Entertaining kids on the weekend can be difficult. Check out these family-friendly activities around town to explore new skills, get outside, and make new friends.
Seedlings: Rockhounds
Where? 1007 York Street
When? April 12th
Denver Botanical Gardens is hosting another exciting iteration of its Seedlings class, this time focused on rocks. Kiddos will have the chance to examine rocks of different shapes and sizes, as well as discover plants that live amongst rocky terrain. The classes are split by age group, with Friday’s sessions being scheduled for 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM for ages 18-24 months. The program has both indoor and outdoor components and children will be hands-on with art projects and a nature walk.
PRO Tip: Toddler members will receive a discounted rate of $10 and nonmembers will have a $12 fee. One adult is admitted free of charge per child.
Charlotte’s Web
Where? 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue
When? April 12th
Parker Arts is proud to present Charlotte’s Web at the Pace Center in Parker. This family favorite is produced by Theatreworks USA and is based on E.B. White’s story of the friendship between Wilbur the pig and the little gray spider, Charlotte. Not only will this treasured tale pull on the heartstrings of kids and parents alike, but the story pulls themes of bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship. Grab your tickets for Friday, April 12th at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $29 and there is an optional add-on paperback book of Charlotte’s Web as a keepsake that can be added to your cart.
PRO Tip: This show is recommended for families with little ones between the ages of 4-10. Tickets are likely to sell out, so grab yours while they’re hot!
Kid’s Night: Movie Magic
Where? 6375 South Platte Canyon Road
When? April 12th
Once a month, Stagebugz hosts a movie night for kiddos in grades K-6. Parents can feel free to take the night off while their little one meets new friends and explore music and characters from their favorite movies. Registration is $40 per session and doors open at 4:15 PM and pickup is at 7:45 PM at Columbine United Church in Littleton. The fee includes a pizza dinner, a snack, and all materials required for that night’s theme. April’s movie of choice is Shrek, so get ready for singing, dancing, and lots of games.
PRO Tip: If your kiddo can’t make it to this movie night, the final showing of the spring program is on May 17th. Mark your calendars now for Moana!
Sunset Wagon Tour
Where? 21901 East Hampden Avenue
When? April 12th
Kids will love this adventure across the prairie with wildlife sightings along the way. Animals include prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, and an array of birds of prey. Throughout the drive, families will learn valuable facts about grass prairie ecosystems with informative stops at the sod homes and Cheyenne camp. Discover what it was like to live as a homesteader or a Native American on the prairie in the 1800s. Tours have been designed to coincide with the sunsets — which means that tours are also weather-dependent. All ages are welcome to join in for the 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM sunset tour for $10 per participant.
PRO Tip: Plains Conservation Center is located in Aurora and guests should use the entrance located on the corner of East Hampden Avenue and South Piccadilly Road.
Colorado Mineral & Fossil Spring Show
Where? 15500 East 40th Avenue
When? April 12th-14th
Does your kid love all things fossils? The Colorado Mineral & Fossil Show not only has free admission and parking but there’s a host of family-friendly activities like dinosaur digs and “gold” panning for the little ones to try their hand at discovering treasure. This popular extravaganza heads to three states each year: Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. The show kicks off on Friday and runs through Sunday at the Crowne Plaza DIA Hotel & Convention Center. Doors open at 10:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, with an early closure of 4:00 PM on the final day.
PRO Tip: Keep an eye out for the fall show! There will potentially be a new location, so stay tuned for exciting changes at upcoming events.
Zoologist for a Day
Where? 700 Water Street
When? April 13th
Denver’s Downtown Aquarium is hosting an exciting event for kiddos obsessed with all things animals. This Zoologist for a Day event is perfect for kiddos in grades 1st through 12th and for a $65 fee, parents can drop their children off for five hours of fun. Grades will be split by age group, allowing everyone to enjoy an experience designed for their cohort. The aquarium is home to more than just fish, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Children will have the opportunity to interact with the animals, build enrichment toys, and even talk with tiger and bird keepers. Students will even get the chance to prepare the daily diets for the animals, which includes cutting up seafood and entering into “staff only” areas to get a behind-the-scenes look.
PRO Tip: Closed-toe shoes are required and kiddos should wear clothing that can get a little dirty and wet. All other materials will be provided on-site, including commemorative t-shirts and lunch!
Cub Scout Make and Take: Greenhouse Gardens
Where? 1007 York street
When? April 13th
At this Denver Botanic Gardens program, all levels of Cub Scouts are invited to join together at the gardens for this spring seed planting project. Each child will have the chance to plant seeds and build a miniature tabletop greenhouse to take home. After the activities are complete, families can join in on a scavenger hunt that will take children on an adventure of discovery as plants are beginning to change for the season. The project is self-guided and self-paced, which helps to create a relaxed, creative environment for both parents and children. This Saturday, register for time slots from 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM, 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM, and 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. The cost of each project is $12.
PRO Tip: This program can take place either indoors or outdoors, depending on the time of year and the weather. Generally, the project takes between 60-90 minutes and program registration also includes admission to the Botanic Gardens.
Saturday Train Rides
Where? 17155 West 44th Avenue
When? April 13th
All aboard the Saturday train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum in nearby Golden! This unique adventure on board a passenger car pulled by a locomotive is a great way to showcase this fun mode of transportation. Rides are scheduled to depart every 30 minutes beginning at 10:00 AM and wrapping up at 3:00 PM. The price of admission includes the train ride on Saturdays, with adult tickets set at $14 and kiddos receiving a 50% discount of $7. Rides are always free for museum members and kiddos under the age of 2.
PRO Tip: After the ride wraps up, take advantage of your museum admission and explore the large outdoor exhibit space and rail yard.
TriceraTOTs: Everyone Needs a Rock
Where? 16831 West Alameda Parkway
When? April 13th
This popular pre-K and kindergarten program is offered each month on 2nd Saturdays at the Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center in Morrison, Colorado. Priced at $5 per participating child and free for those under 2, this is a great in-person activity that won’t break the budget. The upcoming date of April 13th will have two slots at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Kiddos will “adopt” the easiest pet to take care of — a rock! The class will create individual pet rocks and learn how to care for them at home.
PRO Tip: Parking is free at the Discovery Center and families can buy tickets inside the gift shop if they want to continue exploring Dinosaur Ridge. Picnic tables are available, so bring some snacks and enjoy lunch outside!
CO4Kids Resource Fair
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? April 13th
Grab your tickets now for this weekend’s CO4Kids Resource Fair at Denver Zoo Gardens Pavilion and Plaza. Kicking off at 10:00 AM, the event is set to run until 1:00 PM. Families are invited to join the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood for a day of family-friendly and community-centered festivities. There will be music, games, and a range of activities. Attendance at this event includes free entry to the zoo for the first 400 people, food and beverage vouchers for the first 200 attendees, and a valuable chance to connect with local community services and resources.
PRO Tip: Even if you can’t make it out to this event, keep your eyes peeled throughout April for gardens of pinwheels that are planted at schools, daycares, hospitals, and local nonprofits. These pinwheels represent the bright childhoods we want for all children.
Teaching Kitchen Workshop: Twist and Shout
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? April 13th
The Children’s Museum at Marsico Campus has several exciting workshops in April, with a teaching workshop this Saturday from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Kiddos will work as a team with their friends and family to make the perfect pretzel. The activity includes mixing the dough, twisting the bread into shape, and learning how to make this tasty treat. All ages are welcome! Afterward, check out the museum exhibits or swing by the cafe for grab-and-go snacks and lunches.
PRO Tip: Tickets to the workshop include museum admission. Current members always receive member pricing, which is $10 off per attendee.
Cockpit Demo Day
Where? 7711 East Academy Boulevard
When? April 13th
This Saturday, get up close and personal with some of the coolest aircraft in town. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is excited to host cockpit demo day between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This special event will allow families and little ones to get a closer look inside select aircraft and learn all about the instruments and controls that fly these amazing machines. April’s featured aircraft include the Cessna O-2A Skymaster, Murray Model T helicopter, Convair F-102A, and the Bartoe Aeromarine Skyote.
PRO Tip: The museum doesn’t close until 5:00 PM, so feel free to hang out after checking out the cockpits and explore the rest of the museum. Current exhibits include The Berlin Airlift, the Airway Beacon from the Lighted Airway System, and the popular Wright Brothers Exhibit.
Boulder Arts Week 2024
Where? Multiple Locations
When? Through April 13th
Discover the joy of Boulder Arts Week with the family this weekend and explore a range of music, dancing, exhibits, pottery, and more. This arts smorgasbord helps to put local community members in touch with dozens of cool events for a week in the springtime. Drop-in classes include a Teen Pottery Series at the Boulder Jewish Community Center, as well as open studios at Betsy Cole and MJ Galleries. Head to Chautauqua Park to explore artwork or enjoy a traditional Hawaiian hula class at The Spark.
PRO Tip: You don’t have to be a seasoned artist to get something out of Boulder Arts Week. This event has been designed to help community members discover a passion for creativity and there’s something for everyone — even the littlest attendees.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? Recurring Dates
Head over to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science this weekend to experience a brilliant spectacle of light and color. Children will follow along with Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the striking night sky with a new friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu. This imaginary trip leaves from Sesame Street and rockets to the moon, where kiddos will learn just how different this new place is from Earth. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all have a 10:00 AM showtime with over 100 available seats that are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis.
PRO Tip: Kiddos ages 0-2 don’t need a ticket and the average runtime of this show is 25 minutes.