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Ice Castles in Dillon. Photo by AJ Mellor

12 Things to Do on MLK Jr. Day

If January 18 is a big blank space on your calendar, peruse this list of activities to do at home and on the go.

School is out again, just for a day, but you need to fill those extra hours. Don’t rack your brain too hard, just take a tip or two from our list of activities. Grab a book, get crafty, go look at some art, or venture to the great outdoors.


Cozy at Home

Morning Glory Storytime

10:30 a.m.

Join BookBar’s Ms. Marilyn, Ms. Carly, and special guests for virtual storytime at 10:30 a.m. Sign up by emailing marilyn@bookbardenver.com. Free.

Museum From Home

Visit the CU Museum From Home and find a range of exhibits and educational materials for families. Download bee identification guides, fact sheets, a nature bingo game, nature-themed crafts, and more. New content is added often. Many offerings are available with Spanish translation. All ages. Free.

Audio adventures

Tune in to some podcasts featuring fantastical tales and the wild but true facts of life. Try one from our list of kid-friendly pods.

Upcycle those boxes

Pile up the leftover holiday packaging, show the kids some inspiration from our roundup of cardboard box crafts, and let them loose.

Make it a multicultural day

Take some time to learn and engage with the different cultures that make up our neighborhoods. Here’s some ideas on how to honor Native American heritage and Latinx/Hispanic heritage in Colorado. Plus, try some fabulous recipes from around the world, offered up by local chefs.


Adventure is out there

Drawing Parallels: Community Art & Artifacts from 2020

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Explore the relationships between simultaneous events — from world wars, to movements for civil rights, to pandemics — in Boulder’s past and present. The exhibit includes art gathered from the community that encapsulates and evokes the events of 2020. $10 adults, $8 seniors, college students, and ages 2-18, free members and age 2 and under.

Space Odyssey

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is totally worth it, especially if you haven’t yet seen the new and improved Space Odyssey exhibit. Read our review here then reserve tickets online.

The Pond Southlands Ice Skating Rink

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Slip on some skates and glide across The Pond at Southlands Shopping Center. Capacity will be scaled back for social distancing, and masks and other protocols will be observed. After your laps, take a stroll through Town Center and cozy up to a fire pit in a magical outdoor setting. $12, skates included.

Ice Castles

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Slide down slippery slopes, crawl through tight spots, and stare in awe of illuminated fountains at this elevated igloo attraction in Dillon. Ice Castles will operate at reduced capacity this season to promote social distancing. One-way markings will limit face-to-face interactions. Mask wearing is required. $18 ages 12 and up, $13 child, free ages 3 and under.

Putt around

Pick an indoor or outdoor mini-putt course to try and get swinging (or tapping, rather). Peek at our list of locations around the metro area to find one near you.

Tubing

Take a spin down a steep hill for a school-day-off thrill. See our list of fun tubing destinations and make your reservations.

Snowshoeing

Go at your own pace in these wide open spaces; pick a trail from these great snowshoeing options.

Family Food

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