Hear thrilling tales of adventure from pioneers facing perilous encounters and daring escapes via historical reenactors.
Enjoy live entertainment, sing-along time with Jeff and Paige, and see a fireworks show at dusk. The event features CU's mascot Ralphie the Buffalo.
Learn garden-design basics and planting tips from a Jefferson County CSU Master Gardener. Register online.
Start off the summer with a splash at one of the nation's largest family water parks, celebrating its 40th year.
Play outside, meet new friends, and try games that your great grandparents might have played. Ages 6-12 with adult.
Explore the Barr Lake 9-mile trail at dusk by bike. Twilight is a quiet time in the park and wildlife abounds. Join a naturalist for this special time of day at the park. RSVP by phone.
Explore the tools of gardening, put the garden to bed, enjoy fruits and vegetables, and save seeds for next year. Ages 4-11. Reservations encouraged.
Join the Boulder County Park Rangers for winter games and snow-filled competition. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required online.
Roast marshmallows and learn all about Colorado mammals. Register online.
Enjoy a walk by the light of the moon, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first human lunar landing. Age 6 and up. Registration required.
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.
Stroll by the light of the moon and learn about the nocturnal critters that call Highlands Ranch home.
Hear the sounds of big band funk with an updated reading of classic styles at the outdoor amphitheater.
Skate to music from different eras, played by a variety of DJs.
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.
Learn all about the sneakiest animals in Rocky Mountain National Park and what it is like to walk in their paws. Ages 4-6.
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.
Join in a 5K followed by a race for kids using their adaptive equipment (tricycles, wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, etc.) to walk, roll, or ride their way to the 50 yard finish line. Kids receive a special prize for participating. Registration is required for Miles for Smiles but Jordyn's Dash is free, but RSVPs are required…
Take a swim on the last day of the pool season, with a special doggie session in the afternoon. Enjoy live music, a Woodstock-themed dog costume parade, a pet psychic, and pet portrait artist. RSVP by phone.
Join in a bike race and family-friendly festival with food, live music, vendors, and a kids' zone. Local breweries will also show off their summer brews.
Swim and play into the evening when the pool will be open late for games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Participate in a two-person-team family adventure race featuring a lake crossing, mountain bike course, and a run. Ages 6-15 with adult. Registration required. Park entry fee waived.
See the International Youth Ballet performing Alice in Wonderland. Bring a picnic and enjoy the show.
Enjoy a delicious and affordable grilled summer lunch and the opportunity to connect with the surrounding community over lawn games and music.
Learn about the bugs of Bear Creek through stories, songs, and interactive programs. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. Park entry fee required.
Enjoy the world's biggest bounce house. The candy-colored inflatable castle is 10,000 square feet of fun. There are various "zones," each with a theme and its own activity-based entertainment including an inflatable obstacle race, inflatable forest, trucks, and boats. A DJ will host games and competitions while spinning tunes. For safety reasons, sessions are divided…
Enjoy the music of a five-piece indie folk rock band from Boulder at an outdoor concert.
Skate on 6,500 square feet of ice, with historic Downtown Louisville as a backdrop.
Join in with Lookout Mountain Nature Center in Olde Town Arvada to see the stars. Meet in the center square just west of the library.
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.
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.
See tractor pulls, antique motors, and more. Age 5 and up.
Enjoy samples of meat plus an inflatable obstacle course, backyard games, and face painting booths.
Take your taste buds on a wild ride at the city of Aurora’s Food Truck Rodeo. Several different food trucks will be serving up tasty food and drink.
Visit Denver Botanic Gardens' property at the Plains Conservation Center for free thanks to SCFD.
Be part of a family-friendly 5K to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Enjoy activities, food, and fun. Donations are welcome.
Participate in the Race of the Santas, where hundreds of jolly look-alikes race down Main Street. After the race, stick around for the dog parade, and continue the festivities with the Lighting of Breckenridge, where Santa greets the holiday congregation from his horse-drawn carriage.
Enjoy a summer night of shore fishing at the lake. Anglers age 16 and up need a Colorado fishing license. Artificial and live bait permitted. Check in required at the trailhead on S. 104th St.
Enjoy a play about extraterrestrials, paying homage to classic science fiction stories from the 1950s, accompanied by an easy hike. Sponsored by Arts in the Open. Reservations required.
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.
Explore the Barr Lake 9-mile trail at dusk by bike. Twilight is a quiet time in the park and wildlife abounds. Join a naturalist for this special time of day at the park. RSVP by phone.
See giant sand sculptures and enjoy local food, artisan vendors, and live music.
Mingle with other families at the outdoor Baby Pool at the JCC Denver. Cocktails and appetizers provided for adults, and chalk, bubbles, and kid-friendly snacks for kids. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, visit mazeltogether.org.
Experience an exciting living history reenactment of the life of brave pioneer, Abner Sprague, appropriate for all ages. There will be time for discussion and reflection on how this pioneer story has meaning for our understanding of Rocky Mountain National Park and the the area’s tourism.
Enjoy music from Chris Daniels and the Kings, a bounce house, and face painting. Fireworks show at dusk.
Celebrate Father's Day by swimming at Foothills Park & Recreation District’s indoor and outdoor pools. Dads swim free when accompanied by their kids.
Hike along a winding trail and learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the area from a park naturalist. Bring water and sunscreen. Register in advance.
Climb trees safely on ropes with the help of trained facilitators. Equipment provided. Age 7 and up. Reservations required.
Take a closer look at nature through journal sketching and other art activities. Registration is required.
Take the kids to spend time outdoors connecting with nature. Register online.
Bring a blanket and settle into the outdoors for a movie under the stars.
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.
Fri. 7am – 10am, Sat. 7am – 9pm, Sun. 7am – 10am. Enjoy balloon races, music and a light show.
Participate in family-geared educational sessions on winter survival tips and mountaineering skills, guided hikes, and backcountry ski meet-ups.
Jump around in bounce houses and splash around in water activities. Formerly known as Splash in the Park.
Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Pearl Street Mall with live music, activities, and an extended beer garden on the Boulder County Courthouse lawn.
Learn the art of fly fishing. There is one classroom session and an outdoor classroom and field trip. Ladies age 16 and up.
Learn fishing tips from Colorado Division of Wildlife experts. Fishing pole provided. Class tends to sell out quickly. Ages 6-11.
Bundle up for the 14th season of ice skating on a 7000-square foot outdoor ice rink located on the Belmar Plaza. Santa will be available for pictures Nov. 30-Dec. 23.
Attend the longest-running snowboarding competition in the world in men’s and women’s slopestyle and halfpipe competitions. This will be the first major snowboard competition after the Peyong Chang games. There will be live concerts each day, a Riglet park for kids ages 3-6, an Après All Day program, Broomball tournament, and athlete signings.
Spend Friday night watching a movie while relaxing in the water at Island Kingdom Water Park.
Enjoy a free breakfast, and help clean Johnson Habitat Park with your family.
Enjoy views of the Rockies and run through the Community College Open Space park while being entertained and cheered on by a variety of dance groups. Race day festivities include a 5K race, a one-mile Fun Run, a post-race celebration for participants, music, free photo booth, color hair spray station, face painting, and kids activities.…
Explore the nighttime sky with Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Meet in Olde Town Arvada Square just west of the library.
Visit Denver Botanic Gardens' rural setting, for an SCFD free day.
Climb safely on ropes into the crown of a tall tree. Age 7 and up. Reservations required. $35 Lafayette residents; $45 nonresidents.
Celebrate Independence Day with a concert and fireworks on the lawn at Hudson Gardens.
Take your taste buds on a wild ride at the city of Aurora’s Food Truck Rodeo. Several different food trucks will be serving up tasty food and drink.
Play at the pool late with games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Learn about worms by exploring in the garden. Ages 3-6. Register online.
Celebrate by dropping by to enjoy live animals, free refreshments, and other family-friendly activities.
Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, kid-friendly activities, and discovery time on the trail. Age 5 and under.
Celebrate the 1918 completion of Camp Neosho at Hiwan Heritage Park with games, demonstrations, music, and food.
Go outside to observe the constellations and listen for neighboring wildlife. Dress for the weather. Registration required.
Enjoy clinics, demos, bike safety checks, a rock climbing wall, and more for the whole family.
Experience the lake under the summer night sky on a moonlit stroll.
Register online to discover nature through fun, hands-on learning. Dress for the weather. Age 13 and up.
Enjoy a day of playing in nature. Register online.
Join more than 10,000 runners in a variety of races through the historic neighborhoods of Cherry Creek, Country Club, Cheesman Park, and Congress Park.
Bring your family and your Easter basket to gather eggs and fun nature facts. There will be crafts (by Bird Conservancy of the Rockies), face painting and lots of fun. Reservations are required. Ages 3-10.
Learn what plants need to grow while digging in the dirt and helping plant and harvest veggies in WOW!'s garden.
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.
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.
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.
Learn facts about the moon in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Age 5 and up. Registration required.
Have fun at the pool which will be open late for games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Dec. 2, 9, and 16, 1-3pm. Skate laps around The Rink at Belmar along with Santa, included with regular skating admission.
Join the National Wildlife Federation and Ranger Rick for a day full of family-friendly activities including guided nature walks, wildlife themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and camping tips.
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.
Enjoy a nature playdate and have fun getting dirty. Register online.
Come to the farm to learn about seeds, hear stories, and try some seed activities. Ages 3-7 with caregiver.
Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.
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.
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.
Enjoy a concert by indie rock singer songwriter Arkfoo at the outdoor amphitheater, who has been compared to Coldplay, One Republic, and U2.
Enjoy an outdoor concert at the museum featuring a seven-piece classic country band from Loveland.
Attend an SCFD Free Day at The Urban Farm, visiting vendors specializing in natural, organic, and sustainable specialty items. It's also the last day of Annual Plant Sale featuring over 70 varieties of tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and eggplant.
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.
Go on an adventure with Lookout Mountain Nature Center for nighttime discovery. Meet in Olde Town Arvada Square just west of the library.
Participate in hourlong fishing sessions. Instruction, poles, and bait provided. Reservations required online for 8am, 9am, or 10am time slots. Ages 6-12 with parent.
Learn some tips and tricks to nature photography during the “Golden Hour” to capture nature landscapes surrounding the Majestic View Nature Center. Register online.
Join in a fundraising event that encourages understanding and acceptance for those with autism. The event includes entertainment, games, and food.
Tackle 2700 stairs and then enjoy a free family festival after the climb. New this year, kids age 12 and under can participate in a free, untimed Run Wave if parents are registered for the main race. See website to register.
Enjoy holiday lights while putting through three holiday themed mini-golf courses.
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.
Take your taste buds on a wild ride at the city of Aurora’s Food Truck Rodeo. Several different food trucks will be serving up tasty food and drink.
Enjoy a slow walk along the High Line Canal to Spring Gulch Pond and discover some beautiful birds. Advance registration is required.
Learn about typical winter chores and indoor games while exploring the Walker Ranch Homestead. Call or contact Sheryl Kippen at skippen@bouldercounty.org for more information.
Enjoy swimming and playing in the sand at the Boulder Reservoir with your family.
See the world’s best skiers and riders, including individual men’s and women’s Modified Superpipe and Slopestyle snowboarding and skiing competitions, its signature Team Challenge and Streetstyle events, and men’s and women’s snowboard adaptive banked slalom events. Hear seven-piece funk band The Motet perform an all-ages concert.
Take your child to listen to stories about the natural world. Ages 3-5 with adult. RSVP by phone.
Solve real-life mysteries by learning how to recognize different animal signs like scat (a fancy word for poop) and tracks. Take home a cast of an animal track. Ages 7-12.
Celebrate summer with the opening of Foothills Park and Recreation District’s four outdoor pool locations. Children age 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water.
Enjoy fun family activities and entertainment for all ages on the CU campus.
Get the after-school energy out with an artistic exploration into animals. Registration is required online. Ages 6-14.
Experience an outdoor concert at the museum featuring a jazz band, performing hits you can dance to from Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and more.
Run along an interactive course to find special trick/treat eggs, with the chance to win prizes. Take the kids to participate in the Kids 1K Rabbit Rush, Easter egg hunt, free yoga classes, face painting, balloon artist, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.
Fly or watch kites, hear music, and enjoy vendors, food booths, and free kids activities.
Learn about Colorado mining history and try your hand at panning for gold. Reservations required: 303-258-7332. Age 5 and up.
Play outside, meet new friends, and try games that your great grandparents might have played. Ages 6-12 with adult.
Pet the goats, meet the farmers, and watch a goat milking demonstration, in addition to other goat-related offerings.
Experience farm life with baby animals, tire swings, a zip line, and more. Free under 12 months. Reservations required online.
Take a self-guided garden tour through gardens around Northwest Denver. The tour benefits school programs, which work to reduce violence and bullying in schools.
Explore the carnivorous creatures that call Standley Lake home.
Learn the basics of choosing the best fruit trees for Colorado, planting instructions, pests and diseases, and best orcharding practices for the region. Watch a pruning demonstration and discuss winter care. For adults.
Join volunteer naturalists for a hands-on program to learn about local animals. Visit the historic ranch house after the program.
Shop fifteen plant divisions including annuals, herbs, and houseplants, staffed by experts who can answer your plant questions and offer advice.
Swim for only $3 per person during open swim hours on July 4th. Children 5 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult (age 18 or older) and be within arm’s reach at all times.
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.
Join in an event to benefit String of Pearls, a local nonprofit. In addition to the run/walk, there will also be a bounce house.
Join Lookout Mountain Nature Center in Olde Town Arvada to see the stars. Meet in the center square just west of the library.
Run the ultimate urban tour throughout the Denver area on several courses. Start times and locations vary depending on the race.
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.
Explore history outdoors while playing classic games and learning about native plants. Registration is required.
Take advantage of a rare opportunity to spend the night in the park. Enjoy a grilled dinner, play games, work in teams, exercise nocturnal skills in observing wildlife on a night hike, sleep under the stars, and have breakfast with new friends. Parents may participate as event chaperone. Registration is required. Ages 7-13.
Celebrate Colorado's cultural and scientific organizations with a varied schedule of performances and events.
Attend this annual flag football camp and learn techniques and practice drills for offensive and defensive positions. All skill levels are welcome. Advance registration is required by Friday, March 2. Ages 4-14. Takes place at Shea Stadium within the park.
Experience farm life with baby animals, tire swings, and a zip line. Free under 12 months. Reservations required online.
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.
Stroll along one of Arvada’s 149-plus miles of trails with Arvada native Dean Bernard. Adults and children will enjoy learning about nature in and around Arvada. Register online.
Close out the Snowmass ski season with on-mountain and off-mountain celebrations including the Surf & Snow Beach Party at Elk Camp followed by a swimsuit ski to the base of the mountain.
Discover what comes out at night at Star K Ranch. Age 4 and up.
Experience Bear Creek Lake Park in all its haunted magic with an evening of ghostly trails and tales, with games and fun for everyone.
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;…
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.
Swim for free at JCC Denver during a pirate-themed party. This event is open to the public.
Take guided tours of the 168-acre property and meet horses available for adoption. Guests can also enjoy local food trucks, games for kids, and a chili cook-off. Learn how the Harmony Equine Center trains formerly abused or neglected horses so they are ready for adoption.
Learn the art of fly fishing. There is one classroom session and an outdoor classroom and field trip. Ladies age 16 and up.
Create artwork from natural items gathered in the open space. Ages 3-6. Registration is required one week in advance at highlandsranch.org/signmeup.
Learn about wildlife, plants, and climate, meet birds of prey, hunt for prizes, enjoy children's theater, and more.
Enjoy the outdoors while reading laminated page from children’s books permanently installed along an outdoor path. Visitors will be directed to the next page in the story as they walk, and participate in learning activities.
Enjoy Four Mile’s monthly storytime. This month features Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trails by Verla Kay. Gold panning activities will follow the tale. Stay for Four Mile Free Day.
Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.
Celebrate Mother’s Day by visiting the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Enjoy a self-guided tour or pack a picnic lunch to eat on the front lawn.
Skate at the 7,000 square foot outdoor rink located in the Plaza.
Peek into the past and see what pioneers did for work and fun on a mountain ranch. Cheer on the vintage baseball players and learn some facts about old-fashioned sports and pastimes.
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.
Join local fishing experts for a day of reeling in perch, bass, trout, and bluegill. Registration is required but space is limited. Ages 6-14.
Hours vary by day of the week. Skate on one of the only ice trails in the country. The 450-foot long ice trail is designed to loop through the landscape like a frozen river. Stay warm by taking a seat next to any of three nearby fire pits, or by purchasing hot chocolate at the…
Enjoy music at the outdoor amphitheater you can dance to featuring songs that span five decades of funk, soul, and R&B.
Enjoy hands-on kids' activities, live music, and food. Watch Longmont Kinetics' Parade on the Pond, Sat 6-7pm, featuring human-powered all-terrain art sculptures on land and water.
Take kids to explore outside and get messy. Register online.
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.
Learn to bait, cast, tie knots, reel ’em in, and unhook the catch. Participants will receive a free rod. Advance registration is required.
Learn about a few of the weirder members of the animal kingdom and how being unique can be a great thing. Ages 4-10. Registration required.
Take your taste buds on a wild ride at the city of Aurora’s Food Truck Rodeo. Several different food trucks will be serving up tasty food and drink.
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.
Investigate different Colorado mammals and discover what they might be up to during this cold season. Ages 3-6. Register online.
Skate in the heart of the city, at the base of the Daniels & Fisher Tower in downtown Denver. Every Sun, 9-1oam, join staff for free skate lessons for all ages and levels. Other events include Fri night DJs, 7-9pm, and Sat morning yoga, 9-9:45am.
Enjoy a walking tour that uses pictures, quotes, landmarks, and stories to paint a vivid picture of life in early Longmont. Reservations required.
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.
Learn tips and tricks to become a better wildlife watcher. Register online.
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.
Volunteer to help transplant native plants from the High Plains Environmental Center greenhouse, learn about what it means to be a good steward, and go on a fun nature hike. Lunch is provided. Ages 6-12 and their families.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and take a stroll through Boulder's Civic Area, illuminated with more than 225,000 LED lights.
Join a native plant master and a park ranger on a hike up to Highlands Point. Advance registration is required. Age 8 and up.
Discover some interesting relationships and little known moon facts. There will be refreshments after the hike. RSVP by phone. Age 6 and up.
Learn the basics of skateboarding through this special program called SkateStart Level 1. SkateStart boards will be available to use during class. Perfect for young beginners. Advance registration is required by Monday, March 5. Ages 4-12. Takes place at Redstone Skate Park within the park.
Explore the Barr Lake 9-mile trail at dusk by bike. Twilight is a quiet time in the park and wildlife abounds. Join a naturalist for this special time of day at the park. RSVP by phone.
Join Bee Guru, Gregg McMahan, as he reveals the importance of bees for humans and nature alike. Age 8 and up.
Enjoy a rural setting and learn about the agricultural history of Boulder County. The farm features two barns with interactive exhibits, a milk house, blacksmith shop, and a furnished 1909 farmhouse. Tours start at 11am; groups can make special arrangements for tours.
Start a summer of fun at the Del Mar Family Aquatic Center or any of the other five pools located throughout the city.
Enjoy some night sky viewing with telescopes and learn about nocturnal wildlife.
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week by exploring the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Event activities include archery, wildlife activity booths, and live animals.
Learn how to read a map, orient yourself, and find various sites using a map and compass. All participants will get to keep their found treasures as well as a Silva compass, a $12 value. Ages 8-12. Advance registration required. $20 Highlands Ranch resident, $23 nonresident.
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…
Skate outdoors in Boulder on the plaza next to the Dushanbe Teahouse.
Climb safely on ropes into the crown of a tall tree. Age 7 and up. Reservations required.
Celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the outdoors. Learn about interaction with water, pick up trash, and make a recycled craft.
Enjoy a wildflower hike to the highest point in Highlands Ranch while learning about native wildflowers and the local pollinators that have co-evolved with them. Advance registration is required. Age 8 and up.
Attend a family expo with a 5K. New for 2019, the Kids Marathon Challenge is a fun way for kids ages 14 and under to set a fitness goal and complete a marathon at the same time. Kids who take on the challenge commit to running or walking a total of 25.3 miles.
Skate together, play skate-related games, work on new skills and tricks, and learn about skateboarding history. Reservations required.
Explore outside during these special outdoor nature playdates. Register online.
Celebrate summer with the opening of Foothills Park & Recreation District’s four outdoor pool locations and get special $3 admission offered on opening day.
Enjoy a good story and roast marshmallows to make s’mores around the campfire with a ranger, followed by kids crafts in the Nature Center. RSVP required by phone.
Learn more about bees and beekeeping. Register online.
Come for hands-on self-guided exploration. Chat with an educator, and grab an exploration backpack of activities and supplies. Then head on out to the marsh to identify tracks, listen to songbirds, and catch critters in a net.
Get a close up view of the Air Force Thunderbirds as they fly over the museum property. Enjoy the 27 acres and have a picnic or buy food on site.
Take your taste buds on a wild ride at the city of Aurora’s Food Truck Rodeo. Several different food trucks will be serving up tasty food and drink.
Enjoy free concerts and family-friendly theater performances. Seating is on grass, bring blankets or lawn chairs. Dogs welcome on leash only.
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…
Discover how to spot wildlife that loves the snow and play some winter animal I Spy. Register online.
Get decked out and be festive while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability, arthritis. Wear a favorite holiday costume and tie jingle bells to shoelaces.
See Foothills Theater Company's presentation of The Comedy of Errors. Seating is on grass, glass containers are prohibited, and dogs are welcome on leash only.
Play at the pool late with games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.
Help beautify Standley Lake with trash pick-up, weed pulling, or other outdoor tasks. All ages welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Experience the traditional torchlight parade in which skiers and snowboards age 8 and up are invited to join. Then see fireworks illuminating the sky and slopes.
Leave those flashlights at home and let a park naturalist guide you along the trails of Bear Creek Lake Park. Reservation required. $2.
Bundle up for a fun afternoon of hay rides around the Mount Vernon Canyon Club grounds, lunch on the grill including burgers and brats, and a hot chocolate bar. Sledding and snow painting will commence if the weather allows. Register in advance by calling 303-526-0616.
Enjoy a community atmosphere while learning about the birding world. Ages 6-15. Sign up by phone.
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…
Stroll pathways leading to various themed gardens for free, thanks to an SCFD free day.
Take a chilly dip for the signature event raising funds and awareness for the mission and programs of Special Olympics. Run into the water wearing your finest costumes and be automatically entered into the costume contest. Attend the party pre-Plunge with hot food and drink and a DJ spinning tunes. Plunges are happening at multiple…
Explore the Barr Lake 9-mile trail at dusk by bike. Twilight is a quiet time in the park and wildlife abounds. Join a naturalist for this special time of day at the park. RSVP by phone.
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with special activities, a parade, and the more than 15,000 tulips that adorn the Pearl Street Mall. Age 12 and under.
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.
Enjoy samples of a wide variety of soups as local restaurants and amateur cooks duke it out for the titles of best professional soup and best amateur soup respectively. The guests will be the judges as they sample soup and vote for their favorite professional and amateur soups. Ticket pricing includes unlimited soup tasting, two…
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.
Skate together, play skate-related games, work on new skills and tricks, learn about skateboarding history, and enjoy the skateboarding community.
Take your taste buds on a wild ride at the city of Aurora’s Food Truck Rodeo. Several different food trucks will be serving up tasty food and drink.
Go on a scavenger hunt to celebrate National Scavenger Hunt Day. Dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. Register online. Age 4 and up.
Kick off the summer season with special activities and entertainment. Bring your picnic or enjoy the menu at the Garden Grill. There will be special activities and treats for kids and adults. Family 4-pack deals are available.
Learn a little about the season and create a pumpkin. Explore the natural environment through stories and songs. Ages 3-5. Registration required.
Enjoy a nature playdate. Register online.
Hear the popular music ensemble of the United States Air Force Academy Band at the outdoor amphitheater.
Explore best practices for maintaining a healthy garden once it is growing. Learn a variety of techniques that reduce weed pressure, such as solarization and cover cropping, how to set up an irrigation system and conserve water in the garden, and see some tools you can use to make these tasks more efficient.
Enjoy free movie night in Downtown Castle Rock. There'll be a street fair with bounce houses, family activities, and food vendors on-site.
Board the train and enjoy a ride down the bricks of the Pearl Street Mall. Ages 10 and under.
Enjoy a day at the outdoor JCC Baby Pool with snacks, bubbles, chalk, and pool time. Age 3 and under. Register online.
Have fun at a carnival-themed pool party with activities including pool fitness classes and family-friendly activities.
Learn the basics of fishing, then grab a pole and hit the pond to catch fish. Ages 6-11.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a Film in the Park. Movie snacks and novelties will be available for purchase from Kona Ice.
Splash around in the park and enjoy a free concert starting at 7pm.
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 the garden across the street from the main Denver Botanic Gardens York Street facility. Geared toward kids, there are winding paths, a bridge, and special events.
Roast marshmallows around the campfire and learn about a different nature topic each night. Registration required. Park entry fee required. Dates and hours vary.
Run for a cause during the Susan G. Komen Colorado event. There will be a Lil’ Stompers Dash, a 3K route, and a 5K option. Participants are treated to a pancake breakfast and energetic music.
See the Heritage Center lit up in a display of holiday cheer. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, go on a hay wagon ride, make ornaments, and take a photo with Santa.
Enjoy Gem & Mineral Day. Volunteers are stationed along the Dinosaur Ridge Trail at significant interpretive sites, while others staff booths and activities. Visitors can hike at their own pace or take the shuttle bus at $4 per person on these special days (ages three and under ride free).
Tour Dinosaur Ridge with your canine companion.
Enjoy live entertainment featuring the band After Midnight, in the heart of Highlands Ranch.
Explore the Barr Lake 9-mile trail at dusk by bike. Twilight is a quiet time in the park and wildlife abounds. Join a naturalist for this special time of day at the park. RSVP by phone.
Take the kids to enjoy a nature playdate. Register online.
Dance to local DJs outdoors, to different music genres each week. All ages.
Look at the stars in the center square just west of the library.
Celebrate with live music, jump castles, and food trucks.
Follow a park naturalist along trails and green spaces. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress for weather conditions, and bring water. Register in advance.
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.
