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Nature EdVentures: Snakes, Snakes, Snakes

Date:
Jun 01, 2018 10 - 11am
Cost:
$10 Highlands Ranch residents, $12 nonresidents
Phone:
303-791-2710

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.

Nature EdVentures – Snowshoe Hike

Date:
Feb 16, 2018 8am - 9:30am
Cost:
$10 Highlands Ranch resident, $12 nonresident
Phone:
303-791-2710

Snowshoe from Red-tail Park up to Highlands Point to see the amazing views of the foothills and Denver Metro area under a blanket of snow. Bring snowshoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Registration is required one week in advance.

Seedlings

Date:
Jun 01, 2018 to Jun 30, 2018
Schedule:
$11 for ages 18-36 months, $9 member; $13 for ages 3-6 years, $11 member
Cost:
Tue-Wed (ages 3-6), 9:30 and 11am; Thu (ages 24-36 months), 9:30 and 10:45am; Fri (ages 18-24 months), 9:30 and 10:45am
Phone:
720-865-3500

Take the kids for a fun, hands-on way for young children to explore the plant world while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants. Seedlings programs are offered for three different age groups and are modified to fit the developmental needs of each group. Week of June 1: Plants in your Pizza; June 5: Sunflowers…

Homeschool Day: Art Exploration

Date:
Aug 28, 2017 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:

Journey through art and nature while engaging in a garden-wide exploration of the Calder: Monumental exhibition. Explore how art and science work together and make a work of art inspired by the exhibition. Activities are designed for children ages five and up, however all ages are welcome to attend. $12 child; one adult per child…

Pollinator Week

Date:
Jun 18, 2018 to Jun 24, 2018
Cost:
Free-$12
Phone:
303-469-5441

Discover the wonders of pollinators like bees and butterflies and learn about their important contributions to our world. Get inspired to conserve them with this fun, weeklong celebration for the whole family featuring live animal encounters, hands-on activities and games, special tastings, and chats with real scientists.

Family Volunteering: Young Stewards Gardening Project

Date:
Jun 16, 2018 9am - noon
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-715-1010

Join a half-day volunteer project exclusively for families with children ages 6-12. Participants will help transplant native plants from the High Plains Environmental Center's greenhouse, learn about what it means to be a good steward, and go on a fun nature hike. Breakfast and lunch provided. Register online or by contacting Jamie Burke at jamie@voc.org…

Nature Detectives Kids Club

Date:
May 01, 2018 to May 01, 2019
Schedule:
Ongoing at various open space locations
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-678-6201

Join the club by participating in self-guided tours and activities on different open space properties around Boulder County. Each Mystery Guide takes you on an exploration of a specific open space property. Ages 4-11.

Literature of the Land Book Club

Date:
Nov 08, 2017 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost:
Phone:

Read books with a specific nature theme every month. November's book is Ann Patchett’s novel “State of Wonder”.

Fall After School Garden Club

Date:
Sep 14, 2017 to Oct 05, 2017
Cost:
Phone:

Learn how to make snacks with garden-fresh produce, explore the abundance of the garden harvest and celebrate the harvest season through community in the garden. Ages 4-11. $15 child. Discounted price of $50 is available when you register a child for all 4 classes in one series.

Low Sensory Morning

Date:
Jul 21, 2018 8 - 9am
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-865-3500

Experience a quiet and sensory-friendly visit to the Gardens before public hours. Visitors can connect with plants in a safe, restful location while engaging their senses and providing social enrichment. Visitors can explore the gardens on their own or participate in hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and awaken the senses, in the Sensory Garden. Registration…

Winter Day Camps

Date:
Jan 02, 2018 to Jan 05, 2018
Schedule:
9am-4pm. Full and half days available.
Cost:
Full Day: Members $45, Nonmembers $50. Half Day: Members $27, Nonmembers $30.
Phone:
720-974-1877

Explore animal interactions, defense mechanisms, and extreme adaptations with hands-on activities. Reservation required.

Tripod Photography

Date:
Feb 03, 2018 7:45am - 9am
Cost:
$13.50 members, $15 nonmembers
Phone:
720-974-1877

Relish a quiet hour of tripod photography in the tropical rainforest.

Bald Eagles Discovery

Date:
May 05, 2018 to Jun 09, 2018
Schedule:
May 5, 13, 20, and 26, 9-10:30am, and June 1 and 9, 8:30-10am
Cost:
Free but park entry fee is required
Phone:
303-658-2796

Entice your mind with the discovery of these magnificent raptors that call Standley Lake home. Enjoy learning about their life and create treasured memories by possibly viewing them in the wild. Registration is required and is limited to 20 spaces.

Discovery Corner

Date:
Nov 27, 2017 to Nov 30, 2018
Schedule:
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-492-1666

Discover, design, doodle, and more, in the museum’s new and improved play space in which children can touch real museum specimens.

Olde Town Telescope Night

Date:
Jun 01, 2018 7:30 - 9:30pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-898-7405

Go on an adventure with Lookout Mountain Nature Center for nighttime discovery. Meet in Olde Town Arvada Square just west of the library.

Be a Habitat Hero

Date:
Jun 19, 2018 5:30 - 6:30pm
Cost:
$5
Phone:
720-898-7405

Learn “Wildscaping” with the Audubon Rockies as you walk through the different habitats in bloom in the garden. Age 5 and up.

Dinosaur Discovery Day

Date:
Aug 11, 2018 10am - 2pm
Cost:
Activities included with admission
Phone:
303-697-3466

Enjoy Reptiles & Birds Day. Volunteers are stationed along the Dinosaur Ridge Trail at significant interpretive sites, while many others staff booths and activities at the Main Visitor Center Complex for kids and adults of all ages. Visitors can hike at their own pace or take the shuttle bus at $4 per person on these…

Tropical Trails Tour

Date:
Feb 03, 2018 2pm - 3pm
Cost:
$14, $9 student, $7 member
Phone:
720-865-3500

Explore the lush vegetation, vibrant flowers, and warmth of the tropics as you stroll through the Gardens’ tropical collections. This is a one-hour tour led by experienced docents.

Spring Fishing Clinic

Date:
May 05, 2018 8am - 1pm
Cost:
$7 daily park pass or annual pass required
Phone:
303-659-6005

Learn how to fish. Free fishing poles will be given to the first 100 kids to sign up. Meet at the boat ramp. Ages 6-14.

Family Workshop: Leprechaun Gardens

Date:
Mar 10, 2018
Schedule:
10am-noon and 2-4pm
Cost:
$17 child, $15 member child, $12 adult, $10 member adult
Phone:
720-865-3500

Discover the legend of the leprechaun as you design and create a miniature garden to attract these mischievous garden friends. Each child creates a container garden to take home. Classes are designed for families with children ages 5-10.

Panning for Gold

Date:
Aug 20, 2017 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost:
FREE
Phone:
303-776-8848

Learn about Colorado mining history and try your hand at panning for gold. Reservations required: 303-258-7332. Age 5 and up.

Campfire Programs

Date:
Jun 16, 2018 to Aug 11, 2018
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-697-6159

Roast marshmallows around the campfire and learn about a different nature topic each night. Registration required. Park entry fee required. Dates and hours vary.

Family Day: Learning from Nature

Date:
Jan 27, 2018 10am - 4pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-492-1666

Make observations about how structures and processes in nature solve problems. Meet CU Boulder students and community partners who are weaving together science, technology, engineering, art, and math to find innovative and sustainable solutions.

Nature EdVentures – Introduction to Geocaching

Date:
Sep 06, 2017 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:
303-791-2710

Bring a smart phone and join a park ranger to search for hidden caches while discovering the Highlands Ranch Metro District parks and trails. Advance registration required. $10 Highlands Ranch resident, $12 nonresident.

Seedlings

Date:
May 01, 2018 to May 31, 2018
Schedule:
Tue-Wed, ages 3-6, 9:30 and 11am; Thu, ages 24-36 months, 9:30 and 10:45am; Fri, ages 18-24 months, 9:30 and 10:45am
Cost:
$9-$13
Phone:
720-865-3500

Explore the plant world while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants. Seedlings programs are modified to fit the developmental needs of each group. Week of May 1: A Rainbow of Wildflowers; May 8: Garden Art; May 15: Inch by Inch; May 22: Life in the Pond; May 29: The Plants in Your Pizza.

Drop in Discovery

Date:
Jul 05, 2018 to Jul 16, 2018
Schedule:
First Thu and third Mon
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-898-7405

Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.

Meadow Music

Date:
Jun 04, 2018 to Aug 13, 2018
Schedule:
Most Mon, no program on July 16
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-441-3440

Join Open Space and Mountain Park’s Jeff Kagan, Paige Doughty, and Mark Wesson for evenings of children’s music and nature education. Includes an easy hike. Best for ages 2-8.

Butterflies at Chatfield

Date:
May 25, 2018 to Sep 30, 2018
Schedule:
9am-3pm
Cost:
$4 adult/child, $2 member adult/child
Phone:
720-865-3500

Visit the seasonal habitat that is home to hundreds of native butterflies, such as swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks, and painted ladies.

Thorne Nature Fall Fest with Jeff & Paige

Date:
Oct 13, 2017 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost:
FREE
Phone:
303-499-3647

Celebrate the transition into fall on a BVSD in-service day with nature crafts, face-painting, nature explorations with Thorne staff, and music from Jeff & Paige. Light refreshments provided. Pack a picnic lunch and a blanket. Ages 3-10. Reservations required online.

World Wetlands Day

Date:
Feb 03, 2018 9am - 5pm
Cost:
$12 adults, $10 adult Westminster resident, $9 seniors, $8 children, free under age 2
Phone:
303-439-2379

Explore the diversity of wetland invertebrates and learn about habitat conservation.

Gifts from the Herb Garden

Date:
Nov 16, 2017 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:

Learn how to make healing calendula/lavender lip balm, ginger/rose hip honey, decadent chocolate chili clusters and an aromatic mulling mix for wine and cider. Recipes, light snacks and take home samples included. $54-$59.

Seedlings: Winter Greenhouse Gardens

Date:
Jan 23, 2018 to Jan 26, 2018
Cost:
$11 for 18-36 month old, $9 member; $13 for 3-6 year old, $11 member.
Phone:
720-865-3500

Bring a little green indoors this winter creating a beautiful terrarium to take home.

Family Workshop: The Salsa Garden

Date:
Jun 16, 2018
Schedule:
2-3:30pm and 5:30-7pm
Cost:
$17 child, $15 member child, $12 adult, $10 member adult
Phone:
720-865-3500

Explore fresh ingredients growing in the Mordecai Children’s Garden Chipotle Home Harvest Garden and make a special salsa treat from scratch. Each child plants a container garden that includes ingredients to make treats at home. Classes are designed for families with children ages 5-10.

Barr Lake Birders

Date:
Jun 23, 2018 10am - noon
Cost:
$7 daily park pass or state parks annual pass required
Phone:
303-659-6005

Enjoy a community atmosphere while learning about the birding world. Ages 6-15. Sign up by phone.

Treehouses: Look Who’s Living in the Trees

Date:
Jun 01, 2018 to Jan 06, 2019
Schedule:
Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 1-5pm; Exhibit opening event: June 2, 1-4pm
Cost:
$8 adults, $5 students/seniors, free age 3 and under
Phone:
303-651-8374

Explore and climb the forest canopy indoors at the museum’s hands-on exhibition. Discover the many habitats that trees provide for animals and people, too.

Tropical Trails Tour

Date:
Dec 01, 2017 to Dec 31, 2017
Cost:
Phone:

Dec. 2, 16 and 30, 2-3pm. Explore the lush vegetation, vibrant flowers and warmth of the tropics as you stroll through the Gardens’ tropical collections. This is a one-hour tour led by experienced docents. $14, $9 student, $7 member.

Hands Dirty Feet Wet

Date:
Feb 16, 2018 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost:
Free.
Phone:
720-898-7405

Enjoy a nature playdate in the "Nature: Explore" space: climb on logs, jump stump to stump, build forts and more. Registration required.

Understanding Essential Oils

Date:
Nov 04, 2017 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:

Learn why some plants produce essential oils and how the oils are sourced and produced. $34, $29 member.

Family Workshop: Miniature Japanese Garden

Date:
Jul 14, 2018 to Jul 28, 2018
Schedule:
July 14 and 28
Cost:
$17 child, $15 child member, $12 adult, $10 adult member
Phone:
720-865-3500

Journey to the land of the rising sun and discover the unique features of the Denver Botanic Gardens' Japanese garden. Each child will design and create a miniature Japanese garden to take home. Classes are designed for families with children ages 5-10.

After School Club

Date:
Feb 07, 2018 to Feb 28, 2018
Schedule:
Wed
Cost:
$15 for 4 week session
Phone:
720-898-7405

Coincides with “After Nappers Club”: Enjoy fun, nature themed activities and exploration with a Majestic View naturalist. Participate in fun, hands-on learning. Ages 5-10. Register online at www.arvada.org/nature.

Telescope Nights

Date:
Sep 01, 2017
Cost:
FREE
Phone:
720-898-7405

After dark. Come take a peek at the coolest celestial body in the sky.

Now I See You, Now I Don’t

Date:
Sep 30, 2017 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Cost:
Phone:
720-898-7405

Learn all about one of nature's greatest defenses - camouflage. Ages 3-6. $5.

Croquet in Bloom

Date:
Aug 12, 2017 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:

Play in a family-friendly, summertime croquet tournament for the Denver Botanic Cup. Prizes will be awarded each month and the finalists of each month will be invited to play in the grand final tournament in September. $15 participant, $5 for spectator.

From Sunset to the Milky Way: Photographing the Evening and Night Sky

Date:
Apr 07, 2018 6:30 - 10:30pm
Cost:
$47, $42 member
Phone:
303-326-8380

Photograph sunset on the plains, transitioning into dusk and a bit of night-time photography. Begin by focusing on the light streaming across the early spring grasses and historic structures and then concentrate on the night sky by capturing images of the Milky Way as it fills the sky. This class is weather-dependent.

Family Day: Geology

Date:
Jan 06, 2018 10am - 3pm
Cost:
Included with admission
Phone:
719-488-0880

Try your hand with “Keep What You Find Gold Panning,” learn about Colorado's mineral and mining heritage, and take part in hands-on mineral identification.

Growing Gardens Plant Sale

Date:
May 06, 2018 to May 20, 2018
Schedule:
May 5-6, 12,-13, 19-20; 8am-4pm
Cost:
Free admission; cost varies for plants
Phone:
303-443-9952

Find a great selection of organic and bee-safe tomato, vegetable, and herb starts that are grown in Growing Gardens’ greenhouses. All proceeds benefit Growing Gardens’ nonprofit agriculture education programs.

Grow an Heirloom Kitchen Garden

Date:
Apr 07, 2018 10 - 11:30am
Cost:
$22, $20 member
Phone:
303-326-8380

Help gardeners gain a new appreciation for the flavors, colors, textures, and imperfections that make heirloom vegetables worth growing. Learn which heirloom vegetables to plant, how to manage the kitchen garden, and tips for saving seeds to pass along to others.

Winter in the Tropics

Date:
Jan 07, 2018 1pm - 4pm
Cost:
Included with admission.
Phone:
303-439-2379

See the Polynesian Princess visit Butterfly Pavilion in search of heroes ready to fulfill their destiny. Enjoy songs, glowing scorpions, and free-flying butterflies.

Earth Day Celebration

Date:
Apr 21, 2018 10am - 2pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-797-1779

Celebrate Earth Day with earth-friendly activities for kids, breakfast with the artists of the Our Planet exhibit, live music, food trucks, free yoga classes, and tree planting with the Greenwood Village Mayor, Ron Rakowsky.

Bear Cubs Program

Date:
Jul 19, 2018 10 - 11am
Cost:
$5 per child
Phone:
303-697-6159

Learn about the bugs of Bear Creek through stories, songs, and interactive programs. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. Park entry fee required.

Bloomapalooza

Date:
May 19, 2018 9am - 5pm
Cost:
Included in general admission: $12 adult, $10 adult (Westminster resident), $10 senior, $8 child, free for age 1 and under
Phone:
303-439-2379

Celebrate Plant Conservation Day with a pollinator plant sale, hands-on gardening activities, and family-friendly entertainment.

Jr. Survivor Challenge

Date:
Aug 19, 2017 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:
303-425-1097

Practice the outdoor skills needed to survive a natural disaster and become a Jr.Survivor. Register for this class through the City of Westminster’s Activity Registration Webpage. Ages 9-12. Class is limited to 10 spaces. $8.

Seedlings Classes

Date:
Mar 01, 2018 to Mar 31, 2018
Schedule:
Hours and days vary by age group
Cost:
$9-$13
Phone:
720-865-3500

Enjoy a hands-on way for young children to explore the plant world, while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants. Seedlings programs are offered for three different age groups and are modified to fit the developmental needs of each group. Week of March 6: Very Hungry Caterpillars; March 13: Carnivorous Plants up Close; March 20:…

Lavender Festival

Date:
Jul 21, 2018 9am - 5pm
Cost:
$7, $5 member, free age 13 and under
Phone:
720-865-3500

See more than 800 blooming lavender plants, creating a gorgeous backdrop for this family-friendly event. Lavender products made by local growers and artisans are available for purchase. There will be live music, food, drink, and craft vendors. Educational programs on lavender and related topics are available for an additional charge.

National Get Outdoors Day Colorado

Date:
Jun 09, 2018 10am - 3pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-969-2062

Join outdoor agencies and partners to try youth fishing classes, paddling activities, live music, rock climbing, and bike riding. Youth have the opportunity to earn their Junior Ranger Badge from the National Park Service and United States Forest Service.

Tropical Trails Tour

Date:
Feb 24, 2018 2pm - 3pm
Cost:
$14, $9 student, $7 member
Phone:
720-865-3500

Explore the lush vegetation, vibrant flowers and warmth of the tropics as you stroll through the Gardens’ tropical collections. This is a one-hour tour led by experienced docents.

Lake Appreciation Day

Date:
Jul 14, 2018 8am - 3pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-659-6005

Bring your family, friends, scout group, and/or coworkers for volunteer projects. Enjoy a barbecue lunch and fun activities in the afternoon. Includes park admission for volunteers. RSVP necessary for groups of five or more by phone.

Discover Cartooning with Nature

Date:
Apr 04, 2018 to May 23, 2018
Schedule:
Wed, 4-5pm
Cost:
$72 for 8-week session
Phone:
720-898-7000

Learn to draw and sketch animal cartoons to impress your friends or illustrate your room. Enjoy this after-school series with artist David Sullivan and bring a snack. Register online. Ages 6-12.

Winter Heritage Day

Date:
Jan 28, 2018 1pm - 3pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-776-8848

Learn what pioneer settlers did to prepare for Colorado’s long winters. See a working blacksmith demonstration and smell food being prepared on the wood stove.

Solar Eclipse Party

Date:
Aug 21, 2017 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:
719-576-8000

Celebrate this awe-inspiring with telescopes and live feeds from other U.S. total solar eclipse locations. Build your own eclipse viewer and watch a planetarium show. Included with admission.

Bird Banding Club

Date:
Feb 13, 2018 to May 15, 2018
Schedule:
4-5:30pm on select days
Cost:
$125 for 8 sessions; scholarships available
Phone:
303-499-3647 ext. 103

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.

Sunset on the Prairie

Date:
Aug 04, 2017 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost:
Phone:
303-739-7160

Enjoy a night out and get to know the prairie that is right outside your door in a whole new way. Take a wagon ride and enjoy one of the best views of the Front Range sunset as you learn about the short grass prairie ecosystem. Finish your night with s’mores around the campfire. Adults…

$5 Day

Date:
Feb 10, 2018 9am - 5pm
Cost:
$5
Phone:
303-469-5441

Experience all of the displays and activities of the Butterfly Pavilion for only $5 per person.

Seedlings: Magnificent Mint

Date:
Jan 09, 2018 to Jan 12, 2018
Cost:
$11 for 18-36 month old, $9 member; $13 for 3-6 year old, $11 member.
Phone:
720-865-3500

Discover the many uses of the mint plant in this sweet-smelling class. Age ranges vary by date.

Curious Connections in Nature

Date:
Jun 01, 2018 to Jul 30, 2018
Schedule:
Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 10am-4pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-492-6892

Learn how everything is connected in the world through hands-on activities, multi-media displays, and specimens from the museum’s collection.

Chipotle Film Series: Polyfaces

Date:
Oct 03, 2017 6:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:

See The Chipotle Film Series, presented by Chipotle Mexican Grill, which includes three films relating to sustainable food practices, organic farming and community agriculture. Each evening includes food provided by Chipotle, a screening of the film, and a post-film panel discussion. “PolyFaces” follows an Australian family who use their life savings to travel to the…

Santa’s Village

Date:
Nov 24, 2017 to Dec 24, 2017
Cost:
Free-$20
Phone:
720-865-3500

Go on a hayride, see live reindeer, and more. Food and beverages may be purchased.

Family Fun Night: Stories and S’mores

Date:
Jun 23, 2018 5:30 - 8pm
Cost:
$8 adult or child, $6 member adult or child, free age 2 and under
Phone:
720-865-3500

Say goodbye to spring and celebrate the start of summer. Make s’mores, explore and play in the Mordecai Children’s Garden, and engage in nature-themed activities. Special guest storyteller Cliff Davidson will share family-friendly stories. Family Fun Nights are a unique opportunity to explore the Children's Garden after-hours. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner…

Nature Play Programs

Date:
Jun 04, 2018 to Aug 13, 2018
Schedule:
Mon, 9-11am; Wed, 1-3pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-376-1049

Enjoy nature play programs in which children will connect to nature, play outdoors, and learn, in the labyrinth area near the library. Parent supervision required. All ages.

Photography Expedition

Date:
Apr 28, 2018 5:15 - 9:15am
Cost:
$36, $34 member
Phone:
303-326-8380

Capture the life and the seasonal characteristics of the prairie in the best light possible. Each expedition is led by David Winger, a renowned garden and nature photographer.

Seedlings Classes

Date:
Apr 01, 2018 to Apr 30, 2018
Schedule:
Tues-Wed (ages 3-6), 9:30 and 11am; Thu (ages 24-36 months), 9:30 and 10:45am; Fri (ages 18-24 months), 9:30 and 10:45am
Cost:
$9-$13
Phone:
720-865-3500

Enjoy a fun, hands-on way for young children to explore the plant world, while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants. Seedlings programs are offered for three different age groups and are modified to fit the developmental needs of each group. Topics vary by date including Cool Season Veggies, Painting with Plants, Earth Day, and…

Drop in Discovery – February

Date:
Feb 01, 2018 to Feb 19, 2018
Schedule:
10am on the first Thu. and third Mon. of each month
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-898-7405

Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.

Seedlings: The Alphabet Garden

Date:
Jan 30, 2018 to Feb 02, 2018
Cost:
$11 for 18-36 month old, $9 member; $13 for 3-6 year old, $11 member.
Phone:
720-865-3500

Explore the alphabet while you wander your way through the world of plants. Discover the first letter of many plants and flowers. Ages vary by date.

Kindred Spirits: Day of the Dead

Date:
Nov 02, 2017 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:
720-865-3500

Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with themed cocktails at Sacred Thistle – a flower and gift boutique - before going to the Gardens for a private tour of the La Calavera Catrina exhibit. Guests must be 21 years of age and capacity is limited.

International Mud Day

Date:
Jun 29, 2018 10am - noon
Cost:
$7 daily park pass or state parks annual pass required
Phone:
303-659-6005

Participate in an event aimed at connecting children around the globe through the earth. Wear old clothes. Use sandbox toys and play in the mud. Reservation required.

Children’s Peace Garden Field Trips

Date:
Mar 15, 2018 to Oct 26, 2018
Schedule:
Ongoing by appointment
Cost:
$4 per student spring and fall ($60 total minimum); $6 per student summer ($105 total minimum)
Phone:
303-443-9952

Engage students in hands-on activities for up to three hours, focused on local food, organic gardening, and biodiversity. Reservations required. All ages and types of groups welcome.

Naturalist Guided Night Hikes

Date:
Jan 31, 2018 5pm
Cost:
$2 per person, park entrance fee is required.
Phone:
303-697-6159

Follow the trails of Lakewood's Bear Creek Lake Park and surrounding green spaces, led by a park naturalist guide. Registration required.

Family Workshop: Leprechaun Gardens

Date:
Mar 10, 2018
Schedule:
10am-noon and 2-4pm
Cost:
$17 child, $15 member child, $12 adult, $10 member adult
Phone:
720-865-3500

Discover the legend of the leprechaun as you design and create a miniature garden to attract these mischievous garden friends. Each child creates a container garden to take home. Classes are designed for families with children ages 5-10.

A Pollination Conversation

Date:
Apr 27, 2018 11am - noon
Cost:
$5
Phone:
720-898-7000

Jump into the gardens with a CSU master gardener to learn tips and tricks to make your garden buzz with bees, butterflies, and other Colorado pollinators. Discover why they are so important and what they need as you prepare your garden for spring. Registration required.

Avian Arvada: Tucker Lake

Date:
Nov 05, 2017 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost:
FREE
Phone:
720-898-7405

Join Chip Clouse, former Education and Outreach Director for the American Birding Association, for a morning bird walk at Tucker Lake. Meet at West Woods Elementary School.

Miniature Garden Family Workshop: Summertime Fairies

Date:
Aug 05, 2017
Cost:
Phone:

10am-noon and 2-4pm. Create miniature lands for mystical garden friends. Discover what plants fairies prefer as you design, plant and landscape a tiny oasis for a fairy. Each child will create a container garden to take home. Family Workshops are a great way for families to spend time together while discovering the beauty, diversity and…

La Calavera Catrina

Date:
Oct 14, 2017 to Nov 05, 2017
Cost:
Phone:

Join Denver Botanic Gardens in celebrating Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with an exploration of the iconic and elegant female skeleton know as La Catrina.

Family Workshop: Garden Garlands and Wreaths

Date:
Nov 12, 2017
Cost:
Phone:

10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm Take a nature walk through the Gardens and then use seeds, branches and greens to create a display of nature. Ages 5-10. $17 child, $15 member child, $12 adult, $10 member adult.

Preschool Fun with Animals

Date:
Sep 13, 2017 to Oct 04, 2017
Cost:
Phone:
720-898-7405

Learn about butterflies, frogs, raccoons and bears. Enjoy a glimpse into their worlds using books, stories, crafts, and games. Ages 3-6 years with adult. $18 for 4 week session.

Meet the Woodpeckers: Downy and Hairy

Date:
Jan 12, 2018 11am - noon
Schedule:
Meeting location will be sent to registered participants
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-776-8688

Discover habits of woodpeckers through hands-on activities and learn where to look for them. Ages 5-10 with adult. Reservations required online.

Climate Conversations

Date:
Apr 23, 2018 7pm
Cost:
$10 adult, $5 student suggested donation
Phone:
303-204-4814

Listen to a conversation about climate change with local officials, scientists, schools, and Channel 7 weatherman Mike Nelson. All ages welcome. The middle or high school with highest percentage of attendance will receive donated money for their science department or club.

Bilingual Yoga

Date:
Nov 18, 2017 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Cost:
Phone:

Learn and practice Vinyasa yoga. $5 suggested donation.

Annual Plant Sale

Date:
May 17, 2018 to May 19, 2018
Schedule:
May 17-19, 10am-7pm
Cost:
Free admission
Phone:
303-307-9332

Shop more than 70 varieties of tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and herbs grown from heirloom and organic seeds. Farm tours are $5 per person age 2 and up. Saturday, May 19 is a SCFD Free Day and includes festival highlighting local vendors participating in Plant, Eat, and Get Local.

Renew the Ranch Volunteer Day

Date:
May 19, 2018 9 - 11am
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-240-4909

Help clean up Highlands Ranch’s natural open space areas and parks. To volunteer, contact Kari Larese at 720-240-4909 or klarese@highlandsranch.org. After you register, you will be contacted with the location you will be assigned to.

Drop in Discovery

Date:
Jan 04, 2018 to Jan 15, 2018
Schedule:
10am on the First Thu and Third Mon of each month
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-898-7405

Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games or activities. Register online.

Weather and Climate Tours

Date:
Nov 28, 2017 to May 31, 2018
Schedule:
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm. Public tours Mon, Wed, and Fri at noon
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-497-1174

Enjoy an informative view of weather and climate at a science laboratory and explore interactive exhibits.

Earth Day: The Natural Alphabet of the Earth

Date:
Apr 22, 2018 10am - noon
Cost:
$15, $18 for non-Highlands Ranch residents
Phone:
303-791-2710

Explore the wisdom and playfulness of nature and celebrate Earth Day. In this two-hour family friendly program, take a gentle 3-mile walk along the Highline Canal with camera in tow. Registration is required one week in advance at highlandsranch.org/signmeup.

World Oceans Day

Date:
Jun 09, 2018 9am - 5pm
Cost:
Free-$12
Phone:
303-469-5441

Discover the wonders of the ocean’s invertebrates and get inspired to conserve them with this fun event for the whole family featuring live animal encounters, hands-on activities and games, and chats with real scientists. This year’s theme is preventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean.

Homeschool Day: Mysteries of Mycology

Date:
Jan 22, 2018 10am
Cost:
$12 per day per child; One adult per child is free of charge. Additional adults and non-participating siblings over the age of two pay $7 each. Admissions to the gardens is included.
Phone:
720-865-3500

Explore the similarities and differences between plants and fungi, investigate specimens from the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi, and explore the active life of yeast. Homeschool Days offer families the opportunity to explore plant-based themes through a variety of hands-on activities, tours, and take-home projects that families can do together.

Astronomy: Telescopes 101

Date:
Jun 09, 2018 8 - 10pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-776-8688

Discover how telescopes work through interactive demonstrations and activities, and do some sky gazing. Bring a telescope if you have one. Meeting location, near Longmont, will be provided to registered participants. Age 5 and up.

Renewal in Nature

Date:
Apr 26, 2018 3 - 6pm
Cost:
$34, $30 member
Phone:
303-326-8380

Become immersed in the expansive beauty of the Colorado prairie landscape while exploring the depth of your connection to this local environment. Guided sensory practices, nature connection activities, games, and explorations.

After Nappers Club

Date:
Feb 07, 2018 to Feb 28, 2018
Schedule:
Wed.
Cost:
$15 for 4 week session.
Phone:
720-898-7405

Coincides with “After School Club." Let a naturalist guide kids through outdoor weekly activities and adventures. Hike at a toddler pace, use all five senses, and encourage exploration. Ages 2-4 with adult. Register online.

Love Potions from the Vine Tour

Date:
Feb 10, 2018 to Feb 16, 2018
Schedule:
Feb 10, 11, 14, 16, 3-4pm
Cost:
$14, $12 member, $10 student
Phone:
720-865-3500

Escape the winter chill in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory with this tour of purported aphrodisiacs and learn about the secret romantic lives of tropical plants. This is a one-hour tour led by experienced docents. Tour participants receive a romantic souvenir to take home.

Museum Family Day: Watery World

Date:
Feb 10, 2018 10am - 4pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-492-6892

Explore the weird and wonderful creatures that have populated our planet's oceans and streams. Compare real museum specimens, make observations, and create your own take-home crafts.

You: A Habitat Hero

Date:
Apr 18, 2018 5:30 - 6:30pm
Cost:
$5
Phone:
720-898-7000

Learn the practice of landscape stewardship called “wildscaping,” wildlife-friendly landscape design with the Audubon Rockies. They will walk you through the gardens and point out different habitats in the Majestic View Gardens so you can create “wild” backyard habitats too. Registration required. Age 5 and up.

Farm Visits

Date:
May 01, 2018 to Aug 31, 2018
Schedule:
Thu-Sun, 9am-1pm
Cost:
$13-$15. Punch cards available
Phone:
303-774-8001

Experience farm life with baby animals, tire swings, a zip line, and more. Free under 12 months. Reservations required online.

Dinosaur Discovery Day

Date:
Oct 13, 2018 9am - 3pm
Schedule:
Arrive anytime between 9am-1pm. Girl Scouts should plan to arrive by 1pm to allow 2 hours to complete activities and badge work
Cost:
$6 per Girl Scout, $5 other adults and youth, free age 2 and under. Additional $3 to participate in fossil activities
Phone:
303-697-3466

Join in the annual Girl Scout Day and National Fossil Day too. Meet representative from area STEM organizations who will have activities for the girls. Register by October 12.

Colorado Foodways: A Celebration of Local Food

Date:
Aug 12, 2017 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost:
Phone:

Attend the celebration of Colorado history, music and food featuring local chefs, tours and live music. Traditional Colorado dishes with regionally sourced ingredients are presented during this “strolling supper” on the farm. Participants can tour the organic vegetable and lavender fields, explore the historical Hildebrand Ranch house, and hear a talk on water conservation. This…

Bumblebee Jamboree

Date:
Mar 24, 2018 10:30 - 11:30am
Cost:
$12 adult, $10 member adult, $7 child, $5 member child, free for children age 2 and under
Phone:
720-865-3500

Dress as a favorite pollinator such as a bee, butterfly, or bird and dance and sing along with the local musical guests. Age 12 and under, with parents.

Rainforest Yoga

Date:
Feb 10, 2018 to Feb 24, 2018
Schedule:
Feb. 10, 17, 21, and 24. Times vary by date
Cost:
$8 members, $10 nonmembers
Phone:
720-974-1877

Surround yourself with exotic plants and beautiful butterflies, and meet other yoga enthusiasts in the community. Adults.

The Commedia of Robin Hood

Date:
Jun 02, 2018 to Jul 01, 2018
Schedule:
Select days
Cost:
$20 adult, $17 members, $18 Colorado Mountain Club members, $15 children under age 10
Phone:
303-442-3282

Enjoy a hiking play presented by Arts in the Open, featuring puppets, singing, mock combat, and more. The hike is approximately two miles in length; bring a camping chair or blanket to sit on while watching the scenes.

Nature EdVentures: Nature Play

Date:
Apr 10, 2018 9:30 - 10:30am
Cost:
$10, $12 for non-Highlands Ranch residents
Phone:
303-791-2710

Discover nature through curiosity using dirt, sand, and more. Open space west of Sand Creek Park; meet at the trail connection near 8801 Wild Iris Run. Ages 3-6. Registration is required one week in advance at highlandsranch.org/signmeup.

Majestic View Travel Series: Alaska

Date:
Jan 30, 2018 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Cost:
$5.
Phone:
720-898-7405

See digital images of bears in Denali, Katmai and other National parks. Experience fly-fishing for rainbow trout, arctic char, and salmon. Presented by Bob Barber, professional wildlife photographer. Register online.

The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure

Date:
Sep 16, 2017 to Oct 29, 2017
Cost:
Phone:
303-440-7666

Sat-Sun Sept. 16-Oct. 29, 12 and 3pm. Watch as Ms. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Joanna Watson solve the mystery of a curse that dooms each Baskerville male to be hunted by a demon dog. A hiking play by Arts in the Open. Age 6 and up. $17-$20.

Drop in Discovery

Date:
Jun 01, 2018 to Jun 30, 2018
Schedule:
First Thu and third Mon, 10am
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-898-7405

Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.

Solstice, Moonbeams, & Stars Family Astronomy

Date:
Jun 16, 2018 7 - 10pm
Cost:
$25 adults, free age 12 and under
Phone:
970-586-3262

Take part in hands-on activities that explain how our days get longer and shorter on the weekend before the summer solstice.

Tropical Trails Tour

Date:
Nov 18, 2017 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:
720-865-3501

Enjoy the lush vegetation, vibrant flowers and warmth of the rain forest as you stroll through the Gardens’ tropical collections. All ages. $14, $9 student, $7 member.

Toddler Storytime

Date:
Jun 07, 2018 10am - noon
Cost:
$7 daily park pass or state parks annual pass required
Phone:
303-659-6005

Take your child to listen to stories about the natural world. Ages 3-5 with adult. RSVP by phone.

Zazu Dreams Book Event

Date:
Apr 12, 2018 7:30pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-447-2074

Join Dr. Cara Judea Alhadeff as she speaks about and signs her new book, Zazu Dreams, a tale about the adventures of a Sephardic Jewish boy and his imaginary friend, a malamute husky, who travels the globe experiencing the relationship between humans and their environments.

Nature EdVentures: Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk

Date:
May 13, 2018 2 - 4pm
Cost:
$10 Highlands Ranch resident group of three, $12 nonresident group of three, $6 individual resident, $7 individual nonresident
Phone:
303-791-2710

Join a native plant master and a park ranger on a hike up to Highlands Point. Advance registration is required. Age 8 and up.

Family Day: T is for Tracks

Date:
Mar 10, 2018 10am - 4pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-492-1666

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.

Dinosaur Discovery Day

Date:
Sep 08, 2018 10am - 2pm
Cost:
Included with admission
Phone:
303-697-3466

Enjoy Gem & Mineral Day. Volunteers are stationed along the Dinosaur Ridge Trail at significant interpretive sites, while many others staff booths and activities at the Main Visitor Center Complex for kids and adults of all ages. Visitors can hike at their own pace or take the shuttle bus at $4 per person on these…

A Butterfly’s Life

Date:
Jul 16, 2018 6 - 7:30pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-678-6214

Join volunteer naturalists for a slide program on butterflies, including information on the life cycle, behavior, host plants, identification tips, and more.

Nature EdVentures: Birding Walk

Date:
May 11, 2018 9 - 10:30am
Cost:
$6 Highlands Ranch resident, $7 nonresident
Phone:
303-791-2710

Enjoy a slow walk along the High Line Canal to Spring Gulch Pond and discover some beautiful birds. Advance registration is required.

Full Moon Hikes

Date:
May 29, 2018 7pm
Cost:
$7 daily park pass or state parks annual pass required
Phone:
303-659-6005

Discover some interesting relationships and little known moon facts. There will be refreshments after the hike. RSVP by phone. Age 6 and up.

International Sportsman’s Expo

Date:
Jan 11, 2018 to Jan 14, 2018
Schedule:
Thu - Noon - 8pm, Fri - Noon - 8pm, Sat - 10am - 7pm, Sun - 10am - 5pm
Cost:
$16, age 15 and under, free.
Phone:
800-545-6100

Attend seminars on camping and offroading, and participate in a team casting contest.

Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting

Date:
Apr 28, 2018 to Sep 23, 2018
Cost:
Included with admission
Phone:
720-865-3500

See the largest outdoor solo exhibition by the artist. Brightly-colored metal sculptures created within the pixelated aesthetic of “Pac-Man” and other 8-bit vintage video games are presented throughout the gardens. Pixelated explores the relationships between the natural world and the artificial world of digital media.

Rockin’ Landforms

Date:
Jun 21, 2018 2 - 3pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-678-6215

Find hands-on learning about the three different types of rocks, how erosion shapes the landscape, and the moving power of uplift. Ages 5-12 with adult.

Cactus & Succulent Plant Sale

Date:
Mar 31, 2018 to Apr 01, 2018
Schedule:
9am-4:30pm both days
Cost:
Included with admission
Phone:
720-443-1026

Shop the largest succulent sale in the state. Buy kid-friendly plants, learn about plant care from local growers, and attend free how-to workshops.

Spring Plant Sale and Preview Party

Date:
May 10, 2018 to May 12, 2018
Schedule:
Spring Plant Sale Preview Party: Thu, May 10, 4-8pm, $45. Spring Plant Sale: May 11-12, free admission
Cost:
Free - $45
Phone:
720-865-3500

Get early access to the best selection of Spring Plant Sale offerings on May 10 while enjoying appetizers, wine, and beer. Members receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases. Then, May 11-12, shop the Spring Plant Sale for 15 plant divisions featuring quality flora. The sale is staffed by horticulture staff and volunteers who…

Animal Adaptations

Date:
Aug 13, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost:
Phone:
303-425-1097

Learn why beaver’s feet are webbed, how coyotes can hide so well, and many more adaptations that allow animals to thrive in nature. Kids will also make an animal track plaster cast to take home. Children must be accompanied by adults. All ages must register for this class through the City of Westminster’s Activity Registration…

History Hounds: Red Rocks

Date:
Jul 07, 2018 9 - 11am
Cost:
$15 member, $20 nonmember, $30 member family, $35 nonmember family
Phone:
303-866-2394

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…

Family Workshop: Warm Winter Cocoa

Date:
Dec 09, 2017 to Dec 10, 2017
Cost:
Phone:

10am-noon and 2-4pm. Follow the journey of a cacao bean and discover how chocolate is made. Make hot chocolate from scratch and take a hot chocolate mix home. Classes are designed for families with children ages 5-10. $17 child, $15 member child, $12 nonmember adult, $10 member adult.

Butterfly Pavilion $5 Day

Date:
Apr 21, 2018 9am - 5pm
Cost:
$5
Phone:
303-469-5441

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.

Drop in Discovery

Date:
Mar 01, 2018 to May 31, 2018
Schedule:
First Thu and third Mon of each month
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-898-7405

Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, and activities.

Seedlings

Date:
Jul 01, 2018 to Jul 31, 2018
Schedule:
Tue-Fri, hours vary by date
Cost:
$11 ages 18-36 months, $9 member; $13 ages 3-6, $11 member
Phone:
720-865-3500

Enjoy a fun, hands-on way for young children to explore the plant world while developing an understanding and appreciation for plants. Seedlings programs are offered for three different age groups and are modified to fit the developmental needs of each group. Week of July 10: Scrumptious Seeds; July 17: I Love Lavender; July 24: Edible…

Hunters Full Moon Hike

Date:
Oct 05, 2017 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost:
Phone:
303-697-6159

Leave those flashlights at home for this unique hiking adventure. No dogs, please. Register online. $2; park entrance fee waived.

Hiwan Kids: Build a Birdhouse

Date:
Jul 24, 2018 10 - 11:30am
Cost:
Free; donations accepted
Phone:
720-497-7650

Construct a wooden birdhouse to attract native birds to your house. The class involves using nails and screws, so parents of younger children should plan to stay with them for the program. Registration is required.

Rainforest Yoga

Date:
Mar 07, 2018 to Mar 31, 2018
Schedule:
8-9am or 5:30-6:30pm depending on date, March 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, and 31
Cost:
$8 members, $10 nonmembers
Phone:
720-974-1877

Practice yoga in a tropical conservatory filled with free-flying butterflies. Adults only, children age 13 and older may attend with an adult.

Telescope Night at Lagniappe

Date:
Dec 05, 2017
Cost:
FREE
Phone:
720-898-7405

After dark. Look for Naturalists from Majestic View Nature Center and Lookout Mountain Nature Center down in Olde Town near the water fountain to look at the stars.

Beekeeping Bootcamp: Package Installation

Date:
Apr 07, 2018 10am - 1pm
Cost:
$35 and up
Phone:
303-469-5441

Get help for beginning beekeepers. Workshops are taught by Mario Padilla, Butterfly Pavilion entomologist and knowledgeable beekeeper. Work alongside Mario and other learning beekeepers, developing the skills necessary to achieve thriving hives. For adults. Reservations required.

Zoom Into Nature

Date:
Apr 28, 2018 7:15 - 8:15pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
720-898-7000

Learn about nature photography with the basics, discovering how to spot a great photo in nature. Ask questions about your mobile camera or just enjoy the majestic view while practicing outside during the “golden hour.”

Hiwan Kids: Nature Art

Date:
Jul 19, 2018 10 - 11:30am
Cost:
Free; donations accepted
Phone:
720-497-7650

Take a closer look at nature through journal sketching and other art activities. Registration is required.

Fossils: Clues to the Past

Date:
Dec 01, 2017 to Feb 28, 2018
Schedule:
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-4pm; closed every Mon 11:45am-1:15pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-492-1666

See how fossils are studied and what things can be learned from them.

Chipotle Film Series: Hanna Ranch

Date:
Nov 14, 2017 6:00 PM
Cost:
Phone:

See three films relating to sustainable food practices, organic farming and community agriculture. Each evening includes food provided by Chipotle, a screening of the film, and a post-film panel discussion. $5.

Nature EdVentures: Peaceful Pollinators

Date:
Jun 14, 2018 5:30 - 7pm
Cost:
$10 Highlands Ranch resident, $10 nonresident
Phone:
303-791-2710

Celebrate Pollinators Month by exploring the gardens at Civic Green Park for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Catch insects with nets and examine them. Age 6 and up. Advance registration required.

Sombrero Marsh Family Visits

Date:
Feb 26, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
Schedule:
Mon-Tue, 1-5pm
Cost:
Free
Phone:
303-499-3647

Experience nature at the marsh, view exhibits, check out an exploration backpack, and more.

Irish Tales Along the Trails

Date:
Jul 07, 2018 to Aug 05, 2018
Schedule:
10am select days
Cost:
$20 adult, $17 concert member, $18 Colorado Mountain Club member, $15 children under age 10
Phone:
303-440-7666

Experience a moderate two-mile hike on the Enchanted Mesa Trail while scenes from the play are performed along the way, presented by Arts in the Open. Audience members are encouraged to bring camping chairs or blankets.

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