Cowboys, Trains & Dinosaurs: Family Activities in Golden, CO

Most “things to do with kids near me” searches bring up the same old ideas. But what if instead of bowling and arcades, you found yourself exploring cowboys, trains, and dinosaurs? 

Here in Golden, family activities are as fun as they are educational, with kids climbing aboard historic railcars and bringing fossils and Colorado history to life through hands-on exhibits. 

Cowboy Experiences

Golden’s cowboy history is something kids can actually step into. A great place to start is the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, where they’ll learn through Wild West show exhibits, artifacts, and hands-on displays. Kids can even try on cowboy gear and climb onto a fiberglass horse for photos. If they are under five entrance is free, if under 17, they pay just $1. 

At the Golden History Museum & Park, kids can step back in time by exploring a historic ranch homestead, feeding the chickens, and on select days watching the blacksmith at work in the red barn and touring the cabins. The indoor museum offers engaging exhibits that bring history to life, and visitors can explore the displays to imagine what life was like in the 1800s and 1900s. With free admission, it is easy to stop by anytime you are in the area. 

Nothing says cowboy like Horseback riding, right? Trail rides, lessons, and summer horse camps let kids experience the Western lifestyle while keeping it beginner friendly. 

Colorado Railroad Museum

At the Colorado Railroad Museum, children can climb aboard real train cars, explore historic locomotives, and check out model railroads. 

Plan about two to three hours here, especially if you want to catch a train ride. Admission is $5 for kiddos under 17, and the museum offers free admission days throughout the year.  

Every Friday, the museum offers walking tours for just $3 plus regular admission. Also, they host seasonal events like the Day Out with Thomas and the Polar Express.  

Dinosaur and Museum Adventures

For families with dinosaur lovers, the Mines Museum of Earth Science is packed with fossils, minerals, and hands on exhibits where the young ones can explore Colorado’s prehistoric past. Admission is free. 

Explore Dinosaur Ridge or walk part of the Triceratops Trail, where you’ll see real fossil sites and trackways up close. These outdoor stops are great for letting kids burn off some energy between museum visits. 

Nearby, the National Laboratory of the Rockies features educational exhibits and tours that introduce older kids to innovation, energy, and STEM focused discovery. 

Tips for Visiting with Kids

• Start early. Mornings are usually quieter, which makes it easier to explore at your own pace. 

• Plan for changing weather. Even on warm days, foothill weather can change quickly, so layers, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are always a good idea. 

• Park and walk. Many attractions are pretty close together, so you can park once and get around on foot. 

Explore more kid friendly activities, exciting tours, museums, restaurants, and hotels, and start planning your Golden getaway.