Denver's best hands-on experience for children, this intriguing museum is both educational and just plain fun. Kids will enjoy the "Inventions" exhibit, which consists of an updated and expanded wood shop, where creative carpenters use wood and real tools and take home whatever they make; and an assembly line, where kids build a car and then test-drive it, fill the gas tank, check the air in the tires and water in the radiator, and even vacuum the interior. Another popular display teaches children about biology and geology with help from characters such as Delores the Toothasaurus, who demonstrates the importance of dental hygiene by letting children floss and brush her teeth.

The Wild Oats Community Market is a grocery/deli/bakery where children learn to plan meals, create a shopping list, get a cart and choose items, and go through the checkout. (As items are "scanned," they go into a bin to be returned to the shelves.)

There's also a resource center that provides parenting information to adults; playscapes for 4- to 8-year-olds on the second floor; a mini-basketball court that teaches about good sportsmanship; an exhibit where participants play with letters and words on a large magnetic wall; and Arts à la Carte, where kids can sing, dance, or put on a puppet show. The museum also has a cafe that serves sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Special events such as story time and live theater take place periodically; call for schedules. Allow at least 2 hours.