How to Visit the Children’s Museum Touch Pools Denver

The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is a vibrant, hands-on learning environment designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children of all ages. Among its most beloved and immersive exhibits are the Touch Pools — interactive water and marine life stations where young visitors can gently explore tide pool creatures, observe aquatic ecosystems up close, and engage in sensory-rich discovery. These touch pools are more than just a fun activity; they serve as vital educational tools that foster early STEM learning, environmental awareness, and emotional connection to nature. For families planning a visit, knowing how to access, navigate, and maximize the experience at the Touch Pools is essential to ensuring a safe, enriching, and memorable outing. This comprehensive guide walks you through every detail you need to know — from planning your trip to understanding exhibit rules, recommended timing, and insider tips — so you can make the most of this unique opportunity in the heart of Denver.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting the Children’s Museum Touch Pools Denver is a straightforward process, but preparation enhances the experience significantly. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a seamless and educational visit.

Step 1: Confirm Exhibit Availability

Before planning your trip, verify that the Touch Pools are open. While they are typically available daily during regular museum hours, occasional closures may occur for cleaning, maintenance, or special programming. Visit the official Children’s Museum of Denver website and navigate to the “Exhibits” or “Plan Your Visit” section. Look for the “Touch Pools” listing under current exhibits. If you’re unsure, call the museum’s main line during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT) and ask specifically about the status of the aquatic touch pools. Avoid relying on third-party sites or social media for real-time updates — the museum’s official channels are the most accurate.

Step 2: Purchase Tickets in Advance

General admission tickets to the Children’s Museum are required to access all exhibits, including the Touch Pools. While walk-up tickets are sometimes available, they are not guaranteed, especially on weekends, holidays, or during school breaks. To secure your spot, purchase tickets online through the museum’s official ticketing portal. Select your preferred date and time slot — timed entry is required to manage crowd flow and ensure a quality experience for all guests. Choose a time that aligns with your child’s energy level; mid-morning (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) is often ideal for younger children who benefit from quieter, less crowded conditions.

Children under 1 year old receive free admission. All other visitors, including adults, require a ticket. Consider purchasing a membership if you plan to visit more than twice in a year — members enjoy unlimited access, early entry privileges, and discounts on special events.

Step 3: Prepare for the Experience

The Touch Pools are water-based exhibits, so preparation is key. Pack a change of clothes for each child, especially if they are under age 6. Even with supervision, splashing and accidental immersion are common. Bring a small, quick-dry towel and a plastic bag to store wet clothing. Avoid bringing expensive electronics or items that could be damaged by moisture.

Wear clothing that can get wet — shorts, swimsuits, or lightweight pants are ideal. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety in all museum areas, including the Touch Pools. Flip-flops or sandals are not permitted. If your child is prone to sensory sensitivities, consider bringing noise-reducing headphones or a favorite comfort item; the sound of running water and excited children can be overwhelming for some.

Step 4: Arrive Early and Check In

Plan to arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before your timed entry slot. The museum is located at 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver, CO 80211. Parking is available on-site in the museum’s dedicated lot, which is free for all visitors. There is also limited street parking nearby, but spaces fill quickly. If you’re using public transit, the museum is accessible via the D Line light rail — the Children’s Museum Station is a two-minute walk from the entrance.

Upon arrival, proceed to the main lobby to check in with your ticket confirmation (digital or printed). Staff will verify your time slot and provide a map of the museum. The Touch Pools are located in the “Water Works” exhibit area, near the center of the building. Follow the signage or ask a museum ambassador for directions.

Step 5: Enter the Touch Pools Area

The Touch Pools are contained within a designated, gated zone to ensure safety and controlled access. Before entering, you’ll be asked to wash your hands thoroughly at the provided sinks. Hand hygiene is mandatory — this protects both the animals and visitors. Staff will brief you on exhibit rules, which include:

• Use only one finger to gently touch animals — never grab or pinch.
• Do not remove any creatures from the water.
• Keep your face away from the water to avoid splashing.
• Supervise children at all times — no unsupervised access.
• Do not use soap, lotion, or sunscreen before entering.

Once you’ve reviewed the rules, step into the shallow, temperature-controlled pool area. The water is kept at a comfortable 72–75°F to mimic natural tidal conditions. Multiple pools are available, each housing different species such as sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, and occasionally small fish or snails. The pools are designed with low edges for easy access and are monitored by trained educators who rotate through the area to answer questions and guide interactions.

Step 6: Engage with the Exhibits

Once inside, allow your child to explore at their own pace. Encourage observation before touching. Ask questions like: “What do you notice about the texture of the sea star?” or “Can you see how the anemone moves when you breathe near it?” These prompts foster scientific thinking and language development.

Use the provided magnifying lenses to examine details up close. Many pools have labeled signage with scientific names and habitat information. Don’t rush — spend at least 15 to 20 minutes in the area. Children often return multiple times during a single visit to observe changes in behavior or to try again with a different animal.

Adults are encouraged to participate actively. Modeling curiosity and respectful interaction reinforces learning. If an animal retracts or appears stressed, gently step back and give it space. Educators will often share fascinating facts — for example, that sea stars can regenerate lost arms, or that hermit crabs “swap shells” as they grow.

Step 7: Exit and Clean Up

When you’re finished, exit the pool area through the designated doorway. Wash your hands again at the sanitizing station. If your child got wet, use the family changing rooms located nearby. These rooms include diaper-changing stations, seating, and a sink for rinsing off. Afterward, you’re welcome to explore other exhibits — the Touch Pools are often a highlight, but not the only one worth visiting.

Step 8: Extend the Learning at Home

Take the experience further by continuing the conversation at home. Ask your child to draw what they saw, write a short story about their favorite creature, or research more about the animals they encountered. The museum’s website offers downloadable activity sheets and a “Touch Pool Species Guide” that can be printed before or after your visit. Libraries in the Denver area also carry children’s books on marine biology — consider checking one out to deepen understanding.

Best Practices

To ensure the Touch Pools remain a safe, sustainable, and enriching experience for all visitors, follow these best practices developed by educators, marine biologists, and museum staff.

Practice Gentle Interaction

The animals in the touch pools are living organisms, not toys. Even the most resilient species — like sea stars and hermit crabs — can be stressed by rough handling. Always use a single, flat fingertip to make light contact. Avoid poking, squeezing, or lifting creatures from the water. Observe how they respond; if they retract, move away, or release mucus, it’s a sign to stop. Respect their boundaries — this teaches children empathy and responsibility.

Supervise Constantly

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times within the Touch Pools area. Even older children may not fully understand the fragility of marine life. Keep your child within arm’s reach and intervene immediately if they attempt to grab or throw objects into the water. Museum staff are there to assist, but they cannot monitor every interaction.

Arrive During Off-Peak Hours

Weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. are typically the quietest times. Avoid weekends, school holidays, and summer vacation periods if you prefer a more relaxed experience. Crowded pools lead to rushed interactions and increased stress for both visitors and animals. Early morning visits also allow children to engage without fatigue.

Limit Group Size

While families are welcome, large groups (more than four people) can overwhelm the space. If you’re visiting with extended family or a childcare group, consider splitting up and rotating through the pools. This ensures each child has adequate space and time to interact meaningfully.

Follow All Signage and Instructions

Exhibit signs are not suggestions — they’re critical for animal welfare and human safety. Signs may indicate water depth, species sensitivity, or temporary closures due to water quality. Ignoring these can result in harm to the animals or even temporary closure of the exhibit. Always read and follow posted guidelines.

Use Only Designated Tools

Only use the magnifying lenses, dip nets, and identification cards provided by the museum. Do not bring your own tools, containers, or toys into the pool area. Foreign objects can introduce contaminants or disrupt the delicate balance of the aquatic environment.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

While the Touch Pools are indoors, the museum is large and can be tiring. Bring water bottles (non-glass) and take advantage of the family rest areas. If your child becomes overstimulated, step outside the exhibit for a few minutes. Quiet corners with seating are available throughout the museum.

Teach Environmental Responsibility

Use the Touch Pools as a teachable moment about ocean conservation. Explain that these animals live in the wild — in tide pools along the Pacific coast — and that protecting their habitats matters. Discuss plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change in age-appropriate ways. This transforms a fun activity into a lifelong value.

Tools and Resources

Maximize your visit and extend learning beyond the museum with these curated tools and resources.

Official Website: childrensmuseumdenver.org

The museum’s website is your primary resource for hours, ticketing, exhibit maps, and real-time updates. The “Plan Your Visit” page includes downloadable PDFs of the museum floor plan, a list of current exhibits, and a calendar of special events. Look for the “Touch Pools” section under “Exhibits” for species lists, educational videos, and printable activity sheets.

Touch Pools Species Guide (Downloadable PDF)

Available for free on the museum’s website, this guide includes high-quality photos and simple descriptions of the animals you’re likely to encounter: purple sea stars, hermit crabs, chitons, and more. It also explains their habitats, diets, and unique adaptations. Print it before your visit or save it to your phone for on-the-go reference.

Mobile App: Children’s Museum Denver Explorer

Download the official app (available on iOS and Android) to access interactive scavenger hunts, audio guides, and augmented reality features. The “Touch Pools Challenge” is a popular game that encourages children to find and identify specific creatures using clues. Completing the challenge earns digital badges and printable certificates.

Local Libraries and Book Recommendations

Denver Public Library branches offer free access to children’s books on marine biology. Recommended titles include:

• “The Sea Star” by Lisa J. Amstutz — A simple, beautifully illustrated introduction to sea star anatomy.
• “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Meets the Sea” by Eric Carle (adapted) — A creative twist that introduces ocean creatures through familiar storytelling.
• “Tide Pool: A Close-Up Look at the Shore” by Carol A. Hackett — Perfect for older children, this book includes detailed illustrations and scientific facts.

Online Educational Videos

Before your visit, watch short, child-friendly videos to build anticipation and background knowledge:

• “Tide Pool Animals Explained for Kids” — National Geographic Kids (YouTube)
• “How Sea Stars Move” — Smithsonian Ocean Portal (YouTube)
• “Hermit Crabs and Their Shells” — PBS Kids Nature Cat (PBS.org)

Science Kits and At-Home Activities

After your visit, recreate the experience at home with simple science kits:

• Create a “mini touch pool” using a shallow tray, saltwater (use aquarium salt, not table salt), and safe, non-living items like smooth stones, seashells, and plastic sea stars.
• Use food coloring and water to simulate how anemones change color under different light conditions.
• Build a tide pool diorama using cardboard, clay, and craft supplies.

Community Programs and Workshops

The museum offers monthly “Touch Pools Educator Hours” — special sessions led by marine biologists that dive deeper into animal behavior and conservation. These are included with admission and require no separate registration. Check the events calendar for dates. Additionally, seasonal workshops like “Ocean Explorers Camp” provide extended learning opportunities for school-age children.

Real Examples

Real-life experiences from families who’ve visited the Touch Pools demonstrate the profound impact this exhibit can have.

Example 1: The Curious Toddler

Three-year-old Mia visited the Touch Pools with her mother on a rainy Tuesday morning. At first, she clung to her mom’s leg, hesitant to approach the water. But after watching a museum educator gently touch a sea star and say, “It feels like velvet,” Mia reached out with one finger. She gasped when the animal slowly moved. “It’s alive!” she whispered. Over the next 20 minutes, Mia returned three times — each visit longer than the last. By the end, she was naming the creatures and asking why they didn’t have bones. Her mother later shared that Mia began drawing sea stars in her preschool journal and asked to “go to the ocean” every day for weeks.

Example 2: The Autism Spectrum Journey

Seven-year-old Leo, who is on the autism spectrum, visited with his father and older sister. Leo was overwhelmed by the noise and lights of the museum, so they arrived early and spent most of their time in the Touch Pools. The predictable rhythm of the water, the calm lighting, and the tactile nature of the exhibit provided sensory comfort. Leo spent 45 minutes quietly observing a hermit crab, then drew a detailed sketch afterward. His father noted, “For the first time, Leo didn’t want to leave. He was engaged without being overstimulated.” The museum’s quiet hours program — available on the first Saturday of each month — made the difference.

Example 3: The Classroom Field Trip

A kindergarten class from Aurora, Colorado, visited the museum as part of their “Living Things” unit. Each child received a “Touch Pools Passport” to stamp after meeting each animal. Teachers used the experience to teach classification (invertebrates vs. vertebrates), habitats, and adaptation. One student, after seeing a sea anemone retract, asked, “Do they get scared?” The teacher turned it into a lesson on defense mechanisms. The class later wrote letters to the museum thanking them for the “animals that let us touch them.”

Example 4: The Grandparent-Grandchild Bond

Eighty-year-old Eleanor brought her five-year-old grandson, Mateo, to the museum for the first time. She had never visited a children’s museum before. “I thought it would be too loud,” she admitted. But in the Touch Pools, she found herself kneeling beside Mateo, both of them peering into the water. “I didn’t know sea stars could move like that,” she said. They spent an hour together, talking about the ocean, her childhood visits to the Gulf Coast, and how much nature had changed. “It wasn’t just about the animals,” she said. “It was about remembering.”

Example 5: The First-Time Visitor from Out of State

The Ramirez family from Phoenix, Arizona, visited Denver on vacation and included the Children’s Museum in their itinerary. Their daughter, six-year-old Sofia, had never seen a live sea star before. “We thought it was fake,” her father said. When Sofia touched one, she started crying — not from fear, but from wonder. “It felt like magic,” she told her parents. They later purchased the species guide and a small sea star toy as a keepsake. “We didn’t plan to come,” her mother said. “But it became the highlight of our trip.”

FAQs

Can I bring food or drinks into the Touch Pools area?

No. Food and drinks are not permitted in any exhibit area, including the Touch Pools. This prevents contamination of the water and protects the animals. Water bottles are allowed in the main museum areas but must be sealed and kept away from the pools.

Are the Touch Pools wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The entire exhibit is fully ADA-compliant, with low-edge pools, wide walkways, and accessible sinks. Wheelchairs and strollers can enter the zone. Museum staff are trained to assist with transfers if needed.

How often are the Touch Pools cleaned?

The water is continuously filtered and monitored for pH, salinity, and temperature. The pools are fully drained and sanitized daily before opening. Staff perform spot cleaning throughout the day and replace water as needed.

Can I take photos in the Touch Pools?

Yes, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. Flash photography is prohibited, as it can stress the animals. Please avoid using tripods or selfie sticks, as they can interfere with other visitors.

What happens if an animal appears sick or injured?

Staff are trained to identify signs of distress. If you notice an animal that looks unusual — discolored, motionless, or covered in slime — notify a museum educator immediately. Do not attempt to touch or move it. The museum works with marine biologists and local aquariums to ensure the health and well-being of all animals.

Are there age restrictions for the Touch Pools?

No. The exhibit is open to all ages. However, children under 3 may need assistance to interact safely. Infants and toddlers can observe from the edge or be held gently while touching.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Pets are not permitted inside the museum, except for service animals. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under ADA guidelines and are not allowed in exhibit areas.

Is there a fee to use the Touch Pools?

No. Access to the Touch Pools is included with general admission. No additional fee is required.

How long can I stay in the Touch Pools?

There is no strict time limit, but visitors are asked to be mindful of others. On busy days, you may be asked to rotate out after 20–30 minutes to allow others a turn. Quiet days often allow for longer stays.

Do the animals ever get removed from the pools?

Yes. Animals are rotated regularly to ensure their health and reduce stress. Some may be returned to their natural habitat or transferred to partner aquariums for breeding or rehabilitation. The museum follows strict ethical guidelines and works with conservation organizations to ensure sustainability.

Conclusion

Visiting the Children’s Museum Touch Pools Denver is more than a simple outing — it’s an invitation to connect with the natural world in a tangible, unforgettable way. Through gentle touch, quiet observation, and guided curiosity, children and adults alike gain a deeper appreciation for marine life and the ecosystems that sustain it. This experience doesn’t end when you leave the museum; it grows in conversations, drawings, questions, and a lifelong sense of wonder.

By following the steps outlined in this guide — from advance planning to respectful interaction — you ensure that your visit is not only enjoyable but also meaningful and sustainable. The Touch Pools are a rare opportunity in an urban setting to engage directly with living creatures, and they thrive because visitors treat them with care.

Whether you’re a local family seeking a rainy-day adventure, a tourist looking for an authentic Denver experience, or an educator planning a field trip, the Touch Pools offer something irreplaceable: the chance to see, feel, and understand the living world up close. So plan your visit, pack your curiosity, and let your hands become the bridge between child and ocean — one gentle touch at a time.