Visitng Denver Aquarium with Your Baby

A friend of mine and I took our babies to the Downtown Denver Aquarium a few months ago. My daughter was about four months old, and my friend's daughter almost two years old. I understand fully how hard it is to get out and see the world when you have an infant; I thought I'd share with you my experience and give a few tips for creating an outing that is fun for you and your baby or toddler.

I carried my baby in a canvas carrier called a mei tei that straps her to my front. This way my arms are free, I don't have to struggle with a stroller, and she gets to be close and protected in a new environment. The aqarium does rent back packs, an excellent idea, but your own carrier will save you some money. Many babies prefer to face their mama (or papa) while being worn in a carrier, but my daughter likes to face out so she can see the world. At the aquarium, I can squat down in front of the displays that offer close-up views of fish, like the river trout exhibit, and she gets a great view of the action. At the larger tanks, like the tropical fish, I leaned up to the acrylic window so she cut put her little hands on the glass.

We both loved seeing the fish and visiting with our friends, but by the time we got to the fisherman's warf exhibit, my daughter was hungry and tired. I sat down at a little bench tucked into a corner and breastfed her. Then I strapped her back into the carrier, this time facing me, and after a short time she fell asleep. I was able to then enjoy the aqarium without worrying about her next nap.

I did feel that the recordings of warf sounds were piped a bit too loud, especially for young ears. Neither of the little girls seemed bothered, but I was.

A highlight of the trip was the tiger, who came right up to the window to check out the toddler peeking in. We could have reached out and pet him if their had been no glass; of course, the glass kept him from eating the tasty morsel of an almost two year old!

We didn't choose to pay the few dollars for bait to feed the rays, but did have a chance to pet them. Their smooth fins gently slope up into a boney back, and they seemed to be having fun playing with the visitors. Very cool to learn what they feel like.

After we checked out the exhibits, we stepped into the couched area at the end of the gift shop to visit. My friend gave her daughter snacks, and we adults visited. Since the whole aquarium and the restaurant are open until ten, I decided I would have to return with my husband when we had a little money for a pricier dinner out; we'd include drinks and a visit to the exhibits. The colored lights and underwater-like decor make for a fun atmosphere for adults as well as children, though I peeked at the menu and it is on the more expensive side.

On our way out we got a glance at the touristy photo some employees snapped of our group by the front door. We didn't buy it, but I might have for a special occasion like a birthday party.

Overall I enjoyed the downtown aquarium. A trip can add up in cost quickly if you buy more than the ticket to get in the door, but they do a great job of offering food, entertainment, and ammenities to make it fun and memorable. I recommend it!