Through Aug. 21. Beat the heat and give your brain a boost: “Just Add Water” is back at the Children’s Museum of Denver. The outdoor exhibit is all about H2O and the many ways it moves and travels: splashing, sprinkling, shooting and swirling. It’s a hands-on experience, so prepare the kids to get a little wet along the way — and it couldn’t hurt to have a towel handy. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday (open until 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. $9 for guests ages 2-59, $7 for seniors and 1-year-olds. mychildsmuseum.org.
Young People’s Concerts “The Animated Orchestra.” On Saturday, June 29 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. at the Chautauqua Auditorium. The Animated Orchestra is a narrated work about a cartoon score being performed at a symphony concert for ages four and up. The hero of the cartoon is a ferret – an animal known for its insatiable curiosity and playfulness – that inadvertently sneaks into an instrument repair shop late one night while its owner, a sleepy older gentleman, dozes. There’s more to the adventure as things progress beyond the shop! Following each concert, join us on the lawn for a Music Fair where kids can meet real live ferrets, costumed characters, try the instrument petting zoo, enjoy face painting, balloon tying, a scavenger hunt, snacks and more. $8, $7 for groups of 10 or more. www.comusic.org
Festival of Felines. On June 29, this free event for kids of all ages celebrates the Cat Care Society shelter, community outreach programs and the 2013 Tails of the Painted Cats. Enjoy all the felines, plus food, face painting and feline origami fun. This is an official Summer Tour stop for all the 2013 Painted Cats at the Cat Care Society Shelter. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cat Care Society, 5787 W. 6th Avenue, Lakewood. www.carcaresociety.org
Independence Eve Celebration in Civic Center Park. July 3, Civic Center Park (Broadway and Colfax), Denver, 8 p.m. The fourth annual Independence Eve Celebration will feature a free patriotic concert by The Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs are encouraged. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnics; concessions will also be present on-site. Civic Center is easily accessible by light rail, bus, bicycle or the 16th Street FREE MallRide and use of public transportation is encouraged. Parking is available at nearby surface lots and parking garages as well. www.civiccenterconservancy.org
The Rockies, The Rapids, The Outlaws — and FIREWORKS! At Coors Field, catch The Colorado Rockies taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers during a three-game homestand, July 2-4. There will be a spectacular fireworks show following the July 3 and 4 games. Denver’s hometown heroes the Colorado Rapids are taking on the New York Red Bulls at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on July 4 – stick around for the fireworks display after the game. There’s another match on Sunday, July 7 against the D.C. United. Over at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on July 4, Denver’s professional lacrosse team the Outlaws are battling it out with the New York Lizards. After the game, enjoy fireworks within the bowl at Sports Authority Field — pyrotechnics paired with visuals on a 220-foot wide, hi-definition screen.
Golden’s First Friday Street Fair on July 5. Year round, Golden’s downtown merchants offer extended hours and special deals and events on the first Friday of each month, but during the months of June through October (June 7, July 5, August 2, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4), First Fridays include a lively Street Fair from 5-8 p.m. on Washington Avenue. There will be entertainment, music, specialty foods from Golden restaurants, and more. A Golden favorite, free horse-drawn carriage rides, are available. Pick up your ride on 12th Street between Washington and Arapahoe. visitgolden.com
Cherry Creek Arts Festival. The annual festival July 5-7 is a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts and enjoys an annual attendance of over 350,000 visitors. Special exhibits, art and culinary demonstrations, and interactive family activities on “Artivity Avenue” complement the free festival experience. Hours: 10 a.m-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. CherryArts.org
Colorado Renaissance Festival.June 15-August 4, 2013 (weekends only), flash back to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans. The Colorado Renaissance Festival goes from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m., tickets are $8-18.95. 650 W. Perry Park Ave.,Larkspur, CO 80118. http://coloradorenaissance.com/
The Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre presents “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Emperor Mullinium is the original “Fashionista” and thinks more of his clothes than his own people! Is that any way for an Emperor to behave? We think not! It’s up to the audience to help him get his priorities straight. “The Emperor’s New Clothes” runs through August 31, 2013 with performances every Saturday at 1:30 PM. Tickets: $8 for children and adults, $7 for seniors (62 and up). Special rates for groups of ten or more children apply. Weekday performances are available, but vary, so call for information. For reservations, call 303-279-7800. Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre is located at 18301 W. Colfax D-103, Golden, CO 80401. More information at www.hsmusichall.com
Oz with Orchestra. On Friday, July 5 7:30 p.m. at the Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder the Colorado Music Festival presents one of the most beloved films of all time, The Wizard of Oz, in this magical new production. Hearing Judy Garland’s original 1939 studio recordings backed by lush, live orchestration will transport children and adults alike. Come dressed as your favorite Wizard of Oz character and you might just win the costume contest! Tickets $12-$48.
Arvada’s 2nd Saturday Street Festival. Summer evenings in Olde Town Arvada will again come to life at the upcoming 2nd Saturday Street Festivals, presented by Historic Olde Town Arvada. The music of top-notch local favorites Chris Daniels and the Kings, The Wendy Woo Band, and The Indulgers will echo down Grandview Avenue on July 13, and August 10 from 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. The best way to enjoy live music in a charming historic shopping district is with a plate of tasty street food and an ice cold beer (be sure to try some ice cream and candy from Scrumptious, authentic Belgian fries from Manneken Frites, or any number of dining choices such as Udi’s Pizza Cafe Bar, Archive Room, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop or live music and eats at the D Note). Visitors will find plenty of food choices, beer and wine, and shopping options from vendor booths lining the street. A wide array of kids’ activities will create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for guests of all ages. www.oldetownarvada.org
Colorado Irish Festival. July 12-July 14.Experience the largest Irish celebration in the Rocky Mountains with traditional Irish music performances and dancing, Irish drama and storytelling, crafts, games and food and drinks at Clement Park. Friday: 5-10 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 7306 West Bowles Avenue, Littleton. http://www.coloradoirishfestival.org
Colorado Black Arts Festival. July 12-14, celebrate the 27th annual Colorado Black Art Festival showcasing the rich and creative talents of local, regional, and national African Americans in art and culture at City Park. The three-day event will feature three stages filled with jazz, blues, reggae, gospel, traditional African drum and dance. This is a FREE family friendly event with programming and activities for the entire family. The Saturday morning Boogaloo Celebration Parade is a crowd favorite as it is a colorful and exciting street celebration. City Park, 17th Ave. & Colorado Blvd., Denver. http://www.colbaf.org/
Cirque du Soleil. After its last visit over three years ago with KOOZA, Cirque du Soleil returns to Denver on July 18 with its signature blue-and-yellow Big Top! The company’s latest big top production, Amaluna will be at the Pepsi Center Grounds. Amaluna is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, which means “moon,” a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also the name of the mysterious island where the story unfolds. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit cirquedusoleil.com.
Buffalo Bill Days, July 26-28, Friday, 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thousands of people fill the streets of Golden every summer for this popular three-day celebration. The original event dates back to the 1950’s when the Buffalo Bill Saddle Club gave trail rides to Buffalo Bill’s grave at the top of Lookout Mountain. One year the local Chamber of Commerce decided to expand the trail ride into a full-scale event to promote the city. That summer, a large contingent of trail riders rode up the mountain. But when they rode back down, they circled through the town, and a crowd of people lined the streets to greet them. Thus, the first Buffalo Bill Days parade was born. Over the years, this has become the biggest annual event in Golden with the addition of a Cody’s Wild West event, a car show, the ever popular Muttin Bustin’ competition, a golf tournament, live entertainment, free kiddie train rides, a duck race and other children’s activities, an arts and crafts fair, and more. You’ll find most of the events at these locations: downtown Golden, Parfet Park, and various historical museums and parks around town. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.buffalobilldays.com.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. July 27-28, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF) is a free family-friendly festival highlighting Colorado’s rich Asian Pacific American heritage at Sloan’s Lake Park in northwest Denver. A window to the Pan Asian world, this diverse festival is the only one of its kind in the United States. It showcases an array of traditional and contemporary performing arts, cultural customs, cuisine and a marketplace of unique and hard-to-find arts, crafts and vendors, in addition to two days of action packed dragon boat racing. 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sloan’s Lake Park, 4500 West 17th Avenue, Denver. http://www.cdbf.org/
Change Your Altitude at Hike MS Copper Mountain. On July 27, the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society’s annual fundraising hike features spectacular views along three routes varying from two to 10 miles, which are supported by route marshals, rest stops and medical support. Special lodging rates available through Copper Mountain reservations center at 1-866-837-2996, mention “Hike MS.” Time: 7:30 a.m., on-site registration opens; 8 a.m. – hike starts at 105 Wheeler Circle, Copper Mountain. FEE: $30, includes continental breakfast, lunch and custom T-shirt, and minimum fundraising of $50. www.hikeMScolorado.org
Nick Cave: Soundsuits at the Denver Art Museum. Through September 22, renowned contemporary artist Nick Cave will debut a new body of work at the Denver Art Museum in the summer of 2013. The exhibition features a combination of multimedia elements and performances along with a selection of figurative sculptures the artist dubbed “Soundsuits.”
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org
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Nature Programs
Also, don’t miss this event from Jeffco parks. LMNC programs are FREE and registration is required unless otherwise noted. Register online or by calling 720-497-7600. Looking for a program for your class, scout troop, or other group? Visit their website or call to learn about group programs.
Mt. Evans Summit Stargazing
8:30 p.m. Friday, June 28 [Rain date: June 29] (Mt. Evans)
Join staff from the USFS, Jeffco Open Space and the City of Lakewood for a special high-altitude outdoor astronomy event on Mount Evans. Through engaging activities, learn about our cosmic connections while peering through telescopes and navigating the night sky. Registration is required. Weather permitting. (All ages.)
Lair o’ the Bear Campfire: Oh Deer!
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 (Lair o’ the Bear Park)
Deer and elk are two of the most common large mammals seen out in the parks. Discover how these antlered animals are adapted for survival through stories, songs and other fun campfire activities. (All ages.)
Summer Triangle
9-10:30 p.m. Friday, July 5 (Pine Valley Ranch Park)
Join astronomy team members for a tour of the 1937 William Baehr Observatory and an engaging look at the constellations and deep space objects. Weather permitting, peer through historic and modern telescopes. (Ages 10+.)
Preschool Nature Nuts: Summer Sun (3-5 year-olds)
10:15 or 11:15 a.m. Saturday, July 6 (Lookout Mountain Nature Center)
Summertime sunshine! Learn about Earth’s nearest star and find out why the sun is so important. (Ages 3-5, with an adult.) A Toddler Nature Nuts program will be offered on the same topic for 2-year-olds on Thursday, July 18 at 10:15 or 11:15 a.m. at Lookout Mountain Nature Center.
Dig it! Archaeology for Kids
Tuesday, July 9 (Hiwan Homestead)
Join us as we delve into the past and learn how archaeologists uncover its secrets. Practice excavation skills and use real archaeology techniques and tools to discover what archaeologists really do. Make a fossil craft to take home.
Preschool Nature Nuts: Summer Sun (3-5 year-olds)
10:15 or 11:15 a.m. Thursday, July 11 (Lookout Mountain Nature Center)
Summertime sunshine! Learn about Earth’s nearest star and find out why the sun is so important. (Kids ages 3-5 with an adult.) A Toddler Nature Nuts program will be offered on the same topic for 2-year-olds on Thursday, July 18 at 10:15 or 11:15 a.m. at Lookout Mountain Nature Center.
Jr. Naturalists: Hands Off – Indentifying Dangerous Plants
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, July 12 (Mount Falcon Park – East)
Why are some plants poisonous? Learn to identify dangerous species. Important treatment methods will also be discussed. (Ages 6-10, with an adult.)
Suminagashi! Japanese Paper Crafts
Thursday, July 12 (Hiwan Homestead)
Suminagashi is the ancient Japanese art of paper marbling. Learn the history and techniques of this beautiful art. Make your own unique marbled paper to cover a favorite book or diary, and learn more about traditional Japanese crafts.
Midsummer Wildflowers
9-11 a.m. Saturday, July 13 (Meyer Ranch Park)
Walk with a Native Plant Master and discover the importance of our native plants to wildlife and humans. (Ages 10+.)
Jr. Naturalists: Hands Off – Indentifying Dangerous Plants
10 a.m. – 12p.m. Sunday, July 14 (Mount Falcon Park – East)
Why are some plants poisonous? Learn to identify dangerous plants. Important treatment methods will also be discussed. (Ages 6-10, with an adult.)
40th Anniversary Exhibit
March 19 to November 17 (Hiwan Homestead Museum)
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jefferson County Historical Society and Jefferson County Open Space, which was voted into existence in 1972 and began receiving funds in 1973. Displays will center on important points in history, interesting facts about the development of Open Space and a variety of memorabilia.
40th Anniversary Exhibit
March 19 to November 17 (Hiwan Homestead Museum)
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jefferson County Historical Society and Jefferson County Open Space, which was voted into existence in 1972 and began receiving funds in 1973. Displays will center on important points in history, interesting facts about the development of Open Space and a variety of memorabilia.
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Ongoing Fun for the Whole Family
Everything from roller coasters to rhinos.
Daily. After a popular run in 2012, the Children’s Museum of Denver relaunches its “3, 2, 1 … Blast Off!” exhibit. Created in conjunction with United Launch Alliance, “Blast Off!” teaches kids about the basics of rocket science by letting them build and launch their own rockets. The new version of “Blast Off!” includes two giant-size models of real-life rockets, plus a vaulted ceiling for vertical rocket launches — the previous space allowed only for horizontal flights. Museum members are invited to arrive at 9 a.m. Saturday for a special members-only hour before the museum opens. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. $9 for guests ages 2 to 59; $7 for 1-year-olds and seniors age 60 and older. mychildsmuseum.org.
NEW! Flight of the Butterflies 3D at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. A scientific adventure. A compelling detective story. A stunning sight to see. Flight of the Butterflies 3D is all this and more. Dr. Fred Urquhart spent nearly 40 years working to discover the monarch butterflies’ secret hideaway and solve the mystery of their unique migration path. In this dazzling 3D film, you will experience the inspiring story of this scientist’s passion and see up close the lifecycle of these beautiful creatures. Get a butterfly’s-view of the world as you fly over North America and into the isolated mountaintops in Mexico where you will encounter hundreds of millions of fluttering monarchs. www.dmns.org
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
May – October
The nation’s ONLY downtown theme and water park opens for the season on May 4. With more than 45 thrilling rides, plus a splash-filled, 10-acre Water Park, musical stages, stunt shows, arcades and the StarToon Studios (a kiddie area with pint-sized fun), there’s something at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park for just about everyone. New additions this year include a new family-friendly rollercoaster Blazin’ Buckaroo and seven new shows including the must-see Cirque Conjure in the Trocadero Theater, a sophisticated combination of illusions, music, dance and comedy parents and kids will enjoy. elitchgardens.com
Spun: Adventures in Textiles
Through September 22, Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) takes a wide-ranging look at textiles from pre-Columbian weavings to modern fiber art, Navajo blankets to an examination of clothing in art and photography.
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org
Catalyst: Colorado Sculpture
Through January 12, 2014, Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates the achievements and vision of Colorado sculptors in this astonishing outdoor group exhibition. Twelve artists view the garden spaces differently, altering the landscape with amazing 3-D work.
More Info: www.botanicgardens.org
Denver B-cycle
Through November
Explore the city on two wheels! Denver B-cycle is an automated bike sharing system designed for short trips around The Mile High City. It’s easy and fun. You can check out one of more than 500 bikes from any one of 50-plus stations (conveniently located near major attractions and neighborhoods) and return it to any other station. denver.bcycle.com
Colorado Rockies
April 5-September 25
Major league baseball returns to downtown Denver’s Coors Field on April 5, as the Rockies square off against the San Diego Padres. The fun continues all spring and summer long. For an affordable option, buy tickets in the Rockpile, where seats are just $4 for adults and $1 for kids under 12. coloradorockies.com
Toyota Elephant Passage
Year-round
Say hello to Denver’s new, five-ton locals. At 10 acres, this landmark $50 million exhibit at Denver Zoo is North America’s largest bull elephant habitat. You’ll see majestic Asian elephants cooling off in a shallow stream, Malaysian tapirs care for their young, acrobatic gibbons swinging overhead from tree to tree, fishing cats diving for their next meal and the piercing stare of a black leopard, all from the center of an Asian village. denverzoo.org
GPS Adventures at the Wildlife Museum. The Wildlife Experience recently opened its newest exhibit, which sets you on a course for hidden treasure… all you need is a GPS unit and a sense of adventure. This life-sized maze exhibition introduces visitors to cutting-edge Global Positioning Systems (GPS) through Geocaching – a family friendly treasure hunting game. More than four million people around the world are on the hunt for over a million hidden treasures. In addition to hidden booty, these geocachers are finding the real treasure: reconnecting with family, community and nature in a meaningful way.
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