Denver Botanic Gardens: 24-Acre Ticket & Plant Collections

24 acres of plants from six continents, an hour from downtown Denver

You get 24 acres of themed gardens showcasing plants from around the world and native Colorado species, two cafés, art exhibitions, and a seasonal children's garden. Parking is included, nearly all paths are accessible, and you can spend two hours or half a day depending on your pace. Special ticketed events like Blossoms of Light cost extra.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Denver Botanic Gardens

• Arrive at Denver Botanic Gardens
• Explore diverse global plant collections
• Visit Mordecai Children’s Garden
• Enjoy garden highlights of Colorado natives
• Attend special events or guided tours
• Dine at Offshoots Café or The Hive Garden Bistro
• Shop at The Shop at the Gardens

The experience

You walk in and someone at the gate mentions the Children's Garden is open today. They're genuinely surprised you haven't been before, even though you live here. That's the thing about Denver Botanic Gardens: locals treat it like a neighborhood secret, even though it's been running since 1951 and sits right near Capitol Hill on York Street. The place sprawls across 24 acres, and the first thing you notice is how much of it is designed around what actually grows in Colorado's semi-arid climate. Native plants, drought-tolerant species, things that don't need constant water. It's not a lecture about conservation, it's just how the gardens are built.

The layout moves you between distinct spaces without feeling forced. You'll find gardens designed around plants from Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, Patagonia, and Central America, each one planted to show what thrives at high altitude. The three-acre Mordecai Children's Garden sits on top of the parking structure and runs spring through fall if you're bringing kids: hands-on stuff, not just looking. Most paths are paved and wheelchair accessible, though there are some gravel sections and stairs if you want to wander deeper. The whole thing takes as long as you want it to. Two hours if you're moving through, half a day if you stop and sit.

There's a café open year-round called Offshoots, and The Hive Garden Bistro runs three seasons with full meals and drinks. The shop sells the expected garden tools and books, but also locally-made home goods if you're looking for something specific. Art exhibitions rotate through, and the Science Pyramid has a current show called Welcome Home: Meet Your Habitat. Films play in the Sturm Family Auditorium throughout the day if the weather turns. Parking is included in the grounds, limited but free.

The ticket gets you into the main gardens and all the seasonal exhibits except the specially ticketed events like Blossoms of Light. You'll need moderate fitness to move around comfortably, and the place operates in all weather, so dress for whatever Colorado's doing that day. If you're local and haven't gone in a while, or visiting and want something quieter than the usual downtown circuit, this is where you actually spend time instead of checking boxes.

What’s included

• Your ticket includes general admission to all 24 acres of gardens and collections on York Street, access to art exhibitions, the Science Pyramid, and films in the Sturm Family Auditorium.
• Free parking is included.
• Two cafés serve meals and drinks year-round and seasonally.
• The Shop at the Gardens is open for browsing.
• The Mordecai Children's Garden operates seasonally spring through fall.
• Special ticketed events are not included.

Information

Lasts 1h–3h, runs every day, 14 start times, from US$ 16.25 per person and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00 and 15:30

GroupUp to 30 · max 9 per booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (16 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessible

Operated by Denver Botanic Gardens

Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting a quiet, self-paced afternoon in a real botanical space rather than a crowded tourist loop: locals and visitors both find it works because you set the speed and the gardens don't rush you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is Denver Botanic Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Nearly all of the York Street location is wheelchair and stroller accessible. There are some gravel paths and stairs, but alternative routes allow you to see most areas without using them.

What's included with general admission?

Entry to all main gardens, themed collections, art exhibitions, and the Science Pyramid. Special ticketed events like Blossoms of Light are not included.

Is parking free?

Yes, limited complimentary parking is included in the public parking complex on the grounds.

Are there places to eat?

Yes, Offshoots Café is open year-round, and The Hive Garden Bistro operates three seasons, both offering full meals, snacks and beverages.

How long does it take to see the gardens?

That depends on your pace. Most visitors spend two to four hours, but you can move through faster or spend a full day exploring.

What plants are featured?

The gardens showcase native Colorado plants and drought-tolerant species suited to high altitude, plus themed collections from Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, Patagonia, and Central and South America.

Does it operate in bad weather?

Yes, the gardens operate in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for the season.