Check out upcoming family-friendly weekend events in Denver, such as Monster Jam, The Percy Jackson Musical, and even a plains exploration tour with the Denver Botanic Gardens.
A Year with Frog and Toad
Where? 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard
When? April 25th (opening day)
Based on the award-winning books written by Arnold Lobel, A Year With Frog and Toad follows the beloved antics of these two best friends. Cheerful Frog and Grumpy Toad make for a fascinating dynamic duo and little ones will enjoy watching them hop, sing, and dance their way through an entire year’s worth of adventure. The production is geared towards a younger audience between grades K through 5, with whimsical music and social-emotional lessons. The runtime is approximately an hour and there is no intermission.
PRO Tip: If you can’t make it out to the opening weekend of the show — don’t fret! The production will run through mid-May in the Black Box Theatre at the Arvada Center.
Seedlings: Earth Day
Where? 1007 York Street
When? April 26th
This exciting rendition of Seedlings at the Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates Earth Day. Children will have the opportunity to explore the garden and soak in the natural beauty, as well as plant seeds in an eco-friendly planting container. The class kicks off at 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM and is best suited for 18-24-month-olds. However, the York Street location also hosts a Wednesday Seedlings class for 3-6 year olds and a Thursday class for 24-36 month olds. This ensures that each group has age-appropriate programming and helps to promote child-led activity.
PRO Tip: The program includes stories, nature walks, and a craft project. One adult per child is admitted free of charge, allowing parents the chance to enjoy hands-on activities with their little ones.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Where? 1 East Memorial Parkway
When? April 26th – 28th
Northglenn Arts presents The Percy Jackson Musical for all of the little ones who are big fans of Rick Riordan’s best-selling book series. The show will feature an original rock score and an action-packed night of entertainment. Percy is the half-blood son of a Greek god and his newly discovered powers lead him on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. The show is recommended for all ages and there are three showtimes this weekend — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sunday’s show is earlier at 2:00 PM, which is ideal for kiddos who have an earlier bedtime.
PRO Tip: Aside from shows and programs, Northglenn Arts also hosts a youth theater camp to encourage young performers of all ages and abilities to explore live theatrical performances via classes, workshops, and customized training.
Monster Jam
Where? 1701 Bryant Street
When? April 27th
Monster Jam 2024 is coming back to Denver on Saturday, April 27th. The event is set to be hosted at Empower Field at Mile High. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the start time is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Featured competitors at this year’s jam include Grave Digger Tyler Menninga, El Toro Loco Jamey Garner, and Lucas Stabilizer Linsey Read. Monster Jam trackside begins approximately an hour before the main event and will feature driver interviews, opening ceremonies, giveaways, and a preview of the competition. Arrive early to get the most bang for your buck and to enjoy the lively atmosphere!
PRO Tip: All kiddos 2 and older are required to have a ticket — so grab yours today for as low as $35! There will be opportunities to view the trucks up close.
Art Studio Workshop: Paper Making Party
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? April 27th
On Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, join new friends at the Children’s Museum Marsico Campus as kids embark on a handmade paper craft. The class will invite little artists to decorate their papers with dried flowers and create a card for a loved one, as well as a beautiful storybook. The event includes seeds that can be taken home and planted because after all — April showers bring May flowers!
PRO Tip: This studio workshop is designed for kiddos ages 5+! There are several Spring into Spring workshops being held at the museum throughout the month and tickets always include museum admission.
Family Workshop at Plains Conservation Center: Prairie Safari
Where? 21901 East Hampden Avenue
When? April 27th
This Saturday, join the Denver Botanic Gardens at their Plains Conservation Center in Aurora to enjoy a family-friendly guided tour to learn about the prairie habitat and the people, plants, and animals that call it home. The workshop includes a guided exploration, as well as a craft project that parents and children can work on together. This activity is best suited for kiddos between the ages of 5 and 10 and includes a lesson on how to use scientific tools such as binoculars and microscopes.
PRO Tip: There are limited tickets available, so grab yours while they last! The approximate run time of this event is an hour and a half, beginning at 12:00 PM.
Summer Low Sensory Mornings
Where? 1007 York Street
When? April 27th
Held once monthly, the Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting a low sensory morning through August. This is the perfect opportunity for kiddos and families to experience the York Street gardens without the crowds. This therapeutic horticulture program has been thoughtfully designed to provide individuals with a quiet, stress-free environment with limited attendance. There will be additional sensory-based programming to inspire curiosity and provoke the senses in a relaxed manner.
PRO Tip: Free parking is available in the parking garage and low sensory morning ticket holders will enter through the main visitor center located on York Street.
Earth Day, Every Day: Science + Nature Kids Concert
Where? 111 West Baseline Road
When? April 27th
Head to nearby Lafayette on Saturday to celebrate Earth Day with a concert by Jeff & Paige. There will be an outdoor classroom, as well as a sustainable makers market. Parents can swing by the electric vehicle showcase to check out what’s new on the market and kiddos can experience wildlife up close and personal at one of the live animal programs. Local duo Jeff & Paige will be performing a science and nature-themed kids’ concert and everyone is welcome to sing along and show off their best moves. The event kicks off at 10:00 AM and runs through 2:00 PM at the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center. Storytime with Lafayette Library will be held between 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM and there will be ongoing raffles, prizes, and scavenger hunts.
PRO Tip: If you opt to ride a bike to the concert, bike valets will be available to ensure that your ride is kept secure. Ride Free Lafayette is another option for free, on-demand, door-to-door transportation service that will bring you to the event at your preferred time.
Teaching Kitchen Workshop: Twist and Shout
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? April 28th
This Sunday, head out to the popular Twist and Shout kitchen workshop at Denver’s Children’s Museum at the Marsico Campus. Children will learn how to work as a team to build their perfect pretzel. This class is designed for all ages and is a great hands-on activity that builds confidence in little chefs. The lesson includes step-by-step instructions from kneading the dough to twisting and forming it into its final shape and then cooking the treat to golden perfection!
PRO Tip: Tickets to the Teaching Kitchen Workshop course include museum admission, so stick around and check out the exhibits that feature hands-on learning and imaginative worlds waiting to be discovered.
Tulip Fairy & Elf Festival
Where? 1303 Pearl Street
When? April 28th
This well-loved annual event in Downtown Boulder is one of this weekend’s best activities! Visit the Tulip Fairy and enjoy pint-sized elves at the parade around Pearl Street Mall that’s dedicated to “waking up the tulips.” This springtime tradition features live performances, as well as children’s activities, and over 15,000 tulips adorning the outdoor mall. Join attendees at the performance stage on the 1300 block of Pearl Street for music and join in on the parades that leave on the hour from 1:45 PM to 3:45 PM. School of Rock takes the stage at 3:00 PM and Jeff & Paige close out the event at 4:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Most activities at the festival are free, though some require a fee such as face-painting. Confirmed activities for the 2024 festival include foam sword dueling, wildlife safety, flower fairy sun print crafts, and a clay demonstration by Studio Arts Boulder.
Kids Paint Free @ Painting with a Twist
Where? 1962 Blake Street
When? April 28th
This Sunday, kids ages 6-13 paint for free at the Blake Street Painting with a Twist location. Children are included with the purchase of an adult seat — just add their name and age during registration! This fun class provides families with a space to be creative and explore the painting medium with the help of an experienced instructor. Choose from surfaces such as canvas or pine wood boards. The 16×20 canvas is standard and priced at $39 per person. All painting supplies are included.
PRO Tip: The class runs from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM on Sunday and instructor Karen will be showing families how to paint a ferocious shark in the ocean waves.
Día del Niño (Day of the Child) @ Clyfford Still
Where? 1250 Bannock Street
When? April 28th
Join Clyfford Still Museum for a city-wide celebration of the Day of the Child this Sunday. The museum’s forecourt will have art-making activities from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and artist Leticia Dominguez will drop by for crafts. Attendees can decorate screen-printed paper puppets created by Dominguez. There will be family-friendly dance performances by local groups on the hour from 10:30 AM through 12:30 PM.
PRO Tip: This event is totally free and no registration is required — so swing by and enjoy the fun. Día del Niño is also a free day, so check out the museum all day on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and enjoy free admission.
Venardos Circus
Where? 7301 South Santa Fe Drive
When? Recurring dates
Venardos Circus is coming to The Promenade Shops at Aspen Grove this weekend from April 25th through May 5th. This unique Broadway style show is celebrating its 10th anniversary with its “A Decade of Dreams” performance. A big tent will be located in the parking lot adjacent to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Expect great comedy and tons of fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a theater lover or the kiddos just want to check out what a circus is like, the intimate experience is a great way to experience this nostalgic form of entertainment revamped for the modern family audience.
PRO Tip: There are three types of seating for the circus, including general admission, premier gallery, and children’s tickets. Upgrade to the VIP Experience package to make your day at the circus extra special, with a cast member escort and stage-side cushioned seats.
Destination Solar System
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? Recurring Dates
Discover an out-of-this-world tour that departs from the Gates Planetarium and takes families on a journey on board the Space Express. You’ll travel hundreds of millions of miles in mere seconds — guided by your enthusiastic tour guide, Jesse! Check out all the hottest spots and spectacular sights in the solar system that are sure to delight space travelers of all ages. Approximate run time is just over half an hour and there is limited availability per show, so snag your tickets for one of the time slots this weekend and enjoy the coolest live show in town.
PRO Tip: A trip on board the Destination Solar System requires museum admission, so plan to spend your afternoon exploring the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.