As always, we have you covered for things to do in and around Denver with the kids this weekend! Whether you want to enjoy all the fun and fried treats at the Colorado State Fair or keep it relaxed with a local library event — these are the best events and activities around town this weekend for families!
Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park
Where? 715 South Forest Street
When? August 23rd
Once a month, Four Mile Park in Denver hosts a free day on every 4th Friday. The park is proud to be dedicated to preserving Colorado’s history, as well as to act as a pioneer in creating new stories through an array of exciting events and educational programs for families. This free general admission opportunity is applicable during normal hours, which are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Parking is available in an onsite lot. Regular admission pricing is set at $8 for adults and $6 for youth — which could easily add up to $28 for a family of four. Take advantage of the savings and make sure to swing by on Friday!
PRO Tip: If you already have plans this Friday, make sure to circle September 27th on your calendar for your next chance to visit the park sans admission fees!
Toddler Time
Where? 7525 West 57th Avenue
When? August 23rd
Parents know that little ones are constantly on the move. That’s why the Arvada Library is organizing a Toddler Time, where little ones can keep their minds as active as their bodies. Participants will join in on the fun by signing, rhyming, dancing, and telling stories together as a group. The event will be held from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday in the story time room. Parents are encouraged to keep the good vibes rolling with 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten — which is a nationwide challenge designed to read, read, read with your little ones while earning fun prizes along the way.
PRO Tip: Additional Toddler Time dates are scheduled for August 26th, 27th, 28th, and 30th! On some dates, the times shift by an hour (9:15 AM to 9:45 AM).
Air & Space Museum Open Late
Where? 7711 East Academy Boulevard
When? August 23rd
The Air & Space Museum is excited to stay open late this Friday, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM! If it’s difficult to make it to the museum during the day, these special late evening hours are a great way to bring the family to an exciting, educational activity. Standard admission pricing applies to these extended hours and of course, members get in free as always. Whether your kid is a massive fan of all things airplanes, helicopters, and more — the museum is the place to discover new aircraft, old aircraft, and everything in between.
PRO Tip: You can pre-purchase tickets via the museum website. Adult tickets (17-64) are priced at $19.95 and youth tickets for ages 4-16 are $15.95. Seniors get a discount, as do active military members and veterans. Children ages 3 and under get in free.
Littles on the Lawn with the Rocky Mountain Aardvarks
Where? 5877 East 120th Avenue
When? August 23rd
Pack up the kiddos along with your favorite blankets or lawn chairs to head out to Anythink Wright Farms in Thornton this weekend from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Attendees should be prepared to rock their socks off with the silly, fun-loving stylings of the Rocky Mountain Aardvarks (RMA). RMA is a wacky and wonderful program that features a vibrant musical selection that helps to instill an appreciation of melody and rhythm at a young age.
PRO Tip: No advance registration is required for this event and the activities are designed for ages 2 to 6.
Little University: Movement Storytime with Colorado Ballet
Where? 1498 North Irving Street
When? August 23rd
Head over to the Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library this Friday at 10:30 AM to explore early learning activities that go way beyond traditional story times. Designed for kids ages birth to 5 years old, this Little University program is hosted every Friday! This week, the participants will have the special treat of a movement story time with the Colorado Ballet. Children and parents alike will enjoy learning all about basic ballet vocabulary, as well as developing skills such as spatial awareness and problem-solving all while working out their body and brain.
PRO Tip: This is not a drop-off activity. Parents and caregivers should plan to spend the half-hour with their children in the Lena Archuleta Community Room at the library.
Q BBQ Fest Denver
Where? 101 14th Avenue
When? August 23rd-24th
Meat your fellow BBQ lovers at Civic Center Park this weekend for the Q BBQ Fest on Friday and Saturday. This all-ages event is great fun for all the carnivores out there, featuring award-winning pitmasters who are passionate about serving up a premier barbecue experience for eaters. To welcome as many community members as possible, the fest has three ticketing options ranging from a general admission “pay as you go” plan and a VIP “all you can eat and drink” ticket.
PRO Tip: There will be various cooking demos running throughout the weekend on the Weber Demo Stage, so make sure to swing by to see how you can improve your home BBQ skills!
RugbyTown 7’s Weekend
Where? 950 South Birch Street
When? August 23rd – 25th
The USA U-23s in nearby Glendale, CO were the 2023 cup champions! You won’t want to miss them compete as they seek to uphold their title. In 2024, the team is back for more and looking for your support to kick off another historic run at the cup. The weekend will be held at the Infinity Park Stadium in Glendale, with weekend passes starting as low as $30. Individual day passes are priced at $15 and doors open at 10:30 AM before the games kick off at 11:00 AM. Friday kicks off with pool play, resulting in 28 matches over the span of 11 hours!
PRO Tip: If your kid enjoyed watching rugby matches during the Olympics, show your support for the local team at the matchup! This is a great opportunity to watch a live sporting event that’s growing in popularity in the Denver area.
Colorado State Fair
Where? 1001 Beulah Avenue
When? August 23rd – September 2nd
If you feel like making a day trip this weekend, the Colorado State Fair is taking place in Pueblo and is sure to be fun for the entire family! Attractions at the fair include the Great American Petting Zoo, vintage tractors and agricultural displays, a lumberjack show, a variety of live musical performances, rodeo contests, and even a monster truck tour! The onsite carnival will include all your favorite rides, such as the fun slide, the haunted mansion, and even the Charlie Chopper!
PRO Tip: August 23rd is Senior Day, which means free admission for seniors if the grandparents want to tag along! August 25th is American Heroes Day, which features an $8 discount for military and first responders.
Plant Walk with Hutch
Where? 7030 Garrison Street
When? August 24th
This weekend’s Plant Walk at the Majestic View Nature Center in Arvada is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday. Tickets are priced at $20 per group and families will enjoy learning an array of outdoor skills and interesting information about the indigenous plants in Colorado and different ways to use them. Only one registration is required per group. These walks are ideal for kiddos ages 10 and up. The maximum number of participants for each walk is capped at 15, so you can rest assured that you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions.
PRO Tip: You can register in advance for this event via the website, where you’ll be prompted to create an account if you don’t already have one.
Family Day Out: Paris Bistro
Where? 8171 South Chester Street, Suite A
When? August 24th
Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar is excited to bring families together for a Paris Bistro edition of their Family Day Out program. If you miss all things Paris now that the Olympics have ended, this is a great way to get back into the Parisian spirit. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, families will learn how to make a mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette, as well as steak frites and cream puffs for dessert! This is a truly unique opportunity to make core memories with your kids, whether they’re 6 years old or 17 years old. Work together to create something special before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
PRO Tip: Family Day Out classes are priced at $79 per participant, which includes the ingredients, cooking tools and appliances, and instruction from a chef!
Family Fun Fest
Where? 6500 West Coal Mine Avenue
When? August 24th
Keep summer going just a little bit longer with this Family Fun Fest at Authentic Life Church in Littleton. The fest will have it all, including inflatables, prizes, a petting zoo, a train ride, balloon animals, carnival games, Kona ice treats, and of course — cotton candy! Enjoy that sugar rush one more time before the first day of school begins. The best news is that most activities are either $0.25 or free, making this a very budget-friendly option to enjoy with the crew this weekend. No carnival would be complete without food, which is why the fest will have hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and plenty of sweet treats.
PRO Tip: This is an all-ages event, with a special focus on elementary school-aged kiddos. However, younger and older children can find activities to participate in as well!
Kids Movie Night
Where? 900 Pearl Street
When? August 24th
If you feel up to making the drive to Boulder, kids will love this movie night event with Paige Griffith at Yoga Pearl! On Saturday from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, kids can try some basic yoga moves, as well as art projects to inspire their creativity. The main event? Encanto! This animated movie is a favorite to sing along to. Yoga Pearl will provide a kid-approved dinner of cheese pizza and a movie snack of popcorn. The price of tickets is $55 and the event is designed for ages 5-8.
PRO Tip: Parents are encouraged to send their kiddos in comfortable clothes. Additionally, please pack them a water bottle and any additional food and snacks if they don’t prefer pizza.
Healthy Kids Expo
Where? 150 South Harlan Street
When? August 24th
This expo is free to attend and a great way to explore kid-friendly health and wellness activities via interactive activities and age-appropriate learning stations. The event will include meet and greets with local Coloradan athletes, celebrities, and mini camps that are designed to engage the little ones. Whether you swing by for an hour or several, your family is sure to learn something new and find exciting ways to make health fun! This event is organized to be an open house style gathering, though registration is required so organizers know how many guests to expect. The hours on Saturday are from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
PRO Tip: All ages are welcome at the Healthy Kids Expo, though activities will be structured around kids between the ages of 5 and 14.
11th Polish Food Festival
Where? 517 East 46th Avenue
When? August 24th-25th
Saint Joseph’s Polish Parish is hosting the 11th annual Polish Food Festival in Denver this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday! The two-day event will feature special live performances by folk dancers and singers from Poland, as well as traditional Polish fare and a kid’s area. Each day kicks off at noon, with Saturday’s festivities going until 9:00 PM and Sunday until 5:00 PM. The schedule of events includes a pierogi eating contest, catholic mass, a beer-drinking contest, and a performance of the national dance of Poland to close out the festival! Whether you have familial ties to Poland or not, this is a great way to learn about a different culture while enjoying delicious food and great company.
PRO Tip: There will be free parking available near the festival grounds in two separate lots bordering Washington Street.