Searching for things to do this weekend in Denver? Check out these upcoming family-friendly activities to help keep the kiddos entertained.
Seedlings: Mud Pies! Hands-On Activity
Where? 1007 York Street
When? April 3rd-5th
Little ones will enjoy experiencing this hands-on sensory adventure at Denver Botanic Gardens while they discover the two ingredients plants need to grow. Each session is split by age group, which allows children to work at their own pace and enjoy a curated program designed just for them. Ages 3-6 on Wednesday, 24-36 months on Thursday, and 18-24 months on Friday. All sessions run from 9:15 AM to 10:30 AM. The seedling program fee is $12 for nonmember toddlers and preschoolers and $10 for members. One adult per child is admitted free of charge.
PRO Tip: The seedling program has both indoor and outdoor components, so participants should wear clothing that can get a little dirty.
Just Between Friends
Where? 500 Fairgrounds Drive
When? April 4th-7th
Just Between Friends was created over a decade ago and has since grown into a one-stop shopping experience for Colorado parents. This is the state’s largest secondhand event and features steep discounts of 50-90% off of retail prices. Pack up the family and take the short drive to the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock. With over 125,000 items in inventory, find clothes, toys, shoes, books, games, strollers, bikes, and more!
PRO Tip: Tickets for opening day on Thursday, April 4th begin at $5 and there is free entry for the remainder of the event. The last day of shopping, April 7th, slashes prices even further for the 50% off final sale.
Unreal Garden at Verse Denver
Where? 8501 West Bowles Avenue Suite 1055
When? April 4th-8th
The Unreal Garden is an immersive AR experience that’s divided into multiple acts that take visitors through surreal landscapes, mythical animal interactions, and even fun puzzles and challenges. Experience the cutting-edge holographic headsets used by NASA at Verse Denver’s Southwest Plaza Mall location. Snag your tickets during April, with experiences being held on Thursdays through Mondays until April 29th. Other augmented reality journeys include Star Walk 2.0 and Art of the Future.
PRO Tip: Kids 7 and up are welcome and walk-in tickets are available daily, though they may sell out by 2:00 PM so booking in advance is recommended.
Blue Whales 3D @ Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Where? 2001 Colorado Boulevard
When? Recurring throughout April
Check out this giant screen experience of Blue Whales: Return of the Giants at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science this weekend. Friday showtimes include five slots at 10:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM and Saturday & Sunday shows run until 5:00 PM. Shows require museum admission, so families can make an afternoon out of this activity and explore the many educational exhibits.
PRO Tip: The Wild Color exhibit at the museum is closing on April 7th, so catch it while it lasts. No museum admission is required. Dive into the color spectrum and learn how some of nature’s mysteries are hidden in plain sight.
Sam Gary Branch Library Storytimes
Where? 2961 Roslyn Street
When? April 5th & 6th
Baby Storytime will be held on Friday, April 5th from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM for kiddos up to 18 months old and their parents. There will be play and social time after the reading. The All Ages Storytime will be on Saturday, April 6th from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM and is ideal for kids up to five years old with an array of entertaining stories, songs, and rhymes.
PRO Tip: Parents can request a sign language interpreter or real-time captioning with a minimum of three days’ notice. Other accommodations can be requested via the Denver Library Programs department.
Colorado Rockies Home Opener Weekend
Where? 2001 Blake Street
When? April 5th-7th
Snag tickets for the whole family this weekend at Coors Field to catch the Colorado Rockies home opener. The team is set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays at 2:10 PM on Friday, April 5th. There will be a 2024 Rockies magnet schedule giveaway, so you can stay up to date with Rockies games all season long.
PRO Tip: If you can’t make it out on Friday, the Rockies take on Tampa Bay again on Saturday and Sunday at 6:10 PM and 1:10 PM, respectively.
Bluff Lake Nature Walks
Where? 11255 East M.L.K. Jr Boulevard
When? April 5th-7th
On Friday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM families are invited to take a mindfulness-focused walk with certified nature connection guide, Sheri Peterson.
On Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, enjoy the free birding walk around Bluff Lake. This event is held on the first Saturday of each month and groups are split into 10 or less. From 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, join a guide on a plant walk to explore the wild plants and learn how to identify various grasses and trees. Expect to walk up to a mile!
On Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Spanish-speaking families will have the opportunity to participate in a free nature program and talk to environmental educators while participating in activities and crafts. Complimentary rental binoculars will be provided to help spot wildlife!
PRO Tip: Reservations are required for the Nature Wonder walk, the bird walks, and the plant walk — so RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot! No reservations are required for the Sunday program.
Colorado Movement Lab Grand Opening
Where? 9910 Wadsworth Parkway #100
When? April 6th
The grand opening of the Colorado Movement Lab will showcase the new facility and allow parents and kids alike to meet the faculty and enjoy mini-performances. Bring the family out to enjoy an afternoon of movement, with activities for all ages and performances by the New Paradigm Dance Theatre.
PRO Tip: New students can enter to win a free month of classes at the grand opening! No worries if you don’t win, however, as new students always receive a free trial class. Parents are welcome to join their toddlers in the first class as well.
Fearless Feelings Workshop
Where? 190 East 9th Street
When? April 6th
Fearless Feelings is designed for kids ages 5 to 7 and serves to help kiddos navigate big feelings and learn how to manage them in age-appropriate ways. Participants will use play, art, and movement throughout this one-day workshop to build up their emotional regulation skills in a fun, social setting. Topics range from self-esteem, identifying and expressing emotions, problem-solving, and discovering ways to ask for help.
PRO Tip: There will be a second workshop date hosted on April 13th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, so mark your calendar if you can’t make it to this one!
Marine Biologist for the Day
Where? 700 Water Street
When? April 6th
During this aquarium program, kids in grades 1st through 12th can experience what it’s like to work as a marine biologist. Staff members will be available to answer any questions and students can explore “staff only” areas behind the scenes. T-shirts and lunch are included in the 5-hour program rate of $65. This is a drop-off activity and parents are unable to participate.
PRO Tip: Even if tickets look sold out online, the program may still have space available. Call the Downtown Aquarium at (303) 561-4444 to check for last-minute cancellations.
Family Make and Take: Bee Hotel
Where? 21901 East Hampden Avenue
When? April 6th
Head over to Plains Conservation Center in nearby Aurora this Saturday for an exciting make-and-take activity. Perfect for kiddos ages 4 and up, Denver Botanic Gardens presents a miniature bee hotel craft activity, as well as a self-guided insect scavenger hunt. All materials will be provided and parents are encouraged to participate with their little ones. The project fee is $15 for non-members and $12 for members. There are two time slots on Saturday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
PRO Tip: Pre-registration is required to participate in this activity. On-site registration is not available so families should book their slot online.
Saturday Train Rides @ Colorado Railroad Museum
Where? 17155 West 44th Avenue
When? April 6th
Train rides depart every half hour from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays through mid-May. Kids will love the whistle and the gentle rhythm of the train, as well as the open-air experience of the ride. The museum features over 100 locomotives, cabooses, and passenger cars to explore. Admission and rides are free for museum members and for kiddos under the age of 2. Adult tickets cost $14 and children aged 2-17 receive discounted admission of $7.
PRO Tip: Make sure to swing by the Depot Gift Shop on your way out to grab gifts for the railroad enthusiast in your life. Children will find books, toys, as well as a selection of Thomas the Tank Engine collectibles to take home.
Denver Zoo Free Day
Where? 2300 Steele Street
When? April 7th
The Denver Zoo is offering 7 community free days throughout 2024, with one of them occurring this Sunday. Already have plans? Mark your calendar for dates later this year!
- Sunday, November 3rd
- Saturday, November 9th
- Sunday, November 17th
Zoo members can visit on free days by using their membership to reserve tickets as usual.
PRO Tip: Tickets for the upcoming free day will be released on Tuesday, April 2nd. Visit this page to snag yours before they’re gone. Walk-up tickets won’t be available on free days, so make sure to bring your digital tickets with you.
Open Studio at artSPARK Creative
Where? 2630 West Belleview Avenue
When? April 7th
Drop-in classes at Littleton’s artSPARK studio are a great way to let creativity flow while experimenting, designing, and creating. Children will use a multitude of mediums, from drawing, painting, sculpting, and even collage and fiber arts. No experience is necessary and instructors will be available for suggestions and guidance. 10% off sibling discounts are available with studio time beginning at $20 for a 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM session.
PRO Tip: Parents can either stick around and participate with their child or drop them off (8 and up) and enjoy a free afternoon.
Rocky Mountain Train Show
Where? 4655 Humboldt Street
When? April 6th & 7th
The Rocky Mountain Train Show is returning for spring 2024 at Denver’s National Western Complex. Hailing as the largest model train show west of the Mississippi River, children and the young at heart will be blown away by 3 acres of model trains, large Lego displays, and over 60 vendors. Kids 12 and under get free admission and scouts in uniform also get in free! For parents, adult tickets are priced at $14 and can be purchased online or at the show.
PRO Tip: Kids can enjoy hands-on activities at the show, including the Junior Engineering Program, Kid-In-A-Cab, Train Town, and the Build-A-Layout project. There will also be face painting and train rides for an additional fee.
Total Solar Eclipse Virtual Race
Where? Anywhere!
When? April 1st-30th
Lace-up your running shoes this weekend and tackle the Total Solar Eclipse race benefitting the Skin Cancer Foundation. Participants can opt to “race” the 1 mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, or the full marathon segment. The total eclipse of the sun will occur on April 8th, 2024 — so make a plan to complete your race any time in April! Sign your family up for $20 per racing member and receive a custom medal and bib.
PRO Tip: This is a virtual race, so it can be completed on your own time from any location of your choosing. Whether you run, jog, or walk on a trail, treadmill, or around the neighborhood, enjoy quality time with the fam.