I was planning to go with the kids to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for a field trip with my oldest child’s class and bring my other two kids along. There is a really cool Da Vinci exhibit showing there and the rest of the museum is a family favorite that we visit at least twice per year.

Unfortunately, the weather around here didn’t cooperate.

It snowed all afternoon yesterday late into the night, but had stopped this morning. There was a glimmer of hope that the field trip would still be on. Schools were on a delayed start but not closed. I checked my email and didn’t see anything.

I started getting lunches together, packed the car, and was optimistic that the plans would hold up. Right before setting out, my email refreshed and the trip was postponed to a later date.

I had a conundrum. I had already taken the day off from work, we had everything ready to go, and all three kids were ready for some fun. Without missing a beat I thought for a moment, checked the website and made the decision: Let’s go to the Art Museum.

The awesome thing about the DAM (Denver Art Museum) is that it is free for kids under 18 years old, and only $10 for Colorado residents. Denver is also a very “accessible” city. There is a $2/hr parking garage that is directly next door to the museum.

I was ready to turn lemons into lemonade. The kids got an extra hearty breakfast, were informed of the slight location change, and we got a later start ensuring the roads were dry, the rush hour traffic had passed and we would still have a fun day enjoying a day of “culture.”

The DAM had several fun interactive areas for kids. Each gallery had a scavenger hunt and sketchbooks that I would have attempted if I wasn’t solo, three-on-one, and if my youngest wasn’t in a stroller.

Near the entrance on the ground level there was an interactive exhibit showcasing three imprinting methods that you can try for yourself. Again, without the toddler this would have totally been a fun way to spend some time. Instead we walked through talking to the employee who was assisting patrons about the methods. She showed us each one and the simplest one was a styrofoam sheet where you can make a “print” from engraving a piece of styrofoam with a pen or pencil. This sounded easy and fun. We had homework!

The kids favorite interactive exhibit was on the third floor. There was dress up like various animals with a giant mirror, finding birds from other galleries reproduced in a pretend tree to search for with binoculars, and an animal shadow box to build and then color with glue and markers. This one was right up my kids’ alley. It also conveniently brought us right to lunchtime.

After lunch was really the only struggle. Despite having their bellies filled, the youngest especially, was tired. We powered through the last floor before worst of the crankiness came out and was back on the road home in under three hours from when we arrived at the DAM.

FYI: I have the best kids. They listen well. They don’t complain too much. They are so much fun to be around! I love them 😁

Now, by myself I could have spent more time there, and the North building is closed due to renovations. But I was both satisfied with the visit and relieved when we were taking off. I think the older two could have spent more time too, but I believe I made the right call when we decided to head for the car.

The field trip was a huge success. My kids had a blast. I survived with a “good tired” feeling of accomplishment as a single parent of three kids.

What do you think of my pictures? Share in the comments below.

– Jason