With many schools already back into the swing of things, it can be easy to forget about making plans for the weekend! After all, the school schedule can leave parents feeling exhausted! We make it easy for you by organizing family-friendly and kid-approved activities and events around the Denver area from Friday through Sunday.
Sunset Wagon Tour at Plains Conservation Center
Where? 21901 East Hampden Avenue
When? August 30th
Explore the prairie in a whole new way. This ride across the plains allows attendees to watch for wildlife as they roam the natural landscape. You may see prairie dogs, birds of prey, and even pronghorn antelope! Sunset wagon tours are hosted by the Denver Botanic Gardens at the Plains Conservation Center. The tour makes stops at the sod homes and the Cheyenne camp, where the group will learn about what it was like to be a homesteader and a Native American living on the prairie back in the 1800s. This Friday’s tour is scheduled from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
PRO Tip: The price per participant is $10. All tours are weather-dependent, so keep an eye on the forecast. One of the best parts of the tours is that they coincide with the beautiful sunset! Make sure to take plenty of photos.
Afterschool Friday Fun Day
Where? 4856 North Andes Court
When? August 30th
There’s always something fun to do at the library. The Green Valley Ranch Branch Library in Denver is hosting a Friday Fun Day for kiddos to celebrate the weekend. Organized for ages 5 to 12 (grades kindergarten through 8th grade), children can enjoy games with their peers after school. Students will have the chance to play video games, create crafts, and hang out in a relaxed environment. Snacks will be provided.
PRO Tip: If your child has a blast at this after-school event, check out other fun after-school activities that are hosted at the library Monday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. There isn’t a strict schedule and students are invited to drop in whenever they arrive and hang out for as long as they’d like.
Buchanan Park Family Movie Nights
Where? 32003 Ellingwood Trail
When? August 30th
This Friday, take advantage of the free outdoor movie in Evergreen’s Buchanan Park! Festivities kick off at 6:00 PM, though it’s recommended that you arrive earlier to get set up with blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. This weekend’s movie is Barbie! Families can expect food trucks, games, music, and more before the movie begins around dusk. This weekend also doubles as a Family Campout event, which is hosted by the Evergreen Park & Recreation District. The overnight event is open to all ages and wraps up around 10:00 AM on Saturday morning.
PRO Tip: While the movie is free, families who plan on participating in the campout will be charged a fee of $35 per one 15×15 camping plot.
Glowstick Dance Party
Where? 1380 South Public Road
When? August 30th
Bounce Empire in Lafayette has been killing the themed parties lately, with the latest iteration featuring glow sticks and a family-friendly show at 6:00 PM! This game and entertainment center is known for having the world’s largest inflatable amusement park and live music on the epic 360-degree hydraulic stage. The stunning 4,000 square foot outdoor terrace features majestic mountain views and unlike other bounce centers, Bounce Empire provides all-inclusive pricing that includes socks instead of sneaking in an additional fee! The Ultimate Bounce Pass is priced between $29 and $36.
PRO Tip: As always, Bounce Empire is providing parents with a free drink from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This little incentive is a great way to unwind on your Friday evening while the kids have a blast getting their energy out.
Colorado Rockies Vs. Baltimore Orioles
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? August 30th – September 1st
This weekend, make sure to show your hometown baseball team some support as they take on the Baltimore Orioles. Friday kicks things off as the Rockies take the field at 6:40 PM and Saturday has a Batman Ticket Package for all of the superfans of the Caped Crusader. Fans are encouraged to show off their Batman pride with a limited-edition t-shirt. Sunday’s game has an earlier scheduled start time of 1:10 PM, so if you have little ones that you don’t want to keep out late — this is a great option! On Autograph Sunday, fans can meet select players and/or coaches at the bottom of Sections 116 to 120 from 11:40 AM to 12:00 PM.
PRO Tip: When parking for Coors Field, you can either opt for a game parking pass or you can find parking nearby in the city at a garage or a public lot. Parking lots associated with the field open 2.5 hours before the game.
Movies at APL: Beetlejuice
Where? 23911 East Arapahoe Road
When? August 31st
Looking for a fun Saturday activity for the whole family? Tallyn’s Reach Library in nearby Aurora is hosting a movie afternoon. To celebrate “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” that’s being released in September, the library is showing the original 1988 film. The best news? Unlimited popcorn will be provided! The film was directed by Tim Burton and features familiar names such as Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Michael Keaton. The film is scheduled from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
PRO Tip: Register for the movie on the library’s website so you secure your spot ASAP! There are limited seats available and organizers need to know how much popcorn to pop. This event is completely free.
The Little Mermaid
Where? 1100 Miners Alley
When? August 31st
Grab tickets to watch The Little Mermaid at Miners Alley Performing Arts Center this weekend. The show wraps up on September 14th, so you only have a couple of Saturdays left to enjoy it! This adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale is fun for the whole family. The magic of Ariel and her journey to our world is one that is full of adventure and the classic songs you know and love. This Saturday’s show is at 1:00 PM and tickets are limited — so grab yours while they’re hot. Prices are set at $18 for adults and children, regardless of where you choose to sit.
PRO Tip: Parking at Miners Alley is very limited. Additional parking can be found in two lots to the north and south of 12th and Arapahoe Streets. The first two hours of parking are free and there is a charge of $2.50 per hour afterward.
Woodland Animal Family Day @ Painting with a Twist
Where? 7600 East Park Meadows Drive Suite 950
When? August 31st
Family Day at Painting with a Twist is a great way to bond over a shared love of creativity and expression. The Woodland Animal painting class will be led by instructor Arianna at the Lone Tree location. The class is priced from $40 to $50 per person, depending on whether you opt for a canvas or a wood plank board to paint your masterpiece on. Family Day is scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday. Each painter gets their own canvas and they can choose their own animal, such as a raccoon, fox, or a bear!
PRO Tip: If you’re interested in making your own soy candle, arrive at least 30 minutes before the class begins to craft a custom candle from 24 amazing scent options! Participants will pay an additional fee and will be able to take their custom candles home with them at the end of class.
Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society Show
Where? 1007 York Street
When? August 31st & September 1st
Check out the amazing bonsai trees at the 55th Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society Show this weekend at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Learn all about the art of the bonsai from club members and enjoy an array of informational and educational resources and fascinating demonstrations. The show runs from Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission to the show is included with regular garden admission, which is priced at $15.75 for adults and $11.50 for children ages 3 to 15.
PRO Tip: Children are sure to be fascinated by these living trees that have been grown in such a way that they look like full-sized mature trees in miniature form. Many tree varieties can be turned into a bonsai through various techniques and kiddos will have the opportunity to ask plenty of questions about the process!
Labor Day Fireworks
Where? 2000 Elitch Circle
When? September 1st
If you’ve never caught a fireworks show at Elitch Gardens — make this weekend your opportunity! This awesome after-dark spectacular will kick off after park closing, so enjoy a jam-packed day of fun on the rides before capping off your Labor Day weekend festivities with a mesmerizing display in the sky. Fireworks are launched from the Elitch Arena and can be viewed from anywhere within the water park and theme park or from the parking lot. Sunday’s park hours are scheduled from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. The water park is open through Labor Day, so make sure to take advantage of the aqua rides before they’re shuttered for the season!
PRO Tip: Elitch Gardens has gone cash-free, which provides patrons with the convenience of covering parking, food, drinks, and more on their credit or debit cards. Parking is available for $30 per vehicle per day in the main lot, with additional pricing structures for RV and motorcycle parking.
Kids Create
Where? 10 West Fourteenth Avenue Parkway
When? September 1st
This hands-on learning event is perfect for kiddos between the ages of 0 to 5. Head over to Denver’s Central Library for an evening of fun. Children will interact with peers and their families as they explore new materials and learn how to express their creativity together. This program is labeled as arts and crafts, as well as STEM. There is no fee or registration required, so simply show up at 4:00 PM on Sunday and enjoy a half hour of library fun.
PRO Tip: Families in need of ASL, CART, or other disability-related accommodations can request them via the programs department at the Denver Public Library.
Colorado State Fair
Where? 1001 Beulah Avenue
When? Through September 2nd
If you didn’t attend the Colorado State Fair last weekend, you have another opportunity! The drive to Pueblo is a fun way to spend the afternoon and the whole family will find activities, food, and more at the state fair to enjoy. Free attractions include the Colorado Proud Farm Trail, where you can pick a Palisade peach, harvest a Pueblo chili, and even search for a San Luis Valley potato! Additional entertainment includes the Toughest Monster Truck Tour on Friday and Saturday, as well as a Demo Derby on Saturday and a performance by Banda El Recodo on Sunday.
PRO Tip: Adult gate admission is priced at $15 for visitors ages 13 and older and $7 for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. Children 4 and under are free when accompanied by an adult!
Discovering Teen Rex
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? Recurring Dates
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is excited to transport visitors on a journey into the prehistoric past when they visit the Discovering Teen Rex exhibit. The remarkable fossil that the exhibit is centered around was found by a crew of young dinosaur hunters in North Dakota. The rare adolescent T. Rex fossil provides unique insight into the growth of these spectacular creatures. The whole family will be fascinated by Teen Rex, who was estimated to have weighed approximately 3,500 pounds at the time of its demise. Access to the exhibit is included in general museum admission and is free for museum members. If you want to further explore the world of the T. Rex, check out the 3D film in the museum theater!
PRO Tip: The exhibition features a Teen Rex Prep Lab, where the public can meet the paleontologists in an interactive workshop and lecture series and view additional features on local fossil discoveries — such as Triceratops and Edmontosaurus.