Kid-Friendly Fun in LoDo
Kid-Friendly Fun in LoDo
LoDo (or Lower Downtown) might be known as the heartbeat of Downtown Denver – the land of buzzy restaurants, cocktail bars, comedy shows, and late-night plans – but there’s more to this neighborhood than just romantic date nights and pristine art galleries. During the holidays especially, LoDo transforms into a family-friendly playground packed with festive fun. From brunch and ice skating to kid-approved photo ops, little ones can enjoy a day on the Block just as much as you do.
The holiday spirit is officially in full swing, and there’s no better place to soak it all in than the Mistletoe Market, happening December 13–14 and 20–21 from 12–7pm on Dairy Block. With more than 30 local vendors, the Mistletoe Market will spill throughout the Block and onto Blake Street, filling the area with handmade goods, cozy bites, warm drinks, and nonstop holiday cheer. Snack on treats from favorites like Mountain Girl Pickles and Denver Macaron, then browse for gifts and goodies from vendors like Bohemian Scrapcity and Heritage and Bloom. There’s something around every corner to discover!
While you browse, you might just spot a few favorite holiday characters roaming the Mistletoe Market. The Mean One will be stopping by for photo ops from 11am–1pm, and inside Denver Milk Market kids can decorate cookies, or settle in for story time at the Free Market with other festive friends. It’s the perfect way to stay warm while keeping little ones happily entertained. If you're looking for parking, you can find a spot in the Dairy Block garage (located just below The Maven) for $5 for up to 3 hours.
For extra crafty fun, swing by The Maven’s holiday art station in the lobby on December 13 and 20 from 11am–1pm where kids can paint their very own mini canvas – perfect for showing off on the fridge, hanging on the tree, or gifting to a proud grandparent.
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, bundle up and head across the street to McGregor Square, where winter magic awaits. The Square twinkles under string lights and snowfall, complete with an ice-skating rink for first-timers and confident skaters alike. Rentals and admission are $15, or bring your own skates for $6 admission. When hunger strikes, pop into Milepost Zero, where even the pickiest eaters will find something to love – from pizza and burgers to tacos, salads, sushi, and ramen.
Keep the holiday spirit alive after a packed, festive Saturday and pop by Denver Union Station on Sundays from 11am - 4pm to visit with Santa. You and the family can take a complimentary photo with Mr. And Mrs. Claus and enjoy food and beverages from around the Station!
And don’t forget: celebrations don’t stop when the holidays end. Ring in the New Year at Kachina Cantina on December 31st from 10am - 1pm with a family-friendly brunch bash complete with kid-approved bites, sparkling cider, mimosas for the adults, and a festive balloon drop. Kids can order from a new brunch menu featuring plates like chicken bites and tater tots ($12), tacos ($5 each), or a breakfast plate or burrito, with sides including churro waffles, bacon, tater tots, or churros. The only thing that goes better with churro waffles and sparkling cider is an overnight stay fit for the whole family — book our Journeyman Bunk Bed for New Years Eve and welcome the new year like a Maven!
Here’s to starting 2026 with full plates, happy kids, and holiday cheer – LoDo style!