Denver

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Will March be snowy, or will spring show its pretty face? The answer is probably both! So in our March roundup of things to do in Denver with kids, we included activities inside and out.
Notes:

1. Please check this any day you are looking for something to do, but also scroll through the month as there are ticketed events and others that require reservations, which we do try to note to note those that do.
2. It is always a good idea to call ahead to make sure the event you are interested in is still happening.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER MARCH 7-10
MARCH 7:

• Sand Art, Pauline Robinson Library, 4:15-5:15 p.m.
• Star K Kids (5 and under), Morrison Nature Center in Aurora, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
• Baby Story Time, Park Hill Library, 11-noon
• All Ages Story Time, Park Hill Library, 10-10:30 a.m.
• Toddler/Preschool Tinker Time, Central Library 11-11:30 a.m.
• ideaLAB Open Hours, Central Library, 1-6p.m.

MARCH 8:

• Mother Daughter Yoga + Date Night: Yoga & Henna, the mama’hood, 6-8 p.m.
• Family Overnight: Spring into Science, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 6 p.m.
• Mary Poppins Movie/Concert, Boettcher Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m.
• FREE Day with Storytime, Four Mile Historic Park, 12-4 p.m. (Storytime: 12:30)
• MindCraft Makerspace, Friday Night Tinker Fun (child drop-off/date night), 6-8 p.m.
• Baby Story Time, Park Hill Library, 11:15-noon
• Baby Story...

Photo by Ashton Bingham on Unsplash

We’re penning this blog on a chilly day and it has us longing for summer. What we aren’t looking forward to is Denver summer camp registration season – which, by the way, is right now!

There are some camps everyone knows about: Denver Museum of Nature and Science and Denver Zoo to name a couple. The February edition of Front Porch also included some great options for Denver summer camps, but if you are looking for a few lesser-known Denver summer camps, especially those in NE Denver, keep reading!

Sarah’s Summer Camp
Call us biased as this Denver summer camp is operated by our own Laura Fuller’s daughter, Sarah, but this is a true best-kept secret. Each day features a theme and activity, and lunch too! Camp hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at $250 per week. Not only are you getting your kiddos out of the house at a fair price, you are also supporting a young entrepreneur. Sarah’s camp is available the weeks of June 10th and June 17th. For more information and to register, email Sarah Fuller at sarahcfuller04@gmail.com.

Discovery Link
We’ve always thought only kids enrolled in Discovery Link during the school year could attend the summer session. Not true, and registration is open now. There is also an ala carte enrichment program camp at Bromwell Elementary. Find info on both here.

Gymtegrity
Wanna get all the energy out your littles? This is the place. There are half, full and theme-based...

Photo by Meghan Holmes on Unsplash

Exercising more, eating healthier and saving money typically rank as the top three New Year’s resolutions. If you have put any of these on your list, we’ve got you covered with great fitness and weight loss specials in Denver – in fact, right here in Stapleton so you can get healthy, save money and really support local!

Aktivstyle.com
Don’t sign up for fitness or weight loss special in Denver until you have the right gear. Activ, a Scandinavian clothing line owned by Stapleton residents, is offering 40% of Newline Sports workout clothes (code: Newline40) and 15% off Moonchild yoga clothing (code: Moonchild15). @aktiv5280

Anytime Fitness Northfield
Join for $1! There are also personal training specials if you are looking for some one-on-one coaching. @AnytimeFitnessNorthfieldDenver

Bar Method Stapleton
Bar Method Stapleton wants to help make sure you keep your fitness goals with a New Year six-week challenge – finishers earn a free Bar Method tank and are entered into a drawing for a $150 Beyond Yoga gift certificate. Through Jan. 31, their fitness and weight loss special in Denver is $49 for your first month or a 10-pack pass for $135. @TheBarMethodDenverStapleton

Barre Central
Barre Central lets you test out if barre is for you with a free-week trial for new clients, valid anytime. (That means if you are a procrastinator, you’ll still be able to get this fitness and weight loss special in Denver beyond January!) @barrecentralco

Bladium
Bladium is starting a new Les Mills program in January. To help you find out more about it and their fitness and weight loss special in Denver, Bladium...

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

If your New Year’s Resolution includes getting out more, here are ideas to get you started.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER JANUARY 1-6

JANUARY 1: Mad Hatters Tea Party Recovery Brunch, ViewHouse Ball Park, 10 a.m.

JANUARY 2: Candlelit Restorative Yoga and Essential Oils, RiNO Yoga Social, 7-8:15 p.m.

JANUARY 3: Intro to Knitting, Grandma's House, 6:30 p.m.

JANUARY 4: First Friday Art Walk, Santa Fe Arts District, 5:30 p.m.

JANUARY 5: DDA free spin class, Shift Cycle + Fitness, 10:30 a.m.

JANUARY 6: Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga, Release Studio, 9 a.m.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER JANUARY 7-13

JANUARY 7: Yoga + The Bachelor Watch Party, Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse, 6 p.m.

JANUARY 8: Astronomy On Tap, BarFly Denver, 7 p.m.

JANUARY 9: Women Who Wine: The Notorious RBG, Wild Women Wine, 6:30 p.m.

JANUARY 10: Free Women's Avalanche Awareness Classroom, Wilderness Exchange Unlimited, 8 p.m.

JANUARY 11: 4th Annual Northwest Beer Fest, The Oriental Theater, 8-11 p.m.

JANUARY 12: 4th Annual Barrel-Aged Beer Festival, Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen, 11 a.m.

JANUARY 13: Just Dance Launch Party, Dance Fitness Studio at Stanley Marketplace, 9-11 a.m.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER JANUARY 14-20

JANUARY 14: To Kill A Mockingbird, Alamo...

Photo by Jordan Heinrichs on Unsplash

Happy New Year! If your resolution is to take your children on more outings – and get them off those screens! – here some ideas for QT in the neighborhood and beyond.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER WITH KIDS – JANUARY 1-6

JANUARY 1
Stapleton: Kids Winter Camp – Snow Day, Whimsy Paint and Sip, 10:30 a.m.
Tinker Studio, Denver Public Library Main Branch, 2-4 p.m.

JANUARY 2
Stapleton: L’il Kickers New Year’s Camp, Bladium, 9 a.m. to noon
Clysdale Meet and Greet, Outside Argonaut Liquors, 3-5 p.m.

JANUARY 3
Intro to 3D Printing, Pauline Robinson Library, 2:30 p.m.

JANUARY 4
Stapleton: Friday Night Tinker Fun, 6-8 p.m.
Mindbender Mansion Exhibit, Denver Museum of Nature and Science (exhibit ends Jan. 6)

JANUARY 5
Wake + Make, Family Open Workshop. The Craftsman & Apprentice, 9 a.m.

JANUARY 6
Stapleton: Family Class-Cozy Whiskers, Whimsy Paint & Sip Studio, 10:30 a.m.
Movie at the Symphony: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Boettcher Concert Hall

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER JANUARY 7-13

JANUARY 7
Stapleton: FAB Lab, Mindcraft Makerspace, 3:30-6 p.m.

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Most Denver holiday light displays are found in the city’s suburbs, which can make an evening of light peeping a bit of a challenge for urban dwellers as the littles rarely want a long drive. But, we’ve uncovered some gems right here in NE Denver so tonight be sure to grab a holiday treat for the road and set out for the festiveness. (By the way, one mom reported they had peppermint milkshakes – brilliant!)

Park Hill Denver Holiday Light Displays

Christmas Light Wonderland, 3070 Hudson St.
This house boasts a 13 ft. Christmas tree with a “surprise inside,” a tunnel of light that is a perfect “selfie spot” and 65,000 lights set to music.

Joy and Peace, 2802 Jasmine
This decorator reports this is their first year decorating after being inspired by their neighbor at 28th and Kearney. Give them some first-year support (and go see 28th and Kearney too!).

Archway to Christmas, 2546 Dexter
In addition to the archway, see trees aglow and nutcrackers. This house’s residents plan to make the show bigger every year.

Stapleton Denver Holiday Light Displays

Toy Soldiers and Nutcrackers on Guard, 2661 Hanover Ct.
Larger than life nutcrackers and toy soldiers adorn this house. Props to the designers as their giant decorations are handmade.

33rd and Trenton
You’d be hard pressed to find someone in Stapleton that doesn’t know of this spectacular display that is actually a 40-minute show! But, we couldn’t do a light guide without including it. It is worth a visit every year, even if you can’t stay for the duration.

35th Heading East of Central Park Boulevard
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The holidays bring so many fun activities you could do something different with your family every day! If you need help planning, here is a daily list of thing to do in Denver with Kids in December 2018. 

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER KIDS – December 7-9

DECEMBER 7:
Gingerbread House Party, HashTAG, 4-6 p.m.
Recurs Dec. 8-9 and 14-16
DECEMBER 8:
Olde Golden Christmas Parade, Downtown Golden, 10:30 a.m.
Also on Dec. 15
DECEMBER 9:
Chanukah Wonderland and Food Drive, Stanley Marketplace 5-7 p.m.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER WITH KIDS – December 10-16

DECEMBER 10:
Bowling Special, Punchbowl Social, open until 5 p.m.
Recurs daily – bring a child and your whole group bowls for half price
DECEMBER 11:
Holiday Dance Performance by Cherry Creek Dance, Stanley Marketplace, Stanley Marketplace, 6 p.m.
DECEMBER 12:
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Recurs daily
DECEMBER 13:
Christmas in Color, Water World, 5:30 p.m.
Recurs daily...

Chances are slim you have a night free in busy December, but just in case you do, check out our “What to Do in Denver” picks.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER – December 6-9

DECEMBER 6:
Twist Your Dickens, Aurora Fox, 7:30 p.m.
Recurs Thursday through Sunday each week through Dec. 23
DECEMBER 7:
Ugly Sweater Party, Stoney’s, 7 p.m.
DECEMBER 8:
Festivus Tapping Party of Candy Cane Chocolate Stout, Wood Boss Brewing, 4 p.m.
DECEMBER 9:
Ten Tenors Home for the Holidays Show, Boettcher Concert Hall, 6:30 p.m.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER – December 10-16

DECEMBER 10:
New Belgium & Avanti F&B Present Smarty Party & A White Elephant Exchange
DECEMBER 11:
“The Office” Trivia Night, The Monkey Barrel, 7 p.m.
DECEMBER 12:
Retro Christmas Party, Walker Fine Art, 6 p.m.
DECEMBER 13:
Winter Solstice Pop-Up, BOOZhall, RiNo, 7 p.m.
DECEMBER...

You braved the crowds on Black Friday. You scoured the web for the best deals on Cyber Monday. Still, you haven’t found the perfect gift for your significant other. Take a deep breath. We’ve got you covered. The Stanley Marketplace is the place to find unique gifts in Denver, all in one stop. Just make sure you are extra sneaky so you don’t run into your loved one while shopping! We’ve also included the Facebook and Twitter handles for these great businesses so you can stay in the know. And while you are doing your “liking,” don’t forget to follow us at @stapletonneighborhood and @neirteam for things to do, dining recommendations, tips, our “best of” reviews and more.

Unique Gifts in Denver for the Fashionista

For your guy who knows “the shoes make the man” and your gal who can never have too many pairs, Goose & The Goat is your go to. The have great options, but when we shopped the store we were drawn to Bed Stu shoes. Specifically, the “Shala” taupe bootie for her and the “Brentwood” in black for men. Pick out an accessory and you are all set.

Facebook/Twitter: @gooseandgoat and #gooseandthegoat.

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We love Thanksgiving. But admit it… it can be a bit stressful. The desire to make a moist, delicious turkey and perfect pumpkin pie often become the focus of this holiday that is really about family and counting blessings. Why not simplify your Turkey Day and let someone else do the cooking. Below are some wonderful places where you can get a premade Thanksgiving meal in Denver. And we won’t tell if you want your mother-in-law to think you did all the work!

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you are interested in a premade Thanksgiving meal in Denver,

DON’T DELAY – most order deadlines are this week!

Premade Thanksgiving Meal in Denver Option #1: FIVE EGGS

ORDERING DEADLINE: End of day Wednesday, November 14

Talk about easy! With a couple of clicks, you can have a complete Thanksgiving meal brought right to your door. The complete meal serves two, but of course, you can order more to accommodate a larger crowd. In addition to turkey, the complete precooked Thanksgiving meal has cranberry sauce, gravy, cornbread stuffing, choice of three sides and pie.

Five Eggs will deliver a fully cooked natural turkey, or take care of the prep and bringing and let you roast it yourself.

If you’re just looking for a few precooked Thanksgiving dinner side dishes, Five Eggs has that too. You can order candied sweet potatoes, classic green bean casserole and other sides, plus pies. We are eyeing the apple pecan arugula salad. It’d be good to have something on the lighter side and the price is very reasonable at just over $2 per person for a salad serving 8.

Premade Thanksgiving Meal in Denver Option #2: MONDO MARKET

ORDERING DEADLINE: TODAY! Monday,...

The Halloween excitement – and sugar rush – is starting to fade and the full-blown holiday season is still weeks away (that’s a long time for kids… for us adults, we’re wondering “how is it November already?!”), you can bet your kids will be whining “I’m bored” before you know it. Since November is such a busy time in grownup land, we saved you some time and did the research on what to do in Denver with kids in November. We hope it helps save your sanity… at least a little.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER WITH KIDS – November 5-11

NOVEMBER 5: Let’s Build It – Arctic Diorama, Sam Gary Library, 4-5 p.m.

Hands-on educational craft for kids. 

NOVEMBER 6: FREE Day at Chatfield Farms, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Enjoy nice walks, historic buildings and a play area for kids.

NOVEMBER 7: Paint Pedestrian Silhouettes, Decatur and Federal Light Rail Station, 1-5 p.m.

“Imagine 2020” councilmembers have commissioned life-sized silhouettes, but they need to be painted before they are installed. Put paint clothes on the whole family and leave your mark.

NOVEMBER 8: Family Game Night, Ford-Warren Library, 5 p.m.

Play the classics! 

NOVEMBER 9: Disney Trivia, The Cube in Stapleton, 7 p.m.

Cinderella or Snow White? See if you or the kids know your Disney trivia best.

NOVEMBER 10: Denver Veterans Day Parade and Festival, Civic Center Park, 10 a.m.-noon

Who loves a parade? We do! All the better when it recognizes our brave veterans.

NOVEMBER 11: Denver Veterans Day Run, City Park, 8 a.m.

Run or walk with your kids and the dogs in the memorial 5 and 10K. Proceeds benefit Colorado veterans. 

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Who says the kids have all the fun on Halloween? Here’s a frightful listing of Denver Halloween Events for Adults… let the haunting begin!

Weekend of October 19-21 -- Denver Halloween Events for Adults

October 19:

• Walking with the Dead: The Spirits Speak, Littleton Museum, 7-10 pm
• Haunts of Littleton Walking Tour, Downtown Littleton Light Rail Station, 7 pm

October 20:

• Beetlejuice Movie Party, Alamo Drafthouse Denver, 1:15 pm
• Paint and Wine Party Tim Burtonesque Style, 2 pm
• MonsterBash, The Curtis, 8-11 pm
• Haunts of Littleton Walking Tour, Downtown Littleton Light Rail Station, 7 pm
• Walking with the Dead: The Spirits Speak, Littleton Museum, 7-10 pm
• Denver Halloween Bar Crawl, The Refinery, 4 pm

October 21:

• Pumpkin Carving and Live Music, Station 26 Brewing Co., 11 am
• BarkHappy Denver Halloween Costume Party for MaxFund, Bruz Beers, 1 pm

Weekend of October 26-28 -- Denver Halloween Events for Adults

October 26:

• Spooky Speakeasy, Terminal Bar, 9 pm-1 am
• Victorian Horrors, Molly Brown Museum, 6 pm
• Deathly Dueling Pianos and Costume Party, ViewHouse Ballpark, 6 pm
• Haunts of Littleton Walking Tour, Downtown Littleton Light Rail Station, 7 pm
• Humphrey’s Haunted Mansion Party, Grant-Humphreys Museum, 11 am-12 pm

October 27:

• Witches and Warlocks Costume Party, Punch Bowl Social, 9 pm
• Nightmare on Broadway, Alternation Brewing Company, 12 am-12 pm
• Great Gatsby Halloween Ball, Nocturne, 5:30 pm
• Adult Trick or Treating, Antique Row, 12 pm
• Costume Contest, McNichols Civic Center, 8 pm
• Pumpkin Beer Fest, Hops &...

Halloween is no longer a one night a year event. There are lots of spooky (not too spooky) Denver Halloween events for kids to keep your family feeling spooktacular for the rest of the month.

Below, Denver Halloween Events for kids that occur daily are listed first, followed by recurring events and concluding with a list of date-specific events.

Denver Halloween Events for Kids - Daily

Pumpkin Festival, Tagawa Gardens, 10 am-3 pm

Nick’s Fall Fest and Pumpkin Patch, Nick’s Garden Center, hours vary

Pumpkin Nights, Adams County Fairgrounds

Hole-O-Ween, Colorado Journey Miniature Golf, hours vary

Denver Halloween Events for Kids - Recurring

October 17, 18, 23, 25:

Glow at the Gardens at the Botanic Gardens, 5:30-9:30 pm

October 20, 21:
Bug A Boo, Butterfly Pavilion, 9 a.m.

October 20, 21, 27, 28:
Boo at the Zoo, Denver Zoo, Zoo hours  

October 20, 21, 26-31
Halloween Celebration, Bass Pro Shops Denver, hours vary

October 27-28:

• Halloween Kids Fest, Denver Aquarium, 10 am-4 pm
• Trick or Treat Street, Children’s Museum, museum hours 

Denver Halloween Events for Kids - Date Specific

October 19

• Kids’ Night Out (pumpkin carving and movies), Dream Dance Studios, 5:30-8:30 pm

October 20:

• Halloween Harvest Festival/Westy Fest and Balloon Glow, 12 pm-8 pm
• Trick or Treat Street Harvest Festival, Eastbridge Town Center, 2 pm-5 pm
• Fall Festival, Hector Flores Park (Baker Neighborhood, 10 am-12 pm
• Broadway Halloween Parade, Wizard’s Chest, 6-7:30 pm

October 21:

• BOOnion Station Kids Halloween Parade and Party, Union Station,...

Move over Palisade peaches, apple season is in full swing. Along with caramel covered treats and delectable pie, apples also yield cider. And, the Colorado hard cider business is starting to take off much like craft beer’s early days. If you haven’t hopped on the Colorado cider bandwagon yet, here’s where to board.

Haykin Family Cider
Run by a husband and wife team, Haykin Family Cider is the most recent to join the Denver cider scene. The Haykins compare their Colorado cider to sparkling wine because of the small bubbles and by “elevating the apple like wineries treat grapes.” The majority of their ciders are made from one apple variety, also known as single varietals. You can decide for yourself if you taste the connection to champagne, or if you can detect the featured apple with several great flight options served in their tasting room. It is located at 12001 E. 33rd Ave. in Aurora, near Fitzsimmons and the Stanley Marketplace. Or let the ciders come to you when you join their Core Club.

C Squared Ciders
This Colorado cider spot has one of the best tasting experiences not only because of the cider’s great taste, but also because of its unique location. C Squared Ciders is housed in a cool old warehouse building downtown. Better yet, C Squared shares its digs with a brewery and a restaurant. Talk about one-stop shopping! In its tasting room, you can try one or all of C Squared three series of ciders: The Siren, The Sailor and the Immortal (seasonal). The Sirens are said to be “beautiful” and “dangerous” like their namesake women of the sea. The Sailors are heritage ciders that mimic an “old-world” taste. Immortals are more experimental ciders that are only available on a limited basis. Check out these...

Now that school’s back in session, you have to make the best of your weekends. And, for those with littles, there is plenty to fill the weekdays too. Here’s a look at what to do in Denver with the family in September. 

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER WITH THE FAMILY -- SEPTEMBER 4-9 

SEPTEMBER 4: Small Settlers, Four Mile Historic Park, 10 a.m.
History and nature activities for kiddos 2-5.

SEPTEMBER 5: Toddler Story Time with the Colorado Ballet, Ford Warren Library, 10:30 a.m.
The kiddos will learn dance concepts at this special library story time.

SEPTEMBER 6: “The Greatest Showman,” Denver Museum on Nature and Science, 7:30 p.m.
Love this movie.

SEPTEMBER 7: Highlands Ranch Days, Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Historical reenactments, hay rides, petting zoo and more.

SEPTEMBER 8: Kidtopia, Four Mile Historic Park, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
From science explosions to carriage rides, Kidtopia will be sure to please.

SEPTEMBER 9: Robonology, Wings Over the Rockies, museum hours
Last day to see the exhibit on all things robotics.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER WITH THE FAMILY -- SEPTEMBER 10-16

SEPTEMBER 10: FREE Putt-Putt Golf, Skyline Park, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
There’s a great putt-putt course downtown featuring Denver landmarks. It is connected to the Skyline Park Beer Garden, but the putt-putt and other games are FREE to all ages.

SEPTEMBER 11: Drop-in Craft and Snack, Eugene Field Library, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
This is a FREE event for all ages. 

SEPTEMBER 12: Edgewater Market and Music, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Get the kids some fresh fruits and veggies, enjoy a stroll and dance to live music.

SEPTEMBER 13: Pixelated Sculpture Exhibit, Denver Botanic Gardens,...

There’s always something great going on in Denver. Here are our picks on what to do in Denver in September.

 WHAT TO DO IN DENVER -- SEPTEMBER 4-9

 SEPTEMBER 4: Denver Food + Wine Festival, Pepsi Center
The largest gathering of chefs, mixologists, and wine professionals.

SEPTEMBER 5: Dinner Under the Stars, Blanc, 6 p.m.
Six-course dinner by Denver’s hottest chefs served under the stars.

 SEPTEMBER 6: Lindy Hop Lessons: A Vintage Swing Dance, Mercury Cafe
Learn the granddaddy of all swing dances.

SEPTEMBER 7: 2018 Denver Tequila, Taco and Cerveza Fest, Mile High Station, 5 p.m.
You had us at tacos…

SEPTEMBER 8: Fall Home Show, Colorado Convention Center, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thinking of a home improvement? This is the place to get ideas, meet contractors and more.

SEPTEMBER 9: Colorado Symphony FREE Concert, Levitt Pavilion, 4 p.m.
Hear the wonderful sounds of the Colorado Symphony’s brass and percussion musicians at this FREE concert.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER -- SEPTEMBER 10-16

 SEPTEMBER 10: Taste of the Broncos, Mile High Stadium
Tailgate with 30 great chef-inspired restaurant concepts!

SEPTEMBER 11: Build n’ Brews, Diebolt Brewing Company, 7 p.m.
Does anyone ever completely grow out of Legos? Build a Lego drone and enjoy a beer.

SEPTEMBER 12: Watering Hole: Fierce Femmes, Denver Zoo, 6:30-8 p.m.
Find out about girl power in the animal kingdom while enjoying light appetizers and drinks.

SEPTEMBER 13: 6^th Annual Taste of the Highlands, Highlands Square, 5 p.m.
Fare from NW Denver restaurants and music too!

SEPTEMBER 14: Reading Club, Stanley Marketplace, 11 a.m.
Join Aurora Public Library in a discussion...

It’s mid-summer and the kids are getting bored. Now that the 4^th of July fun is over, what next? We’ve got the answer for what to do with kids in Denver daily for the rest of the month.

 What to Do in Denver with Kids July 7-8

JULY 7-8: SCFD Showcase at Denver Botanic Gardens. Special programming and half-priced admission.

What to Do in Denver with Kids the Week of July 9-15

JULY 9: French Storytime at the Children’s Museum, 11:30 a.m. Introduce your kids to this beautiful language then stay for all the fun the museum has to offer – inside and out.

 JULY 10: July Drum Circle at the Hudson Gardens, 6:15 p.m. Enjoy the Gardens and a drum circle at this family friendly event.

JULY 11: Scoop of Jazz, Little Man Ice Cream, 7 p.m. Kids like ice cream, you like jazz (and we’re sure the kids will be tappin’ their toes too!)

JULY 12: Eric West’s Music for Kids, Ross-University Hills Library. From unusual instruments to puppets, see what Eric will pull out of antique trunk to keep the whole family entertained. 

JULY 13: Denver County Fair at National Western, hours vary. Standard fair activities with a twist, it’s a “fun and furry, wacky and weird.” (through July 15).

JULY 14: Insectival at the Butterfly Pavilion, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Live entertainments, bounce houses, carnival games and of course incredible animals and beautiful butterflies.

JULY 15: LEGOrado at History Colorado Center, museum hours. See Colorado Lego-style and other fund hands-on museum exhibits – bonus, kids who wear a baseball jersey get in free (exhibit open through summer).

What to Do in Denver with Kids the Week of July 16-22

JULY 16: Kids Bowl FREE...

Sometimes when it is date night, thinking of something different to do can be harder than finding a babysitter! Now that 4^th of July festivities are done, you are due for a little adult time. We’ve got you covered on what to do in Denver through the end of the month.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER JULY 5-8

JULY 5: Thursday Night Bazaar at Stanley Marketplace 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Wine, cider, beer and spirits sampling, plus live music – all while shopping (yes, please).

JULY 6: RiNo First Friday, 6-9 p.m. RiNo businesses will open to feature specials, live music and art.

JULY 7: Penny Admission at Museum of Contemporary Art, 10 a.m. See this great museum at a great price.

JULY 8: JazzerCider Colorado Cider Company, 11:30 a.m. Jazzercize meets cider in this first ever event.

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER JULY 9-15

JULY 9: Film on the Rocks (Red Rocks), 7 p.m. The Big Lebowski 20^th anniversary!

JULY 10: Rockies Game at Coors Field, 6:40 p.m. Take me out to the ball game (vs. Arizona Diamondbacks).

 JULY 11: Railbenders at Elway’s Cherry Creek, 7 p.m. FREE outdoor concert.

JULY 12: Water Hole – Mating, Dating and Copulating at the Denver Zoo, 5:30 p.m. Yep, this is about how animals “get wild” plus, light appetizers and drinks for you. 

JULY 13-15: Slow Food Nations Festival at Larimer Square, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Workshops, demos, talks and of course tastes! 

WHAT TO DO IN DENVER JULY 16-22

JULY 16: All Day Happy Hour at D Bar Restaurant, 5 p.m. Great specials on drinks and confections.

JULY 17: Sip & Sushi at Dry Dock Brewing Company, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to roll sushi at home.

JULY 18: Free Poker Tournament, Highland Tavern, 7 p.m. Play for bragging...

Break out the Stars and Stripes. The sparklers and the picnic baskets. July 4th in Denver 2018 will be here Wednesday and you don't want to miss the fun! See how to spend Independence Day below. 

Start Off with a Bang

Annual Highland 4th of July Parade

Have your kids (or you) ever wanted to be in a parade? This July 4^th in Denver is your chance. Decorate the bikes, wagons, scooters and strollers and head over to the Highlands neighborhood for their annual parade. The route begins at 32^nd and Clay St., heads past the great local businesses on 32^nd and turns down the hill to the finale at Hirshorn Park (across the street from Little Man Ice Cream.) Speaking of Little Man, the iconic creamery will scoop a monstrous sundae – 200 feet to be exact. (That’s a lot of scoops.) You’ll also enjoy free hot dogs, live music, dance performances and other family fun. Staging begins at 9 a.m. with the official parade starting at 9:30 a.m. 

The Annual Highland 4^th of July parade really showcases how the greater Highlands has grown into such a wonderful neighborhood for families.

Park Hill 4th of July Parade

If you’d rather watch a parade than be in a parade this July 4th in Denver, head east to Park Hill (another great neighborhood for families) and take in their annual event. This parade runs down 23^rd Avenue from Dexter to Kearney streets. There is also a post-parade party immediately following at 22^nd Avenue and Kearney Street. This street-style fair will feature kids’ activities, music and food until around 3 p.m. There is free parking in neighboring streets and many of the mature trees will shade your car (bonus) as you take...