Kick off June with these exciting Denver area children’s activities! Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens or spend the day at the downtown aquarium after you dine with mermaids for breakfast. This weekend, the newest exhibit at the Denver Air & Space Museum opens — so be sure to swing by and see what Snoopy is up to.
Marine Biologist for the Day
Where? 700 Water Street
When? June 5th-7th
Has your young explorer ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at the Denver Aquarium? This Marine Biologist for the Day program grants them unique access, as well as an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work at a zoo or an aquarium. Kicking off on Wednesday, the youngest age group (1st-4th grade) can embark on their “underwater” adventure, and on Thursday and Friday, age groups 5th-8th and 9th-12th can help staff with daily operations and food preparation. T-shirts and lunches are included with ticket prices — so just wear a pair of closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get a little messy.
PRO Tip: If your child can’t attend this month’s program, register in advance for July’s program! On the 30th & 31st — kids in 1st through 8th grade will have the chance to learn all about the biologist career path.
Safari Sally
Where? 1501 South Logan Street
When? June 7th
Head over to Decker Branch Library this Friday to meet Safari Sally! This exciting activity will be held in the Basement Community Room from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and is ideal for children ages 3 to 14. Safari Sally will introduce attendees to different animals and insects and teach young animal lovers all about these new friends!
PRO Tip: As with any Denver Public Library activity or workshop, accommodations can be requested via [email protected]. Families can ask for a sign language interpreter or real-time captioning with a minimum of 3 business days’ notice.
Seedlings: Nature’s Art
Where? 1007 York Street
When? June 7th
You won’t want to miss the newest edition of Denver Botanic Garden’s Seedling series this week. Young explorers will roll their sleeves up and get ready for art in the garden. Participants will learn about the multitude of ways that plants have inspired art and there will be an opportunity to explore the grounds looking for inspiration of their own to create a personal masterpiece. The program includes stories, a nature walk, and an art project and will last approximately an hour.
PRO Tip: These classes provide hands-on learning for kids ages 18 months to 6 years old. To ensure everyone has the chance to learn at their own speed with peers their own age, Seedlings courses are split into age groups — with Friday’s class being suitable for ages 18-24 months.
Raptor Day
Where? 1007 York Street
When? June 7th
This live raptor experience will be hosted at Denver’s Botanic Gardens from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Led by the Raptor Education Foundation, staff will discuss the relationship between predator and prey, as well as the history of raptors in Colorado. The program is designed for all ages and there will be an opportunity for questions. Live raptors will be present with their handlers and Anne Price, president of the foundation, will be the chief lecturer on this fascinating bird.
PRO Tip: This event is included with admission to the botanic gardens. The raptor encounters will be held in Mitchell Hall and little ones who want to participate in activities and story time can head to the Helen Fowler Library.
Denver Greek Festival
Where? 4610 East Alameda Avenue
When? June 7th-9th
Bring the whole family out to the Denver Greek Festival this weekend. The event kicks off on Friday with a festival blessing, followed by live music on the Xfinity Stage and Greek dancing. Later in the evening, there will be cooking demos and a choir concert. Kids will enjoy the lively entertainment and the mouthwatering desserts. Show up hungry, as you won’t be able to resist all the tasty bites — such as chicken skewers, seasoned fries, baklava ice cream, and even a dessert variety pack if you want to try some of everything!
PRO Tip: Tickets can be purchased online and are priced at $5 for general admission. Children 12 and under are free!
Mystic Mermaid Breakfast
Where? 700 Water Street
When? June 8th
If your child is obsessed with all things mermaid, then this Mystic Mermaid Breakfast at the Denver Aquarium is their dream come true. Little ones will be fascinated by captivating music, dancing, and of course — the mermaids themselves during this breakfast event. All mermaids at the aquarium are scuba certified, making it possible for them to free dive without weights, goggles, or an underwater air supply. The show is choreographed and teaches lessons on the importance of taking care of our environment and the ocean.
PRO Tip: Other mermaid encounter opportunities at the aquarium include the Under the Sea Exhibit shows on Friday nights at 6:30 PM and mermaid encounters at the aquarium restaurant on Fridays at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Maker Mornings: Material Exploration
Where? 1250 Bannock Street
When? June 8th
Head over to the Clyfford Still Museum this Saturday for part 2 of the Material Exploration series titled “Loose Parts.” This two-hour exploration begins at 10:30 AM and is designed for kids ages 15 months to 8 years old. Participants will spend time in the galleries with a librarian from the Denver Public Library system for story time before entering the hands-on creation studio. Children will have the chance to explore various materials and expand their ideas of what it means to create something and how to express themselves through art. The month of June is dedicated to exploring loose parts and learning what each child naturally gravitates towards.
PRO Tip: No registration is required for these Maker Mornings events. Walk-ins are welcome and you can even drop in anytime during the program. Kids ages 17 and under are always free at Clyfford Still and adult tickets are priced at $10.
Snoopy and The Red Baron
Where? 7711 East Academy Boulevard
When? June 8th
Wings Over the Rockies is excited to announce its newest special exhibit — Snoopy and The Red Baron. Opening this Saturday, attendees can immerse themselves into the riveting world of aerial combat as they join Snoopy on his daring escapade to defeat his arch-nemesis, The Red Baron. There will be vintage aircraft displays, as well as aviation-based activities and interactive exhibits such as paper airplane making, coloring pages, and even a selfie station! The exhibit is included with regular museum admission and will be open to the public for a limited time, wrapping up on the first of September.
PRO Tip: On your way out, make sure to swing by the museum store for a range of unique aviation-themed gifts and special Snoopy merch.
Teaching Kitchen Workshop: Ice Cream Party
Where? 2121 Children’s Museum Drive
When? June 8th
The Teaching Kitchen Workshop series at the Denver Children’s Museum is a fan favorite for a reason. Little ones will have the chance to get hands-on in the kitchen this Saturday afternoon from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Young chefs will try their skills at making delicious homemade ice cream using classic flavors such as chocolate and vanilla bean. Of course, an ice cream party wouldn’t be a party without everyone’s favorite toppings — sprinkles, whipped cream, and cherries! This event is designed for all ages, so make sure to have your sweet tooth ready and dive into this cold, refreshing dessert recipe.
PRO Tip: Tickets to all workshops at the Children’s Museum include regular admission as well, so make a day of it and check out other exhibits such as Kinetics, Ready Vet Go, and the Adventure Forest!
Summer Train Rides
Where? 17155 West 44th Avenue
When? June 8th
The Colorado Railroad Museum is increasing the frequency of its train rides for the summer months. Instead of being solely reserved for Saturdays, rides will be available Thursday through Sunday until mid-August. Rides will depart every half hour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with tickets being priced at $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 2-17. Museum members ride free. Tickets can be purchased in advance, which is recommended for families that have a preferred time to ride, as popular time slots can sell out.
PRO Tip: In conjunction with their train rides, the museum is also hosting “Thrilling Thursday” activities, such as pop-up exhibits and re-enactors. The museum also hosts Friday tours that focus on a different area each week.
TriceraTOTs: Walk Like a Dinosaur
Where? 16831 West Alameda Parkway
When? June 8th
This popular children’s event is hosted on the 2nd Saturday of the month and features 30 minutes of dinosaur-themed crafts and stories. The activities are designed for kiddos ages pre-k to kindergarten. Advance registration is required to ensure there are enough supplies for every attendee. Tickets are $5 per participant and organizers recommend wearing old clothes that can get dirty. The Walk Like a Dinosaur activity will involve children making their trackways, just like the dinosaurs did hundreds of millions of years ago!
PRO Tip: Each TriceraTOTs date has two half-hour programs available, with the first scheduled for 9:00 AM and the second at 10:00 AM. Can’t make June’s activity? Mark August 10th on your calendar for the next addition: Feeding the Dinosaurs.
Astronomy Night: Exploring the Summer Sky
Where? 7030 Garrison Street
When? June 8th
Does your kiddo love stargazing? Check out this astronomy event at Majestic View Nature Center in Arvada. This Saturday, enjoy a nighttime adventure from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Families will appreciate the warmer weather during this outdoor star viewing. Led by partners at Standley Lake Stargazing, attendees will embark on a journey through the summer night sky using a variety of telescopes. Learn to spot your favorite constellations and maybe even see a shooting star!
PRO Tip: All ages are welcome and this event is completely free. You can register for this event online so that organizers know how many people to expect.
The Purple Duck Chase
Where? 2000 Elitch Circle
When? June 8th
The Purple Duck Chase is being hosted for the 8th year at Elitch Gardens. This event benefits the Chelsea Hutchison Foundation and is part of Epilepsy Awareness Day. Wear your best purple outfit to support the cause and participate in games that help raise funds for the foundation. Watch over 1,000 purple ducks race down the lazy river of Elitch Gardens from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Families can choose to sponsor a duck, which is a fun way to participate in this important event.
PRO Tip: To observe the event, you must have paid admission to the park. If you’ve been planning on making a trip to Elitch Gardens, Saturday is a great opportunity to help raise awareness of epilepsy.
Home Alone Safety Class
Where? 9195 East Mineral Avenue
When? June 9th
This youth skills safety class is organized by the South Metro Safety Foundation and the South Metro Fire Rescue HQ. Designed for children between the ages of 11-16, this is a great opportunity to empower your child who’s getting ready to stay home alone. Developing this integral independence also requires training on how to safely take care of themselves while they’re alone. Class participants will receive training that covers information and resources on fire safety and prevention, cooking safety tips, helmet safety, how to call 911, and how to manage weather emergencies. All students will also receive CPR and first aid training — allowing them to respond to “out of the ordinary” situations should they arise.
PRO Tip: If you can’t make it out to this safety class, circle July 13th on your calendar for the next opportunity. Event organizers ask parents to send their students with a sack lunch and a colorless drink for class.