Check out this roundup of fun, family-friendly activities around Denver this weekend! Summertime hosts an array of exciting opportunities, including sporting events, live music series, guided outdoor exploration, and more.
Movies in the Park: Super Mario Bros
Where? 4485 South Irving Street
When? July 12th
Kick off the weekend with a movie in Alice Terry Park this Friday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Families are encouraged to enjoy the evening outdoors with dinner from the Denver Street Tacos food truck. This weekend’s filming of The Super Mario Bros Movie takes young gamers on an animated adventure comedy based on this iconic video game franchise. The movie is set to begin at dusk.
PRO Tip: Bring blankets or lawn chairs to get comfortable before the film starts. This event is completely free, so just bring your loved ones and a fun-loving attitude to laugh the night away.
Family Movie Night
Where? 254 Knox Court
When? July 12th
Denver’s Secular Hub hosts family-friendly feature films on the second Friday of each month. Make plans to arrive around 6:45 PM and expect the film to begin around 7:00 PM. There will be popcorn, soda, and candy available for donation or you’re welcome to bring your own snacks. If you want to bring a picnic spread, you’re more than welcome to!
PRO Tip: Due to film licensing regulations, Secular Hub is unable to publish the title of the film being shown. For additional details, you can shoot event organizers a message.
Storytime in the Park
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Where? 6851 South Vine Street
When? July 12th
In partnership with Arapahoe Libraries, The Streets of SouthGlenn presents this popular summertime activity. Storytime is hosted in Commons Park and families are invited to bring blankets or chairs so they can sit back and enjoy the fresh air. Listen to family-friendly stories told by the library team. Remember to stick around afterward to explore the area and even grab a bite for lunch! Storytime kicks off at 10:00 AM. There will be one more summertime storytime event on August 9th, so make your calendar now.
PRO Tip: If you’re looking for discounted movie tickets, check out the Regal Summer Movie Express in SouthGlenn. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 7th, catch family-friendly flicks like Sonic the Hedgehog, Kung Fu Panda, and Minions; The Rise of Gru for only $1!
Seedlings: Homemade Lemonade
Where? 1007 York Street
When? July 12th
This summertime-themed program at the Denver Botanic Gardens introduces little ones to lemons and the world of citrus trees as a whole. Attendees will learn how to make their favorite refreshing summer beverage, lemonade! The Seedlings program provides an array of hands-on, engaging opportunities where kids can explore the plant world and develop their understanding and appreciation for plants of all types. The program features stories, nature walks, and projects.
PRO Tip: The fee for participating in Seedlings is priced at $12 for toddlers and preschoolers, with one adult admitted free of charge per child. Members get a discount of $2. Friday’s activity has two time slots, one at 9:15 AM and the second at 10:30 AM.
Christmas in July
Where? 1380 South Public Road
When? July 12th
It’s never too early to kick off the holiday festivities! Meet Grinch and Santa early at this Christmas in July event, where families are invited to dance and sing along to their favorite songs. Hosted at Bounce Empire in Lafayette, this festive event takes place between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Entry fees are priced at $29 and include access to over 50 attractions, including massive slides, obstacle courses, and mazes. For the adults, there is a full bar and an outdoor alpine terrace that overlooks the Flatirons. Let the kids run around having the time of their lives before the family grabs a bite from the onsite Flatirons Fresh Bison Bistro.
PRO Tip: Parents get a free drink from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, so make sure to swing by the bar and grab your adult beverage!
Colorado Rapids Vs. New York Red Bulls
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Where? 6000 Victory Way
When? July 13th
Cheer on Colorado’s very own MLS team, the Colorado Rapids, this weekend as they compete against New York at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The game begins at 7:30 PM but plan to arrive early to get settled into your seat and grab your favorite game day concessions. Patrons are not permitted to bring any glass bottles inside of the venue or any outside food or beverage. Empty and clear plastic bottles (32 oz or less) can be brought into the park and filled at one of the gate fountains. For kiddos who have sensory processing needs, guest relations has sensory bags that include fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources that have been designed to promote inclusivity.
PRO Tip: If this will be your first game or event at the park, swing by one of the guest relations kiosks to receive a certificate or a pin to commemorate your time!
Second Saturday Concert Series
Where? Olde Town Arvada
When? July 13th
This Saturday marks the second to last event in Arvada’s summer concert series lineup, so make sure you don’t miss out! The event takes place between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, allowing families to swing by anytime. Bands will be performing across two stages and there will be over 80 vendors each weekend to shop from. If you’re hungry, local food trucks will be available to take your order and parents can sip on refreshing adult libations. Kids will love their very own dedicated “kid’s zone,” with games, activities, and new friends waiting for them. This concert series is totally free, so what are you waiting for?
PRO Tip: This event is hosted rain or shine, so dress accordingly and bring an umbrella if the clouds look like they’re getting dark. Pets are more than welcome to join their families on Second Saturdays in Arvada!
Tiny Tots: Explore the Outdoors
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Where? 2501 Dallas Street
When? July 13th
On Saturday from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM, enjoy a free outdoor summertime concert on The Field at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora. The field is located on the west side of the marketplace, behind the playground. The audience is invited to explore nature and the world around them from inside the orchestra. The program also includes performances by guest artists, as well as a meet-and-greet opportunity after the performance. Tickets are priced at $13.50 for adults and children.
PRO Tip: In an effort to provide equity and access to the orchestra space, families who cannot afford the ticket prices can request discounted or free tickets on the website by filling out a form.
Campfires at Bear Creek Lake Park
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Where? 15600 West Morrison Road
When? July 13th
Kiddos and their families are invited out to Bear Creek Lake Park this Saturday for the summer campfire program. Join the park naturalists and special guests on Saturday evenings at the amphitheater located behind the visitor center. Attendees will learn about local animals, ecosystems, and the importance of conservation. Campfires will be based on the current weather forecast and will follow the rules, regulations and any restrictions put in place by the city.
PRO Tip: Other family-friendly programs occurring at Bear Creek Lake Park include sunset hikes, wildlife tracking, and birding walks! If your little one enjoys all things outdoors — there are great workshops and programs that introduce safety concepts and how to be a friend to the environment.
Neighborhood Movies in the Park
Where? 2805 East 141st Place
When? July 13th
This Saturday’s movie in the park is hosted at Fallbrook Farms from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The movie, Jungle Cruise, is set to begin at dusk. The movie follows a group of adventurers as they travel down the Amazon by boat in search of an ancient tree that holds the power of healing. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis so arrive early to ensure you get your preferred spot! Families are asked to leave alcohol, tobacco products, glass bottles, and grills at home. Dogs are welcome but organizers ask owners to keep their canines leashed and to pick up after them.
PRO Tip: Families who would like to request ADA accommodations, such as subtitles, can contact the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Coordinator before the event.
Teaching Kitchen Workshop: Ice Cream Party
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? July 13th – July 14th
The Denver Children’s Museum has added additional dates for their popular Ice Cream Party workshop. You’ll have two opportunities this weekend to snag a registration to whip up delicious homemade ice cream in classic flavors like strawberry and vanilla. Participants can create their own personalized sundae using epic toppings. Both dates have time slots between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This workshop is designed for all ages, so bring your sweet tooth and enjoy the fun!
PRO Tip: Can’t make it this weekend? The museum will be hosting another ice cream workshop on July 20th.
Shark Weekend
Where? 700 Water Street
When? July 13th – July 14th
Love all things sharks? You’re in luck because this weekend, the Denver Aquarium is raising shark conservation awareness with an array of fun and exciting activities for all ages. Attendees are invited to explore the exhibits and learn all about sharks from knowledgeable educators. From 10:00 AM to close, the aquarium will be providing “bytes” of information about sharks and their habitats. Visitors will also have a chance to gently touch a white spotted bamboo shark. If you want to experience a private shark meet and greet where you can watch these animals get fed and trained, there’s a $15 registration fee that can be booked online.
PRO Tip: Other shark weekend activities include shark feeding of sandbar, sand tiger, and black tip reef sharks and shark cage diving adventures that can be booked through A-1 Scuba and Travel Aquatics Center for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Art Museum
Where? 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
When? July 14th
The Denver Art Museum is dedicated to providing families and children with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders access to the museum in a safe, stress-free way. On select dates, the museum opens its doors early and dims the lights so children can enjoy the space without becoming overstimulated. There will be additional tools provided to ensure a sensory-friendly experience for attendees. Admission is free with advance registration. Sensory-friendly mornings run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and take place quarterly on the second Sunday of the month.
PRO Tip: These quarterly mornings are supported by The Blue Ribbon Arts Initiative, the Autism Community Store, and The Autism Society of Colorado Opening Doors Program — so check out these community partners who are doing the work and helping to make the region a more inclusive space for all.
Prairie Homestead Harvest: Raising Farm Animals and Gardening in the 1800’s
Where? 21901 East Hampden Avenue
When? July 14th
Head over to the Plains Conservation Center on Sunday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM for an interactive educational program that immerses attendees into life back in the 19th century. Learn all about gardening and homesteading back in the day, with a variety of hands-on activities that include feeding farm animals and harvesting fresh produce. Families can also gain unique insight into the challenges and victories of rural living on the high plains in the late 1800s. The audience for this program is geared towards ages 6 and up.
PRO Tip: The price for the Prairie Homestead Harvest program is $5 per attendee. Register in advance via the Denver Botanic Gardens Website. Tickets are limited so get yours while they’re available!