The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, located at 2001 Colorado Blvd in Denver, Colorado, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With a strong 4.7 rating based on over 18,700 reviews, it clearly resonates with many visitors. This review synthesizes what actual visitors have shared about their experiences, from the exhibits they loved to the practical details like pricing and parking.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science at a Glance
Situated in the Central area of Denver, this science museum and tourist attraction welcomes guests with a range of exhibits spanning dinosaurs, wildlife, gems, and space. Visitors can reach the museum by phone at +1 303-370-6000 or explore its offerings online at https://www.dmns.org/. The museum is noted as being good for kids and welcomes children, making it a family-friendly destination. It also offers a variety of activities, including entry tickets, audio guides, and private tours, though some of these may require separate booking. The museum is highlighted as being good for private events, adding to its versatility.
What Do Visitors Like About Denver Museum of Nature & Science?
Overall, visitor feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing their visits as wonderful, fun, and educational. Reviewers frequently mention the impressive dinosaur exhibits, the realistic wildlife dioramas, and the beautiful gem and mineral collections. However, some visitors expressed disappointment about the additional cost for certain special exhibits, noting that this was not always clear during the ticket-purchasing process. The museum's high rating of 4.7 from over 18,700 reviews reflects a generally satisfied visitor base.
1. Dinosaur Exhibits and Special Attractions
Many reviewers highlight the dinosaur exhibits as a major draw. Daniel Greene praised the 'science of giant dinosaurs experience' as very well done, while Jerry Allen noted the impressive size of the fossils, saying 'to be able to walk in and look up at some of the fossils, they are big, and then go up and look down on the same is cool!' However, Brooklyn Fox expressed disappointment that a large dinosaur exhibit required an additional fee beyond general admission, stating, 'There is a large dinosaur exhibit that is not included with general admission, despite being advertised as the largest dinosaur exhibit.'
2. Realistic Wildlife and Panorama Displays
The wildlife dioramas are a consistent favorite among visitors. Daniel Greene described the panoramas as 'absolutely phenomenal,' noting that 'the animals in the collection look natural and the displays look like they are the habitat.' Jerry Allen echoed this sentiment, saying the wildlife dioramas 'look so realistic, like they might step right out of the display case.' These exhibits seem to offer an immersive experience that transports visitors into natural habitats.
3. Gems, Minerals, and Colorado History
The gems and minerals section is another frequently praised area. James C mentioned that 'a lot of the gems and minerals come from Colorado mines so you learn some of the state history too.' poparoundtown365 also found this exhibit interesting, learning 'how aquamarine is made' and discovering that 'there is some in Colorado today that you can still find in certain locations.' This section appears to blend natural beauty with local educational content.
4. Interactive and Family-Friendly Activities
The museum is noted for its interactive and engaging displays, particularly for children. Michael Hong, a loyal member, stated, 'The exhibits are highly interactive and tactile, making learning fun and memorable for kids of all ages.' Grimm Tales mentioned 'play areas for littles in the space area and the health area too.' Jess D, visiting with her children aged 7 and 10, spent three hours exploring and noted they 'could have easily spent another 3 hours or more,' praising the mummy displays and butterflies.
5. Pricing and Value Concerns
While many find the museum worth the visit, some reviewers raised concerns about pricing. Brooklyn Fox noted that general admission was $27 per adult, and she was unaware that a major dinosaur exhibit required an extra fee. poparoundtown365 mentioned that general admission is 'usually $25.95 for adults and $20.95 for kids,' and noted the availability of military and student discounts, as well as free days. Dj p stated the entry fee was 'reasonable' but was 'a little disappointed that they charged extra for several additional attractions.'
6. Parking and Crowds
Parking is reportedly free, which several visitors appreciated. poparoundtown365 noted, 'Parking is free which is nice,' though they had to park in the Zoo lot due to the museum being packed. Jill Woodsmall mentioned arriving early to 'assure easy parking' and found the museum 'not too crowded.' Christin Barck appreciated the ability to purchase tickets online and pick a visit time, which she felt helped 'avoid super crowded exhibits.'