Freyer - Newman Center

If you are looking for a place in Denver where art, science, and nature collide in a way that genuinely holds kids' attention, the Freyer-Newman Center at Denver Botanic Gardens is worth a stop. Tucked within the 24-acre Botanic Gardens campus on York Street in the Congress Park neighborhood, this education and art center offers rotating gallery exhibits, interactive programming, and a thoughtful mix of indoor exploration that complements the outdoor gardens just steps away.

As a parent, what I appreciate most is that it is not just another display-behind-glass museum. The exhibits are designed to engage — expect hands-on components, interactive stations, and themed experiences that connect children to the natural world in meaningful ways. Topics rotate seasonally, covering everything from botanical illustration to climate science to the cultural uses of plants around the world.

The building itself is stroller-accessible throughout, with clean restrooms including nursing facilities. On a rainy Denver afternoon or during one of those unpredictable spring snowstorms, this is a genuinely good option that does not feel like you are settling for an indoor backup plan.

For age groups: toddlers can handle a quick walk-through with engaged adults, but the sweet spot is really ages 5-12, where kids start asking meaningful questions about what they are seeing. Teens with interests in art or environmental science will also find things to engage with.

Pro tip for budget-conscious families: Denver Botanic Gardens offers free admission to Denver residents on select community days throughout the year. Check their website calendar before your visit. If your family loves nature-based outings, the annual membership pays for itself in two visits and covers both the York Street location and Chatfield Farms.

Plan to combine the Freyer-Newman Center with a walk through the outdoor gardens for a full 2-3 hour family outing. Weekday mornings are notably quieter than weekends, and parking on York Street fills fast on Saturday afternoons.