With the school year coming to an end, it can be difficult to entertain restless kiddos who are getting excited about summer camps, family vacations, and endless time spent outdoors! Check out these Denver area events, classes, and happenings to keep the little ones busy this weekend.
Birding by Canoe
Where? 13401 Picadilly Road
When? May 16th-18th
You won’t want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to take to the water in a canoe and spot birds with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies! Kicking off on May 16th and running through the 18th, this weekend-long event will take place between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM each day. For the low cost of $7, families can experience May’s theme of “birding by canoe” and explore Barr Lake’s birds from a unique perspective. From the water, kids can spot insect eaters, shorebirds, and waterfowl swimming alongside the canoe. For entry into Barr Lake State Park, there is a $10 daily pass for those who don’t have an Annual Colorado State Parks Pass.
PRO Tip: Up to 15 people can be accommodated within the available boats. If you have your own canoe or kayak that you’d like to bring, make sure to select this option during registration so that organizers know to expect an additional watercraft.
Seedlings: Teddy Bear Picnic
Where? 1007 York Street
When? May 17th
Little ones are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal from home for a very special picnic at Denver Botanic Garden’s York Street location this Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Guests will enjoy meeting a variety of soft and furry plants while they share a snack with their friends at the Teddy Bear picnic gathering. This activity is best suited for families with children ages 18 months to 6 years old, with each day being split into different age group sections to ensure everyone has peers to enjoy the festivities with. Friday’s picnic is designated for ages 18-24 months, with time slots at 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM.
PRO Tip: Cost per participant is set at $12 but there’s a discount of $2 for members. The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a wide range of activities throughout the month, so consider becoming a member, with plans starting as low as $75 annually for the individual plus tier.
Joy Park Free Night
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? May 17th
This Friday at 4:30 PM, join in on a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure at the Denver Children’s Museum’s Joy Park. All ages are welcome to participate and the event has been designated “baby-friendly.” Children will have the opportunity to discover canyons, rivers, sand dunes, and more of the beautiful terrain that can be found across Colorado. Activities will feature the dueling zip lines, where little ones can experience the exhilaration of flying through the air while they gain a bird’s eye view of their surroundings, as well as a variety of shovels, dump trucks, and more tools to dig in the sand and create sculptures. Need a break from all that hard work? Hop in the back of the ’53 Chevy and make your way through the straw bale maze!
PRO Tip: Families can pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes so they can enjoy the water feature and splash pad.
Kids’ Night: Movie Magic
Where? 6375 South Platte Canyon Drive
When? May 17th
Stagebugz Theatre is back with another exciting movie night! This Friday, the movie of choice is set to be Moana — a favorite of all ages! Kids’ Night at Stagebugz is designed for kiddos in K-6th grades, allowing parents to take the night off while their little ones enjoy a night filled with singing, dancing, games, and endless fun. The event runs from 4:15 PM to 7:45 PM and will be held at Columbine United Church in Littleton. The registration fee includes a pizza dinner, snacks, and all materials needed for the evening’s unique theme.
PRO Tip: Advance registration is required for Movie Magic night. If you didn’t sign up for the series 4-pack of movies for $150, a single class can be purchased individually for $40 online. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming summer events at Stagebugz Theatre!
KlezKolorado Klezmer Festival
Where? 21441 North Elbert Road
When? May 17th-19th
KlezKolorado is happening this weekend! The festival is designed for anybody and everybody who loves Klezmer music or who’s interested in experiencing national Klezmer acts, Yiddish culture, and Colorado’s Jewish community. While guests can choose to treat the festival as a retreat and join in on the celebration over the weekend, participants can also visit exclusively for concerts at the JCC Ranch Camp in Elbert. Festivities will include community meals, workshops, and nature-based activities for all ages. The artist lineup features Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe, Dot Levine, and Gora Gora Orkestar.
PRO Tip: Those who opt to spend the weekend on-site will be provided with cabin-style accommodations, as well as meals and snacks (including a Shabbos dinner) and complete access to all of the weekend’s activities.
Teaching Kitchen Workshop: Breakfast Bonanza
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? May 18th
This Saturday, the Denver Children’s Museum is hosting one of their popular Teaching Kitchen Workshops. In this iteration, children will learn about their favorite breakfast foods. Instructors will teach the little ones how to crack an egg like a pro and how to whisk up waffle batter. The finale will be how to assemble the breakfast sandwich of their dreams. This workshop is best suited for kiddos ages 5 and up. The class will be held between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM. All workshop tickets include museum admission, so plan to make a day of it and explore the hands-on exhibits that are thoughtfully curated to intrigue the biggest minds in the littlest bodies.
PRO Tip: Not a big breakfast person? No worries! Other upcoming kitchen workshops will detail how to make the best homemade ice cream you’ve ever tasted!
Fun at the Firehouse
Where? 1326 Tremont Place
When? May 18th
Fun at the Firehouse events are hosted monthly on the first or third Saturday of the month. Join the Denver Firefighters Museum this Saturday at 10:00 AM to explore a new fire-related story and a craft project. Tickets start at $15 per child, which includes the program, all materials needed, and museum admission. At the time of booking parents can include how many children will be participating and how many adults will be attending. If you haven’t visited the museum before, keep in mind that there are metered parking spots along Tremont Place and several paid lots nearby.
PRO Tip: After the event wraps up, stick around for a guided tour of the museum for the whole family. Everyone planning on participating in the craft project will need a reservation. This is to ensure that there are enough supplies for everybody.
Little University @ Hadley Branch Library
Where? 1890 South Grove Street
When? May 18th
Hadley Branch Library is excited to host a Little University session this Saturday. Ideal for children ages 0-5, this arts and crafts event is a great way to socialize and enjoy hands-on activities. These Little University events are meant to expand beyond traditional story times and are hosted in the library’s community room from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. After the activity, explore the children’s section and pick up some books for the week!
PRO Tip: Caregivers are asked to remain with their child, as this is not a drop-off activity. Activities are prone to change, so check in with the library as the date gets closer for additional details.
Kids Art Nite: 1st-5th Grade
Where? 2630 West Belleview Avenue #160
When? May 18th
Kids Art Nite is hosted by artSPARK Creative in Littleton every third Saturday of the month. Best suited for kids ages 6-11 years old, children will have the opportunity to delve into their artistic side while their parents enjoy the evening off. While no formal lesson is conducted, children will be introduced to new techniques and concepts that can help them bring their ideas to life. All media will be open to choose from, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and even hand sewing. At the end of the night, participants will be able to take their creations home! This event runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and there’s a sibling discount of 10%. The class is capped at 15 students, so register your child ASAP to ensure they have a spot. The fee for the drop-in class is $35.
PRO Tip: It’s recommended that children “dress for a mess.” While some smocks are available, they’re not guaranteed!
The Learning Lab: Moon Shapes
Where? 33 East Bayaud Avenue
When? May 18th
This Saturday from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, head over to the Ross-Broadway Branch Library for the newest rendition of The Learning Lab. Designed specifically for kiddos from ages 0-6, this activity will be focused on matching the moon shapes to the moon phase. This is perfect timing, with the next full moon coming up at the end of next week!
PRO Tip: Families who would like to request a sign language interpreter or additional accommodations can do so before the activity by contacting the programs department.
Read with a Therapy Dog
Where? 4310 East Amherst Avenue
When? May 18th
Ross-University Hills Branch Library invites kiddos ages 5-12 to read with a therapy dog this Saturday from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. This exciting opportunity allows children to learn about the benefits that therapy dogs can provide and allows for the kids to spend time reading out loud to the pups in a truly one-of-a-kind experience. This event runs approximately once a month, so mark your calendars for upcoming dates on 6/15 and 7/20 if you can’t make this one! Therapy dog readings always take place in the large community room.
PRO Tip: Waivers are required for this activity! As with all Denver library events, accommodations and sign language interpreters can be requested ahead of time to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy these community-oriented activities.
Water Safety Day
Where? 9119 East 50th Drive
When? May 19th
This free water safety event is great for children of all ages. On Sunday, head to Goldfish Swim School in Central Park to join the community in celebrating water safety. The day’s activities will include an open pool swimming session (families will select a 45-minute time interval and reserve one ticket per swimmer), W.A.T.E.R. Safety Passport activities that include a prize for completion, and even lobby games and activities for those who want to stay dry. The event will also invite local first responders to answer any questions and provide snacks in the lobby. Additional amenities at the facility include warm showers, private changing rooms, swimsuit dryers, and even a hair-drying station!
PRO Tip: Little ones who are unable to swim independently will be required to wear a life jacket for safety reasons. Parents or guardians must stay within arm’s reach of their child at all times.
Low Sensory Morning at the Aquarium
Where? 700 Water Street
When? May 19th
The Downtown Aquarium is excited to announce May’s low sensory morning on Sunday the 19th. These specialized hours are designed for individuals with sensory processing disorders that may cause the regular aquarium exhibits to be slightly overwhelming. The aquarium will open early on Sunday at 8:30 AM, with the ambient sounds turned down to create a quiet, calmer setting for those who still wish to enjoy the vast array of sea life that is waiting to be discovered.
PRO Tip: Online registration is encouraged to ensure that you snag a spot. Tickets for children are priced at $19.99 and adult tickets are set at $26.50. Members can bring their card and show it at check-in.