Spring break is just around the corner, and whether your kids are learning virtually or in the classroom this year, the week offers a much-needed time to decompress and break to reset.

Denver is the perfect spot to plan a kid-friendly getaway, spring break trip, or staycation. Even with the Rockies’ unpredictable and wacky spring weather, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Denver, both in the mountains and in town. Check out the interactive museum exhibits, go on a fossil hunt, and satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are the not-to-miss family attractions in the city before heading to the mountains for even more family fun.

Get Hands-on at the Denver Zoo

You don’t have to plan a trip to the Serengeti to go on a wildlife safari; simply head to the Denver Zoo. Located within City Park, explore Stingray Cove to touch the slimy, gliding fish and learn about ocean habitats. The Toyota Elephant Passage takes you both high and low to see just how enormous these giant mammals are, while The EDGE lets you get up to 6 inches from the world’s biggest cats. It’s surprisingly educational to learn about what makes the Earth’s ecosystem so delicate and how these animals play an intricate role in preserving the planet. Each exhibit is free and included with a general admission ticket.

Go on a Fossil Hike

Just 20 minutes west of downtown Denver, you can get up close and personal with Colorado’s original inhabitants at Dinosaur Ridge. Featuring real dinosaur fossils, this hiking tour and visitor center brings one of Colorado’s most unique histories directly to you. See real dinosaur tracks, trace fossils, learn about geology, and see which mighty species once roamed the Colorado foothills. Hikes can be done either independently or with a volunteer guide (recommended) but are all outside, so don’t forget to dress for the weather and bring sun protection, water, and snacks.

Play in a Park

When the sun is shining, all the Denverites know that it’s time to head to the park. Did you know that Denver has one of the largest expanses of green spaces in any major US city? It’s no wonder that everyone wants to soak up some sunny spring weather. With so many different parks to choose from, chances are you’re no further than a five-minute drive from a green reprieve right in city proper, many with paddle boat rentals, basketball and tennis courts, and other amenities. A few of the most kid-friendly Denver Parks include: City Park, Commons Park, Sloan’s Lake, Wash Park, Cheeseman Park, and Denver Skate Park, with adult supervision, recommended.

Get Interactive at the Children’s Museum

You can play, explore, and discover your world with water experiments, bubbles, and kinetics at the Denver Children’s Museum. Explore the Joy Park or outdoor Adventure Forest, while budding artists can create for hours at the Art Studio or make a tasty concoction at the Teaching Kitchen. Typically, the Children’s Museum is free from 4 pm to 8 pm on Tuesdays. However, with the current regulations, advanced reservations are required Thursday through Saturday.

See Where Money is Made at the US Mint

Did you know that billions of coins are produced in downtown Denver every year? Learn all about this fascinating process with a free tour of the Denver Mint and prove that money doesn’t grow on trees. Kids 7 and older can also enjoy a tour of the coin factory and see US coins being made in real-time. Learn all about the history of money and how this impressive facility generates currency for America.