Share This Article
Exploring Denver With an Autistic Child: Sensory Aware Family Adventures
Denver turned out to be a wonderful mix of nature, interactive attractions, and great food, all while allowing us to move at our own pace. Here is how we spent our time, what worked well for my son, and a few ideas for families looking to plan a sensory aware trip of their own.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
One of our favorite stops was Red Rocks. The towering natural rock formations are incredible to see up close, and the wide open layout made it easy for my son to explore and take breaks when needed.
Even without attending a concert, the park itself is worth the visit. Walking the trails, climbing the steps at your own pace, and enjoying the views created a calm and low pressure outdoor experience.
Why this worked well for us
• Plenty of open space
• Easy to pause and reset
• Natural scenery that kept my son engaged
Downtown Aquarium was a huge hit. My son loved being able to touch stingrays in the interactive area, which is always one of his favorite activities.
We also stayed for dinner at the on site restaurant where you can dine while watching sharks and barracudas glide past massive tanks. The lighting was dim and soothing, and the slow movement of the fish actually made the experience feel calming.
We hoped to go inside Meow Wolf but tickets were sold out that day. Instead, my son ended up playing outside with a few other kids who also happened to be autistic, which turned into a really meaningful moment for him.
Travel does not always go exactly as planned, and sometimes those unexpected experiences become the most memorable.
We grabbed lunch at Denver Milk Market, which is perfect for families because there are so many food options in one place. This made it easy to find something my son was comfortable eating while still giving everyone variety.
Food halls can be especially helpful for sensory aware travel because you can quickly scan menus, choose quieter seating areas, and stick with familiar foods if needed.
Staying Near the Airport at Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver Airport
We stayed at Homewood Suites near the airport using points, which meant a completely free stay. That alone was a huge savings and a great reminder of how powerful travel rewards can be for families who travel often.
Having a suite style room also gave us extra space to unwind at night, which is always helpful after busy days of exploring.
Sensory Friendly Things to Do in Denver
If you are planning a visit, here are a few additional ideas that may work well for autistic travelers or kids with sensory sensitivities.
• Spend time at City Park or Washington Park for quiet outdoor breaks
• Visit museums first thing in the morning when crowds are lighter
• Look for interactive exhibits at science centers and aquariums
• Take scenic drives toward the foothills for calming mountain views
• Choose casual restaurants or food halls to maintain routines
• Book suite style hotels so kids have space to decompress
Denver offered us a great balance of outdoor adventures, animal encounters, and flexible pacing, which is exactly what we look for when traveling as a neurodivergent family.
For more details from this trip and others like it, visit my IG page where I share highlights, travel tips, and sensory friendly finds from our adventures across the country.
