Denver Botanic Gardens: Morrison Discovery Center

Rating

4.8(31)

Duration

45 min-1.5 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 3 to 10

Before you go

These details were checked against official sources on 2026-09-26. Other directory tips are planning guidance.

Part of Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street. Check the parent venue’s admission and access rules.

  • The official York Street map identifies Morrison Discovery Center within the garden campus. Confirm access and any program booking with the Gardens. Source

A reliable price for your whole party is not available here yet. Confirm current rates and ticket rules with the venue.

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About

The Morrison Discovery Center sits within the Denver Botanic Gardens campus and functions as a purpose-built exploration space for younger visitors. While the wider Botanic Gardens offer 24 acres of curated outdoor beauty, the Morrison Discovery Center brings the learning indoors with a focus on hands-on, tactile engagement that younger children can really sink their teeth into.

For parents with kids between ages 3 and 10, this is the spot on campus that will hold attention the longest. Expect interactive nature exhibits, activity stations, and programming that connects kids to the botanical world in approachable ways, think 'what does this plant feel like?' rather than reading a placard.

It is one of the better indoor options in Denver when spring or fall weather is unpredictable, and the transition between indoor learning and the outdoor gardens gives families a natural opportunity to extend the visit at their own pace.

Official-source notes checked 2026-09-26: The official York Street map identifies Morrison Discovery Center within the garden campus. Confirm access and any program booking with the Gardens.

These dated notes cover only the stated details. Confirm current access, closures and ticket rules with the venue before travelling. Use the family comparison for an admission subtotal based on your actual party. Parking, meals, travel and optional extras need a separate budget; live availability and a complete outing total are not provided.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

N/A

Setting

Indoor & Outdoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Nearby Food

The main Denver Botanic Gardens campus has a cafe. Congress Park neighborhood has coffee shops and casual restaurants within a short drive.

Why Kids Love It

The Morrison Discovery Center is specifically designed as a hands-on exploration space for younger children, with nature-themed activities and interactive exhibits that invite touching, building, and discovering. Kids aged 3 to 8 especially gravitate toward the tactile learning elements that teach them about plants and ecosystems without it feeling like school. The intimate scale of the space means little ones do not feel overwhelmed.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • This discovery center is tailored to younger children; it pairs well with the outdoor gardens walk for older kids
  • Programs and workshops for children are offered regularly; check the website calendar
  • Arrive early on weekday mornings for the calmest experience

What to Bring

  • Water bottles
  • Snacks for after the visit
  • Comfortable shoes for both indoor and outdoor areas
  • Sense of wonder

Hours & Contact

Contact

2320 E 11th Ave, Denver, CO 80206

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