There’s a lot of fun in and around Denver this weekend! Get the kids hyped on Friday evening at Bounce Empire in Lafayette or cheer on the Broncos as they take on the Packers during their preseason run.
Nature Playdate
Where? 7030 Garrison Street
When? August 15th
From 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, head over to the Majestic Nature Center in Arvada for an exciting Nature Playdate. Kiddos ages 2 to 12 will have the opportunity to connect with the great outdoors in the Nature Explore Space. There will be a variety of activities, as well as free play in nature. Whether your kiddo enjoys making wood cookies, playing in forts or simply running around with new friends — this is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and burn some excess energy.
PRO Tip: Attendees should ensure that they’re dressed for the day’s weather forecast. This is an outdoors-only event.
Fridays at the Museum
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? August 16th
Typical Fridays at the Museums often include a 10:00 AM cooking class in The Teaching Kitchen, where participants will explore new ingredients and flavors and a 10:15 AM story time in The Book Nook. There are also clay and glazing opportunities, where children can get their hands on professional-grade clay and tools. At 11:00 AM, there is an outdoor exploration activity in Joy Park and additional cooking classes in the afternoon. Whatever your child gravitates towards, whether that’s climbing in the Adventure Forest, reading, or participating in interactive activities — there’s something for everyone!
PRO Tip: Keep in mind that program times or the location of the activities may change due to inclement weather. Stay updated before Friday to ensure you know where to go and when!
Seedlings: Sunflowers Galore
Where? 1007 York Street
When? August 16th
This week’s Seedlings program at the Denver Botanic Gardens will have attendees exploring the wonders of the sunflower! This beautiful flower is unique in that its average height is nearly 10 feet! Sunflower seeds are an edible snack that is produced by the plant and the oil created from the seeds can be used in the kitchen as well. Friday’s Seedlings activity has two-time slots (9:15 AM and 10:30 AM), so choose the one best for your schedule!
PRO Tip: The Seedlings class provides a hands-on opportunity for young children to start exploring the plant world. The program is weather and topic-dependent, so children may spend time indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both.
Baby Goat Happy Hour
Where? 3636 Chestnut Place
When? August 16th
Ironton Distillery & Drafthouse is excited to host a baby goat happy hour this Friday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Families are in for a “bleating” good time with adorable goats from Guided Goat Hikes! The evening is sure to be filled with new furry friends and of course, refreshing happy hour drinks for the parents. The event is completely free to attend and well-behaved kids (both human and of the goat variety) are welcome to attend.
PRO Tip: There is limited street parking available at the distillery along Chestnut Place and 36th Street, as well as a nearby parking garage with hourly rates and a $10 maximum.
Dino Dance Party
Where? 1380 South Public Road
When? August 16th
Bounce Empire in Lafayette is hosting another exciting event this weekend! The Dino Dance Party is fun for all ages and is set to feature Onyx the Velociraptor. On Friday at 6:00 PM, get the party started with all your favorite Jurassic friends. Bounce Empire hails as the world’s largest inflatable amusement park, complete with live music on an epic 360-degree hydraulic stage. There is also a Bison Bistro onsite, where families can tantalize their taste buds with healthy fast casual dining. Prices are all-inclusive and include the required socks to jump, so come on out and kick off your weekend with a fun activity.
PRO Tip: As always, parents are eligible for a free drink between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM — so head to the full bar to redeem your beverage!
Colorado Rockies Vs. San Diego Padres
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? August 16th-18th
Watch the Rockies take on the Padres this weekend, with a three-game home stand at Coors Field! Friday and Saturday’s games kick off at 6:40 PM and 6:10, respectively, and Sunday’s game is an afternoon one at 1:10 PM! After the game on Friday, stick around for the Todd Helton-themed drone show! On Saturday, the first 30,000 fans will receive a Todd Helton bobblehead and a pregame ceremony will showcase Todd Helton, Clint Hurdle, and Peyton Manning, as well as an unveiling of the Hall of Fame ring!
PRO Tip: Parking passes can be purchased in advance of the game or there will be day-of-game passes available for Lot B. Arriving early is the best way to ensure you snag an available space.
An Evening in the Park
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? August 17th
The Denver Children’s Museum is offering new private play experiences, including this weekend’s An Evening in the Park event! For this unique play opportunity, families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy all the magic that Joy Park and the Adventure Forest have to offer. Attendees can navigate the 500-foot-long adventure course and art installation, as well as go on a scavenger hunt and wind down the evening with s’mores! This activity is designed for all ages, so siblings, friends, and neighbors are all welcome to hang out at the park on Saturday from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
PRO Tip: Tickets to this new play experience are priced at $20. Since the evening will take place after the normal operating hours of the museum, the building itself will be closed with the exception of the restrooms.
Cherry Creek Fresh Market
Where? Steele Street (next to Macy’s)
When? August 17th
Discover fresh finds every Saturday with the family at the Cherry Creek Fresh Market! The farmers market runs until October 12th, so you still have plenty of time to dive into abundant produce, high-quality protein, farm fresh eggs and more. There are an array of local vendors with unique products that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Kids will love stocking up on their favorite fruits, pastries, and handcrafted food and drink options. The market often features live music, as well as food trucks, pet treats, food stands, and pop-up boutiques.
PRO Tip: To find the fresh market, head to the east side of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center (on Steele Street, next to Macy’s). The market is open rain, snow, or shine and parking is validated.
Kids Book Club
Where? 2825 High Street
When? August 17th
This weekend’s Kids Book Club is set to be hosted at Denver’s Ford-Warren Branch Library. Attendees will have a chance to hang out, make new friends, have fun, and of course — talk about books! Children will join in on friendly conversation while they enjoy snacks and fun activities that are related to that month’s book. August’s read is The Underdogs Fake It Till They Make It by Kate Temple. There will be a game at the book club, as well as a simple craft that ties in with themes from the story.
PRO Tip: Registration for this event closes on August 17th at 2:30 PM. There are limited seats available, so make sure to snag yours! Kids Book Club is designed for grades K and up, between the ages of 6 and 9.
Fun at the Firehouse
Where? 1326 Tremont Place
When? August 17th
Fun at the Firehouse is held on either the first or third Saturday of the month and attendees will enjoy a fire-related story and craft time. The activity lasts approximately an hour and tickets are priced at $15 per participant. After the craft, families are invited to stick around for a guided children’s tour of the museum. Reservations are required for Fun at the Firehouse so organizers can ensure there is an appropriate number of supplies for all crafters. Ticket prices include the program fee and admission to the museum.
PRO Tip: Accompanying adult parents and seniors are free to attend the program with paid museum admission. Adult tickets are priced at $9 and seniors receive a discounted rate of $7.
The Park Hill Art Festival
Where? 4819 Montview Boulevard
When? August 17th & 18th
This is the 2nd show in Park Hill! The “Summer Edition” event will be hosted in Denver’s historic Park Hill neighborhood and will include an outdoor juried fine art and fine craft show at the grounds of the Masonic Lodge located on Montview Boulevard between Dahlia Street and Eudora Street. The hours for the festival are the same on both Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each day will be jam-packed with stunning art, live performances, and interactive activities.
PRO Tip: The art show is located less than a mile from Denver’s City Park, the Denver Zoo, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science — so make a whole day of it and enjoy park activities or pay a visit to your favorite zoo animals!
Denver Broncos Vs. Green Bay Packers
Where? 1701 Bryant Street
When? August 18th
Check out the Denver Broncos this Sunday as they take on the Green Bay Packers in a preseason game! The game will be held at Empower Field at Mile High and kick-off is at 6:00 PM. This is a great way to enjoy some football with the family and save some money while doing it. Preseason tickets can be purchased for as low as $35! There is a limit of four tickets for this event, so snag yours while you can. The final preseason game is scheduled for August 25th and it’s a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at 2:30 PM.
PRO Tip: The regular season kicks off on September 8th as the Denver Broncos travel to Seattle to face off against the Seahawks. Their first regular season home game is slated for September 15th against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Family Day Out: Grilling Extravaganza
Where? 8171 South Chester Street, Suite A
When? August 18th
This weekend, Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar is offering a Grilling Extravaganza family cooking class! On Sunday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, families can learn how to grill up tasty BBQ chicken sliders with a grilled slaw, as well as a pound cake topped with grilled juicy peaches and ice cream. If that sounds delicious to you, tickets are priced at $79 per attendee and include all ingredients, tools, and instructions that you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering meal. Families will bond by working together to create their meal before enjoying the product of their labor when they dig into the sandwiches and desserts.
PRO Tip: Youth participants for this Family Day Out activity must be between 6-17 years of age and be attending with an adult.
Sunday Family Program
Where? 2875 County Road 67
When? August 18th
Bring the whole family out for a morning of yoga, meditation, art, and music. Every Sunday, El Dorado Yoga is excited to invite families to make new memories and have fun in the park while they learn about mindfulness with their yoga group. Children under the age of 5 must be accompanied by a parent and all children must be accompanied by an adult if it’s their first time participating. The hour of guided meditation is led by Swami Rudrani Ma from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Learn how to unwind, recharge, and recenter for the week ahead with skills you can take back home with you!
PRO Tip: The suggested donation per child is between $5 and $10.