Looking for ways to make some memories with the little ones this weekend? Check out these exciting Denver-area activities!
Seedlings: A Rainbow of Wildflowers
Where? 1007 York Street
When? May 1st – May 3rd
The most recent addition to the Denver Botanic Gardens Seedlings class is “A Rainbow of Wildflowers.” Children will have the opportunity to discover some of their favorite plants while they admire the beautiful colors of the abundant wildflowers growing in the gardens. Wednesday’s class is designed for ages 3-6 and Thursday is set aside for kiddos ages 24-36 months. Friday’s are most suitable for the littlest ones, ages 18-24 months! With two slots to choose from at 9:15 AM and 10:30 AM, your family will be able to schedule the activity around the rest of their day.
PRO Tip: Tickets for nonmembers cost $12 and members receive a discounted rate of $10. One adult per child is always admitted free of charge.
Origins: Building Life
Where? 6252 West 104th Avenue
When? May 3rd
In place of the closed Butterfly Pavilion’s Pollinator Place exhibit, the all-new Origins: Building Life exhibit will debut on May 3rd. This transformative experience will take visitors back 500 million years to the Cambrian explosion, which has been dubbed the “Age of Invertebrates” and will provide an up-close look at the diverse array of animals that burst onto the scene at this time. The exhibit will showcase the varied species and how they evolved to become ancestors of modern-day invertebrates and vertebrates. Children’s tickets to the pavilion are $10.95 and adults are priced at $15.95.
PRO Tip: Activities at this captivating exhibit include virtual reality experiences which help to provide guests with an engaging lesson on these ancient animals.
Family Night Out
Where? 7562 South University Boulevard, Suite GG
When? May 3rd
Every Friday night, join Kids Wonder in Centennial for a Family Night Out event. Children of all ages are welcome to attend and younger siblings that are crawling, swaddled, or who will remain in a car seat are admitted for free with a paying sibling. Families will have an option to pre-order a delicious large pizza and soda and parents can imbibe in Colorado craft beer and premium wine selections. Reservations are from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday evenings.
PRO Tip: If you missed the opportunity to register for the event, drop-in play is generally still available.
Afterschool Friday Fun Day
Where? 4856 North Andes Court
When? May 3rd
The Green Valley Ranch Library is hosting its Friday Fun Day from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM for kiddos ages 5 to 12 in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. This event provides children with the opportunity to meet new friends and explore creative outlets, like crafting and video games. Snacks are provided, so parents can let their child run around for an hour and a half after school before they kick off the weekend. No registration is required.
PRO Tip: If your family can’t make this Friday’s event, the library will also be hosting a similar activity on May 17th, 24th, and 31st.
Bilingual Family Storytime
Where? 3425 West Oxford Avenue
When? May 3rd
The Sheridan branch library will be hosting a bilingual family storytime on Friday from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM. Families will enjoy reading, singing, rhyming, and moving! Not only does this help to lay the foundation for kiddos just learning to read — it’s also just plain fun! Expected ages are between 0-5, though older children are always welcome. Kiddos under the age of 8 need to be accompanied by an adult. Sensory support kits are available for in-library use for children experiencing anxiety or who are overwhelmed by the public space.
PRO Tip: Drop-ins are welcome, as long as there is space to allow for extra guests. When possible, the branch asks that families please reserve spots for each child and adult that will be attending.
Fun at the Firehouse
Where? 1326 Tremont Place
When? May 4th
Get ready for another exciting rendition of Fun at the Firehouse this Saturday at the Denver Firefighters Museum. The hour-long event kicks off at 10:00 AM and admission is priced at $15 per child. The museum hosts this activity on the first or third Saturday of each month and children will get to explore a fire-related story, as well as a craft project. After the activity, stick around and enjoy a guided children’s tour of the museum.
PRO Tip: Reservations are required so that organizers can prepare appropriate supplies for the craft project. The $15 activity fee includes admission to the museum as well. Accompanying parents are free with paid admission ($9 for adults & $7 for seniors).
WOW! Literacy Festival
Where? 110 North Harrison Avenue
When? May 4th
The World of Wonder Children’s Museum is partnering with the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to host the WOW! Literacy Festival this Saturday between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Over 20 children’s book authors and illustrators will be in attendance to participate in readings, fun activities, and book signings. If your child is an avid reader, this is a great opportunity for them to meet their favorite authors and ask questions, meet like-minded friends, and further their love of creativity and learning.
PRO Tip: Tickets are sold on an admission or membership basis, with financial support available to those in need.
Furry Scurry 2024
Where? South Downing Street & East Louisiana Avenue
When? May 4th
Mark your calendars for Saturday — when the annual Furry Scurry will be taking place in Denver’s Washington Park. This exciting festival features a two-mile dog walk that benefits the animals at Dumb Friends League, a full-service shelter that provides adoption services and humane education. 2024 marks the 31st year that this event has been hosted and there will be multiple activities and vendors, including contests to tasty food truck delights.
PRO Tip: Participants can also opt for the virtual option, where they walk from afar with their canine or feline friend by May 24th to benefit the cause.
Maypole Celebration: Springtime Fun for Families
Where? 1196 South Broadway
When? May 4th
Studio Uplift Denver is excited to announce the Maypole Celebration on May 4th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Tickets begin at $20 and guests will get the chance to participate in the Maypole dance while they enjoy refreshments, a photo booth, and a range of crafting activities that include stick ribbons and flower crowns. All abilities are welcome to participate in the traditional dancing and the site is ADA-compliant.
PRO Tip: Parents or chaperones must accompany children and adults will be granted free attendance to this spring event.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of the Beatles
Where? 3317 East Colfax Avenue
When? May 4th
Denver’s Bluebird Theatre is hosting this unique concert rendition geared toward kiddos. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is a family concert series that’s hosted at various historic music venues across the United States, allowing kids the opportunity to move, play, and sing while listening to their parent’s favorite classic rock songs. The band engages the audience through games, movement, and stories while also providing a cultural education. Many families use these concerts as their children’s introduction to live music and rock and roll! General admission tickets begin at $18.75.
PRO Tip: This is not a drop-off event. All children must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver. Don’t worry — the music is suitable for all ages and even parents are sure to have a fun time listening to some throwbacks!
Kids Home Alone Safety Class
Where? 16801 Northgate Drive
When? May 4th
Make the drive to nearby Parker to visit the South Metro Fire Station 45 for their Kids Home Alone Safety Class. Parents can put their minds at ease that their child is ready to take on the responsibility of staying home alone. The class is designed for ages 11-16, when kids may start staying home alone for short periods of time. Students will receive professional training and a custom manual that provides info and resources on fire safety, cooking safety, calling 911, and what to do during a weather emergency. Children will also be provided with CPR and first aid training, which can empower them to act in the event of an emergency.
PRO Tip: Parents are asked to pack their child a sack lunch and a colorless drink for class. The cost of the training is $90 and the day’s schedule begins at 9:00 AM and wraps up at 3:30 PM.
Navigation Skills for Families
Where? 7030 Garrison Street
When? May 4th
The Majestic View Nature Center in Arvada is hosting a fun activity for the whole family. This course is led by survival instructor, “Hutch” Hutchings as he leads families through the essential navigation skills. After training, your group will have the opportunity to practice your newfound skills with a scavenger hunt. The class begins at 9:00 AM and runs until 12:00 PM and is priced at $20. Call ahead of time or register online so the organizers know how many families to expect.
PRO Tip: These skills can be helpful for families who want to take up hiking or just as a way to get outdoors and enjoy learning something new with your children.
Art War! Kids Drop-In “Droid Art” Activity
Where? 3300 Tejon Street
When? May 4th
This fun kid-friendly activity is part of the “May the 4th Be with You” Party and Cosplay Contest. There will be light bites, art drawing, a costume contest, and a live DJ on-site at the BRDG Project Gallery and Event Space. The kid’s drop-in activity is scheduled for 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and invites kiddos to utilize rubber stamps to print their very own droid trading cards and zines under the guidance of artist Joey Kerlin. This activity is free to attend!
PRO Tip: Stick around long enough to check out the Art War! Exhibition, which runs until 5:00 PM on May 5th. Over 40 artists will display their themed artwork and kids and parents alike will enjoy the Star Wars-themed artistry.
Kids Create
Where? 10 West 14th Avenue Parkway
When? May 5th
Denver’s Central Library branch is hosting a Kids Create on Sunday from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The activity will be held on the first floor in the children’s library section. The craft is designed for children ages 0-5. Kiddos will be hands-on while they explore new materials and indulge their creativity with a group of peers. The library branch is conveniently located near the Denver Art Museum, the Clyfford Still Museum, and the History Colorado Center.
PRO Tip: Parents can request a sign language interpreter or real-time captioning with a minimum notice of at least three business days. Other accommodations can be requested through the program department of the Denver Public Library system.
Kids Meditation Class
Where? 4840 West 29th Avenue
When? May 5th
Kadampa Meditation Center Colorado is offering kids meditation classes on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Pre-registration is required, which allows organizers to gauge how many children are expected so the proper materials can be prepared. Cost is set by donation. The class is designed for kiddos of elementary school age, so from 5 years old to 12 years old. If your child is younger than this, please plan to attend the class with them to help them participate in foundational Buddhist concepts and playful activities like story time, arts and crafts, and singing!
PRO Tip: Parents of older children may want to consider attending the Sunday Morning Meditation class that is scheduled simultaneously.