Check out this roundup of family-friendly activities happening around Denver this weekend. Kiddos will love taking a train ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum or spending the morning at the Majestic View Nature Center exploring the great outdoors.
Full Moon Hike
Where? 21901 East Hampden Avenue
When? June 21st
This Friday, the Denver Botanic Gardens invites families to enjoy the strawberry moon. Join other adventurers to discover the beauty of Aurora under the light of a full moon. This guided hike will be both exciting and informative, teaching participants about the history and significance of the full moon. The hike is best suited for kiddos ages 8 and older and the price of participation is $5 per person. Friday’s guided hike will kick off at 8:15 PM and last for an hour.
PRO Tip: Can’t make it out this Friday evening but want to experience a hike under the full moon? Mark your calendar for August 19th and experience the sturgeon moon at the Plains Conservation Center.
SCFD Free Day at Exploration of Flight
Where? 13005 Wings Way
When? June 21st
Need plans for Friday? Take advantage of the free day at the Exploration of Flight at the Centennial Airport. These discounted days provide the opportunity for all families to enjoy the museum, so bring your friends and family to explore the wonders of the world of aviation and space. There will be interactive exhibits, as well as the chance to view aircraft up close. Kiddos and adults alike will love the thrill of the flight simulators. The exhibits will be open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so you’ll have ample opportunity to stop by for your visit.
PRO Tip: While there is no cost of admission, families can register online and indicate how many will be at their party. Tickets are valid for the date on your reservation. Booking online can reduce wait times.
Rocket Academy
Where? 1500 South Grant Street
When? June 21st
Has your little one ever dreamed about traveling to the stars? Well this Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, join in on the space adventure that is Rocket Academy. This free program will teach little adventurers all about space, rockets, and what it takes to be an astronaut. After a fun, interactive “training” session — participants will have the chance to create and launch a rocket of their own.
PRO Tip: Rocket Academy is hosted at Platt Park and is best for ages 7 to 14 and is designed as being a STEM program. Families who need accommodations to participate can request them through the Denver Public Library’s programs department.
Bug Safari
Where? 810 South University Boulevard
When? June 21st
Love all things bugs? If you don’t find insects creepy and crawly, then the Bug Safari is the perfect opportunity to meet invertebrates from a range of environments across the globe. Participants will learn about their individual characteristics, where they live, and why they’re important to the natural world. This program will be held in the community room of the Eugene Field Branch Library and is presented by the Butterfly Pavilion.
PRO Tip: Bug Safari is designed for kids ages 3 to 8 and participants must be accompanied by an adult. Friday’s program is scheduled from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Bioblitz: Wetland Warriors
Where? 7030 Garrison Street
When? June 21st
This event is open to all ages and is completely free! Become a Wetland Warrior this Friday at the Majestic View Nature Center. This program is scheduled for 5:30 PM and teaches participants about restoration efforts. Help staff gather data on the flora and fauna in and around the wetlands. Groups will be led by a naturalist and will have the chance to use iNaturalist to photograph different species for identification. This program helps to teach outdoor skills while also allowing individuals to experience wildlife and nature up close and personal under the guidance of a professional who can answer questions in real-time.
PRO Tip: Registrations can be completed online, which allows the program organizers to gauge how many people to expect.
Seedlings: Pollination Exploration
Where? 1007 York Street
When? June 21st
You won’t want to miss out on the Denver Botanic Gardens Seedlings program this weekend! In celebration of National Pollinators Week, kiddos will have the opportunity to learn all about the critters that help gardens grow big and strong. The program will include a pollinator-friendly project that participants will be able to bring home with them. Friday’s program has two sessions at 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM. The Seedlings program is segmented by age group, allowing each child to learn at their own pace and interact with age-appropriate peers. Tuesday and Wednesday sessions are designed for ages 3 to 6, Thursday sessions are for ages 24 to 36 month olds and Friday is best suited for ages 18 to 24 months.
PRO Tip: During the program, children will be able to participate in hands-on projects that encourage them to explore the plant world while they develop their understanding of plants and their integral function in the world. Participants should be prepared to spend time indoors and outdoors.
Art Studio Workshop: Marvelous Mosaics
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? June 21st
The Denver Children’s Museum is hosting a craft-centric workshop this Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Little ones will have the chance to add a little bit of magic to their space with a handmade mosaic craft! Participants will design a unique pattern using colorful, smooth glass pieces that they then seal with plaster. The masterpieces can be displayed indoors or outdoors and the best news? Pieces will be ready to take home the same day! So no need to make an additional trip to the museum to pick up the craft.
PRO Tip: This program is best suited for kids ages 5 and up. If you can’t make it to this program, there will be another mosaic workshop on Friday, June 21st. Museum admission is always included in the price of workshop tickets — so go ahead and explore the exhibits and make a day of it!
Children and Family Make and Take: Pollination Stations
Where? 1007 York Street
When? June 21st & 22nd
Come check out what all the “buzz” is about at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Children are invited to “bee” inspired to create a pollinator-friendly feeder that they can take home. This make-and-take program provides space for kiddos and their adults to connect with natural materials and spark their creativity. This is a self-guided and paced program and the Gardens will provide all materials needed to complete the project. This is an indoor program and the approximate time commitment to finish the project is half an hour.
PRO Tip: This program is best for families with children ages 5 and up. There is a $15 project fee for non-members of the Gardens, which is discounted to $12 for members. Time slots are scheduled for 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on both Friday and Saturday.
Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? June 21st-23rd
Nothing says summertime like a trip to the ballpark to cheer on the home team! Come out and support the Colorado Rockies this weekend as they kick off a three-game series against the Nationals. Game times are 6:40 PM, 7:10 PM, and 1:10 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s game is a MSU Denver night — which includes a limited-edition MSU Denver Roadrunners-themed bucket hat for ticket package holders. Saturday’s game includes a Nolan Jones bobblehead giveaway for the first 15,000 fans and on Sunday, you’ll have the chance to snag a Rockies LED nightlight.
PRO Tip: Single-game tickets can be purchased for as little as $12! Enjoy a hotdog while you cheer for a home run. Families can purchase advance individual game parking passes for $24 for weekend games.
Super Hero Weekend
Where? 200 Elitch Circle
When? June 21st-23rd
Come on out to Elitch Gardens this weekend to meet your favorite superheroes! Character meet and greets will be hosted at the Big Wheel from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with appearances from Thor, Spider-Man, and Black Widow. All Super Hero weekend activities are free with a season pass to Elitch Gardens or with a park admission ticket. On Saturday and Sunday, join in on a MOVE with Ms. Becca program at the KiddieLand Stage. Families can dance, play, and enjoy fitness-focused fun with games, prizes, and a superhero obstacle course!
PRO Tip: Season passes for Elitch Gardens start at $78 each and there are payment plans available! Pass holders receive unlimited park admission for the 2024 season (including Fright Fest!) and free parking, as well as in-park discounts and additional bring-a-friend tickets.
Summer Low Sensory Morning
Where? 1007 York Street
When? June 22nd
The Denver Botanic Gardens wants to be an oasis for everybody. That’s why the summer low sensory morning program was implemented, allowing individuals to experience the gardens without the crowds. The York Street location will open at 8:00 AM this Saturday for families who prefer a quieter environment with limited attendance. There will be sensory-based programming on-site that helps to spark imagination and awaken senses.
PRO Tip: If you can’t make it out this Saturday morning, there are two more summer low sensory dates — July 27th and August 24th. Visitors will enter through the main visitor center and present their tickets at the gate. Free parking is available in the Denver Botanic Garden’s garage.
Joy Park Workshop: Camp Throwback
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? June 22nd
The Denver Children’s Museum is excited to host another session of their popular Camp Throwback program. On Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, kiddos are invited to join in on the fun at Joy Park for a summer camp experience. Participants will have the time of their lives creating friendship bracelets, learning outdoor skills, and even creating tasty snacks in a solar oven! This program is best suited for kiddos ages 3+.
PRO Tip: The museum offers an array of workshops to provide a little something extra for visitors. Members receive discounted pricing — so if your child loves to participate in these workshops and programs, consider joining!
Colorado Power Days
Where? 17155 West 44th Avenue
When? June 22nd
Kids of all ages won’t forget the experience of riding behind an authentic coal-burning steam locomotive! Take a step back to a period when internal and external combustion engines drove Colorado’s economy. Visitors will be able to admire antique tractors, engines, early diesels, and vintage automobiles! There will be local food and treat options onsite, as well as Turntable demonstrations. Spike the Railroad Dog will also be making the rounds, so be sure to say hi! All activities and train rides are scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and the museum grounds will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Grab advance tickets to decrease wait times, especially if you have a specific train ride time in mind! Tickets for museum admission are priced at $14 for adults and $7 for ages 2 to 17. Museum members and little ones under 2 ride for free.
Guided Nature Tour
Where? 7030 Garrison Street
When? June 22nd
The Majestic View Nature Center in Arvada is excited to invite outdoor enthusiasts on a guided nature tour this Saturday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. This event is open to all ages and there’s no fee to participate. Join in on this walk with a master naturalist, who will teach you about local plants and animals that can be found throughout Arvada’s parks. Families will learn about foraging for plants, traditional medicines, and the range of wildlife that calls the area home.
PRO Tip: Locations for nature tours can vary, so be sure to complete the free online registration. You’ll receive an email with the meeting location information. If you’ve never signed up for an activity with the Majestic View Nature Center, you may be prompted to make a free account to complete your registration.