Space and fossils in one ticket—easy win. The reason I’d prioritize this museum is the chance to catch the temporary exhibits Animals of the Rainforest and Power of Poison without extra planning. I also like how smoothly the main galleries mix fossils, Colorado ecosystems, and space science in one day. One drawback to plan around: the planetarium and the big-screen Sturm Infinity Theater film cost extra once you’re inside.

I’d also count on saving time because this ticket is built for skip the ticket line, and the museum is wheelchair accessible. For a place like this, you’ll want more than a quick browse—bring the kind of curiosity that turns into hours. The museum’s layout and content make it easy to lose track of time, especially if you like reading exhibit labels and looking closely.

Key things I’d focus on

• Temporary exhibits worth your first pass: Animals of the Rainforest and Power of Poison are included with entry.
• Cosmos + hands-on science vibe: Expect astronomy themes, dazzling gems and minerals, and space-related displays.
• Infinity Theater is separate: The giant screen Sturm film is available, but you’ll need to buy tickets on-site.
• Plan a planetarium slot: Planetarium tickets are not included, so decide early if it matters to your day.
• Family-friendly play areas: Interactive experiences keep kids engaged without turning the visit into a boring lecture.

Museum of Nature and Science Entry: what your $26 gets you

This is an entry ticket to one of Denver’s best all-ages science stops: Denver Museum of Nature & Science. At $26 per person, what you’re really buying is access to a large, full-day museum experience that blends natural history and space science. If you’re going for the main galleries—fossils, minerals, ecosystems, and the cosmos themed displays—this ticket covers that core experience.

What’s not included is important: the planetarium and the Sturm Infinity Theater giant-screen film are sold separately at the museum. If you’re the type of visitor who wants both shows, you’ll want to budget time (and money) for add-ons. If you’re more focused on the exhibits themselves, you can skip the extras and still have plenty to do.

This ticket is valid for 1 day, and you’ll want to check availability for starting times. Also note there’s a rule that affects your timing: last entry is 60 minutes before the museum closes. That’s one of those small details that can make or break a day if you’re coming in late.

Temporary exhibits: Animals of the Rainforest and Power of Poison

If I’m building a priority list, I start with the temporary exhibits—because they’re time-specific and included in your entry. Right now, two shows grab your attention:

Animals of the Rainforest

This is the kind of exhibit that turns distant places into something you can actually picture. You’ll be looking at living systems and the animals that survive in them, which is perfect for families because it’s easier to stay engaged when you can connect science to real creatures and real habitats.

Power of Poison

This one pairs science with everyday curiosity: what poisons do, why they exist, and how animals use them. Even if chemistry isn’t your favorite subject, it’s usually approachable because it’s about survival strategies. Kids often like it for the same reason adults do: it’s memorable and a little dramatic, without losing the science.

The smart move is to hit these early—before you’re tired from the rest of the museum. Once you’ve worked your way into the dinosaur and space galleries, your brain may be full of facts and you’ll read labels slower. Start with the temporary exhibits while your attention is sharp.

Fossils, dinosaurs, and Colorado ecosystems: the museum’s natural-history backbone

After the temporary halls, the museum shifts into the kind of displays that make time travel feel real. You’ll see exhibits focused on ancient civilizations, fossils, and the big sweep of Earth history—especially when dinosaurs walked the planet. For me, the value here isn’t just the big-name fossils; it’s the way the museum connects them to environments and ecosystems.

You’ll also find galleries that focus on the ecosystems of Colorado and beyond. That matters because it gives you a bridge from the deep past to the living present. You’re not just seeing old bones; you’re building a mental map of how habitats work and why species survive where they do.

Practical tip: pace yourself through this section. Museums like this are text-heavy in a good way, and it’s easy to speed past the parts that make the exhibits click. If you enjoy reading—about what you’re seeing and why—it’s the area where you’ll likely spend the most time.

The cosmos wing: gems, minerals, and big space storytelling

If natural history is the foundation, the cosmos is the headline. This museum spends real effort on space and planetary sciences, with exhibits that highlight the universe and the kinds of objects we study to understand it. You can expect displays that bring together dazzling gems and minerals with astronomy-style curiosity—because space science isn’t only about stars. It’s also about what we find in rocks, meteorites, and the materials that show up when we study distant worlds.

You’ll also see real artifacts from space missions. That’s the part that often lands with visitors—because it turns space science from an abstract concept into something tangible. Even if you don’t know every term on the labels, the physical presence of mission artifacts gives you something solid to anchor to.

A fun practical angle: this is where you can set expectations for your day. If you want to spend more time reading the space-related exhibits, plan to spend less time rushing through the fossil halls. The museum is large enough that your mood matters. Science museums reward curiosity, not speed.

Sturm Infinity Theater: how to plan the giant-screen film without wasting time

The museum’s Sturm Infinity Theater is a giant-screen experience available on-site, and it’s designed for visitors who want a more cinematic science moment. The key detail: Infinity Theater tickets are not included in your entry ticket.

So how do you handle it well? Decide early if this film is a must-do. If it is, build your route around it:

• Check your available window as soon as you arrive.
• Plan the rest of your visit so you’re not stuck sprinting across the museum right before showtime.
• If you’re with kids, remember the film can be a good reset after text-heavy galleries.

If you don’t care much for shows and you’d rather spend time with objects and exhibits, you can treat Infinity Theater as optional. The museum still offers plenty of space-related content beyond the theater.

Planetarium show: tickets are separate, so choose wisely

The museum also offers planetarium shows, but again: planetarium tickets are not included. That means you should think of the planetarium like a bonus add-on, not the center of the deal.

Here’s my straightforward way to decide:

• If you want a guided, immersive look at the sky, prioritize the planetarium.
• If you prefer self-paced wandering and reading at your own pace, you may not need it.

Either way, the museum’s cosmos displays are worth it. The planetarium just changes the format: from hands-on exhibit reading to a more structured show setting.

Interactive play experiences: keeping kids engaged without losing adults

This museum is clearly designed for families. You’ll find interactive play experiences for the entire family, which is the difference between a kid tagging along and a kid truly participating. The point of these areas is to turn science into something you can do—press buttons, explore mechanisms, and learn by experimenting.

For adults, interactive zones can work as a mental break too. After hours of exhibits and reading, hands-on areas help you avoid the classic museum problem: you start thinking about food and coffee instead of science.

If you’re visiting with different ages in the family, interactive sections are where you’ll feel the most teamwork. One person might read the labels carefully while another tries the activity. Everyone leaves with something they personally touched.

How long to plan: your best chance at a full day

Even though this ticket is for entry that’s valid for 1 day, you’ll likely want to plan time like it’s a full outing. This museum is the type where close-up looking and reading slows you down—in a good way.

A strong rule of thumb: give yourself enough time to do the temporary exhibits plus at least one major “theme block” (natural history or cosmos) and still have time for interactive areas. If you’re also adding the planetarium or Sturm Infinity Theater, you’ll want extra room so you aren’t squeezed.

Remember the timing constraint: last entry is 60 minutes before close. That means if you’re aiming for a show near closing, you’ll need to arrive early enough to still make it through exhibits beforehand.

Value check: does $26 make sense for your priorities?

At $26 per person, this ticket is a solid value if your main goal is access to the museum’s big exhibit sections. You’re paying for entry to the core experience: fossils, ecosystems, cosmos-themed displays, gems and minerals, and the included temporary exhibitions.

But here’s the balanced reality: the biggest “wow” moments for some visitors—planetarium and Sturm Infinity Theater—require separate tickets. If you’re planning to buy both, the total cost of your day will rise. If you’re only doing the included exhibits, you can keep costs predictable.

Also consider the time savings: skip the ticket line helps if you’re visiting during peak hours or if you’re traveling with kids who won’t wait politely.

Bottom line: this is good value for the museum experience itself. It’s best when you treat the extra shows as optional add-ons you pick based on your interests and schedule.

Who should book this museum ticket

I think this works best for:

• Families who want one ticket that covers a lot of age-friendly content, including interactive play.
• Science lovers who like both natural history and space themes in the same place.
• People visiting Denver with a limited schedule who want a high-impact indoor day.
• Visitors who enjoy reading exhibit labels—because the museum is built for slow, satisfying attention.

If your idea of a trip is strictly short and efficient—like “one hour and out”—you might feel pressure to miss parts. This museum rewards giving it time.

Should you book this entry ticket?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a straightforward day at a top Denver museum and you’re excited about the included temporary exhibits plus the main fossil and cosmos galleries. The skip-the-line element and the clear “1 day” structure make it easy to plan.

I’d hesitate only if you’re certain you want both the planetarium and Sturm Infinity Theater and you don’t want to deal with additional on-site ticketing. In that case, you can still go—just plan your day around showtimes and decide early so you don’t end up rushing.

FAQ

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

The ticket includes entry to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

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

No. Planetarium tickets and Sturm Infinity Theater tickets are available for purchase at the museum and are not included.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll need to check availability to see starting times.

What time is the last entry?

The last entry time is 60 minutes before the museum closes.

Are there dates when this ticket can’t be booked because the museum is free?

Yes. The following days are free days at the museum and therefore not bookable on GetYourGuide: January 8, January 28, February 25, April 28, June 19, September 30, October 20, November 18, December 8.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.