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.
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 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.
Join a native plant master and a park ranger on a hike up to Highlands Point. Advance registration is required. Age 8 and up.
Enjoy swimming and playing in the sand at the Boulder Reservoir with your family.
Roast marshmallows and learn all about Colorado mammals. Register online.
Stroll pathways leading to various themed gardens for free, thanks to an SCFD free day.
Try to catch some catfish at Stearns Lake during normal closed hours. Anglers 16-years and older must have a current Colorado fishing license.
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.
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.
Skate outdoors in Boulder on the plaza next to the Dushanbe Teahouse.
Search the garden environment for inspiration for art, handcrafted projects, and warm fall treats. Ages 5-11.
Dec. 2, 9, and 16, 1-3pm. Skate laps around The Rink at Belmar along with Santa, included with regular skating admission.
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.
Fly or watch kites, hear music, and enjoy vendors, food booths, and free kids activities.
Skate together, play skate-related games, work on new skills and tricks, and learn about skateboarding history. Reservations required.
Celebrate summer at Foothills Park & Recreation District’s pool parties with a special $3 admission offer.
Go on an early morning nature walk admiring the different things you'll see. Registration required.
Splash around in the park and enjoy a free concert starting at 7pm.
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.
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.
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.
Witness this annual holiday event complete with more than 40 units including illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, cultural entries, and a visit from Santa.
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.
Take your child to listen to stories about the natural world. Ages 3-5 with adult. RSVP by phone.
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.
Enjoy a day at the outdoor JCC Baby Pool with snacks, bubbles, chalk, and pool time. Age 3 and under. Register online.
See the International Youth Ballet performing Alice in Wonderland. Bring a picnic and enjoy the show.
See a free, family-friendly movie. Attendees can win prizes.
Enjoy some night sky viewing with telescopes and learn about nocturnal wildlife.
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.
Be part of a family-friendly 5K to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Enjoy activities, food, and fun. Donations are welcome.
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 at 303-659-6005. The event is limited to 25 bikes.
Enjoy a different group of stories and songs each Wed, followed by a craft or activity. Ages newborn-5 years.
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.
See the monarchs, painted ladies, and other special plants and animals on a guided tour. Then, explore the farm. Registration required.
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.
Attend an event hosted by Olympic and X Games medalist and Aspen Snowmass ambassador, Torah Bright for riders and skiers with a valid lift ticket. Participants must be an intermediate level rider or skier to participate, and helmets are required. Age 7-17.
Look at the stars in the center square just west of the library.
Experience farm life with baby animals, tire swings, and a zip line. Free under 12 months. Reservations required online.
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…
Experience the park in all its ghoulish magic with an evening of ghostly trails and tales. Discover the critters of the night, play carnival games, enjoy tasty treats, roast marshmallows, and sip hot chocolate.
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.
Hear the sounds of big band funk with an updated reading of classic styles at the outdoor amphitheater.
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.
Learn the art of fly fishing. There is one classroom session and an outdoor classroom and field trip. Ladies age 16 and up.
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.
Enjoy a slow walk along the High Line Canal to Spring Gulch Pond and discover some beautiful birds. Advance registration is required.
Enjoy a nature playdate. Register online.
Enjoy a concert by indie rock singer songwriter Arkfoo at the outdoor amphitheater, who has been compared to Coldplay, One Republic, and U2.
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.
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.
Join the Boulder County Park Rangers for winter games and snow-filled competition. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations required online.
Join Great Outdoors Colorado and Generation Wild to help check off 100 things to do before you're 12. Children will experience special stations to help check off these fun activities that encourage children and families to enjoy nature and live life outside.
Meet and take pictures with the descendants of dinosaurs.
Celebrate Independence Day eve with a concert with the Neil Diamond tribute band, followed by a fireworks show.
Welcome winter by exploring the trails of Standley Lake on the shortest day of the year. Discover the traditions and lore behind the celebration of the passage into winter. Class size is limited.
Join volunteer naturalists for a fun, hands-on program to learn about some of the animals that call Sandstone Open Space home.
Start off the summer with a splash at one of the nation's largest family water parks, celebrating its 40th year.
Spend the night in the heart of Arvada, enjoying the beauty of the park, during this inaugural event. Registration required. Age 5 and up.
See tractor pulls, antique motors, and more. Age 5 and up.
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.
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.
Skate in the heart of the city at the base of the Daniels & Fisher Tower in downtown Denver. Every Sun, 9-10am, join staff for free skate lessons for all ages and levels.
Join volunteer naturalists for a hands-on program to learn about local animals. Visit the historic ranch house after the program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Dinosaur Ridge with your canine companion.
Learn about worms by exploring in the garden. Ages 3-6. Register online.
Join in for one, two, or all three fun-filled days of winter survival, animal tracking, and other nature activities. Bring snacks and a water bottle, and dress to be outdoors. Ages 8-12.
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 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.
Join park ranger Bryce Oubre for a kayaking trip that includes boating safety tips, wildlife identification, and reservoir geography. Age 6 and up.
Learn the art of fly fishing. There is one classroom session and an outdoor classroom and field trip. Ladies age 16 and up.
Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.
Look up and see the Denver Theatre District's ongoing, year-round projection mapping installation on the Arapahoe Street side of the Daniels & Fisher Tower. The content, designed by artists and the community, will feature a variety of art and will rotate designs.
Enjoy stories, songs, and interactive programs surrounding the theme of bears. Registration required. Ages 3-5.
Walk alongside Kate Armstrong, a practiced urban forager, and identify edible and medicinal plants. Registration required. Age 8 and up.
Learn about wildlife, plants, and climate, meet birds of prey, hunt for prizes, enjoy children's theater, and more.
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.
Take a closer look at nature through journal sketching and other art activities. Registration is required.
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.
Get inspiration and tips for taking young kids hiking, camping, or backpacking from the creator of the award-winning film series Wild Toddler Chronicles. Brian will also discuss how he plans trips with young kids and will recommend gear.
Shop fifteen plant divisions including annuals, herbs, and houseplants, staffed by experts who can answer your plant questions and offer advice.
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.
Enjoy a walking tour that uses pictures, quotes, landmarks, and stories to paint a vivid picture of life in early Longmont. Reservations required.
Enjoy a nature playdate and have fun getting dirty. Register online.
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.
Take the kids to enjoy a nature playdate. Register online.
Hear the popular music ensemble of the United States Air Force Academy Band at the outdoor amphitheater.
Swim for free at JCC Denver during a pirate-themed party. This event is open to the public.
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 kids to explore outside and get messy. 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.
Dance to local DJs outdoors, to different music genres each week. All ages.
Go outside to observe the constellations and listen for neighboring wildlife. Dress for the weather. Registration required.
Enjoy holiday lights while putting through three holiday themed mini-golf courses.
Climb safely on ropes into the crown of a tall tree. Age 7 and up. Reservations required. $35 Lafayette residents; $45 nonresidents.
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.
Enjoy live entertainment, sing-along time with Jeff and Paige, and a fireworks show at dusk. The event features CU's mascot Ralphie the Buffalo.
Learn what plants need to grow while digging in the dirt and helping plant and harvest veggies in WOW!'s garden.
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week by exploring the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Event activities include archery, wildlife activity booths, and live animals.
Support Hunger Free Colorado and its mission to end hunger in our state. Hike the school's trail and enjoy games, food, giveaways, and music.
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…
Print or digitally save a Parks BINGO card found on the website. Then try one of the activities listed, take a picture, tag Engleewood Parks & Rec using #englewoodcoparks. Complete five activities and be entered to win prizes including passes to Pirates Cove.
Look for wildlife and watch the rise or set from a kayak on the beautiful Aurora Reservoir. Age 12 and up. Registration required.
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.
Bring a blanket and settle into the outdoors for a movie under the stars.
Play at the pool late with games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Play at the pool late with games and an inflatable obstacle course.
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.
Experience a full day of arts and crafts, lesson plans with engaging activities, a guest speaker, and hiking/outdoor fossil discovery (weather permitting). Ages 6-11.
Pet the goats, meet the farmers, and watch a goat milking demonstration, in addition to other goat-related offerings.
Enjoy free movie night in Downtown Castle Rock. There'll be a street fair with bounce houses, family activities, and food vendors on-site.
Skate on a 6,500-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink with historic Downtown Louisville as a backdrop.
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.
Enjoy a free breakfast, and help clean Johnson Habitat Park with your family.
Learn some tips and tricks to nature photography during the “Golden Hour” to capture nature landscapes surrounding the Majestic View Nature Center. Register online.
Uncover the reasoning behind why animals deserve the title of a powerful representative of teams across the country.
Celebrate the arts, music, and nature in one event including an adventure area with kayaking and paddleboarding in a swimming pool, climbing wall, Ninja Warrior course, and arts courses for teens and adults.
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…
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.
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 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…
Play outside, meet new friends, and try games that your great grandparents might have played. Ages 6-12 with adult.
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;…
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.
Spend the night outside with more than 100 other community members to raise awareness and funds for youth experiencing homelessness in Colorado.
Stroll by the light of the moon and learn about the nocturnal critters that call Highlands Ranch home.
Discover how to spot wildlife that loves the snow and play some winter animal I Spy. Register online.
Enjoy the music of a five-piece indie folk rock band from Boulder at an outdoor concert.
Spend Friday night watching a movie while relaxing in the water at Island Kingdom Water Park.
Celebrate Colorado's cultural and scientific organizations with a varied schedule of performances and events.
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 oasis Standley Lake provides for humans and wildlife alike on this guided paddling tour. Tour includes life jackets, kayaks, and paddles. Registration required. Age 7 and up.
Join a park naturalist on a quiet morning to search for resident and migratory birds who call local trees, burrows, and waterways home. Age 8 and up.
Enjoy samples of barbecue, drinks, and live musical performances.
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.
Listen to eerie Colorado myths and legends by twilight and discover what is prowling the ranch while everyone else sleeps. Take a hike to observe nocturnal animals and get hands-on with skins and skulls. Registration is required.
See giant sand sculptures and enjoy local food, artisan vendors, and live music.
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 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. Costs vary for food and drink.
Go on an adventure with Lookout Mountain Nature Center for nighttime discovery. Meet in Olde Town Arvada Square just west of the library.
Submit your most creative photography of the Rooney Valley. The contest celebrates the diverse natural features and recreational opportunities to be appreciated and enjoyed throughout the Rooney Valley. Photo ops include Bandimere Raceway, Dinosaur Ridge, and anywhere else within the Valley. The contest is open to all ages, however separate youth competition and prizes are…
Enjoy music at the outdoor amphitheater you can dance to featuring songs that span five decades of funk, soul, and R&B.
Learn garden-design basics and planting tips from a Jefferson County CSU Master Gardener. Register online.
Celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the outdoors. Learn about interaction with water, pick up trash, and make a recycled craft.
Roast marshmallows around the campfire and learn about a different nature topic each night. Registration required. Park entry fee required. Dates and hours vary.
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.
Experience farm life with baby animals, tire swings, a zip line, and more. Free under 12 months. Reservations required online.
Make the trek to the highest point in Highlands Ranch and take in the view with a Highlands Ranch Metro District park ranger. Age 6 and up with parent. Registration required.
Enjoy fishing, explore beaver pelts, and build a river with foam blocks. Age 5 and up.
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.
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 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.
Learn about the night sky through a scientific presentation, mythology, and folklore of the stars. Age 6 and up.
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.
Learn about the many species of animals that create habitats in Denver and call the city and the South Platte River home. There will be games, crafts, adventures, and a top secret mission about the environment. For kids in kindergarten-5th grade.
Register online to discover nature through fun, hands-on learning. Dress for the weather. Age 13 and up.
Learn about Aurora's true nature by exploring Star K Ranch. This month's topic is all things water. Ages 6-12. Registration required.
Climb safely on ropes into the crown of a tall tree. Age 7 and up. Reservations required.
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.
Learn fishing tips from Colorado Division of Wildlife experts. Fishing pole provided. Class tends to sell out quickly. Ages 6-11.
Visit Denver Botanic Gardens' rural setting, for an SCFD free day.
Giddyup on a ride around The Orchard's winter wonderland. Pick-up and drop-off location will be in Town Center Square.
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.
Come to the farm to learn about seeds, hear stories, and try some seed activities. Ages 3-7 with caregiver.
Leave the flashlights at home for this unique hiking adventure for the whole family. Registration required.
Visit Denver Botanic Gardens' property at the Plains Conservation Center for free thanks to SCFD.
Let little ones test their new-found balance bike skills on the racetrack. Children of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Race day will also include the 14x Experience, an area where kids can try pedaling for the first time. Ages 2-6.
Attend a nature program designed for tots. Discover the park using all your senses and hands-on activities. Ages 3-5.
Please note, the opening date has changed from Nov. 14 to November 21. The date changed after our magazine went to print. Combine skating on the 7,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink with opportunities to shop and dine at Belmar Plaza. Santa will be available for pictures Nov. 30-Dec. 23. One-hour skate limit per admission.
Experience a full day of arts and crafts, lesson plans with engaging activities, a guest speaker, and hiking/outdoor fossil discovery (weather permitting). Ages 6-11.
Participate in a trash and debris cleanup in one of the highly trafficked regions of the park.
Take a moderate hike on the Enchanted Mesa Trail while scenes from the play are performed along the way. The approximate length of the hike is two miles with an elevation gain of 400 feet. Age 6 and up. Meet at the Chautauqua Picnic Shelter.
View a rare celestial event through a special, solar-filtered telescope when Mercury orbits between the Earth and the Sun.
Conquer an obstacle course featuring 18 obstacles primed to make you fly and climb higher than ever before. There's also a pint-sized play lot that's just for kids.
Celebrate Father's Day by swimming at Foothills Park & Recreation District’s indoor and outdoor pools. Dads swim free when accompanied by their kids.
Look for wildlife and watch the sunset from a kayak on Aurora Reservoir. Age 12 and up. Registration required.
Learn about Aurora's true nature by exploring Star K Ranch. This month's topic is about bats. Registration required. Ages 6-12.
Enjoy free concerts and family-friendly theater performances. Seating is on grass, bring blankets or lawn chairs. Dogs welcome on leash only.
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 facts about the moon in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Age 5 and up. Registration required.
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.
Experience the lake under the summer night sky on a moonlit stroll. Registration required.
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.
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.
Enjoy family-friendly screenings of movies from the 1970s and 80s on the rink. Complimentary popcorn will be provided, and families are encouraged to bring blankets and a picnic.
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.
Enjoy a unique river festival that includes a River Rodeo of makeshift boats and costumed crews braving the small waves at Confluence Park; a Kids Zone with a climbing wall, stand up paddleboard demos, and a mini-slacklining course; and live music, vendors, and food.
Enjoy the combination of Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day with clinics, demos, and bike safety checks, and the Valmont Open Disk Golf Tournament, where participants play two rounds and enjoy a lunch. Visit website for registration link.
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…
See Jupiter and Saturn when they are visible while enjoying time around the campfire. Registration required.
Walk the Walnut Creek trail in search of the many migratory birds who make the open space a temporary home. Register online.
Trek through the park with a naturalist guide. Ages 2-8.
Stop by Olde Town Square for some night sky viewing with telescopes and learn about nocturnal wildlife.
Enjoy extended evening hours on select weeknights with discounted admission for busy families who can’t attend daytime hours. Excludes Memorial Day and July 4.
Watch cowboys on horses, floats, marching bands, classic cars, elves on unicycles, the Grinch in his corvette, and Santa Claus parade down Washington Avenue.
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.
Jump around in bounce houses and splash around in water activities. Formerly known as Splash in the Park.
Learn more about bees and beekeeping. Register online.
Enjoy fun family activities and entertainment for all ages on the CU campus.
Swim and play into the evening when the pool will be open late for games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Discover some interesting relationships and little known moon facts. There will be refreshments after the hike. RSVP by phone. Age 6 and up.
See 30 pilots compete in challenges and races in colorful hot air balloons, plus enjoy food trucks, vendors, and activities for kids.
Gaze into the night sky using high-powered telescopes to view celestial objects. The Denver Astronomical Society will share the facts and fantasy behind the planets and constellations being observed. Space is limited.
Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.
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 walk by the light of the moon, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first human lunar landing. Age 6 and up. Registration required.
Learn to bait, cast, tie knots, reel ’em in, and unhook the catch. Participants will receive a free rod. Advance registration is required.
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.
Gather around the fire for summer’s best combination: stories and s’mores.
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.
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.
Celebrate that longer days are on the way with an early morning walk to watch the sun rise on the shortest day of the year. Age 8 and up.
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.
Find out how different animals survive the cold months during a touch-and-tell walk. Explore how some animals prepare for, and survive, the winter season. Ages 4-7. Space is limited.
Stop by for some night sky viewing with a telescope and learn about nocturnal wildlife.
Learn a little about the season and create a pumpkin. Explore the natural environment through stories and songs. Ages 3-5. Registration required.
Learn all about the sneakiest animals in Rocky Mountain National Park and what it is like to walk in their paws. Ages 4-6.
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.
Explore the nighttime sky with Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Meet in Olde Town Arvada Square just west of the library.
Learn about the bugs of Bear Creek through stories, songs, and interactive programs. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required. Park entry fee required.
Climb to the top of Westminster’s urban trees in this entry-level tree climbing class.
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.
Learn about typical winter chores and indoor games while exploring the Walker Ranch Homestead. See a working demonstration in the blacksmith shop and smell food being prepared on the wood-burning stove.
Learn the basics of fishing, then grab a pole and hit the pond to catch fish. Ages 6-11.
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.
Explore the many animals who hunt and howl in the moonlight. Reservations required.
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.
Take a short walk to view the two bald eagle nests within the park. Discover the history behind our nation’s symbol and what allows them to thrive today.
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.…
Learn tips and tricks to become a better wildlife watcher. Register online.
Parade down Washington Avenue, carrying a candle and singing carols. Enjoy hot cider and roasted chestnuts along the way. At the end, the Mayor will flip the switch to illuminate thousands of lights along Clear Creek, followed by a fireworks display in front of Lookout Mountain.
Leave those flashlights at home and let a park naturalist guide you along the trails of Bear Creek Lake Park. Reservation required. $2.
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.
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.
Watch as skiers create an illuminated trail down the mountain, followed by a fireworks show. Skiers and snowboarders age 8 and up are invited to participate in the parade.
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.
Go for a hike along a winding trail and learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the area with a park naturalist guide. Exact hike location will be provided upon required registration.
Enjoy a day of playing in nature. Register online.
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…
Join Bee Guru, Gregg McMahan, as he reveals the importance of bees for humans and nature alike. Age 8 and up.
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.
Enjoy performances from different local musicians each week, from oldies to alternative and more.
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.
Participate in family-geared educational sessions on winter survival tips and mountaineering skills, guided hikes, and backcountry ski meet-ups.
Investigate different Colorado mammals and discover what they might be up to during this cold season. Ages 3-6. Register online.
Discover what comes out at night at Star K Ranch. Age 4 and up.
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.
Celebrate by dropping by to enjoy live animals, free refreshments, and other family-friendly activities.
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.
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.
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.
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 through colorful light displays, go inside a life-size snow globe, Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer, play in an elf house, hop on a hay ride, and watch a short movie in Santa's Cinema.
Have fun at a carnival-themed pool party with activities including pool fitness classes and family-friendly activities.
Create artwork from natural items gathered in the open space. Ages 3-6. Registration is required one week in advance at highlandsranch.org/signmeup.
Run the ultimate urban tour throughout the Denver area on several courses. Start times and locations vary depending on the race.
Enjoy a delicious and affordable grilled summer lunch and the opportunity to connect with the surrounding community over lawn games and music.
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.
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.
Get hands-on experience building an outdoor shelter and learn about the wilderness survival rules of three. Registration required.
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…
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.
Join a professional geologist for a 2½-hour walk and discussion of the geology and changes of the Denver area through time. Age 8 and up. Registration required.
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.
Learn about Colorado mining history and try your hand at panning for gold. Reservations required: 303-258-7332. Age 5 and up.
Support mental health and fight stigma at the Brain run. Raise money for leading mental health organizations.
Enjoy 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.
Enjoy a day of entertainment with classic cars, food, drink, music, and family fun.
Immerse yourself in nature and learn tips to make your nature walks more enjoyable. Registration required. Age 5 and up.
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.
Explore outside during these special outdoor nature playdates. Register online.
Join local bird watchers and record the birds found in the Westminster area on a winter bird walk. Christmas bird counts have been happening for more than a century. Space is limited. Age 8 and up.
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.
Play outside, meet new friends, and try games that your great grandparents might have played. Ages 6-12 with adult.
Investigate the interactive natural world from the Nature Center with special crafts, games, or activities.
Board the train and enjoy a ride down the bricks of the Pearl Street Mall. Ages 10 and under.
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.
Kick off the ice skating season in the heart of Downtown Castle Rock. The Rink will be open through February 17, 2020.
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.
Celebrate the 1918 completion of Camp Neosho at Hiwan Heritage Park with games, demonstrations, music, and food.
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.
Join in a community celebration that includes ice skating, the movie Frozen, fire pits, and marshmallow-roasting.
Discover the world of nature that thrives when the sun goes down. Registration required.
Skate to music from different eras, played by a variety of DJs.
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.
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.
Hear thrilling tales of adventure from pioneers facing perilous encounters and daring escapes via historical reenactors.
Explore history outdoors while playing classic games and learning about native plants. Registration is required.
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 live entertainment featuring the band After Midnight, in the heart of Highlands Ranch.
Take a few spins on the ice with Santa and take a picture too. Skate rental is free per person who donates a new toy item in its original packaging for the Jeffco Sheriff's Office Toy Drive.
Climb trees safely on ropes with the help of trained facilitators. Equipment provided. Age 7 and up. Reservations required.
Please note: The original date provided, and what is in our print calendar, is Nov. 21, which was in error. The correct date is Nov. 27. Bring a nonperishable food item and enjoy free skate rental during public skating hours. Donated food will be given to the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office food drive.
Register as a team or as an individual for this family fun run at the Plaza at Belmar and help Ralston House stop child abuse. Registration includes a race T-shirt, goody bag, and finisher medal.
Be part of the event that is designed to promote access to healthy and safe outdoor spaces, support under-resourced communities, and celebrate nature exploration. Enjoy activities, live music, food, and experts to talk to about healthy choices.
Have fun at the pool which will be open late for games and an inflatable obstacle course.
Enjoy an outdoor series of free concerts. Seating is on grass, glass containers prohibited, and dogs are welcome on leash only.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a summer movie. Snacks available for purchase from Kona Ice.
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.
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.
Start a summer of fun at the Del Mar Family Aquatic Center or any of the other five pools located throughout the city.
Be part of the action when the audience is asked to help a paranormal detective and their assistant try to solve three ghostly cases. Together, find out if these are honest to goodness ghosts or simply figments of the imagination. Audience and actors meet at the Chautauqua Picnic Shelter and take a moderate hike on…
Take a stroll among the light displays, go on a wagon ride, listen to festive live music, and warm up with roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. Spin the dreidel to get coin-shaped chocolate gelt. Snap a photo with Santa Claus or craft an ornament.
Take the kids to spend time outdoors connecting with nature. Register online.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and take a stroll through Boulder's Civic Area, illuminated with more than 225,000 LED lights.
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.
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).
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.
Follow a park naturalist along trails and green spaces. Wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress for weather conditions, and bring water. Register in advance.
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.
Skate at the newest outdoor ice skating location, at the Shops at Northfield next to Zen Asian Sushi Bar & Grill.
Enjoy an outdoor concert at the museum featuring a seven-piece classic country band from Loveland.
Skate at the 7,000 square foot outdoor rink located in the Plaza.
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 delicious, catered brunch buffet, ride on a tractor-pulled Holiday Wagon with complimentary hot cocoa or hot cider, go on a yule log hunt, make a holiday craft, and take a guided tour through the historic Four Mile House. Reservations required.
Join in a fundraising event that encourages understanding and acceptance for those with autism. The event includes entertainment, games, and food.
Celebrate with live music, jump castles, and food trucks.
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.
Explore the carnivorous creatures that call Standley Lake home.
Discover Aurora’s true nature through puppets, kid-friendly activities, and discovery time on the trail. Age 5 and under.
Skate together, play skate-related games, work on new skills and tricks, learn about skateboarding history, and enjoy the skateboarding community.
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.
Stroll the 12-acres of the historic property while scenes from the play are performed along the way. See the story of the young woman who wishes her life would be magically transformed but gets a second-tier sorcerer coming to her aid.
Enjoy a community atmosphere while learning about the birding world. Ages 6-15. Sign up by phone.
Get the after-school energy out with an artistic exploration into animals. Registration is required online. Ages 6-14.
Find out what wildlife might be out in the dark in this unique night experience. Registration required online. Age 10 and up.
