I think I know the answer to this - since I am always amazed at the bravery of people willing to leave airport during a flight layover.

Is it worth it and possible to leave airport during this length of time, mid-day, mid-week with family including 2 teens. Thanks.

Nope. Don't risk it. It's the middle of nowhere, and mass transit is almost nil. Taxis are a crap shoot. Enjoy the shops, the views, watch tv in the main area, but don't try to go anywhere else (of course, there's always the nearby motels for iffy lunch...)

Thanks - that is what I expected to hear. Since we will be leaving Boston early AM, we will try to find someplace reasonably decent in airport to eat lunch - and then catch flight to Jackson.

Now my daughter who is carefully checking off states to which she has been will have to decide if being at the airport can count as Colorado (my take is that you have to leave the airport for it to count - but I try not to argue with a 14 year old over such matters)

I'd agree with the 14 yr old (it's easier than arguing); just being on the ground should count! by the way, there are quite a few places to eat, and "Pour la France" is a nice people watching place in the main area (overlooking the fountain). Just take the little train into the main part of the terminal, it's very open and airy.

ditto on what you've gotten replies on, it is in the middle of nowhere and 3.5 hours is not enought time to do anything. plenty of places to eat. and being on the ground in the airport counts in my book, esp. if it fends off an argument.

Don't do it! It'll be an hour before you find civilization!

There is a little exhibit in the main terminal that you may want to mosey on over to: "America, Why I Love Her."
Two maps of the US on opposite walls from each other with attractions & other fun facts by state. Could kill 1/2 hour.

by the way, there's a nice glass art exhibit on the way to security in terminal A--just ride the moving sidewalk up one way and back the other.

Terminal B has the best food by far - there's a Wolfgang Puck's with lots of teen-friendly (e.g., pizza) and adult-friendly (e.g., salads) food. There's also the Pour La France and a Mexican place.

Also, as sylvia mentioned, there's an exhibit area in terminal A up by the moving walkway - which also happens to be a bridge that crosses over the runway. It might be kinda neat for the kids, and offers a nice Western-facing view (assuming the smog isn't too bad that day).

Thanks again - found the website for the airport which boasts that it has the second largest public art collection in Colorado. (My 19 year old is studying at an art college - so that will attract him for a while). Seems we fly in and out of Terminal B, but with 3 hours, seems we will have plenty of time to tour the airport.

Just returned from Denver yesterday. Great visit, great city but the amount of time you have is not worth the $$$ it would cost you to travel into the city! The most expensive I have run into anywhere...

There used to be chair massage at DIA--not sure if that's still the case. We just flew into DIA yesterday from San Antonio--I was amazed at how organized everything at DIA was compared to SA's airport. Wow--that was an experience!