Our Mommy-Daughter Adventure in Denver: A Perfect Blend of Food, Fun, and Friendship

When I heard that my coworker was retiring and no one from our team could attend her party in Denver, I knew I had to be there. It was the perfect excuse to take some PTO, pack up my daughter Madi, and turn the trip into a special mommy-daughter adventure. Madi was over the moon about joining me on a “work trip” (even though I wasn’t actually working), and I was thrilled to plan a short but fun-filled getaway for us. From delicious meals to unique attractions, our Denver trip was packed with memorable moments that we’ll cherish forever.

Denver Zoo

Day 1: Chinese Delights, Boba, and Butterflies

Huakee BBQ Bento

Our adventure kicked off with a lunch date at Huakee BBQ Bento, an authentic Chinese restaurant, where we met up with a friend. I ordered the three delicacy combo with rice, featuring duck, chicken, and BBQ pork—every bite was packed with flavor. For Madi, I chose the combination chow fun, knowing her love for noodles. She devoured it, and we both agreed this spot is a must-visit for anyone craving Chinese in Denver.

Just a few doors down, we stopped at TSAôCAA for boba. Madi picked a guava yogurt smoothie with boba, while I went for an ube milk tea. My drink was a creamy, purple dream, but Madi wasn’t a fan of hers, calling it “funny” and tart. I tried it and thought it was refreshing, but it clearly wasn’t her cup of tea (or boba).

Butterfly Pavillion

After checking into our hotel, we headed to the Butterfly Pavilion, a charming spot that was a highlight for Madi. The open butterfly area was magical, with colorful butterflies fluttering around as we walked the path or sat to admire them. The pavilion also had a small play area and other animal exhibits, but the real star was the tarantula Madi bravely held. I had to push past my own fears to support her, and watching her confidently hold that spider was a proud mom moment.

Dae Gee Korean BBQ

That evening, we celebrated my coworker’s retirement at Dae Gee Korean BBQ, where we indulged in an all-you-can-eat feast. A friend and I shared a bottle of Seoljoongmae plum Korean wine, recommended by our waitress. Its sweet, fruity notes paired perfectly with the smoky, savory BBQ. Madi had a blast, and the festive atmosphere made it a great way to end the day.

Day 2: Zoo Adventures, a Bittersweet Farewell, and a Food Hall Feast

The next morning greeted us with chilly, snowy weather, but we were determined to visit the Denver Zoo. A local friend joined us and brought a wagon, which was a lifesaver for pulling Madi (bundled up with a blanket) around the zoo. We marveled at the baby giraffe and laughed as an elephant showed off its tricks. When Madi hit a hangry moment, we grabbed pizza from a zoo stand, which saved the day. The zoo was spacious and impressive, and we felt lucky the snow held off just long enough for us to enjoy it.

Atomic Cowboy

For lunch, we stopped at Atomic Cowboy, where I couldn’t resist the Tomahawk—a breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg, cheese, and strawberry rhubarb jam, served with parmesan garlic fries. The jam added a sweet-tart kick that made every bite heavenly. Madi claimed she wasn’t feeling well and skipped ordering, but she sneakily ate a hefty portion of my fries, so I’m skeptical about her “illness.”

Next, we attended my coworker’s office farewell. After 40+ years with the company, the small conference room setup and simple cake felt underwhelming. Still, I was glad to be there to support her, and Madi enjoyed meeting a few of my colleagues.

Back at the hotel, we tried the pool, but the water was freezing, and Madi lasted only 20 minutes before we retreated to warm up with showers. For dinner, we met a friend and her family at Edgewater Public Market, a vibrant food hall with endless options. Madi and I opted for Arepas House, a Venezuelan gem. Madi got the Domino (beans and cheese), while I chose the cachapas, a cheesy pancake I’d fallen in love with at a Venezuelan spot in Utah. It was just as delicious this time, and the plantains with cheese we ordered as a “dessert” were a perfect touch.

Edgewater Public Market

At Roger’s Bar, I treated myself to two cocktails: the Daisy Duke (gin-based with strawberry, lime, ginger beer, cucumber, and mint) and the Strawberry Letter 22 (with Reykjavik Dill Aquavit, Strawberry Amaro, and Blanc Vermouth). Both were refreshing and elevated our evening. For a sweet finale, we grabbed a New Zealand-style mixed berry ice cream from Happy Cones Co. It was so good that we regretted sharing just one—we should’ve each gotten our own!

Reflections on Our Denver Getaway

Our mommy-daughter trip to Denver was the perfect mix of supporting a friend, exploring new places, and making memories with Madi. From holding tarantulas to savoring Venezuelan cachapas and cheering on an elephant’s tricks, every moment felt special. Denver’s food scene, from Korean BBQ to food hall treasures, left us full and happy, and the attractions were just right for a short trip with a young adventurer.Madi’s excitement for our “work trip” and her bravery at the Butterfly Pavilion were highlights I’ll never forget. This trip reminded me how much joy comes from sharing new experiences with my daughter, and I’m already looking forward to our next adventure. If you’re planning a trip to Denver, check out the Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Zoo, and Edgewater Public Market—and don’t skip the cachapas at Arepas House!