Get the kids ready to have a blast around Denver this weekend! From events at the Denver Botanical Gardens, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Denver Children’s Museum — there’s a lot to do, see, and experience. Take a day trip to Loveland for the Cherry Celebration or go back in time at the Colorado Renaissance Faire.
Tiny Tots: Explore the Outdoors
Where? 18700 East Plaza Drive
When? July 19th
Tiny tots are invited to join Inside the Orchestra at the Parker Fieldhouse this Friday from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. This playful summertime concert will engage audiences to explore nature and the world around them. Tots will be immersed in this interactive experience, perfect for ages 7 and under. This is not a drop-off activity, so adults are encouraged to join in on the fun! Attendees will sit on the ground as they’re encircled by a 30-piece orchestra. The music selection, program design, and scripting are all geared toward engaging little ones via music.
PRO Tip: After a fun-filled 45-minute orchestral performance, the audience will have a chance to participate in a meet and greet with the musicians.
Seedlings: I Love Lavender
Where? 1007 York City
When? July 19th
This weekend at the Denver Botanic Gardens, children are invited to learn all about the lovely lavender plant. Attendees will discover the smell, feel, and color of this herb. The Seedling program is a great way for little ones to get hands-on experience with the plant world, which helps them develop their understanding and appreciation for a wide variety of plants and the value they hold to our day-to-day lives. The program uses a combination of stories, nature walks, and art projects to keep everybody engaged.
PRO Tip: The Seedling program typically has both indoor and outdoor components, depending on the weather. Children should come prepared to spend time both inside and outside.
Movies in the Park
Where? 11500 Birch Drive
When? July 19th
This weekend’s Movies in the Park will be hosted at the Cherry Park Pavilion in Thornton. Festivities kick off at 6:00 PM and the movie will begin at dusk. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis — so arrive early to get the best spot! Attendees are asked to leave glass bottles, alcohol, tobacco, and grills at home. Pups are allowed, though these movie-loving canines are required to be on a leash. As part of the Christmas in July event, the movie being shown will be Elf. Families who want to donate to a good cause are asked to bring new and unwrapped toys to the movie for Thornton PD’s drive.
PRO Tip: Families who would like to request ADA accommodations can do so through the Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Department. Accommodations include subtitles during the movie.
Pearl Street Arts Fest
Where? 1303 Pearl Street
When? July 19th-21st
Admission to Pearl Street Arts Fest is free, so come on out to enjoy whimsical and modern sculptures, traditional watercolors, oil paintings, and more at this beautiful outdoor gallery. Located in the heart of downtown Boulder along the renowned Pearl Street Mall, this art fest is fun for the whole family. As one of the oldest art events in the state, this year’s 44th Pearl Street Arts Fest will showcase over 100 artists from across 15 states. Little ones will have plenty to do at the festival, including activities with Open Studios Mobile Art Lab. There will also be a scavenger hunt that takes participants along the famous street!
PRO Tip: Even if you can’t make it out to this weekend’s festival, Downtown Boulder has plenty to do throughout the year! Check out the striking murals and the Boulder Alley Gallery, which features 25 doors with art from local artists.
U-Pick Sunflowers @ Anderson Farms
Where? 6728 County Road 3-1/4
When? July 19th-August 24th
Anderson Farms is excited to invite families to their third annual U-Pick Sunflowers event. July 19th is the kickoff to this exciting activity. Families will have the chance to visit the stunning 15-acre sunflower field, where there are 17 varieties of sunflowers planted. The flowers range in height, color, and stages of bloom — creating a truly remarkable visual masterpiece. Admission also includes a wagon ride to and from the field. Take home fresh flowers by purchasing an all-you-can-fit cup, a bag, or a French market bucket. Kids will love the farm animals and the combine slide!
PRO Tip: Tickets are priced at $15 for field admission. Visitors will select a 30-minute time slot where they’ll be able to enter the farm. Children ages 3 and under get in free.
Loveland Cherry Celebration
Where? 503 North Lincoln Avenue
When? July 20th
This annual cherry celebration shouldn’t be missed if you love all things cherry! Loveland once boasted the largest cherry orchard to the west of the Mississippi River and was famous for producing over a million dollars of fruit each year. The celebration supports local vendors, artisans, non-profits, and the community and is a great way to enjoy a Saturday evening with the whole family. There will be an Art of the Tart Cherry Pie contest, as well as kid’s activities, vendors, food trucks, and a cherry goods market. Live music will be performed by Serpentine and Cipriano Ortega.
PRO Tip: Vendors will have an array of cherry-themed goods, including food, crafts, games, and even a cherry beer for visitors aged 21 and up. Sample fudge, cookies, and even fresh cherries from Scofield Fruits!
Family Workshop at Plains Conservation Center: The Cheyenne
Where? 21901 East Hampden Avenue
When? July 20th
Head over to the Plains Conservation Center to learn all about the Cheyenne Native Americans and how they would utilize resources to survive on the prairies in the 1800s. The center has a replica tipi camp and attendees will be led by a guide as they discover how the Cheyenne Native Americans expertly crafted items for their homes from parts of the bison. These family workshops at the conservation center provide hands-on experience for all ages, including a guided deep dive into a specific topic that includes a project that adults and children can work on together.
PRO Tip: These guided workshops are well suited for families with children between the ages of 5 to 10. The fee for the family workshop is $12 per person. Pre-registration is required. There will not be an opportunity to register onsite.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Taylor Swift & More
Where? 3317 East Colfax Avenue
When? July 20th
You won’t want to miss out on the Taylor Swift jam session at Denver’s Bluebird Theatre this weekend! This all-ages event is fun for all Swifties and general admission tickets are priced under $20! Children under the age of one get in free. The Rock and Roll Playhouse hosts family concert series in historic venues across the country, giving little ones an opportunity to dance, play, and sing while they listen to songs by their favorite artists. The concert series includes iconic songs from The Beatles, Phish, The Grateful Dead, Blink-182, and more!
PRO Tip: Doors open at 10:30 AM and the show kicks off around 11:30 AM. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tiny Tots: Explore the Outdoors (Clayton Early Learning)
Where? 3801 M.L.K. Jr Boulevard
When? July 20th
This Explore the Outdoors event takes place at Clayton Early Learning in Denver for those who want to experience the orchestra up close and personal. The Inside the Orchestra program is designed to provide an immersive experience that includes performances by guest artists and a meet-and-greet session with the musicians themselves. Kids will have the chance to gain a deeper appreciation for live music and a diverse array of musical instruments. Saturday’s experience kicks off at 9:30 AM.
PRO Tip: Both children and adult tickets are priced at $13.50. If affording the ticket is a hardship, families can request discounts or free tickets by filling out a form via the Inside the Orchestra website.
Tennyson Street Fair
Where? 4385 West 42nd Avenue
When? July 20th
The Tennyson Street Fair is an all-day event on Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. With shopping, music, and food trucks — you’ll have plenty to do. The schedule includes group yoga, inflatables and kid’s activities, and 100+ vendors at a farmer market-style shopping area. The food lineup includes a variety of cuisines from local restaurants. Enjoy carnival favorites, BBQ, international bites, and an array of sweet treats and cold beverages. Attendees are allowed to bring blankets and lawn chairs to relax in the grass while they enjoy the day’s entertainment.
PRO Tip: The Tennyson Street Fair is totally free to attend. Families should bring reusable bags for shopping and a personal water bottle to ensure everybody stays hydrated throughout the day!
Fun at the Firehouse
Where? 1326 Tremont Place
When? July 20th
This weekend’s Fun at the Firehouse is scheduled for 10:00 AM at the Denver Firefighters Museum. On the first or third Saturday of the month, the museum hosts a story time and craft project event for kiddos who love all things firefighter-related. After the craft, families are encouraged to stick around for a guided tour of the museum. Reservations for this event are required so that organizers can ensure there are enough supplies for all participants. Admission is priced at $15 per child and this includes access to the museum. Accompanying adults pay an admission of $9.
PRO Tip: The Denver Firefighters Museum hosts other events, such as lecture series, vehicle deep dives, fire trivia nights, and more!
Joy Park Workshop: Dinosaur Excavation
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? July 21st
All the way back in 1984, the Denver Children’s Museum first opened its doors along the Platte River. The Dinosaur Excavation workshop invites little ones to help uncover what was here before the museum. Participants will join an excavation crew in the Joy Park Sand Dunes, where they’ll dig for ancient dinosaur “fossils” that help teach what life may have looked like millions of years ago. This event is designed for ages 3 and up.
PRO Tip: If you can’t make it to the July 21st excavation, mark your calendar for July 28th from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM for the next opportunity to inspire wonder in your little dinosaur enthusiast.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Where? 650 Perry Park Avenue
When? Recurring through August 4th
Across eight magical weekends from June 15th through August 4th, the Colorado Renaissance Festival invites area families to join in on the festivities. The entertainment lineup includes action-packed live jousting, renaissance rock and roll, sword fighting, and an array of live music by all of your favorites such as The Crimson Pirates, The Reelin’ Rogues, and Celtic Legacy. Food and drink options are plentiful, with pork tails, smashed potatoes, cinnamon rolls, smothered burritos, and fried ice cream all on the menu!
PRO Tip: While visiting the Renaissance festival, enjoy artisans such as The King of Cups who crafts handmade drinking horns and House of Bubbles who creates handmade bubble wands and necklaces for children of all ages!
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? Recurring Dates
This brilliant spectacle of light and color follows Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Elmo as they embrace the night sky with their new friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu. The three friends take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street all the way to the moon. Children will enjoy this cross-cultural adventure that is designed to open the eyes of the audience as they learn how everyone all over the world is interconnected. Tickets to Big Bird’s Adventure are priced at $6 for kiddos and $7 for adults. Members receive a discounted rate.
PRO Tip: There’s one showing of One World, One Sky per day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, scheduled for 10:00 AM.