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Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for Denver Botanic Gardens.

Outdoor gardens in the middle of Denver, a Sensory Garden of touchable plants, a free backpack of sensory tools, and your own picnic allowed. The Gardens says it has quiet spaces but doesn't say where. Start at the Information Desk and ask.

Jump to the plan ↓

Sensory supports. Free SPARK kits, own food OK.

Hours

Last entry 4 pm through Nov 18, then 2:30 pm Nov 19 to Dec 31; opens 9 am. Grounds clear an hour after last entry. Early closings Dec 24 and Dec 31 (noon). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. January hours: not posted yet.

1007 York St, Denver 80206

CallDirections
Blossoms of Light Sensory-Friendly Night, 5:00 to 8:00 pm (grounds cleared at 9). “Light and sound are adjusted to subdue the highest sensory features.” “Capacity is reduced to create a more relaxed atmosphere.” Tuesday, Dec 1, during the Blossoms of Light run (Nov 20 to Jan 10). Ticket prices TBA; tickets required for everyone over 2. Public tickets on sale Mon Nov 9, 10 am.

When it's quieter

“quiet, low-sensory spaces onsite”

The Gardens' visitor guidelines: “no loud music, balls, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, frisbees or sleds.”

  • The Gardens doesn't say when it's quiet. Fri Nov 27 is a free day the Gardens itself says “will sell out,” so that's a day to skip.
  • The hours listed are last-entry times, not closing times. Mordecai Children's Garden shows no winter hours, so plan on it being closed until spring.
  • Blossoms of Light is a separate evening ticket. A daytime ticket doesn't get you in.

In their own words: botanicgardens.org. Checked Sat, Oct 24, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us · How we check

Three things to know

  1. Free SPARK backpacks at the Information Desk in Boettcher Lobby or the Helen Fowler Library: noise-reducing headphones, weighted lap pad, wiggle seat, visor, fidgets, fan, sunglasses, a calming card and a blanket. Leave a photo ID.
  2. You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Seating is limited; the Gardens suggests a blanket.
  3. Timed entry, reserve ahead. Adults $16.25, kids 3 to 15 $12, seniors and military $12.50, 2 and under free.

Visual schedule

Garden Day

  • Drive to the Botanic Gardens
  • Park in the garage
  • Show our ticket
  • Borrow a sensory kit
  • Headphones on if I want
  • Look at the flowers
  • Touch the plants
  • Quiet break
  • Have a picnic
  • Bathroom
  • Walk to the car
  • All done
Make it yours →

Ask before you go

  • a re-entry rule
  • where first aid is
  • the name or location of the quiet spaces
  • how staff are dressed
  • Sensory-Friendly Night ticket prices (until Nov 9)
  • bag or cooler rules
Call 720-865-3500
More about Denver Botanic Gardens York Street

Louder or brighter, in the Gardens' words

Blossoms of Light (Nov 20 to Jan 10, evenings, ticketed) (on its Sensory-Friendly Night, “Light and sound are adjusted to subdue the highest sensory features”)not stated

Quieter

Quiet, low-sensory spaces (not named; ask at the Information Desk)quiet zone
Sensory Garden (touchable plants)quiet zone
  • Limited free parking in the garage between York and Josephine streets; accessible parking first come, first served. Vans park on the top deck. Street parking in Cheesman Park or Congress Park where posted. There is a drop-off area; call 720-865-3500 to ask where.
  • Enter through the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center at 1007 York St.
  • Manual wheelchairs and strollers are free to borrow, first come, first served.
  • Free day: Fri Nov 27, regular hours only. Tickets go out on the 1st of the month; no onsite tickets once sold out.
  • No social story or pre-visit guide is posted. The SPARK kit includes a calming strategies card.
  • Children under 16 must be with an adult. No pets; service animals welcome.
  • Questions: call 720-865-3500. The Gardens asks for advance notice.

Source: botanicgardens.org