Metro Denver offers a variety of attractions that appeal to everyone from the young in years to the young at heart. Visitors can experience the beauty of a collection of live butterflies that originated from places around the world at the Butterfly Pavilion to the majesty of a herd of buffalo in their natural habitat at the Bison and Elk Herds, or take a prehistoric journey at Dinosaur Ridge.

If you have a curiosity about animals from across the globe, the Denver Zoo offers more than 750 species and is just minutes from downtown Denver; and The Wildlife Experience in Parker features an extensive collection of natural history and exhibits.

For plant lovers, the Denver Botanic Gardens and The Hudson Gardens and Event Center offer serene gardens and plants from around the world. Or you can pick up the pace and visit an amusement park with super-thrill rides or a water park with more than 40 water attractions.

Shopping and dining opportunities abound across the metro Denver seven-county area. Regional malls feature popular retail chains, trendy and unique specialty shops, and a variety of service establishments.

Visitors can turn a shopping expedition into a day-long jaunt with movie theaters and other entertainment options located in or around area shopping centers. Also, they can choose from a host of international, traditional and local cuisine at any of Denver’s many restaurants and eateries.

Metro Denver offers 13 major shopping centers with 500,000 square feet of space or larger and numerous shopping districts with several new projects planned. Long-time residents and newcomers discover a diverse selection of dining and shopping options across the region.

Whichever metro Denver attraction you choose, you are destined to have fun and often learn more about the world around you.