Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Denver, CO

So your kids are oogling to see some fishies, huh? Um, I think you know what I am going to write about for this post, then. But before I go there, let's remember there *is* actually quite a big tropical fish area at the good old Denver Zoo! And! If you want to see fish without paying any entrance fees, there is always my favorite little "faux zoo trip" - The, um, Petsmart Zoo.

But who are we kidding, right

The place to see fish in Denver is OF COURSE The Downtown Aquarium!

And since their bounceback from near bankruptcy a few years ago, there is more to see there than ever. Oddly enough, the fish restaurant Landry's (don't think about it too much when you are having lunch there) bought the place and did some very nice upgrades. They expanded the restaurant and lounge area (and made the gift shop smack dab in between the two) but also added a fair amount of attractions.

Because, let's be honest, we know our Aquarium is not ginourmous like some other cities, but it is also special. It houses neat things like Siberian Tigers, because that was what water oon the other side of the world encounters. But it also has some really good people and volunteers who works at the Aquarium who are really knowledgeable and willing to tell you all sorts of interesting things about the massive amounts of fish life that surround you.

It also pays special attention to the fish that are special to Colorado, because while we are not coastal state - we certainly still do have lots of water running through us.

And the thing that I *really* like about the new version of the old Aquarium? More attention to kid fun. Little hidden spots for kids to play. More special attractions like the ability to feed sting rays - hands on! (Psst, it's also a great venue to think about for birthday parties!)

Yes, the Denver Aquarium is really THE place to see fish in Denver. Right after Petsmart, of course. [wink]