractions, all at an unbeatable value.