Taking the Kids: Visiting the All-star city

Don’t forget that the air is thinner here. That’s why you need to drink twice as much water as you would normally (that helps your body compensate) and wear sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm. (There is 25 percent less protection from the sun.) Be forewarned that you’ll feel it more when you run, bike or even go up a flight of stairs!

There’s plenty to do that’s free or nearly free. If you’re coming with kids to the All-Star Game, don’t miss Play Ball Park (register at www.allstargame.com), a fan-friendly interactive festival at the Colorado Contention Center Friday July 9 to Tuesday July 13. Participate in demos, drills and play with rising stars, former all-stars, coaches and Olympians!

Take a walk on the Cherry Creek Trail and splash in the water at Confluence Park where the Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet. Confluence Park is close to the Downtown Aquarium, the Children’s Museum of Denver and Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. Pose for a family photo outside the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.

Check out the dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Ridge, an outdoor museum. Hike at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park. Bring a skateboard to Denver’s massive Skate Park. Take a picnic to one of Denver’s many parks. (Washington Park, nicknamed “Wash Park” has two lakes where you can rent a boat. There is also a horseshoe area, tennis courts, flower gardens, playgrounds and more. City Park, Denver’s largest, is also home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Visit one of Denver’s farmer’s markets — there are two dozen to choose from where you can meet locals, sample a variety of good eat (palisades peaches!), shop for Colorado-made crafts, and check out all the pooches who come along for the fun. (The Denver Union Station Farmer’s Market on Saturdays even has cooking demos and live music.)

If you miss the All-Star Game, you can certainly join fans at another Rockies game at Coors Field with its views of downtown Denver and the mountains. (The downtown boutique Oxford Hotel has created a Pregame Package for all home Rockies games.)

Another plus: You don’t really need a car in Denver. The easiest way from Denver International Airport is to take the Light Rail to Union Station and get around on foot, bike, ride share, light rail or bus. Congratulate yourselves for touring greener!

And while the Denver Art Museum is fantastic for all ages, you’ll find murals, sculptures, and all kinds of public art throughout the city, including the giant Blue Bear peering into the Colorado Convention Center.

Say hi for me.

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The Kid’s Guide to Philadelphia, the 13th in the kid’s guide series, was published in 2020, with The Kid’s Guide to Camping coming in 2021.)