Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory

Denver is not exactly a tropical destination, but the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory at Denver Botanic Gardens makes a convincing case for an hour. This glass-domed greenhouse is one of the most unique family stops in the city — especially during the colder months when the rest of the Botanic Gardens campus looks dormant under snow.

The moment you step through the doors, you are hit with warmth, humidity, and the smell of tropical earth — a remarkable sensory shift from Colorado's typically dry climate. Inside, you will find palms stretching toward the glass ceiling, exotic ferns, cascading vines, and the centerpiece of the space: a central pond featuring Victoria amazonica water lilies, whose enormous circular pads genuinely stop kids in their tracks the first time they see them.

For families with young children, the scale and drama of the space makes it feel like discovering a secret jungle in the middle of the city. Even toddlers respond to the sensory richness of the environment. The paths inside are flat and wide enough for strollers, though you will want to keep a close eye on little ones near the pond edges.

Admission is included with the standard Denver Botanic Gardens ticket — there is no upcharge for the conservatory. Denver residents should check botanicgardens.org for community admission days, which happen several times a year.

Plan 30-60 minutes inside the conservatory itself, then combine with a walk through the outdoor gardens depending on the season. In January or February when Denver families are craving something green and warm, this place delivers in a way few other indoor attractions in the city can match.