This weekend in Denver is brimming with new opportunities and fun activities for families. Get the kids ready to explore the Botanic Gardens or make a trip to one of the county fairs going on. Enjoy classic carnival foods and make sure to catch one of the rodeo events!
Wicked @ Buell Theatre
Where? 1350 Curtis Street
When? July 24th – August 25th
Wicked is a Broadway sensation and it’s coming to Denver’s Buell Theatre for a month! Audiences will get a chance to see what happened in the Land of Oz from a different perspective, starting long before Dorothy arrives! The show is sure to transfix audiences all the way from the smallest members to their parents. The recommended age for the show is 8 and up. Tickets begin at $45, so grab your seats while they’re hot. There may be limited availability for the first couple of weeks but don’t fret if you’re unable to get tickets right away!
PRO Tip: Depending on the day, there may be two showings of Wicked — one at 2:00 PM and one at 7:30 PM.
Arapahoe County Fair
Where? 25690 East Quincy Avenue
When? July 25th-28th
Gates are opening on Thursday for the annual Arapahoe County Fair, so grab your tickets and get ready to have a blast. With activities like the Kid’s Corral, a petting farm, Toddler Town, and even a Canine Stars stunt dog show — you won’t find yourself bored while you’re at the fair. Tickets are priced at $25 and include unlimited carnival rides, free parking, fireworks, stage entertainment, concerts, and rodeos. There will also be 4-H exhibits, public competitions, tractor pulls and so much more!
PRO Tip: Kiddos under the height of 36″ receive free admission! Parents should keep in mind that if their child falls between 37″ and 42″, they will have limited rides available due to safety restrictions.
Seedlings: Mismatches Vegetable Patch
Where? 1007 York Street
When? July 26th
Kiddos are invited to engage their senses as they meet veggies with unusual colors. Participants will have a chance to experience how these veggies taste compared to the ones that they’re used to eating. Friday’s program will be hosted twice, with the first block scheduled for 9:15 AM and the second at 10:30 AM. Cancellations can be made one week before the class, subject to a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations made with less than a week’s notice are nonrefundable, so make sure your little veggie lover can attend!
PRO Tip: The Seedlings program at the Denver Botanic Gardens is ideally suited for children ages 18 months to 6 years old. There are indoor and outdoor components, weather permitting, so dress your child according to the forecast!
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
Where? 500 Fairgrounds Drive
When? July 26th-August 4th
The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo is fun for the whole family, with rodeo events to cheer on and concerts to jam out to, including ACM award-winning artist, Chris Janson, on Friday the 26th. The fair lineup includes carnival rides and games, cattle drives, and a wide variety of food vendors serving up all your favorites like nachos, sausages, candy apples, popcorn, funnel cakes, and more. Swing by the Kodiak Ranch petting zoo to experience the animals up close and personal.
PRO Tip: Additional family-friendly activities at the fair include butterfly encounters, parades, llama shows, mutton bustin’, and a stick horse rodeo!
Art Studio Workshop: Terrific Tie-Dye
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? July 27th
Join staff members in The Art Studio at Denver’s Children’s Museum to participate in an exciting tie-dye activity, which will result in a kaleidoscope of bright colors. Little artists will learn all about transforming an otherwise plain garment into a striking piece of wearable art. If you love the grooviness of tie-dye clothes, this is the workshop for you! The workshop is designed for all ages and is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
PRO Tip: All materials needed for this activity will be provided on-site, so just bring yourself and a creative attitude to ensure good times all around!
Summer Low Sensory Mornings
Where? 1007 York Street
When? July 27th
Denver Botanic Gardens is dedicated to providing everyone with an opportunity to experience the wonder and joy that comes along with exploring nature! The York Street gardens will open early at 8:00 AM on select Saturday mornings during the summer in order to provide a low sensory experience for plant enthusiasts who may be otherwise overwhelmed by the crowds and noise. There will be a variety of sensory-based programming at the gardens, which is aimed at helping to inspire curiosity and engage visitors to learn about the natural world around them.
PRO Tip: These low-sensory events have limited attendance, so make sure to grab your tickets ASAP! The last summer low sensory morning is scheduled for August 24th.
Film on the Field @ Stanley Marketplace
Where? 2501 Dallas Street
When? July 27th
Enjoy the third Film on the Field event of the summer with a showing of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Hosted on the last Saturday of the month through September, this is a great way to enjoy a relaxing evening with the family while you snack on a picnic on the lawn and watch a popular film. This weekend’s event also doubles as a campout! So grab your tent and sleeping bags and have a memorable summer evening with the kids. This is the 2nd annual campout and load-in is scheduled between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, allowing participants to set up before the crowds arrive. Limited spots are available, so secure your reservation today!
PRO Tip: The final two movies of the summer at the Stanley Marketplace are Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in August and A Million Miles Away in September.
Aspen Grove Kids Carnival
Where? 7301 South Santa Fe Drive
When? July 27th
Bring the kids out to the 2nd annual Kids Carnival in South Denver this Saturday for a fun-filled afternoon of games, bounce houses, an inflatable slide, face painters, and more. The event is free, so invite friends to join in on the excitement! There will be a variety of delicious food options and on-stage entertainment like magic shows, circus performers, and a ringleader DJ. One of the special attractions at the carnival will be the Denver Museum of Nature & Science Curiosity Cruiser.
PRO Tip: At the carnival, make sure to visit the Denver’s Makers Market which will host over 100 local vendors from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Parents can partake in beer, wine, and cocktails at BARBOX.
Denver Days Kick-Off Event
Where? 9150 East 50th Avenue
When? July 27th
Denver Days are back and better than ever this year! This year’s kick-off event will be hosted on Saturday from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Fire Station 39. There will be a back-to-school giveaway where hundreds of backpacks and school supplies will be distributed, as well as a delicious pancake breakfast complete with sausages, fruit, coffee, and juice. The event will also include live music by a local DJ, face painting, fire truck bucket rides, and more.
PRO Tip: Free parking is available along Beeler Street. No registration for this event is required!
Tiger Weekend @ the Downtown Aquarium
Where? 700 Water Street
When? July 27th & 28th
Join the Downtown Aquarium for a special weekend dedicated to learning all about the critically endangered Sumatran tigers and how people can help support conservation efforts. The aquarium features a million gallons of underwater exhibits, as well as an interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, the aquarium restaurant, the Dive Lounge, a ballroom and amusements for the entire family. Spend the day learning about fascinating ecosystems after you visit the tigers!
PRO Tip: Tickets for the aquarium exhibit only start at $21.99 for kiddos ages 3 through 11 and $27.99 for adults. Kids 2 and under get in free! There are also exhibit value ticket options and exhibit plus passes available that include one 4-D experience.
Cheesman Park Art Fest
Where? 1599 East 8th Avenue
When? July 27th & 28th
The Cheesman Park Art Fest will feature over 150 artists and craftsmen from across the United States who are showcasing their work across a wide array of mediums and price points. There will be a juried art event and plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family engaged. This year includes a lineup of local musicians across Saturday and Sunday, including jazz and folk performances. Make sure to arrive hungry, as there will be plenty of Denver food trucks onsite — covering all your bases from savory to sweet.
PRO Tip: Street parking will be available along the north lane of 8th Avenue. Whenever possible, attendees are encouraged to walk, bike, bus, or carpool to the event. There will be free bike piking available.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Where? 1700 North Sheridan Boulevard
When? July 27th & 28th
As the largest dragon boat festival in the United States, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Hosted at Sloan’s Lake Park, attendees will have a chance to watch over 50 boaters race colorful dragon boats across the lake. Races kick off at 8:00 AM and end at dusk. Aside from the main event, there will also be three stages with over 60 free performances and an Asian marketplace that features gifts, artwork, crafts, and an array of novelties. Two Taste of Asian food courts will be available, each showcasing the area’s best Asian restaurants.
PRO Tip: Kids will love Dragonland, where they can take part in hands-on learning projects from making kites to tea education, as well as cooking demos. Don’t miss the bungee trampoline!
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
Where? 1000 Chopper Circle
When? July 27th & 28th
If your kiddo loves all things Hot Wheels and monster trucks, there’s truly no better event that combines both of these interests! The show will bring your favorites to life, including Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Demo Derby, Bone Shakers, and the Bigfoot Gunkster. The Glow Party features a laser light show and phenomenal theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans will have the chance to witness a special appearance by a transforming robot and the electrifying high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live — Freestyle Motocross!
PRO Tip: Standard admission tickets start as low as $25 or you can upgrade to closer rows for a slight increase! Surprise your kiddo with a trip to Ball Arena this summer and watch their jaws drop when their favorite trucks come out.
Children and Family Make and Take: Fantastical Creatures
Where? 1007 York Street
When? July 28th
Embark on a self-guided scavenger hunt this weekend as you explore the fanciful and distinctively patterned animal sculptures from the workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles. Participants will even have the chance to try their hand at painting their own fantastical creatures to take home with them! Materials will be provided for families at this event, with supplies being appropriate for kids ages 5 and up with a parent’s help. When registering for this make-and-take activity, families will be prompted to select how many fantastical creatures their group will be painting as this determines the project fee.
PRO Tip: During the course of this program, participants should expect to spend time both indoors and outdoors. On average, groups spend 1-2 hours exploring the exhibit and completing their painting project.
Joy Park Workshop: Dinosaur Excavation
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? July 28th
If you missed the dinosaur excavation workshop last weekend, you have another chance to partake in the grand adventure of uncovering “fossils” in the Joy Park Sand Dunes this Sunday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t so long ago that the Children’s Museum first opened its doors back in 1984. Tiny excavators are invited to join in on the activity of digging for ancient remnants of the creatures that came before us millions of years ago.
PRO Tip: Consider becoming a member of Denver’s Children’s Museum in order to qualify for exclusive discounts, such as $10 off per attendee at these popular workshop activities!