For a civics unit, a working courthouse is hard to beat. The Colorado Judicial Learning Center, inside the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center in downtown Denver, is a free, walk-in exhibit space about the courts and the rule of law. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays, and admission is always free.
Groups can go further with a free guided tour. Tours last one hour, start at the front door of the courthouse facing 14th Avenue, and can include a courtroom, the Supreme Court Library, the building’s public art and the Learning Center itself. They are offered to non-commercial groups of up to 80 people, and schools and children’s groups need at least one adult chaperone per 12 students. The pages do not mention homeschoolers by name, but nothing limits tours to traditional schools; a co-op books the same way, by email.
Know before you go
- 2 E. 14th Ave., Denver. Free. Walk-in visits need no reservation; guided tours are requested by email at learningcentertours@judicial.state.co.us.
- Everyone goes through courthouse security screening. Weapons, including pocket knives, are not allowed, so check the kids’ backpacks.
- No advance-notice period or age guidance is printed; ask when you email.
- Make it a civics day with two more free Denver tours: the Colorado State Capitol and the Denver Mint.
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