Start getting the kids excited about this weekend, with awesome activities like the Dam Ducky Derby in Evergreen and a chance to catch Wonka on the big screen at the Historic Elitch Theatre!
Summer Film: Wonka
Where? 4550 West 38th Avenue
When? August 2nd
Wonka is hailed as one of the best recent fantasy films, serving as a prequel to the beloved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The movie stars Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka as he goes about his early life and grand adventures before he became a legendary chocolatier. The audience will love the musical numbers and may find themselves craving something sweet! Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 for adults. There will be concessions such as sandwiches from Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli and all your favorite movie snacks. Parents can enjoy beer as well. All proceeds go to the preservation of the Historic Elitch Theatre.
PRO Tip: Doors open at 6:00 PM, allowing families the chance to settle into their seats and grab their movie snacks. The film begins at 7:00 PM.
Bounce with the Minions
Where? 1380 South Public Road
When? August 2nd
Whether you’ve watched the newest iteration in the Despicable Me franchise or not, this Bounce with the Minions event at Bounce Empire in Lafayette is fun for the whole family. Tickets begin at $29 and include all-day access to the world’s largest inflatable amusement park, live music on the 360-degree hydraulic stage, and a beautiful 4,000-square-foot terrace with mountain views. There’s also a sports theater with large 128-inch 4K screens and the Bison Bistro, which serves up fast casual dishes. Custom Bounce Empire socks come with ticket purchases, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees and pesky add-ons!
PRO Tip: The best news? Parents get a free drink from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Make sure to swing by the bar and grab your adult beverage while the kiddos have a blast with the minions.
Seedlings: Life in the Pond
Where? 1007 York Street
When? August 2nd
This week’s Seedlings program introduces little ones to the depths of Pipsqueak Pond, where they’ll find an array of water plants and animals. Friday’s program has two program time slots, one at 9:15 AM and the second at 10:30 AM. Children between the ages of 18 and 24 months will have a hands-on opportunity to explore the plant world while they develop their understanding and appreciation for all that plants do in the world. The program includes stories, nature walks, and art projects. Parents should ensure that their kids are prepared to spend time both indoors and outdoors, which means dressing for the day’s forecast.
PRO Tip: The Seedlings program is priced at $12 per toddler, with a $2 discount being provided to members. One adult per child is admitted free of charge.
City Park Farmers Market
Where? East Colfax Avenue & Columbine Street
When? August 3rd
The City Park Farmers Market features a diverse array of prepared foods to enjoy, as well as live music and open green space where you can relax with your market goodies. Kids will love admiring the selection of fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, spreads, and more. The market is scheduled for 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday and continues to run through the end of October, so make this a weekly excursion to help introduce your little ones to whole foods and new flavors. Parents can sip on a cup of freshly brewed local coffee while they enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Denver’s favorite farmer’s markets.
PRO Tip: The 2024 vendor team includes Brown Dog Farm, Centennial Cuts, Full Stop Bakery, Best One Yet Vegan Ice Cream, and Yummy Lotus. There are a rotating selection of food trucks onsite as well, so you’ll always have something new to entice your palate.
Dam Ducky Derby
Where? Downtown Evergreen
When? August 3rd
Head over to Evergreen this weekend for the fun annual Dam Ducky Derby, where thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks will cascade down Bear Creek towards the finish line at Highland Haven Creekside Inn. Families can purchase single ducks or multipacks to take part in this unique event. There will additionally be fun activities that kick off a few hours before the race, such as live music, free face painting, art activities, a game truck, baby goats, and more! All ducks will be numbered, so cross your fingers that your lucky duck wins! Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers — with the grand prize being $1,500!
PRO Tip: Shuttles begin running at 10:30 AM, with two locations at Christ the King Catholic Church and Evergreen High School.
Opera in the Park 2024: A Royal Affair
Where? 1212 Canyon Boulevard
When? August 3rd
You won’t want to miss this annual Opera in the Park performance in Boulder this Saturday, which is sure to captivate and inspire audience members of all ages. The concert features selections from an array of iconic masterpieces. Parents can partake in the fenced beer garden and families can grab dinner at one of the food trucks. General admission is priced at $15, with seniors and students receiving a discounted rate of $5. Singers in this year’s performance include Daniela Guzman, Benjamin Wood, Alexis Haro, and Mackenzie Laun.
PRO Tip: There will be an open dress rehearsal on Wednesday with free admission! The main show kicks off at 7:00 PM on Saturday.
West Colfax Neighborhood Festival
Where? 1290 Knox Court
When? August 3rd
This neighborhood festival features food, drinks, music, games, and of course — plenty of kids’ activities to keep the littles entertained. There will also be workshops, fitness challenges, story times, and a resource fair. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a raffle for prizes while they enjoy connecting with the local community. The festival will be held in Paco Sanchez Park from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
PRO Tip: There’s no cost of admission for this festival, so just arrive with a fun-loving attitude and get ready to have a blast on Saturday!
Run for the Ring 5K & Kids Fun Run
Where? 1775 Aurora Court
When? August 3rd
This 5K and fun run will be held at The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes in Aurora. Registration begins at 7:00 AM, with the 5K kicking off at 8:00 AM. The kids’ zone will also open at 8:00 AM, where little ones can enjoy age-appropriate entertainment and activities. The kids’ fun run begins after the 5K award ceremony. The race and all proceeds go towards supporting a cure for type 1 diabetes. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this condition, then help show your support this Saturday in Aurora!
PRO Tip: Paid parking options will be available near the race, so arrive early to make sure you get a good spot.
Taste of Ethiopia
Where? 15555 East 53rd Avenue
When? August 3rd & 4th
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Denver’s Taste of Ethiopia Festival! On Saturday and Sunday, join in on this community celebration where you can sample mouthwatering cuisine and enjoy the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of this culture. Kids will love the injera and beef tibs and there will be vegetarian and vegan options as well. Attendees will be delighted by the vibrant music, lively dancing, and more at this Ethiopian party. You can help support educational initiatives, as well as promote and preserve important Ethiopian heritage through monetary donations or even just coming out and showing support!
PRO Tip: The festival is hosted in Denver’s Parkfield Lake Park, which has several parking lots on-site as well as street parking around the borders. Arrive early to ensure you snag a good spot!
Children and Family Make and Take: Build a Fairy Garden
Where? 1007 York Street
When? August 3rd & 4th
Embrace your imagination this weekend at the Denver Botanical Gardens. This make-and-take activity invites families to create miniature lands for their mystical garden friends. Children will have a blast designing, planting, and landscaping their very own tiny fairy oasis, which they can take home so their fairy friends have a place to live. This self-guided and self-paced program is designed to spark imagination and create memorable moments for parents and children as they work together to create something magical with natural materials.
PRO Tip: All supplies required for this project will be provided. The craft takes place indoors, with most groups spending anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour to complete the final product. The project fee for this make-and-take is $16 for non-members and $13 for members.
Colorado Scottish Festival
Where? 6359 Airport Road
When? August 3rd & 4th
The Colorado Scottish Festival is one of the hottest events this weekend, with awesome historical reenactments, pipe and drum performances, Celtic music, Scottish athletic competitions, and an array of vendors showcasing Celtic merchandise. Families will have a variety of Scottish-style food and drink options and parents can purchase beer, wine, and whiskey! There will be children’s activities, as well as drumming contests and a British car show.
PRO Tip: The Scottish Festival has a new home this year — the Denver Polo Club in Sedalia. There will be cash-only parking at the gate, priced at $5. This cost covers the full day and also includes come-and-go parking. There will be a designated pick-up and drop-off location for ride shares.
The Little Mermaid
Where? 1100 Miners Alley
When? August 3rd – September 14th
The Miners Alley Theatre for Young Audiences is excited to announce the premiere of The Little Mermaid this Saturday! This original adaption of the beloved tale of a mermaid brings out joy in children and adults of all ages. The show will be performed on Saturdays at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM until September 14th, so no worries if you can’t make it out this weekend. Tickets are priced at $18, which includes a $5 service charge. Families can choose their seats in the auditorium, depending on if they want to sit towards the side of the stage or directly in front of it.
PRO Tip: There are two ground parking lots on 12th and Arapahoe Streets. On weekdays before 5:00 PM, the first two hours of lot parking are free and are then priced at $2.50 per hour.
Bright Nights at Four Mile
Where? 715 South Forest Street
When? Recurring through September 29th
Bright Nights is made possible through a collaboration with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. — which is the largest producer of Chinese lantern festivals in America. This event at Four Mile Park will transform the space into a captivating delight for families, with larger-than-life sculptures that light up the night. Each year brings a fresh theme and new experiences, so even if you’ve been before, make sure to grab your tickets for this year’s astonishing show. Bright Nights runs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
PRO Tip: Bright Nights tickets are priced between $13 and $45, with the most expensive option being the adult eat and play pack.
Bubble Planet Experience
Where? 3900 Elati Street
When? Recurring Dates
This is one of the most exciting experiences in Denver — so if you haven’t had the chance to visit the Bubble Planet yet, make this weekend your time to do so! Families will take delight as they voyage through fantastical lands that are designed to appeal to all five senses. The Bubble Ocean allows participants to take a dip into an ocean of living balloons and the Infinity Room allows attendees to be carried away by an array of optical illusions. With eight rooms in total, embark on the surrealistic journey with an open mind, and make sure to swing by the interactive shop on your way out! Visitors can expect to take approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete the experience.
PRO Tip: All ages are welcome at the Bubble Planet Experience! Children under the age of 4 are free of charge and all kids under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.