One ticket, and your day turns into science. This family-friendly entry pass takes you from fossils and ancient Earth to the mysteries of the cosmos, plus rotating exhibits like Animals of the Rainforest. You can also add evening-style big-screen and planetarium sessions with tickets sold on site.

I especially like that a single museum admission can fill a whole afternoon (and sometimes closer to six hours) if you stop to read and look closely. I also love the included temporary exhibit Animals of the Rainforest and the hands-on interactive play spots that keep kids moving without turning the visit into chaos.

One consideration: the planetarium show and the Sturm Infinity Theater giant-screen film are not included, so budget a little extra time and money if you want both. Also, last entry is 60 minutes before closing, so plan your priorities early.

Quick hits before you go

• Skip-the-ticket-line entry helps you get moving fast
• Cosmos + real space artifacts give astronomy a concrete feel
• Fossils, dinosaurs, and Colorado ecosystems cover Earth science in a single loop
• Gems and minerals are included, with plenty to see even for non-experts
• Animals of the Rainforest is included with museum entry
• Planetarium and Infinity Theater are add-ons you buy at the museum

Your one-day entry ticket and what $26 buys you

At $26 per person, this ticket is a practical way to spend one full day at a top Denver science and nature museum. You’re not just paying for one room. You’re paying for a whole self-guided circuit: Earth history, space science, and a couple of temporary exhibits.

The ticket is valid for one day, and you’ll see available starting times when you book. There’s also a real perk built in: you can skip the ticket line, which matters when you’re trying to avoid losing your visit to queues.

Here’s the part I think makes the price feel fair: this is a museum where you can keep returning to different themes. If you’re the type who reads the labels and stops at hands-on areas, it’s easy to stretch the visit toward the half-day mark. With a bit of structure, you can do it all without feeling rushed.

The museum’s average rating is 4.7 based on 43 ratings, which lines up with what you’d hope for from an all-ages science stop—clear exhibits, lots to do, and enough variety to satisfy different interests in one place.

Cosmos first: planetarium and Sturm Infinity Theater are separate

The museum highlights the sky in two ways, and it’s helpful to know the difference before you arrive.

1) Planetarium show (not included)

You can purchase planetarium tickets at the museum. If your group includes kids who love space visuals, this is often the session that feels most like a special event.

2) Sturm Infinity Theater giant-screen film (not included)

Same idea: you buy the tickets at the museum. A giant-screen film can be a good anchor after a few hours of walking, because it lets you sit and refocus the brain.

Because these add-ons are time-based, I’d plan them early in your day. That way, you’re not stuck later with only an awkward time slot. Think of your ticket as the foundation, then slot these two experiences where they fit.

If you want a smooth day, I recommend this approach: do your “walking exhibits” in the morning and early afternoon, then use one of the cinema-style options as your reset before you finish with the hands-on and temporary exhibit time.

Earth science highlights: fossils, dinosaurs, and Colorado ecosystems

Once you’re past the ticketed entry moment, the core of the museum is exactly what you’d hope for from a nature and science institution: big themes shown in a way that feels approachable.

You’ll find exhibits focused on dinosaurs and ancient worlds, plus displays that move forward into ecosystems. The museum also specifically covers ecosystems of Colorado and beyond, which is a smart way to make Earth science feel local instead of abstract.

What makes these galleries valuable for real visitors is the variety of learning styles:

• You get visual scale (fossils and natural-history displays).
• You get explanations that connect creatures and environments.
• You can return to the “why” parts without needing a degree.

If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this section is a win. Kids get the excitement—dinosaurs and fossil stories. Adults get the context—how environments and timelines connect.

One more practical point: since you’re using a one-day ticket, pacing matters. If you try to read every label in every room, you’ll burn your time quickly. Instead, pick a few “must-reads” and skim the rest. You’ll still come away with a stronger sense of the story.

Gems, minerals, and space mission artifacts

The museum also puts real science objects on display in a way that feels satisfying rather than just educational.

You can see dazzling gems and minerals, which is more than a rock show. Mineral exhibits are a shortcut to learning how Earth is built—crystal structures, formation processes, and why certain materials show up where they do.

Then the museum turns the dial outward with real artifacts from space missions. This is where the museum gets especially good at bridging space and Earth. Instead of treating astronomy like a separate planet of interest, it ties it to physical discoveries—things that landed, instruments that flew, and evidence you can point to.

If you’re someone who likes science but doesn’t want heavy math, this is the sweet spot. You can enjoy the objects first, then let the explanations help you connect the dots.

For families, minerals are usually a hit because they’re visually rewarding. For adults, space artifacts often do the job of making the whole “cosmos” promise feel grounded.

Temporary exhibits worth planning time for

Temporary exhibits are often where a museum feels most current. In this case, the museum spotlights two shows: Animals of the Rainforest and Power of Poison.

Animals of the Rainforest is specifically called out as being free with museum entry. That matters because it removes one common headache—surprise add-on pricing for the best-looking temporary exhibit. Plan to spend time here, even if you think you’re only doing the core permanent galleries. Rainforest displays tend to encourage curiosity, and the subject matter is easier for kids to latch onto.

Power of Poison is also listed as one of the highlighted temporary exhibits. Even without knowing your prior interest, the title alone suggests a science angle that should be readable and memorable: how toxins and defense mechanisms show up in nature, and why “poison” doesn’t automatically mean “danger” in a simple way.

I’d treat temporary exhibits like dessert: you want them, but you don’t want to skip dinner to get them. If you build your day around the planetarium or Infinity Theater first, leave a time block after for at least one temporary exhibit. Otherwise, you’ll end the day feeling like you rushed the one part you were most excited for.

Interactive play areas that work for kids and adults

One thing I appreciate about this museum category is that interactive areas can either be a fun break or a chaotic detour. Here, the highlights mention interactive play experiences for the entire family, which signals a design goal: keep kids engaged while adults still get something out of it.

Practically, interactive zones are the best tool you have for managing attention spans. If your group includes younger kids, you’ll want at least one mid-day reset where energy is allowed to move. That also prevents the “everyone gets cranky in the quiet galleries” problem.

For adults, interactive spots can be a shortcut to understanding. Instead of memorizing a label, you try the concept, see what changes, and then the explanation clicks.

My advice: don’t treat interactive time as bonus time at the end. Put it in the middle. It makes the whole day feel more balanced.

A practical day plan that avoids the last-entry scramble

This is a one-day ticket, and last entry is 60 minutes before closing. You don’t need to panic, but you should plan so you’re not sprinting through the “maybe we’ll see it” exhibits.

Here’s a solid way to structure your visit without guessing too much about layout:

• Morning: Start with the main Earth science themes (fossils, dinosaurs, Colorado ecosystems). This is usually easier when everyone is fresh.
• Midday: Add the hands-on interactive areas and mineral/gems displays. It breaks the day into different kinds of learning.
• Afternoon: Work in the temporary exhibit block (start with Animals of the Rainforest if you’re only choosing one).
• Late day: Choose the cinema-style add-on that fits your schedule (planetarium or Sturm Infinity Theater), then finish with any remaining galleries you didn’t prioritize.

If you’re aiming to do both planetarium and Sturm Infinity Theater, reserve space on your schedule for two separate time-based sessions. You can do a lot on paper with one day, but the clock always wins.

Also, the museum entry pass includes admission only. Food and drinks aren’t included. If you tend to get hungry on museum days, plan where you’ll take breaks rather than hoping you can find energy later.

When this museum entry ticket fits best

This ticket is a strong choice if:

• You want a family-friendly science day in one place.
• You’re interested in fossils, minerals, and astronomy themes.
• You like hands-on exhibits and reading explanations at your own pace.

It’s especially good for groups where people want different things. One person can enjoy the cosmos angle; another can chase dinosaurs and fossils; someone else can linger over gems and minerals without the day collapsing into one narrow interest.

It may be less ideal if:

• Your group expects everything to be included. Planetarium and the Sturm Infinity Theater film require separate tickets.
• You’re only looking for a quick stop and you hate spending hours inside. A museum day here can easily stretch toward multiple hours because there’s plenty to look at.

Should you book the Denver Museum of Nature & Science entry ticket?

If you want one solid ticket that covers Earth science and space themes with room for temporary exhibits, I’d book it. For the $26 price, the real value comes from variety plus time. You’re not paying for a single show. You’re paying for a full museum circuit with built-in add-ons if you want them.

Before you commit, check the calendar. Some dates are listed as free days and aren’t bookable through this format: January 8, January 28, February 25, April 28, June 19, September 30, October 20, November 18, and December 8. If you’re traveling around one of those, it may change the smartest way to plan your visit.

Also, if planetarium and Sturm Infinity Theater are must-dos for your group, I’d plan your schedule around those times right away. The museum experience is best when you treat those as anchors, not as an afterthought.

FAQ

What is included with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science entry ticket?

Your ticket includes Denver Museum of Nature & Science entry only, plus the option to see the museum’s exhibits during your visit. Planetarium shows and the Sturm Infinity Theater giant-screen film require tickets purchased at the museum.

Are the planetarium show and Sturm Infinity Theater included in the $26 ticket price?

No. Both the planetarium tickets and the Infinity Giant Screen (Sturm Infinity Theater) tickets are not included. You can buy them at the museum.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. Available starting times show when you book.

What’s the last time I can enter the museum?

Last entry is 60 minutes before closing.

Are there dates when this ticket can’t be booked?

Yes. Certain dates are listed as free days and are therefore not bookable through this option: January 8, January 28, February 25, April 28, June 19, September 30, October 20, November 18, and December 8.

Can I cancel, and can I pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.