It’s hard to believe that this summer marks my ten-year anniversary in Denver. Lately, it seems like everyone is talking about how much the Mile High City has changed. I’d have to agree that things are a little different now than they were back then.

Some changes have been met with sweeping enthusiasm—Denverites are eating up the exploding food scene—while others are met with mixed emotions—we are looking at you, skyrocketing real estate prices and developers transforming the faces of our favorite neighborhoods.

Even as Denver’s façade changes, its best inward attributes endure. Denver’s still one of the friendliest cities in the nation, and it’s a great place to raise a family alongside a supportive population of people who care about connecting with each other and nurturing a deep sense of community.

The diverse lineup of winners and runners-up in this year’s Family Favorites edition reflects the schism between old and new, between where Denver has been and where it is headed.

Eight years ago, I met my very first mom-friend at a prenatal yoga class at Belly Bliss, and the organization—voted Best Prenatal Exercise Class—is still going strong. For as long as I can remember, there’s always been a line of parents and fidgeting, eager-eyed children wrapped around the corner outside of Bonnie Brae Ice Cream, a repeat winner for Best Local Ice Cream Shop.

Many of our winners are tried-and-true institutions, standout establishments our readers know they can trust. Others, though, are new to our list, and some are new to Denver. And that’s what Denver is all about these days: Melding the old with the new for a winning combination of services and organizations that make life—and parenting!—wonderful.