Are you ready to celebrate our children? With Día del Niño, or Day of the Child, just around the corner, it's time to start planning a fun-filled day that your little ones will love. Día del Niño is a special day to honor and recognize children's rights and well-being, celebrated around the world in different ways. And what better way to celebrate than by joining the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Mexican Cultural Center for a free event on Sunday, April 27?
This year's Día del Niño celebration promises to be more exciting than ever, with special performances, music, scientific demonstrations and activities for the entire family. So, gather up the kiddos and get ready to party!
Here Are Fun Facts About Día del Niño:
A child plays with a balloon creation at a Día del Niño celebration in 2023. (Photo/ Rick Wicker)
What is Día del Niño?
Día del Niño celebrates all children through culture and heritage and their wonder and curiosity for the world around them. Historically, Día del Niño is the day when children are honored in Mexico. Children’s Day in Mexico started in 1925 looking after the wellness of the vulnerable children who were affected by war. Mexican Cultural Center continues that celebration in honor of children. In many parts of the United States, Día del Niño is observed on April 30 to coincide with Mexico's celebration.
The holiday is also celebrated on different dates in other countries around the world. The United Nations established the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990. This document declares that kids have a right to health, well-being and happiness, and that they should be protected from physical or emotional harm. More than 190 countries have signed the treaty, defending children’s rights all over the world.
How does the Denver Museum of Nature & Science celebrate Día del Niño?
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is thrilled to partner with the Mexican Cultural Center and its collaborators to celebrate Día del Niño on Sunday, April 27. This festive SCFD Free Day honors children and their boundless curiosity through vibrant cultural performances and activities. The Museum will host over 15 sponsors and performers, and anticipates welcoming more than 10,000 guests. At the Museum, this special day will feature a 50% discount on Gates Planetarium tickets (excluding laser shows), and — weather permitting — outdoor face painting in Boettcher Plaza.
Día del Niño is celebrated at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center. (Photo/ Julio Poletti)
How is Día del Niño celebrated around the world?
Día del Niño, also known as the Day of the Child, is celebrated in many cultures and countries around the world. While the date and specific traditions may vary, the focus of the celebration is to recognize and honor children's rights and well-being.
- U.S.A & Mexico - Día del Niño is celebrated with special events and activities for children.
- Brazil - Children's Day is celebrated on Oct. 12 with parades, festivals, and other fun activities.
- India - Children's Day is celebrated on Nov. 14, the birthday of the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is a day to promote children's rights and well-being.
- Japan - Children's Day is celebrated on May 5 as part of Golden Week, a national holiday period. Families often fly carp-shaped kites and display samurai dolls to celebrate the holiday.
- South Africa - National Children's Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in Nov. with events and activities to promote children's rights and well-being.
- The United Nations also recognizes Universal Children's Day on Nov. 20 as a day to promote and celebrate children's rights around the world.
What activities can visitors enjoy during the Día del Niño celebration at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science?
Visitors to the Día del Niño celebration at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science can enjoy a wide range of activities, including face painting, balloon animals and interactive exhibits. There will also be special performances throughout the day, as well as special temporary exhibition "Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep" and "Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia" and 50% off showings at the Gates Planetarium all day long.
Performers at Día del Niño at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in 2024. (Photo/ Julio Poletti)
Who is performing?
- 10 a.m. Sub Zero Science – Liquid Nitrogen
- 11 a.m. Sub Zero Science – Liquid Nitrogen
- 12 p.m. Qhashwa Peru USA – Peruvian Dance
- 12:30 p.m. RMPBS: Special Guest Daniel Tiger
- 1 p.m. Ballet Folclórico Sangre De México – Chipas, Colima, Jalisco Folkore Dance
- 1:45 p.m. Spirit of Cambodia – Cambodian Ballet & Khmer Folkdance
- 2:15 p.m. Sub Zero Science – Liquid Nitrogen
- 3 p.m. Victoria Salazar - Singer
- 4 p.m. ArtistiCO – Mexican Folklore, Classical Ballet, Latin Rhythms Dance
Will food be available at the event?
Yes! We are very excited to offer a special selection of treats at the T-Rex Café and Grab & Go Deli.
- Agua Frescas - various types
- Stuffed Conchas (filled with ice cream - whipped cream - berries)
- Churros with Dulce de Leche
- Pozole
- Elotes
- Tamales
- Flan
- Tres Leches
Children play at Día del Niño at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in 2024. (Photo/ Julio Poletti)
Any special recommendations for arriving to the Museum's Día del Niño celebration?
With over 10,000 guest expected for the event, parking can present a challenge. Construction is underway on the east side of the building. Enter the Museum parking lot from 23rd Avenue. Out of respect for our neighbors, please do not park in the neighborhood across from the park. The Museum is committed to reducing impact on those we share space with. While limited free parking is available in the Museum’s underground garage, we strongly encourage alternative transportation—please consider carpooling, rideshare, biking or public transit.
We're so excited to share Día del Niño with you on April 27! For more information and to plan your visit, please visit our website, here.