21 Things to do Over Fall Break
Keep the kids entertained, informed, and active with their unscheduled time.
•Step out of school mode, however that looks, and into these activities (on screen and in-person) throughout the week. Don’t forget to bring a mask for in-person events.
Special Events
Spy Week at YMCA of the Rockies
October 9-18, 9am-7pm
Report to the YMCA of the Rockies to complete a series of spy missions, including invisible ink tests, decoding exercises, an escape room, and more. The whole family can enjoy a stay at the cabins and lodges and jump from one activity to another. Most activities included in cabin or lodge rental.
$109-$519 per day
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park. 970-586-3344
blog.ymcarockies.org
STEM Saturday: Intro to 3D Modeling
October 17, Sessions from 10am-noon and 1-3pm
Learn how to set up a TinkerCAD account and then use basic tools and tricks to generate unique models. All ages welcome. Limited laptop stations will be available, so families are encouraged to bring their own computer if possible.
$10 adult, $8 senior and military, $4 ages 4-16, free members
Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight, Englewood. 303-360-5360, ext 160
explorationofflight.org
Downtown Boulder’s Munchkin Masquerade
October 14-31
Throw on your costume and join the party from home and in Downtown Boulder; the annual Munchkin Masquerade goes virtual and self-led this year. Set up your own Halloween fun stations with Downtown Boulder coloring sheets. Walk down Pearl Street to spot hidden “spooky munchkin” characters in stores and fill your BINGO card with your findings.
Free
Online and on Pearl Street, Boulder. 303-449-3774.
boulderdowntown.com
Denver and Fort Collins Walk to Defeat ALS 2020
October 17, 10am
Lace up those sneakers — or snow boots…because, Colorado — and get the family out walking for a cause. Choose your start line and destination during this Mini-Walk and virtual picnic with the ALS Association Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Free, fundraising encouraged.
Online. 1-888-WALK-ALS
web.alsa.org
Out for Health Virtual Resource Fair
October 1-31
Take some time to check in with your family’s health, and learn about LGBTQ+-supportive and safe providers in your area. The Center on Colfax holds its annual health fair throughout the month and online this year.
Free
Online. 303-733-7743
lgbtqcolorado.org
Activities & Camps
Dia de los Muertos Celebration at CHAC
October 10-31
Engage in some familial and communal reverie with Dia de los Muertos workshops, art activities, recipes, presentations, and performances online with the Chicano Humanities and Arts Council gallery.
Free
Online. 720-662-4822
chacgallery.org
Sports Camps and Clinics
October 12-16
Sharpen your shooting skills with fundamentals and shooting basketball camps for ages 8-14 and 10-15. Or, build skills and relationships in volleyball clinics where you’ll serve, pass, and set with other players ages 7-12 or 13-17.
$175-$202 basketball camps; $70-$81 volleyball camps
Eastridge Recreation Center and Southridge Recreation Center. 303-791-2500
hrcaonline.org
Camp Backcountry
October 12-16, 9am-4pm
Head out on an adventure in the crisp air. Learn about animal adaptations, migrations, and hibernations. Build survival skills and cozy up to a campfire for s’mores. Ages 7-13. Register for one or all five days of this fall break camp online.
$65-$80
Backcountry Wilderness Area, Highlands Ranch. 303-791-2500
hrcaonline.org
APEX Center Additional Pool Time
October 14-16, 10:30am-12:30pm and 1-3pm
In conjunction with JeffCo’s fall break, the APEX Center’s pool will be open with two extra time slots for reservation.
$7 resident, $9 non-resident
APEX Center, Arvada. 303-424-2739
apexprd.org
Fall Extravaganza Creative Arts
October 12-16, 9am-3pm
Connect, create, and celebrate this fall break. Paint some awesome aspens, mold clay, rig up some robotics, and more. Join for a day or the whole week. Pack a water bottle, snack, and face mask for half day registrations; add a lunch for full day camp. Grades kindergarten through sixth.
$65 per day, $295 week
Red Hen Createry, Littleton. 720-598-2738
redhencreatery.com
The Weekly Wow: Virtual You’ve Got Guts
October 14, 10-11am
Lend an ear to your digestive system—what does it have to say to you? Find out more about the cells and organs, and how they break down food and energize you. Sign up for this live, two-way interactive webcast. You’ll get the chance to record observations in a scientific journal and ask questions throughout. Grades 3-8 suggested, but all are welcome.
$20
Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Online. 303-370-6000
secure1.dmns.org
Virtual Discovery Days: Transportation, Tractors, and Machines
October 1-31; Wed-Fri 10:30 am-11 am and 12:30-1 pm
Pick up this month’s Discovery Days kit from The Longmont Museum. This monthly, live online crafting and storytime program encourages children to learn together. Ages 2-6 with caregiver. Register online for the craft kits, and receive your invitation to drop in to the virtual events. Scholarships are available.
$45, $40 members
Online
longmontcolorado.gov
Metro Caring’s Kidz in the Kitchen
October 14, 4:30-6:30pm
Log on to this community cooking platform to learn quick and healthy tips, and make new friends. Participants are eligible to schedule an additional grocery trip at Metro Caring’s market. Grades 1-5 with family. Register by contacting LHand@metrocaring.org.
Free
Online. 303-860-7200
metrocaring.org
Community Yoga in the Park (and Online)
October 17, 19; Sat, 9am; Mon, 7pm
Join community yoga in the shade of the Cheesman Park Pavilion or in the comfort of your home. This simple flow yoga class is perfect for beginners and gurus alike.
$8
Cheesman Park Pavilion, Denver. 618-334-0071
goodelephant.co
Dome to Home: How the Planet Formed and Changed
October 14, 1pm
Expand your understanding of the planet when you join Fiske Planetarium’s Dome to Home virtual planetarium fall series. Each Wednesday, catch a unique science exploration video live on their YouTube channel. Each episode includes hands-on activities.
Free
Online
colorado.edu
Fiesta Flurry: Socially Safe Scavenger Hunt
October 1-25
Solve clues at home or venture outside. Earn points to win prizes. Sign up online to receive a code for the partner app, Eventeez. Participate any time during the 25 days. All ages are welcome. $20 donation fee; proceeds support family and early childhood programs by The Family Center and La Familia.
$20 donation fee
Online. 970-221-1615
thefamilycenterfc.org
Build the Station LEGO Contest
Through November 5
Take your LEGO building skills to new heights with Denver Union Station’s contest. Create a replica of the landmark train station using only LEGO elements, then post your creation to Instagram. Top five winners will be in the running for the grand prize, chosen by renowned brick artist Nathan Sawaya. The People’s Choice winner will be selected by the public.
Free
Online. 303-592-6712
unionstationindenver.com
Museums & Exhibits
Hand Casting for We The People Sculpture
October 10, 10am-5pm
While roaming the History Colorado Center’s exhibits, stop by this hands-on art opportunity. Join local artist Rian Kerrane in this work of art by casting your own hand in plaster to contribute to this sculpture about collective power.
Admission $14 adult, $12 senior, $10 student, $8 child, free for members 4 and under
History Colorado Center, Denver. 303-447-8679
historycolorado.org
Día de los Muertos Exhibition
October 2, 2020-January 9, 2021
Visit The Longmont Museum’s main gallery to see community ofrendas (altars) and the artwork of renowned Colorado artist Tony Ortega. Celebrate online with free music, arts, and crafts programming.
Museum admission $8 adults, $5 students/seniors, free for members
Longmont Museum. 303-651-8374
longmontcolorado.gov
Movies & Theater
Journey to Space 3D
Through November 5, daily showings at 1pm and 4pm
Strap in for the next giant leap in space exploration: Mars. Learn how humans have punched through the stratosphere and followed curiosity beyond the cradle of Earth.
Admission plus $7 adult, $6 youth and senior, free age 3 and under
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver. 303-370-6000
dmns.org
Park Lights & Movie Nights: The Goonies
October 15, 6:30pm
Journey through surprising tunnels under the neighborhood of Astoria, Oregon to unearth the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willy. Watch, laugh, and cheer on the young protagonists from the comfort of your car. Food trucks will be on site offering delicious bites for sale.
$10 per car
Arapahoe Park Racetrack, Aurora. 303-739-7000
auroragov.org
Phamaly’s Big Night: The Show Must Go On! Webathon
October 18, 7pm
Enjoy Phamaly Theater Company’s tongue-in-cheek homage to the Jerry Lewis Telethon, with music, comedy, and eclectic acts. Donation proceeds support the theater’s mission to be a creative home for theater artists with disabilities and upend conventional narratives. All ages welcome.
Free, donations suggested
Online. 303-365-0005
phamaly.org