Join in this monthly club which engages families in hands-on exploration. This month, learn about the coral reef ecosystem, meet an aquarist, and see underwater creatures.
Celebrate animals and learn more about ecosystems and the environment with Denver Zoo.
Take Fido for a special day at the pool. All social dogs welcome but no adults are allowed in the pool.
Explore the new October-only Bugtober exhibits and learn about the lavish patterns and colors invertebrates adorn to disguise their appearance. Registration required.
Play with well-socialized cats up for adoption in a coffeehouse setting while you read, do homework, or enjoy a snack.
Slither into WOW! for a special presentation all about snakes with My Nature Lab.
Enjoy a special evening at the zoo for Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and their families. Meet scout requirements featuring up-close animal encounters, games and activity stations, free carousel rides, entertainment, and a 2018 Scout Night commemorative patch.
Learn more about black bears, natural residents of Evergreen.
Send the kids to spend a night at Denver Zoo exploring the zoo and its exhibits. Learn about different animals and participate in games and activities. Reservations required.
Participate in fun kids activities including: kid’s beach ball and balloon drop, a sparkling cider toast, contests and giveaways for the kids, photos with Sharkey, and animal interactions. Price includes free admission to the aquarium exhibits. Call 303-561-4450 to reserve a spot.
Let Jody Weiland take little ones on adventures to glimpse into the worlds of prairie dogs, snakes, turtles, and rabbits. Register online. Ages 3-6.
Sign up for our fishing clinic provided by ELK (Environmental Learning for Kids) staff. Learn skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting, and the best part is every registered child will get a fishing rod. Dress appropriately. Registration required. Ages 5-12. $8. Class is limited to 30…
Get an up-close look at unbelievable animals and plants that use powerful venom and poison to dominate predators and prey.
Join expert photographer Bob Krugmire for hands-on instruction that will teach how to take professional Macro shots. Adults. Reservations required. $13.50 members, $15 nonmembers.
See the Westridge outdoor pool become a canine ‘splash ground.’ Bring your canine companion and enjoy the vendors, concessions and the camaraderie. Small dog hour from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., dogs 15 poundsand/or 15 inches can enjoy the pool without being trampled. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. is for everyone to enjoy. Admission $7 in…
Celebrate animals and learn more about ecosystems and the environment.
Connect with the animals peacefully and quietly, while enjoying the natural beauty of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Guests are encouraged to turn off their phones, quiet their voices, and tap into their own mindfulness at this after-hours event.
Move through a gentle yoga sequence, and play with the goats afterward. Geared toward families with children ages 3-8.
Learn about raising goats, different breeds, and their housing and feed requirements.
Support wild animals by participating in one of three 5K or 10K walk/run events. Register online.
Learn how to keep your own bees in a series of hands-on classes and labs designed to support new beekeepers through their first season of beekeeping. Take the entire series or drop in to individual classes. Some classes held at a different location; see website. For adults.
Visit the seasonal habitat that is home to hundreds of native butterflies, such as swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks, and painted ladies.
See the world’s largest stock show, involving more than 15,000 animals. Experience rodeos, horse shows, a wild west show, and a trade show. There are special activities for kids and opportunities to see animals up close.
Fish together as a two-person team consisting of one senior age 64 or older and one junior age 15 or younger, in a pond stocked with rainbow trout. Prizes awarded for the team that catches the heaviest trout, has the largest age difference, and is first to catch the limit. Artificial and live bait permitted;…
Learn all about honeybees, taste honey from different areas and see a hive of live bees. $10 Highlands Ranch resident, $12 nonresident.
See demonstrations of sheep herding and horseshoeing, visit with chickens and pigs, and ride on a horse-drawn wagon.
Learn how birds survive the freezing temperatures during Colorado winters.
Discover how to protect your pup from the park and the park from your pup. Join Standley Lake and local dog organizations to learn more about what the community has to offer you and your pooch.
Discover how pikas store food, avoid danger, and thrive in the cold climate. Ages 5-10 with accompanying adult. Register online.
Join the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in various activities highlighting bird anatomy, identification, migration and more. Age 5 and older. $5.
Let your dogs enjoy a day at the pool. No humans allowed in the pool this day. Times vary depending on size of dog. $5 in advance, $10 week of.
Join the zoo's animal ambassadors to learn about and visit with special animals.
Visit the seasonal habitat home, presented with the Butterfly Pavilion, to see hundreds of native butterflies such as swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks, and painted ladies. Learn what types of plants you can add to your garden to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Stroll by the light of the moon and learn about the nocturnal critters that call Highlands Ranch home.
See bees hard at work in their hive, touch starfish and crabs and experience being surrounded by 1,600 free-flying butterflies for the admission price of $5.
Spend an exciting night at the Downtown Aquarium. Explore the exhibits, learn about the animals, and make crafts. Ages 5-12 and parent chaperones. Registration required.
Trick or treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a safe and unique environment. All of the candy is made with sustainable palm oil to help protect wild orangutans. Wear a costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag.
Touch the pelts and skulls of lions, coyotes and bears while learning how these animals thrive in nature and urban settings. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages must register for this class through the City of Westminster’s Activity Registration Webpage. Park day entrance fee or pass required. Class is free! All ages.…
Enjoy informational lectures and demonstrations, as well as tours of the hospital, student exhibits, a mock surgery for children, a petting zoo, and CAM the Ram.
Explore the incredible world of invertebrates from land, air, and sea. Hold Rosie the tarantula, touch a starfish and crab, and walk among free-flying butterflies.
Discover how furry and feathered animals survive the Colorado winters. Dress appropriately for a short stroll outside.
Watch national-level horse shows and take horsemanship classes from the Pony of the Americas Club.
Learn how zookeepers handle and train the creatures that live outside of the ocean. Help prepare food, participate in positive reinforcement training, and learn how animals are cared for at the aquarium. Preregistration is required at least 2 weeks in advance.
Walk the park trails in search of the many migratory birds who make Standley Lake park a temporary home. Don't forget the binoculars. Age 10 and up.
Enjoy an evening under the stars with four stages of live music entertainment. Price includes drinks and international cuisine by the zoo's on-site caterer.
Meet invertebrates from around the world and discover more about them and their importance, including a meet-and-greet with Rosie the Tarantula.
Learn about and see the resident baby animals who have arrived for the season and some who are visiting just for this event. See calves, baby pigs, lambs, chicks, ducks, goats, and rabbits.
Experience the lake under the summer night sky on a moonlit stroll. Registration required.
Spend 15 minutes reading to a therapy dog. Ages 5-10.
Discover the birds of prey that call Standley Lake home. Online reservation required.
Learn about raising goats, different breeds, and housing and feed requirements, and see a live milking demonstration.
See three professional rodeo performances that include bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and mutton bustin'. Hear Chase Bryant in concert and enjoy a special lunch with rodeo champions.
Explore CM Zoo with 50% off normal admission base price, which is offered to all active-duty, veteran and retired military personnel and their dependents living in the same household. Bring identification to verify military or retired military status. Visit website to see the list of identification options to bring in to verify status.
Explore the world of spiders, their contributions to our world, and learn how to conserve them. Activities include scientist chats and live animal encounters.
Join volunteer naturalists for a hands-on program to learn about local animals. Visit the historic ranch house after the program.
Enjoy hands-on activities that are engaging and informative. Explore the Butterfly Pavilion and experience the plants and animals that call it home. Half-day and full-day camps are available, each with a different theme. Visit the website for the full schedule.
Bring your dog to the fort for a fun day of dog and human activities and music. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society. $5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3.50 child, members are free.
Learn all about spiders and catch some new eight-legged friends in the park. Ages 4-10. Register online. $5.
Experience farm life with baby animals, tire swings, a zip line, and more. Free under 12 months. Reservations required online.
Study the difference between bobcats and lynx, and learn about the coyotes and foxes of our state with SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education) holiday camps. Age 6-5th grade.
Roast marshmallows and learn all about Colorado mammals. Register online.
Spend a night at Denver Zoo, exploring the zoo, its exhibits and Wild Lights. Learn about different animals and participate in games and activities.
Watch for local birds and find out where they live, eat, and have babies. Ages 2-5. Register online. Located near Boulder; location provided to those registered.
Join naturalist Angela Borland to dive into the world of nocturnal animals. Register online. $5, $15 family.
Explore exciting nature topics with the whole family. Preregistration required. Email mcpocan@butterflies.org with questions.
See festive lights spanning 60 acres of the zoo's campus, along with nightly entertainment, animal encounters, Santa meet-and-greets, and illuminated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, and hide in bushes.
Join in a morning of fun playing outside and trying games your great grandparents might have played. Ages 6-12 with adult.
Enjoy two events in one. Farm activities include a corn maze, pumpkin patch, cattle roping lessons, and photo opportunities for the family. In addition, meet and compete against American Ninja Warriors for prizes. There will be multiple levels of Warrior courses including one for young children.
Attend an educational program with Nature's Educators who will introduce kids to raptors, reptiles, insects, arachnids, and amphibians featured in popular stories. Learn about their role in the stories, as well as their habitat, diet, and natural history.
Visit the zoo during normal business hours for free, courtesy of the SCFD.
Join Bee Guru, Gregg McMahan, as he reveals the importance of bees for humans and nature alike. Age 8 and up.
Learn how invertebrates trick their predators to keep them from getting a treat.
Explore the ancient practice of humans and birds of prey working together and meet live raptors during this program presented by Wild Wings Environmental Education. Age 10 and older. Advance registration required. $10 Highlands Ranch resident, $12 nonresident.
Greet the incoming migratory birds of Walnut Creek Golf Preserve, an internationally recognized Audubon area, on this bird walk. Don’t forget binoculars.
Learn how wild animals stay warm in the winter. Registration required. Ages 3-5.
Drop the kids off to enjoy a pizza party, roast s’mores, tour the zoo, and meet animals. Kids will make an animal-themed valentine craft to take home. Includes a continental breakfast and a morning tour. Reservations are required. Age 5 and up. Registration required.
Experience up-close animal encounters, a nighttime exhibit tour, invertebrate-themed crafts, and games at a family sleepover. Age 5 and up. Reservations required.
Enjoy a fun hike with your canine friend along the Trading Post Trail while learning about the history of the best musical venue in the world. Meet at the Trading Post. Dogs must have current shots, mix well with others, and remain on a leash. Owners are responsible for water and cleaning up after their…
Join DMNS scientist John Demboski as he debunks the myths and unburrows the mysteries of the groundhog. Afterward, head to the Denver Zoo to see even more animals. For kids in grades K-8 with an adult.
Visit with costumed volunteers as they demonstrate late 1800s rural games and chores. Meet animals up close at the petting zoo and learn about the language of flowers.
Visit early for a special morning when ambient sounds are turned down so that adults and children with sensory issues and disabilities can enjoy the aquarium in a calmer and quieter setting. Aquarium sounds will be turned on for the regular business day at 9:45am.
Spend a night at Denver Zoo as a family, and explore the zoo and its exhibits. Learn about different animals and participate in games and activities. Reservations required.
Meet Denver Zookeeper Dave Johnson, hear about his years of experience working with rhinos and elephants, and learn how you can love and protect our environment.
Ongoing through Oct. Hours vary. Learn about small-scale goat dairy production and get hands-on experience with goats during interactive field trips. All ages and abilities. Reservations required: maddie@mountainflowerdairy.com
Take four-legged friends for a fun-filled fundraiser for dogs (and their humans) to benefit Freedom Service Dogs. Families will enjoy food trucks.
Join the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in various activities highlighting bird anatomy, identification, migration and more. Presented in a Sensory Friendly environment. Age 5 and older. $5.
Walk around the Zoo to different stations where volunteers and staff will provide “medical” procedures for stuffed animals while educating young guests about healthy habits. Learn about the care zookeepers and veterinarians to provide the animals at the Zoo.
Experience farm life with baby animals, tire swings, and a zip line. Free under 12 months. Reservations required online.
Enjoy live owl demonstrations, food trucks, live folk music, owl merchandise, owl pellet dissection, and more. Located at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater and surrounding buildings and native plant gardens of the Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield State Park. All proceeds benefit our nonprofit nature center and other participating nonprofit partners.
Visit the Aquarium before it opens to the general public. Ambient sounds are turned down so children with sensory issues and disabilities can enjoy the aquarium in a calmer, quieter setting.
Learn to bait, cast, tie knots, reel ’em in, and unhook the catch. Participants will receive a free rod. Advance registration is required.
Attend the longest running rodeo in Colorado featuring mechanical bull rides, petting zoo, and a saloon.
Meet Betty the Bullsnake and Vern the Box Turtle while learning more about the reptiles at Standley Lake.
Every Thu, 9:30 and 11am. Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, interactive activities and discovery time on the trail. Age 5 and younger. Call or go online to register.
Learn about casting and fish handling, and then practice these new skills. Registration required. Ages 5-15.
Meet animal ambassadors and learn general information about a variety of different animals. Families with children 5 and under.
Learn the art of fly fishing. There is one classroom session and an outdoor classroom and field trip. Ladies age 16 and up.
Learn about the art and science of bird banding, gain skills in field identification, and more. Ages 11-15. Email gwen@thornenature.org for more details.
Discover why the Front Range is a suitable location for hundreds of species. Registration required.
Stroll by the light of the moon and learn about the nocturnal critters that call Highlands Ranch home. Age 10 and older. Advance registration required. $10 Highlands Ranch resident, $12 nonresident.
Enjoy a full week of stars and stripes as the zoo honors military personnel for their continued service.
Discover the predators of the Front Range. Online registration required.
Join volunteer naturalists for a fun, hands-on program to learn about some of the animals that call Sandstone Open Space home.
Discover what makes snakes powerful predators of the grasslands. Online reservations required; use event code #910807. Ages 4-8.
Learn about butterflies, enjoy butterfly-themed games and crafts, and more.
Celebrate Lakewood’s agricultural heritage with tractor pulls and vintage power displays, wagon and barrel train rides, historic demonstrations, and a unique variety of exhibitors and vendors. There will also be apple pressing, apple cider by the glass or gallon, and Apple Annie’s Baking Challenge.
Discover free-flying butterflies in the tropical conservatory at dusk through a special tour and self-led exploration time.
Unveil the adaptations that led the bald eagle to become America's national symbol and the complicated past the species holds.
Times vary. Enjoy a whole month of Halloween fun with immersive exhibits, special events for all ages and two weekends of indoor trick-or-treating. Reservation required for some events; prices vary.
Bring a teddy bear to the zoo and get in for $9.75. All stuffed animals will receive a complete check-up and official certificate of health. Ages 3-11.
Head to the Aquarium early when ambient sounds are turned down for a quieter, calmer setting. Sounds will be turned on for the regular business day at 9:45am. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at regular price that morning.
See meat-filled pumpkins be passed out to the wolves and enjoy a bonfire and refreshments. Reservations required.
Join Denise Gard plus Border Collies, Joey and Sienna, who'll perform tricks. Plus participate in stories about constellations.
See the monarchs, painted ladies, and other special plants and animals on a guided tour. Then, explore the farm. Registration required.
Visit early for a special morning when ambient sounds are turned down so that adults and children with sensory issues and disabilities can enjoy the aquarium in a calmer and quieter setting. Aquarium sounds will be turned on for the regular business day at 9:45am.
Join a 5K run/walk for people and pets. All pets must be on a non-retracting leash and have proof of age-appropriate vaccinations. Limit one pet per runner. A percentage of net ticket sales will benefit a local pet food pantry. Bring food donations to benefit the Pantry.
See more than 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures and enjoy animal experiences. Santa Claus himself will be taking holiday wishes each night through Dec. 23.
Enjoy mascot appearances, animal shows, and tiger enrichment demonstration. Wear a tiger costume and/or facepaint for 10 percent off admission.
See Corgis dressed up and in parade at this annual event.
Unveil the adaptations that led the bald eagle to become the nation's symbol. Online registration required.
Hike under autumn’s harvest moon and discover strange and unique nocturnal wildlife. Listen to eerie sounds, look for nighttime critters, and enjoy hot chocolate while creating wildlife masks. Registration required.
Join Chip Clouse, former Education and Outreach Director for the American Birding Association, for a bird walk at dusk along the Ralston Creek. Meet at Gold Strike Park at W. 56th Ave. and Ralston Rd. Register online.
Visit the aquarium on a special morning when ambient sounds are turned down so children can enjoy the aquarium in a calmer and quieter setting. Aquarium sounds will be turned on for the regular business day at 9:45am. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at regular price that morning.
Meet a Bald or a Golden eagle, an owl, a falcon, and features a free-flying hawk. Guests will learn about the importance of different raptor species, their specially-adapted tools, and their role in our ecosystems.
Visit the aquarium when ambient sounds are turned down for a calmer, quieter setting. Sounds will be turned back on starting at 9:45am.
Meet and learn more about The Downtown Aquarium from animal ambassadors. All ages.
Visit with more than 300 vendors selling innovative equine-related products and services. Learn from renowned horse clinicians and see performing horses set to music and lights. Dr. Temple Grandin will speak on March 3, 2019 at 1 pm and will be selling and signing her books after the presentation.
Noon or 2pm. Meet Rob Mies, a Museum favorite and director of the Organization for Bat Conservation. Step into the mysterious world of bats and explore their lives, habitats, and nocturnal strategies. Meet fruit bats from Asia and Africa, and the largest bat species in the world. $10-$15.
Learn how zoologists handle and train the creatures that live outside of the ocean. Help prepare food, participate in positive reinforcement training and learn how animals are cared for at the aquarium. Pre-registration is required at least 2 weeks in advance.
Get a discount on admission and membership, BOGO soft serve ice cream and Dole Whip plus special animal demonstrations when Denver 7’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson predicts the Denver temperature to be more than 90 degrees during the 10 p.m. forecast for the next day.
Enjoy National Walk Your Dog Day with Majestic View. Learn pet facts and enjoy hot cocoa at the end of the walk - dogs must be on leash. Registration required. Meet at parking lot on 72nd, just west of Carr Street.
Explore the many animals who hunt and howl in the moonlight. Reservations required.
Explore the adaptations chickadees have to survive, and create a winter bird feeder to help keep those chickadees chunky. Online registration required.
See creepy crawly animal demonstrations and exciting family-friendly entertainment under the canopy of the beautiful fall foliage of the Denver Zoo. This event is included in the price of regular admission.
Discover habits of woodpeckers through hands-on activities and learn where to look for them. Ages 5-10 with adult. Reservations required online.
Learn “Wildscaping” with the Audubon Rockies as you walk through the different habitats in bloom in the garden. Age 5 and up.
Celebrate Denver Zoo’s resident Asian elephants and elephants all over the world. Activities include elephant training demonstrations, zookeeper talks, hands-on activities and more.
Experience all things cats, including celebrity meet-and-greets, explore the latest products and vendors from across the world, adopt little furballs looking for new homes, and also take part in supporting charities dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of cats.
Learn to identify common local birds by sight and sounds before testing your knowledge on a bird walk through the park. Register online.
Take a tour of the premises, pet the goats, meet the farmers and participate in a variety of goat-related jobs and activities. Donations appreciated.
Visit with vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise as well as live animal seminars and free raffles for prizes.
Discover the world of nature that thrives when the sun goes down. Age 2 and up.
Explore nature topics with the whole family. January's topic is Rainforest Explorers. Learn about the rainforest's amazing plants, animals, and relevance to our daily lives. Best for families with children ages 4-10. Preregistration and payment required.
Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Majestic View for free family fun. Register online.
Enjoy a day in which Scouts at all levels can satisfy their science requirements for badges. These badges include the Earth Rocks and Digging into the Past Adventure badges at the Cub and Webelo levels, and the Geology Merit Badge at the Boy Scout level.
Learn a little about the nature around the Aurora Reservoir, and learn how to fish from an expert. Registration required online or call 303-326-8650.
Pet the goats, meet the farmers, and watch a goat milking demonstration, in addition to other goat-related offerings.
Let your dog enjoy a day of fun while swimming away the summer heat.
Enjoy a program presented by the Butterfly Pavilion with puppets, music, and live bugs.
Enjoy local musicians performing throughout the zoo. Dance and sip all-inclusive samples of beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks, plus food from regional restaurants. Age 21 and up.
Bring a teddy friend and see special animal shows throughout the day. Stop by the Teddy Bear Clinic for a free stuffed animal "checkup." Volunteers from Children’s Hospital Colorado will administer stitches, splints, or any necessary “medical” procedures to stuffed animals that are in need of a little TLC.
Participate in a 1.6-mile hike with pups, a beer garden, silent auction, dozens of pet-related vendors, food trucks, music, adoptable dogs, and access to a five-acre, off-leash dog park before or after the festivities. Registration includes a downloadable event photo with your dog, a frame, and bag of treats, craft beer or root beer, and…
Learn tips and tricks to become a better wildlife watcher. Register online.
Learn all about groundhogs through stories, songs, and interactive activities. Ages 3-5. Register in advance.
Volunteer to observe and count butterflies in open spaces and parks multiple times per season, gathering essential data that land managers can use when making conservation decisions.
Explore Echo Lake and Mount Evans with expert guide Jessie Foster and a friendly canine companion. $20, $17 members, $35 family ticket, $30 member family ticket.
Go outside to observe the constellations and listen for neighboring wildlife. Dress for the weather. Registration required.
1-2pm and 2:30-3:30pm. See some of the rarest bats in the world, up-close and personal in this one-of-a-kind educational program. Learn how bats impact humans and keep our environment healthy. $15.50 adult, $12.50 member adult, $8 child (ages 3-15).
Learn about the animal species in which the female is boss. Explore maternal instincts, courtship and breeding, and hunting behaviors. Cash bar and light appetizers provided. Age 21 and up.
Meet a new family member. Approved applicants only. Must apply online.
Discover an open space in the moonlight, and learn about the importance of the moon to people, wildlife, and more. All ages. Reservations required: dprice@bouldercounty.org.
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week by exploring your neighborhood Refuge during this free, fun-filled day for the entire family. Activities include live owl presentations, wildlife arts and crafts and much more.
Get to know local law enforcement officers while having fun. Fishing rods and bait will be available or bring your own. Ages 6-14. Registration required.
Learn about the benefits of bats, conservation and see live bats from North America, Africa and Asia. Age 5 and older. Register online. $5 in advance, $7 day of.
Learn fishing tips from Colorado Division of Wildlife experts. Fishing pole provided. Class tends to sell out quickly. Ages 6-11.
Get up close and personal with a furry friend from the Downtown Aquarium. Register online.
Enjoy the 1.6-mile hike with your pups, a beer garden sponsored by Living the Dream Brewing Co., music, adoptable dogs and access to a five-acre, off-leash dog park before or after the festivities.
Move through a gentle yoga sequence, and play with the goats afterward. Geared toward families with children ages 3-8.
Classroom: Aug 11, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Fieldtrip: Aug 12 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.(Lake Lehow) Learn the art of fly fishing from the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For ladies age 16 and older only. $30 in advance, $35 day of event.
Take a tour of the premises, pet the goats, meet the farmers, and participate in a variety of goat-related jobs and activities. Donations appreciated.
Learn about different habitats by exploring the world and learning about animals’ food, water, shelter, and space. Age 5 and up. Space is limited.
Compete with your dog in 4 levels: Jr. Handler, Sr. Dog, Fun/Recreational, and Competitive. Choose from events like the Water Retrieve and Obstacle Course.
Meet mysterious bats from around the world (including a giant bat with a 6-foot wingspan), and discover why bats are threatened and what you can do to help these misunderstood animals.
Explore the aquarium in a sensory-friendly environment.
Enjoy complimentary coffee, donuts, and Santiago's breakfast burritos along with with four-legged friends on the High Line Canal.
View an exhibit showcasing the master illusionists of the invertebrate world, who camouflage themselves to disguise their appearance.
See the Butterfly Pavilion's newest interactive exhibit. The exhibit gives a fascinating, up-close look at the incredible ways some of the world’s smallest animals overcome the challenges of an invertebrate world. Learn about adaptations through interactive displays, technology and live animal encounters.
Get up-close and personal with Asian elephants, Indian one-horned rhinos, Malayan tapirs, and many other animals.
Take a walk around the Spring Gulch Equestrian Area to sight tracks and identify which animal left them. Dress appropriately for the weather. Registration is required one week in advance.
Join Sharkey the mascot and his friends for not-so-haunted train rides, pumpkin painting, monster mural coloring, science experiments, and shows.
Meet mysterious bats from around the world (including a giant bat with a 6-foot wingspan), and discover why bats are threatened and what can be done to help these misunderstood animals. Age 5 and older. $5.
Spend the morning with an educator from the Butterfly Pavilion. Meet and learn about a variety of invertebrates from around the globe. Age 5 and under.
Get to know everyone's favorite holiday bird, the turkey. Register online.
Discover the secret life of owls through crafts, activities, and interactive tables from many nonprofit partners and outdoor educators, along with local folk music and food trucks.
Discover the incredible world of monarch butterflies through this all-day celebration featuring live animal encounters, interactive learning, crafts, and games.
Explore the carnivorous creatures that call Standley Lake home.
Explore the Zoo after-hours. Discover what amazing adaptations dinosaurs and present-day animals have in common. $15.
Learn what makes owls different than other birds and raptors. A snack will be provided.
Learn about these amazing birds and their corvid cousins. Register online.
Uncover the reasoning behind why animals deserve the title of a powerful representative of teams across the country.
Celebrate Colorado heritage with western entertainment, livestock displays, and hay rides.
Learn how to create a stunning botanical illustrations. $13.50 members, $15 no-members.
Enjoy safe trick-or-treating, games, a raffle, and a cat costume contest. In conjunction with the event, cats, including exotic varieties, will compete for various titles including Best Cat.
Investigate different Colorado mammals and discover what they might be up to during this cold season. Ages 3-6. Register online.
Explore the world of snakes and how they survive in Highlands Ranch. Meet our bull snake, Little Miss, and complete a fun craft to take home. Advance registration required.
Join volunteer naturalists for a slide program on butterflies, including information on the life cycle, behavior, host plants, identification tips, and more.
Explore the farm and learn about animals, plants, and agriculture. Program includes a short storytime, hands-on activities, and a short take-home craft. Ages 3-6 with adult.
Dive into shark biology, touch shark jaws, teeth, and skin, play a few fishy games, and then spend some time roasting marshmallows.
Connect with the reticulated giraffes with the special opportunity to hand-feed Dikembe, Heshimu, Masika, and Kipele.
Get a reduced admission price to see bees hard at work in their hive, touch live starfish and crabs, and experience being surrounded by 1,600 free-flying butterflies. $5.
Oct. 20-22, 27-29 and 31. Trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a safe environment; enjoy candy made with sustainable palm oil to help protect wild orangutans. $17.75 online in advance, $20.75 at gate (if not sold out in advance). Purchase tickets early; individual nights are subject to selling out. Discounts available for Zoo members, military…
Become nature detectives and investigate ways in which you can understand which creatures have passed through the same trails, streams, and forests that people travel through. Includes hands-on science and art activities.
See the Polynesian Princess visit Butterfly Pavilion in search of heroes ready to fulfill their destiny. Enjoy songs, glowing scorpions, and free-flying butterflies.
Experience all of the displays and activities of the Butterfly Pavilion for only $5 per person.
Enjoy a glimpse into the world of squirrels, fish, bison, and ants. Ages 3-6. Register online.
See a collaboration between seven local photographers designed to celebrate the diversity in both the state’s landscapes and its wildlife. On Sat, Oct. 12, Live raptors will be in the gallery from 11am-2pm.
Help your kids build confidence and fluency in their reading by reading aloud to trained therapy dogs. Bring your own book or choose a library book. Grades K-5.
Explore the aquarium early, with ambient sounds turned down so children can enjoy the exhibits in a calm and quiet setting. Aquarium sounds will be turned on for the regular business day at 9:45am. Tickets can be purchased at the box office.
Explore animal interactions, defense mechanisms, and extreme adaptations with hands-on activities. Reservation required.
Learn about selecting and starting baby chicks, setting up a secure home, and keeping your growing chickens happy and healthy. Register in advance.
Hear the inspiring stories of clients, and celebrate the client-dog teams that have worked so hard to graduate from FSD. Learn about the many hours that trainers and volunteers put in to transform shelter dogs into service dogs and professional therapy dogs.
Visit with costumed volunteers as they demonstrate late 1800s rural games and chores. Meet animals up close at the petting zoo and learn about the language of flowers.
Try your luck when Stearns Lake is usually closed and the catfish are biting. All ages. Anglers 16 years and up must have a current Colorado fishing license.
Watch more than 40 Longhorn cattle walking through the streets of downtown Denver. Step back in time and see a true western cattle drive with horses, cowboys, cowgirls, tractors, marching bands, and floats. The parade starts at Union Station and runs down 17th Street. The National Western BBQ Lunch begins at 11:30am in the atrium…
Learn more about wolves and their long history with humans. Register online.
Attend a workshop that includes exercises, discussions, reflection, and planning sessions that will allow participants to become familiar with culturally competent approaches to community engagement, workplace inclusivity, and project planning. Preregistration required.
Take your pet for an afternoon of beer tasting, food truck bites, and live entertainment. Attendees can also give a pup a forever home through on-site pet adoptions. All beer ticket proceeds benefit the Humane Society of the South Platte Valley.
Have an educational, interactive experience reading to animals at the shelter. Each program includes educational lessons, a tour, and time to practice reading skills in a calm and casual environment. The goal is to learn how animal shelters impact the community and for kids to gain confidence in their reading skills. Ages 6-12. Reservations required.
Move through a gentle yoga sequence, and play with the goats afterward. Geared toward families with children ages 3-8.
Enjoy fall fruits and vegetables and learn how honeybees help these foods grow. Meet the honeybees and taste their honey. Ages 5-11. Space is limited; reservations encouraged.
See more than 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures and 50 acres of lights and wild animals. Santa Claus will be taking holiday wishes each night through December 23.
Visit with costumed volunteers as they demonstrate late 1800s games and chores such as doing laundry the old-fashioned way, woodworking, meal preparation, and blacksmithing. Meet animals at a petting zoo, and learn about the animals raised on the ranch.
See live raptors and discover which of these magnificent birds comes through Aurora in the spring. Age 4 and up.
Visit the Zoo for free thanks to funding by SCFD.
Learn more about bees and beekeeping. Register online.
Learn about the roles of chickens, pigs, horses, and other farm animals. See demonstrations of sheep herding and horseshoeing, visit with chickens and pigs, and ride on a horse-drawn wagon.
Join a park naturalist and visit the largest prairie dog town on the north side of the park. Registration required.
Take an up-close look at wings covered in feathers, scales, and fur and learn what structures help them fly. Includes hands-on experiments. Ages 3-12.
Celebrate Lakewood’s agricultural heritage with tractor pulls and vintage power displays, wagon and barrel train rides along with other children’s activities and more. $8 adult, $5 ages 3-12.
Discover and learn about the different species that live at the Agricultural Heritage Center through exploration and hands-on activities. Ages 5-10. Registration required.
Enjoy activities for the entire family, including music, a dog costume parade, a pet psychic, and Bryce Jackman’s “Dog Days of Summer” show. MVCC’s Overlook Grill will offer snacks and drink specials throughout the afternoon.
See house cats, featuring Tuna and the Rock Cats, perform tricks including riding skateboards and jumping through hoops. The finale is the only all-cat band in the world, plus a chicken.
Explore the many ways prairie dogs contribute to the ecosystem. Online reservations required; use event code #910806.
Enjoy an evening under the stars with four stages of live music entertainment. Price includes drinks and international cuisine by the zoo's on-site caterer.
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week by exploring the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Event activities include archery, wildlife activity booths, and live animals.
Attend an event especially for Cub Scouts for animal encounters, and outdoor explorations to meet adventure requirements centered on outdoor exploration, respect for plants and wildlife, and making our world a better place. Preregistration is required. Email Marissa at mcopan@butterflies.org for any questions.
Skip the stores and opt outside for a walk with a canine companion at Standley Lake. Enjoy free park admission and learn how to protect your pup from the park, and the park from the pup.
Experience animals up close and get your questions answered. Afterward, stroll along the museum’s paths and try out the call phone audio and visual tour.
Explore the diversity of wetland invertebrates and learn about habitat conservation.
See if you have what it takes to be a marine biologist. Help prepare food, feed animals, and learn how biologists take care of the animals. Preregistration is required at least 2 weeks in advance.
Get up close and personal with a special friend from the Downtown Aquarium as you learn all about them and their adaptations. Register online.
Learn about native fish, how to bait a hook, tie a lure, and cast a line. Poles available for use during the program, or bring your own. Ages 8-12.
Learn the art of fly fishing. There is one classroom session and an outdoor classroom and field trip. Ladies age 16 and up.
