The weekend is right around the corner! While you’re anticipating the time off with your family, check out these Denver area events and activities to switch things up and add some excitement to your kid’s summer break. Swing by the Museum of Nature and Science to check out the new “Teen Rex” exhibit or enjoy a live sporting match to cheer on the home team.
Movie on the Green: Barbie
Where? 29th Avenue & Roslyn Street
When? July 5th
This Friday, enjoy a screening of Barbie with the family on the South Green. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, though organizers ask that chairs don’t obstruct the view of others. Showtimes generally begin at dusk, so expect the movie to start around 8:30 PM. Movies on the South Green also feature a concession stand that benefits local nonprofit organizations — so you can feel good about yourself when you purchase a bag of freshly popped popcorn and your favorite movie candy.
PRO Tip: If you’re lucky, you’ll spot some food trucks parked near the event. Enjoy local goodies and support small businesses while you watch this summer hit.
All Ages Storytime
Where? 2825 High Street
When? July 5th
The Ford-Warren Branch Library is excited to announce this all-ages storytime program on Friday at 10:30 AM. The reading will take place in the community room, with a range of peers ages birth to 5 years old. Kids will enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes that help make reading fun and accessible! This is not a drop-off event, so parents are encouraged to sit with their children and join in on the fun.
PRO Tip: If your child would benefit from sign language interpretation or real-time captioning — these accommodations can be requested via [email protected]. Parents are encouraged to give three business days’ notice to ensure these services can be made available.
Movies & Music in the Park
Where? 719 10th Street
When? July 5th
Nothing says summertime like free outdoor entertainment for the whole family! The City of Golden is hosting this event in Parfet Park at 7:00 PM. Music will be performed by Matthew Rising and the movie of the evening is Shrek! The featured movie is set to begin at dusk, around 8:30 PM, and will be projected onto a large screen under the stars. Bring out blankets, chairs, and your favorite picnicking snacks!
PRO Tip: Make sure to mark your calendars for August’s Movies & Music event. On August 2nd, meet in the park to watch Elemental and listen to tunes by Eric Golden.
Independence Day Fireworks at Elitch Gardens
Where? 2000 Elitch Circle
When? July 5th
Spend Friday at Elitch Gardens and get double the fun with the fireworks show after the park closes! In recognition of Independence Day, these fireworks are included with the price of admission and allow visitors to kick their weekend off with a bang. On Friday, the park closes at 9:00 PM — so get ready to stay late to catch the show. Snag a deal on tickets through July 4th, with day tickets being priced at $34.99. These tickets are valid on any operating day during the 2024 season, so use them another time if you can’t make it on Friday.
PRO Tip: Parking is available at Elitch Gardens for $30 per vehicle for the day. There is also RV and motorcycle parking. If you have a season pass, free parking is available!
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Where? Cherry Creek North
When? July 5th – 7th
Each year, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival showcases over 250 juried artists from around the world. The festival is jam-packed with food, music, and an array of kid’s activities. Located in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood, this festival is a great way to spend time exploring with the family and enjoying this community favorite event that’s free and open to the public. Weekend hours are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (6:00 PM on Sunday).
PRO Tip: One of this year’s featured artists is Mimi Yamamoto from Englewood, Colorado. She is skilled at printmaking and you’ll see her artwork on the Cherry Creek Arts Festival poster — so make sure to keep an eye out!
Colorado Rockies Vs. Kansas City Royals
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? July 5th – 7th
Support the Colorado Rockies as they take on the Kansas City Royals during a three-day home stand. Friday begins the series and there will be a post game fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day! Sunday is military appreciation day and the Rockies are excited to recognize veterans, active duty members, and family members at Coors Field. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $7, so spread the word and invite your friends, family, and neighbors! Arrive early for pregame festivities that include a parade, a national anthem performance, an on-field flag presentation, and more!
PRO Tip: Sunday’s game gives fans a chance to get an autograph from their favorite players and coaches. Select players will be available for signings at the bottoms of sections 116-120 from approximately 11:40 AM to 12:00 PM.
Repticon
Where? 25690 East Quincy Avenue
When? July 6th & 7th
Repticon is setting up at Arapahoe County Fairgrounds this weekend and if you’ve ever been interested in adopting a reptile pet or simply learning more about these creatures, this is the place to go! If you have animals of your own, guests are permitted to bring up to two inside the event. This is meant to engage exhibitors in discussion and to generate excitement among other event attendees. Exhibitors at this year’s event include Aurora Animal Hospital, Denver Lizard Ranch, Feeder Frenzy Reptiles, Nature Box Pet, and Raptors and Friends. All purchases made at the event are between exhibitors and guests and purchasers are responsible for researching each animal that they’re interested in buying and ensuring they know how to properly care for it.
PRO Tip: Super tickets are good for both days and are priced at $15 for adults and $6 for kiddos ages 5 to 12 years old. Ages 4 and under are free. Show hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday.
Colorado Renaissance Festival
Where? 650 Perry Park Avenue
When? July 6th & 7th
The Colorado Renaissance Festival is celebrating 47 years! Families are invited to join the King and Queen as they welcome visitors to another season in the village of Larkspurshire. Vendors at the festival sell goods such as handmade drinking horns, carved walking sticks, bird song whistles, and even alligator jerky! Entertainment includes medieval favorites, such as live jousting, renaissance rock and roll, fire breathing, and even comedians. Make sure you arrive hungry because you won’t want to miss out on delicious baked goods, bratwurst, steak on a stake, and fried ice cream.
PRO Tip: Tickets at the box office are priced at $28 for adults and $12 for children — ages 5 to 12. Children 5 and under get in free!
Stanley Summer Music Series
Where? 2501 North Dallas Street
When? July 7th
This ongoing music series at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora is the summertime event you don’t want to miss. Bring the kids out to enjoy live music on the West Patio. Local musical acts will cover a range of genres and styles, so there’s a little bit of something for everybody. The series runs on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, so bring out your comfiest lawn chairs and blankets, and don’t forget to pack a picnic! This Sunday’s performer is the Park Hill Project. Upcoming July performers include the Bruce Cook Band, the Rocky Mountain Steel Band, and Guy and Norm. Stanley Marketplace is home to 50+ independently owned Colorado businesses, so you’ll have plenty of options if you want to eat, drink, shop, or even exercise!
PRO Tip: Make sure to swing by LuBird’s Light Playground while you’re at Stanley Marketplace. This playground helps children of all backgrounds experience the joy of being outdoors and playing with their peers.
Colorado Rapids Vs St. Louis City SC
Where? 6000 Victory Way
When? July 7th
Cheer on the Colorado Rapids as they take on St. Louis City this weekend at 7:30 PM. Kiddos will love the atmosphere where they’re encouraged to get loud and show their support for the home guys. The team plays at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City and tickets can be purchased for as little as $25! The Colorado Rapids have partnered with KultureCity to ensure that the park is an accessible experience for all. Guests and children with autism or other sensory concerts deserve the ability to experience game day, which is why sensory kits can be made available with headphones and a selection of fidget toys. There is also a “Quiet Area” where guests can go to take a break if they’re feeling overstimulated.
PRO Tip: When attending a Rapids game, keep in mind that bags have to be under a certain size. Prohibited items include coolers, backpacks, and camera bags.
Wings Air Fair
Where? 13005 Wings Way
When? July 7th
Join fellow aviation enthusiasts at Exploration of Flight this weekend for their annual fair at the airport. The fair will include carnival games, as well as aircraft, cars, drones, and an array of aviation photography on display. Featured aircraft at the fair will include a Boeing Stearman, Sonoran Beauty, Bellanca Decathlon Xtreme, and more. This one-of-a-kind event is great for the whole family and showcases the magic of aviation. Local food trucks onsite will include Q’s Cuisine and Mukja and there will be snow cones for sale.
PRO Tip: Sunday’s schedule kicks off at 10:00 AM when the doors open and will include the Curiosity Cruiser from Denver’s Museum of Nature & Science. There will also be magic shows throughout the day.
Kids Create
📷 Photos courtesy of the Denver Public Library
Where? 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway
When? July 7th
Denver’s Central Library is hosting another Kids Create program, this time with musical instruments! Kiddos will have the opportunity to create their own music and learn how music plays an integral role in brain development. Children can earn their “Make” pin at this program! There is no registration necessary and there is no fee to participate, so come on out and enjoy arts and crafts and a lively musical jam. This program is designed for children ages birth to 5 or pre-k.
PRO Tip: Once you arrive at the library, head over to the Children’s Library on the first floor to attend this program. Kids Create is scheduled for 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Frida Kahlo’s Birthday Celebration
Where? 2961 Roslyn Street
When? July 7th
The Sam Gary Branch Library is celebrating Frida Kahlo’s 117th birthday this weekend. Join the library for an afternoon full of vibrant celebrations of this historic artist’s life and legacy, complete with themed craft activities, music, and an array of treats! No registration is required, so simply pop on by with your family and enjoy the fun! The celebration will be held in the Community Room from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
PRO Tip: This event is perfect for all ages, from birth to adulthood! This is not a drop-off program, so parents and caregivers should plan on enjoying the crafts and activities with their little ones.
Discovering Teen Rex
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? Recurring
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is excited to showcase one of their newest exhibits, Discovering Teen Rex. Step back into prehistoric times to witness how renowned paleontologists work to preserve a rare adolescent tyrannosaurus rex fossil. The fossil was discovered in North Dakota by local children! This discovery is unique in that many T. Rex fossils are from older, larger animals. This “teen” specimen provides insight into how these ancient predators matured. This exhibit is suitable for all ages, from juniors to seniors!
PRO Tip: Admission to this new exhibit is included with your general admission tickets. Museum members get in free.