How to Visit the Denver Museum Family Art Labs Denver

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of Colorado’s most cherished cultural institutions, attracting over a million visitors annually. Among its most engaging and family-friendly offerings is the Family Art Labs — an interactive, hands-on space designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and connection between children, parents, and educators through art and science. Unlike traditional museum exhibits that encourage passive observation, Family Art Labs invites visitors to touch, build, paint, and experiment, transforming the museum visit into an immersive learning experience. This tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to planning, navigating, and maximizing your visit to the Family Art Labs at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor from out of state, this guide ensures your experience is seamless, enriching, and memorable.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm Operating Hours and Days

Before making any travel plans, verify the current operating schedule of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Family Art Labs typically operates during regular museum hours, but hours may vary seasonally, on holidays, or during special events. The museum is generally open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours on select evenings. Family Art Labs may have specific time blocks for peak attendance or scheduled group activities. Visit the official website at dmns.org and navigate to the “Plan Your Visit” section to confirm daily hours and any temporary closures. Note that Family Art Labs may close briefly for cleaning or setup between sessions, so plan your arrival to allow for transition time.

2. Purchase Tickets in Advance

To guarantee entry and avoid long lines, purchase tickets online through the museum’s official website. The Denver Museum offers tiered pricing based on age, residency, and membership status. Children aged 3–17, seniors (65+), and Colorado residents receive discounted rates. Family Art Labs is included with general admission — no separate fee is required. However, timed-entry tickets are often implemented during peak seasons (summer, school breaks, and holidays), so booking ahead ensures you secure your preferred time slot. If you are a member of the museum, your membership grants unlimited access, including Family Art Labs, without needing to reserve a time. Always check for current promotions, such as free admission days for Colorado residents or discounted family bundles.

3. Plan Your Route and Transportation

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205, nestled within City Park — a scenic 300-acre urban oasis. If driving, use GPS coordinates or search “Denver Museum of Nature & Science” in your navigation app. Parking is available on-site in the museum’s surface lot and adjacent parking structures. The main lot is free for members and discounted for general admission guests. Non-members pay a nominal fee, typically $10–$15 per vehicle. Carpooling or using ride-share services like Uber or Lyft is encouraged to reduce congestion. For public transit users, the RTD bus routes 1, 15, and 40 stop within a five-minute walk of the museum entrance. The museum is also accessible via the City Park Bike Path, making it a great destination for cyclists. Plan your arrival 20–30 minutes before your scheduled entry time to account for parking, security screening, and orientation.

4. Arrive Early and Check In

Arriving early offers multiple advantages: shorter lines, more space in the Family Art Labs, and the opportunity to explore other exhibits before crowds build. Upon arrival, proceed to the main entrance on the east side of the building. You’ll pass through a secure screening area similar to airport security — backpacks and large bags may be subject to inspection. Have your digital or printed ticket ready for scanning. If you purchased tickets online, use the “Will Call” kiosk if you need to pick up physical tickets. Staff at the entrance can direct you to the Family Art Labs, located on the second floor near the Discovery Zone and the Morgridge Family Exploration Center. Look for the bright, colorful signage and interactive displays leading the way.

5. Orient Yourself Within the Museum

Once inside, pick up a free museum map at the information desk or download the official Denver Museum app on your smartphone. The app includes an interactive floor plan, real-time exhibit wait times, and a dedicated section for Family Art Labs activities. Family Art Labs is not a single room but a series of interconnected, thematically rotating stations. Each station features a different medium — from clay modeling and textile weaving to digital art projection and recycled material sculpture. The layout encourages self-guided exploration, so take a moment to scan the activity boards posted at each station. These boards describe the materials used, the scientific concepts explored (e.g., symmetry, texture, light refraction), and age-appropriate challenges. Encourage children to choose one or two stations to focus on rather than rushing through all. Quality over quantity leads to deeper engagement.

6. Engage with the Art Lab Stations

Each Family Art Lab station is staffed by a trained educator or volunteer who facilitates activities without directing them. Their role is to ask open-ended questions, provide materials, and encourage experimentation. For example, at the “Light and Shadow” station, visitors might use cut-out shapes and LED projectors to create animated silhouettes on a wall — learning about angles, opacity, and perception. At the “Nature Collage” station, children gather pressed leaves, feathers, and seed pods to compose nature-inspired art, connecting biology with artistic expression. Don’t hesitate to ask staff for suggestions based on your child’s age or interests. The labs are designed for children ages 2–12, but older siblings and even adults often find themselves immersed in the creative process. Bring a change of clothes — art materials like paint, clay, and glue can be messy, and the museum provides aprons, but spills are common.

7. Take Breaks and Recharge

Family Art Labs is physically and mentally stimulating. Children may need a break to rest, hydrate, or use the restroom. The museum has multiple family restrooms with changing tables, and water fountains are located on every floor. The Discovery Zone café, located adjacent to the labs, offers healthy snacks, sandwiches, fruit, and beverages. Seating is available indoors and on the outdoor terrace overlooking City Park. Use this time to review what your child created, ask them to describe their process, and take photos (without flash) to document the experience. Avoid rushing — the goal is not to complete every station but to foster curiosity and joy in creative expression.

8. Extend the Learning Experience

Family Art Labs doesn’t end when you leave the museum. Many activities are designed to inspire continued exploration at home. For example, after creating a paper-mâché volcano in the lab, you might replicate the experiment using baking soda and vinegar in your kitchen. The museum provides free take-home activity cards at the exit of each station, which include simple instructions, vocabulary words, and questions to discuss with your child. Save these cards in a “Family Art Journal” to track your child’s creative growth over time. You can also revisit the museum’s website for printable PDFs of past lab activities, video tutorials, and recommended books that align with the themes explored.

9. Leave Thoughtfully

Before exiting, encourage your child to return all materials to their designated bins. This teaches responsibility and respect for shared resources. If your child created a piece they’d like to keep, ask a staff member if it can be taken home — some temporary artworks are designed to be kept, while others are part of a collective installation. If your child made something they’re proud of, consider sharing a photo (with permission) on the museum’s social media channels using

DMNSFamilyArtLabs. Your contribution helps build a community of learning families. Finally, consider leaving feedback via the museum’s online survey. Your insights help shape future lab themes and improve the experience for others.

10. Plan Your Next Visit

Family Art Labs rotates its themes quarterly, ensuring that returning visitors always encounter something new. Themes may include “Ocean Wonders,” “Space Art,” “Animal Adaptations,” or “Color and Light.” Sign up for the museum’s email newsletter to receive updates on upcoming lab themes, special artist-in-residence events, and weekend workshops. Consider becoming a member if you plan to visit more than twice a year — membership includes unlimited admission, discounts on workshops, and early access to new Family Art Labs openings. Many families make it a monthly tradition, combining the art labs with a visit to the IMAX theater or the Space Odyssey exhibit.

Best Practices

Choose the Right Time to Visit

Timing significantly impacts your experience. Weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.) are typically the least crowded, offering maximum space and attention from staff. Avoid weekends between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., when school groups and large families converge. If you must visit on a weekend, aim for the first hour after opening. During school breaks and summer months, the museum offers “Quiet Hours” on select mornings for neurodiverse families — these sessions feature reduced lighting, lower audio levels, and fewer crowds. Check the calendar for these inclusive opportunities.

Prepare Your Child in Advance

Children respond better to new experiences when they know what to expect. Watch the museum’s short video tour of Family Art Labs on YouTube or read age-appropriate picture books about art and science together before your visit. Talk about what “creating art with science” might mean — for example, “We’re going to use sticks and leaves to make patterns like birds make in their nests.” Set expectations: “We’ll try two things today, and then we’ll have a snack.” Avoid over-scheduling — give your child permission to linger at one activity or skip another. The goal is engagement, not completion.

Bring the Right Supplies

While the museum provides all art materials, there are a few items that enhance comfort and convenience:

• A change of clothes for your child — especially if they’re under age 6
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizer for quick cleanups
• A small backpack to carry art takes-homes and personal items
• A reusable water bottle (refill stations are available)
• A notebook or sketchpad for older children to record ideas
• Comfortable walking shoes for everyone

Leave bulky strollers at the coat check, and avoid bringing food or drinks into the labs. Snacks are only permitted in designated areas.

Encourage Open-Ended Exploration

Resist the urge to “fix” or direct your child’s artwork. Instead of saying, “That’s beautiful!” try asking, “Tell me about how you made this.” Or, “What surprised you while you were working?” These open-ended questions promote critical thinking and self-expression. Let your child’s creativity lead — even if the result looks abstract or messy. The value lies in the process, not the product. Adults often underestimate how much children learn through trial, error, and repetition.

Involve All Ages

Family Art Labs is designed for multi-generational participation. Grandparents, older siblings, and caregivers can all engage meaningfully. Encourage siblings to collaborate on a shared project — perhaps building a sculpture together using recycled materials. This fosters teamwork, communication, and empathy. For teens, the museum occasionally offers “Teen Art Mentor” programs where older youth assist younger visitors. Check if your teen qualifies for volunteer opportunities — it builds leadership and reinforces learning.

Respect the Space and Others

Family Art Labs is a shared environment. Teach children to wait their turn, use gentle hands with materials, and clean up after themselves. If another child is deeply focused on an activity, wait patiently. Staff are trained to mediate conflicts gently — if a situation arises, don’t intervene immediately. Allow the educators to guide the resolution. This models respectful social behavior for children.

Tools and Resources

Official Denver Museum Website

The primary resource for planning your visit is dmns.org. Here you’ll find:

• Real-time ticket availability and pricing
• Interactive map of the museum and Family Art Labs layout
• Upcoming theme announcements and special events
• Downloadable activity sheets and parent guides
• Accessibility information for sensory-friendly visits

DMNS Mobile App

Download the free “Denver Museum of Nature & Science” app (available on iOS and Android). Features include:

• Audio guides for exhibits
• Push notifications for lab openings and closures
• Augmented reality (AR) features that bring art and science to life
• Photo gallery of past Family Art Labs creations
• Offline map access

Free Printable Resources

The museum offers a curated library of printable activity packets for home use. These include:

• “Create Your Own Nature Mandala” — using found outdoor objects
• “Design a Dinosaur with Symmetry” — combining biology and geometry
• “Build a Light Box” — using cardboard, tracing paper, and LEDs

All resources are available under the “Family & Educators” section of the website and require no login to download.

Community Partnerships

The Denver Museum partners with local libraries, schools, and art organizations to extend access to Family Art Labs. Check with your local public library — many offer “Museum Passes” that provide free or discounted admission. The Colorado Creative Kids initiative also offers monthly vouchers for low-income families. Visit coloradocreativekids.org for eligibility details.

Recommended Books and Media

Enhance your visit with these age-appropriate books and videos:

• The Art Book for Children by Phaidon — introduces famous artists in playful ways
• How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay — poetic exploration of nature and form
• Science Is Art (YouTube series by SciShow Kids) — 10-minute episodes linking science to creativity
• Marla Frazee’s The Boss Baby — for younger children, a fun story about imagination

Accessibility Tools

The museum is committed to inclusion. Family Art Labs offers:

• Visual schedules for children with autism
• Quiet rooms with sensory-friendly lighting and calming tools
• ASL-interpreted tours on the first Sunday of each month
• Tactile replicas of art materials for visually impaired visitors
• Large-print and Braille activity guides

Contact the museum’s accessibility coordinator via email at accessibility@dmns.org for personalized support.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Rivera Family — First-Time Visitors

The Rivera family from Aurora, Colorado, visited Family Art Labs with their 4-year-old daughter, Sofia, and 7-year-old son, Mateo. They purchased tickets online for a Tuesday morning slot and arrived 25 minutes early. Sofia was drawn to the “Clay Creatures” station, where she molded a snail with googly eyes and pipe cleaner antennae. Mateo joined the “Upcycled Robots” station, building a walking machine from bottle caps and cardboard tubes. Their mother, Elena, took photos and asked open-ended questions: “What made you choose those colors?” and “What do you think your robot would do if it could talk?” Afterward, they ate lunch on the terrace and used the take-home card to create a robot drawing at home. Two weeks later, they returned for the “Ocean Art” theme — this time, Sofia created a coral reef with tissue paper, and Mateo painted a sea turtle using sponge stamps. The family now visits monthly.

Example 2: The Thompson Group — Grandparents and Grandchildren

Grandparents Barbara and Robert from Fort Collins brought their two grandchildren, ages 5 and 8, for a weekend visit. They had never been to the museum before. Barbara, a retired art teacher, was thrilled to see the labs. She let the grandchildren lead, only offering suggestions when asked. The 8-year-old chose the “Light and Shadow” station and spent 45 minutes creating a story with cut-out figures. The 5-year-old preferred the “Texture Wall,” where they rubbed crayons over leaves and fabric. Barbara documented their creations in a small journal she brought from home. Afterward, they visited the dinosaur exhibit and watched a short film about fossils. The children begged to return. Barbara now hosts a monthly “Grandkid Art Day” using the museum’s free printables.

Example 3: The Wilson Classroom — School Group Visit

Ms. Wilson’s third-grade class from Denver Public Schools visited Family Art Labs as part of their science curriculum on ecosystems. Before the trip, students studied habitats and collected natural materials from their backyards. During the visit, they used these items to create “Habitat Collages” at the Nature Art station. Each student explained their collage to a museum educator, who recorded their observations. Afterward, the class wrote short poems about their creations. The museum provided a free educator’s guide that Ms. Wilson used to develop a post-visit art project. The collages were displayed in the school hallway for a month. The experience was so impactful that the school now schedules an annual field trip to Family Art Labs.

Example 4: The Nguyen Family — Neurodiverse Experience

The Nguyen family, whose 6-year-old son Leo has autism, attended a “Quiet Hour” session in the Family Art Labs. The museum had dimmed the lights, reduced background music, and limited the number of visitors. Leo, who typically avoids tactile experiences, was drawn to the “Water Color Waves” station, where he could control the flow of paint using sponges and droppers. The educator gave him a visual schedule and allowed him to move at his own pace. Leo spent 40 minutes creating a swirling blue and green piece he called “Ocean Sky.” His parents later received a thank-you note from the museum’s inclusion team, along with a sensory toolkit they could borrow for home use. This visit marked the first time Leo willingly touched wet paint — a milestone for the family.

FAQs

Is Family Art Labs free with general admission?

Yes. Family Art Labs is included in the price of general admission to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. No additional ticket or reservation is required for the labs themselves, though timed-entry tickets for the museum may be necessary during peak times.

What age group is Family Art Labs designed for?

Family Art Labs is primarily designed for children ages 2–12. However, older children, teens, and adults often find the activities engaging and meaningful. The labs are not restricted by age — anyone is welcome to participate.

Do I need to book a time slot for Family Art Labs?

No. You do not book a separate time slot for Family Art Labs. However, you must reserve a timed-entry ticket for the museum during busy periods. Once inside, you may visit the labs anytime during operating hours.

Are there any food or drink restrictions?

Food and drinks are not permitted inside Family Art Labs or other exhibit halls. Snacks and beverages are available in the Discovery Zone café and on the outdoor terrace. Please eat in designated areas only.

Can I bring a stroller into the labs?

Strollers are allowed in the museum but must be left at the coat check near the Family Art Labs entrance. This ensures safety and space for movement. The museum provides complimentary lockers.

What if my child doesn’t want to participate?

It’s perfectly normal for children to observe before engaging. Some may watch for 10–15 minutes before joining in. Never force participation. Let curiosity lead. Many children return to a station after exploring other areas.

Are the materials safe and non-toxic?

All art materials used in Family Art Labs are non-toxic, washable, and child-safe. They meet or exceed ASTM D-4236 safety standards. If your child has allergies, notify staff upon arrival — they can provide alternative materials.

Can I take photos?

Yes, photography is encouraged — but without flash. Please ask permission before photographing other visitors or their children. Some installations may have temporary no-photography signs due to copyright or conservation reasons.

How often do the themes change?

Family Art Labs themes rotate every 8–12 weeks. New themes are announced on the museum’s website and social media channels. You can sign up for their newsletter to receive updates directly.

Is there parking available?

Yes. The museum has a large surface lot and two parking structures. Parking is free for members and discounted for general admission guests. Rates are $10–$15 for non-members. Electric vehicle charging stations are available.

Can I volunteer to help in Family Art Labs?

Yes. The museum welcomes volunteers aged 16 and older to assist with lab activities. Training is provided. Visit the “Volunteer” section of dmns.org to apply.

Conclusion

Visiting the Family Art Labs at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is more than a weekend outing — it’s an invitation to see the world through the lens of creativity and inquiry. By blending art and science in a space designed for wonder, the museum empowers children to ask questions, take risks, and express themselves without fear of being “wrong.” This guide has walked you through every stage of the journey: from planning and preparation to engagement and reflection. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or caregiver, your presence and curiosity matter. The most powerful tool you bring is not a ticket or a camera — it’s your willingness to explore alongside your child, to listen deeply, and to celebrate the messy, beautiful process of making. As you leave the museum, remember: the art doesn’t end when you step out the door. It lives on in the questions your child asks, the drawings they make at the kitchen table, and the stories they tell about what they saw and felt. The Family Art Labs don’t just create art — they cultivate lifelong learners. Plan your next visit. Bring your curiosity. And let the creativity begin.