Earlier this week we listed special events, dining options and gift ideas in our Celebrate Dad this Father’s Day 2016 in Denver guide… but all the awesome Denver dads wouldn’t be called dads without having kids, and we all know these kids need entertainment… constantly! Don’t fret, that’s why we have our weekly What to do with Kids in Denver this Weekend guides, and this week they include some events to celebrate with dad too! Psst… Some events are included in both articles but the majority are unique to each article.
What to do with Kids in Denver this Father’s Day Weekend June 17–19, 2016
Events listed in chronological order
Denver Comic Con
Photograph by ©Denver Comic Con
When: Friday, June 17th through Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Where: Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, CO 80202.
Time: June 17th & June 18th: 10am–11pm; June 19th: 10am–6pm
Cost: Adults $38.50 for June 17th and $44 for June 18th–19th. Child tickets are $8.25 per day. Purchase tickets at: popcultureclassroom.org/dcc/tickets
Ages: All ages
Denver Comic Con (DCC) is a 3-day, family-friendly pop culture fan extravaganza, featuring the best in pop culture entertainment. DCC is a program of the Colorado nonprofit Pop Culture Classroom, whose mission is to inspire a love of learning, to increase literacy, celebrate diversity and build community through pop culture education. The Denver Comic Con will once again feature the Pop Culture Classroom Kids’ Lab and 8-Bit Lounge (located on the Main Show Floor).
Photograph Courtesy of ©Denver Comic Con. Artwork by ©KabaLounge
Denver Comic Con’s Pop Culture Classroom Kids’ Lab And 8-Bit Lounge Features
The Zen Gallery: View art created throughout the year by children in the Pop Culture Classroom workshops as well as by inmates who participated in the LEAD With Comics program. You can also get your zen on by inking and coloring student created comics, or just sit back, relax and read.
Arts and Experiments: Costume crafts (shields, masks, bracers) as well as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities every hour. Also create Popsicle stick catapults (aka Tribble Blasters), Galaxy Gak and Squishy Circuits. Also return at the end of the day with your Tribble Blaster for an all-out Tribble Extravaganza.
All–Ages Stage: Inspiring students of all ages with simple art lessons, helping them to create their own 4-panel comics and animation.
Jackman Brothers Production: Create awesome geeky balloon pieces, plus Disney trained face painters.
8-Bit Lounge: Guests ages 12 and older can enjoy the 8-Bit Lounge. There, you can engage with the geek community by learning how to incorporate your own artistic style, create a voice over character, draw your own space ship, and much more.
More expected things-to-do: Zombie make-up, Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, Paper Make & Takes as well as model demonstrations, Copper Tape Circuits, Super Senses Lab and much more!
The Denver Greek Festival
Photograph by ©The Denver Greek Festival
When: Friday, June 17th through Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Where: 4610 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80246
Time: June 17th & June 18th: 11am–12am; June 19th: 11am–6pm
Cost: Adults $5 per day or $10 weekend pass; $3 Seniors (65+); Free for Children 12 and under
Ages: All Ages
Come and attend one of Denver’s premier and first summer outdoor festivals – The Denver Greek Festival. Featuring live traditional Greek dancing by the Hellenic Dance Academy of Denver, Idomeneas Cretan Dancers, with Live Music by Etho Ellas. There is plenty of homemade food and pastries from throughout Greece to satisfy any appetite. Bonfils will be on site Saturday for a blood drive as well. For the younger kids, there are fair rides, games and toys.
Cruise In Car Show, Concert and Street Party
Photograph by ©Downtown Castle Rock
When: Friday, June 17th & Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Wilcox St & 4th St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Time: June 17th: 5pm–8pm; June 18th: 10am–3pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Every summer, on the Saturday before Father’s Day, the Classic Rock Cruise In transforms Historic Downtown Castle Rock into a showplace for all kinds of cool cars, hot rods and trucks. The main streets are closed for the day so that over 300 entries can be displayed by their proud owners and admired by thousands of spectators. The Cruise In, fueled by Medved Castle Rock, has something for everyone – cars, shops, live music, restaurants, attractions for the kids, and many specialty vendor booths. Class winners are determined by a panel of experienced judges. The evening before the Car Show, visit a special Concert and Street Party!
Joy Park Free Night at Children’s Museum
Photograph by ©Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
When: Friday, June 17th, 2016
Where: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211
Time: 4pm–8pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, in collaboration with Denver Parks and Recreation, is inviting you to visit Joy Park on Friday afternoon where you and your family will get to explore 30,000 square feet of outdoor adventure for free!
Psst… This include access to Joy Park only. Except for the restrooms, the inside of the Museum will be closed.
Denver Kids Festival
When: Saturday, June 18th & Sunday, June 19th 2016
Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216
Time: 10am–5pm
Cost: Adults: $10, Seniors (65+) & Military: $5, Children 12 & under & Fathers and Grandfathers on Sunday, July 19th: Free
Psst… Purchase tickets online or show image above and get $3 off admission price.
Ages: All ages
The Denver Kids Festival at the National Western Complex, will entertain your children for hours and hours. The festival features fun entertainment, activities, stage presentations, local and national family-friendly vendors local.
Featured: Human Bubble Bowling, Nerf BattleZone, Balance Board Activity Area, Huzzah! Family Foam Sword Duels, Tumble Bubble Rides, Superhero Selfies, Face Painting, Bounce Houses, Ticket Giveaways for Advance Screenings of Disney’s The BFG and Pete’s Dragon and much more!
Cherry Blossom Festival
Photograph by ©Cherry Blossom Festival
When: Saturday, June 18th & Sunday, June 19th 2016
Where: Sakura Square, 1905 Lawrence St, Denver 80202
Time: June 18th: 11am – 8pm; June 19th: 11am – 4pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
The Cherry Blossom Festival features live entertainment, food and drink, arts and crafts, and informative exhibits and demonstrations. Among the entertainment will be Denver Taiko, as well as performances of Japanese dance, koto and shamisen, and martial arts. The temple’s gymnasium is home to a variety of food and drink, including the popular teriyaki chicken dinner plate, sushi, and delicious Japanese sweets called manju and mochi. Their fine selection of arts and crafts vendors will have you browsing through vintage kimono, handmade jewelry, Asian-inspired pottery, books and anime, dolls, fine art, Japanese Hawaiian T-shirts, and more. Nearly 40 booths, including a few informational ones tied to the Japanese-American community, will fill much of Lawrence Street.
Denver PrideFest
Photograph by ©Denver PrideFest
When: Saturday, June 18th & Sunday, June 19th 2016
Where: Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver 80202
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Recognized as one of the top ten pride events in the country, the Denver PrideFest is a celebration of community, heritage, family and culture. Produced by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center), more than 250,000 people from Colorado and surrounding areas come out to enjoy the parade, rally, music, entertainment, food and much more.
This year Denver PrideFest will have a special event just for kiddos: “Lil’ Big Shots at PRIDE”. In the spirit of the NBC hit show “Little Big Shots hosted by Steve Harvey”, Denver PrideFest are looking for youngsters to bring their skills and talents to the Center Stage. Open to youth 12 years old and younger, they will showcase fun and charisma! Psst… This is NOT a contest or competition. Lil’ Big Shots at PRIDE will take place on Saturday, June 18th, 2016 from 12:30pm at The Greek Amphitheatre at Denver Civic Center Park.
2016 Denver Gold & Treasure Show
Photograph by ©GPAA Gold and Treasure Shows
When: Saturday, June 18th & Sunday, June 19th 2016
Where: Adams County Fair and Regional Park Complex, 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton, CO 80601
Time: June 18th: 10am–5pm; June 19th: 10am–4pm
Cost: $5 per day, Free for Children 12 and under and Active Duty Military and Veterans (with valid ID). Purchase tickets at: www.goldprospectors.org/goldshows.
Ages: All ages
The GPAA Gold and Treasure Show is fun for the entire family. The Gold and Treasure expos are great opportunities to experience that level of excitement first hand. Spread out amongst the vendors are panning troughs for both kids and adults where you can learn skills and techniques used by the best in the business to uncover a healthy amount of gold.
Learn key prospecting techniques, browse the show floor and get your hands on the latest and greatest in prospecting equipment. With dozens of vendors and hundreds of items, you’re sure to find something you’ll want to take into the field with you. There will also be various prospecting prizes handed out, to get you ready to strike gold long after the event concludes!
Psst… Gold Panning is one of our recommended activities to do this summer 2016, as featured in our article: 11 Things to do Outdoors in Colorado this Summer you shouldn’t Miss!
Father’s Day Craft at WOW! Children’s Museum
Photograph by ©WOW! Children’s Museum
When: Saturday, June 18th & Sunday, June 19th 2016
Where: WOW! Children’s Museum, 110 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026
Time: Available throughout both days during museum hours.
Cost: Free with museum admission
Ages: All ages
Children can make their Dad, Grandpa or Uncle a special Father’s Day card craft in the Art Room at WOW! Children’s Museum.
Juneteenth Music Festival
Photograph by ©Juneteenth Music Festival
When: Saturday, June 18th 2016
Where: 2401 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205
Time: 8:30am – 10pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Juneteenth Music Festival is one of the nation’s largest celebrations, drawing in record numbers of festival-goers and participation. This year focuses on youth! There will be a special “Financial Fun Zone” that will include free games, prizes, a climbing wall, bouncy castles, a karaoke stage, a basketball shooting clinic and more!
Arabian Horse Day at Arapahoe Park
Photograph by ©Arapahoe Park & Mile High Racing
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Arapahoe Park, 26000 E Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO 80016
Time: 8:30am – 5pm
Cost: $15 for Adults & $7.50 for Children ages 12 and under. Psst… Tickets include lunch.
Ages: All ages
Arapahoe Park will partner with the Colorado Horse Council for the “Heritage Ride” and the Arabian Horse Association for the “Arabian Horse Day at Arapahoe Park” on Saturday, June 18. Horse lovers from Colorado can bring their horses to Arapahoe Park to ride on a trail that includes the racetrack, then enjoy a day at the races with lunch, behind-the-scenes tours, watching races from Arapahoe Park’s cabana, crafts and games for kids, and prizes.
The Front Range Birding Company’s 12th Annual Open House and Craft Festival
Photograph by ©The Front Range Birding Company
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Sagewood II Shopping Center, 10146 W San Juan Way, Littleton, CO 80127
Time: 9am–5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Join The Front Range Birding Company‘s 12th Annual Open House and Craft Festival which will include a visit by HawkQuest, local arts & crafts, face painting, BBQ food, live music, a memorial antique aircraft flyover, West Metro fire trucks, a drawing for a $500 Spotting Scope and a silent auction for Broncos tickets as well as other items!
Bumblebee Jamboree
Photograph by ©Denver Botanic Gardens
When: Saturday, June 18th 2016
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
Time: 10:30am–11:30am
Cost: $12 Adult / $10 Member Adult; $7 Child / $5 Member Child; Free for Children 2 and under. Purchase tickets at: www.botanicgardens.org/bumblebee-jamboree.
Ages: All ages
Get ready for a unique musical experience at the Denver Botanic Gardens! Dress as your favorite pollinator and join a special musical guest for an indoor live performance.
Steampunk at the Station
Photograph by ©Colorado Railroad Museum
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403
Time: 10am–5pm
Cost: Adults: $15; Seniors: $10; Children: $5; Museum Members and Children under 2: Free.
Purchase tickets at: coloradorailroadmuseum.org/steampunk-at-the-station.
Ages: All ages
Join the Colorado Railroad Museum for a day of steampunk fun at the Museum. Visit steampunk vendors, enjoy performances by buskers, and take a ride behind a steam locomotive, capture great photos with one of their many steam locomotives around the rail yard or the Stilt Walkers from MSpectacles and they’ll even have a real blacksmith on-site from Cottonwood Forge.
Psst… Receive 50% off Museum admission when you arrive in your finest steampunk attire or with a gadget. *Discounted tickets cannot be purchased online. You must arrive in costume and purchase from Guest Services in the Depot General Store.
Upcycled T-shirt Scarves and Flowers
Photograph by ©Golden History Museum
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Clear Creek History Park, 1020 11th St Golden, CO 80401
Time: 2pm–4pm
Cost: $10 Members, $15 Non-Members. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/UpcycledTShirtScarvesFlowers. Advanced registration required.
Ages: 12 years old and older
The Golden History Museum is hosting a special craft event for adults and children ages 12 and up. Turn an old T-shirt into a fashionable scarf and hair flower using various techniques and styles. Bring two old shirts to remake into new accessories. Class is presented by Shelby Stone.
Family Room’s Father’s Day Festival
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Family Room, 6279 W 38th Ave #1, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Time: 3pm–7pm
Cost: $35 for the entire family. Register for the event online.
Ages: All ages
Family Room‘s Father’s Day Festival allows fathers a chance to enjoy a day outside and inside with activities that the kid in every adult can enjoy. Activities include: Bounce House, Basketball Hoops, Lego Building, Climbing & Food. This event is “All You Can Eat” and “All You Can Fun”!
Rachel Platten Free Live Concert at Elitch Gardens
Photograph by ©Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204
Time: 7pm
Cost: Free with admission or season pass
Ages: All ages
Rachel Platten, known for hits such as “Fight Song” & “Stand By You”, will be performing a free concert at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park as part of their Summer Concert Series.
Ballet in the Park
Photograph by ©Boulder Ballet
When: Saturday, June 18th, 2016
Where: Civic Green Park, 9370 S Ridgeline Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.
Time: 7:30pm–8:30pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The Boulder Ballet will perform a free outdoor concert at Civic Green Park featuring classical and contemporary ballet. The perfect event for families on a summer evening.
Father’s Day Falcon Fest & Raptor Trip
When: Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Where: Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield, 11280 Waterton Rd, Littleton CO 80128
Time: Falcon Fest: 8:30am–11:30am; Raptor Trip: 11am–2pm
Cost: Falcon Fest: Member Fathers Free / Non-Member Fathers $3; Additional Teen/Adult tickets $16; Children (12 & under) $8. Register online for Falcon Fest, call (303) 973-9530 or email info@denveraudubon.org for Raptor Trip.
Ages: Falcon Fest – all ages; Raptor Trip – recommended ages 8 and up.
Enjoy a special day with the Audubon Society of Greater Denver with two special events: Father’s Day Falcon Fest & Father’s Day VID (Very Important Dad) Raptor Trip. Choose one event or join them both! Event attendees will receive a close and personal encounters with live raptors presented by HawkQuest at the outdoor Audubon Nature Center Amphitheater. Raptor hikes will leave from the amphitheater at the conclusion of the raptor program or event attendees will be able to view the “Colorado Wild” art show happening in the Audubon Nature Center.
Breakfast will be provided by Einstein Bros Bagels in Littleton, fresh coffee from the Englewood Caribou Coffee store and environmentally sustainable plates, cups, and utensils by Eco-Products of Boulder. There will also be contests for prizes provided by REI and Cabela’s at Lone Tree, as well as unique raptor merchandise!
Photograph by ©The Front Range Birding Company
The Raptor Trip, provided by Tom Bush, Audubon Master Birder and owner of The Front Range Birding Company, will be a combination road/hiking trip to the outskirts of Roxborough State Park and Red Rocks Park to see and learn about the various Falcons, Hawks, Eagles, and Owls that frequent their open spaces. You will also see a good number of other birds and wildlife along the way. Be prepared for short hikes from stops at each location.
Acappellooza 2016
Photograph by ©Sound of the Rockies
When: Sunday, June 19th, 2016
Where: Newman Center at University of Denver, 2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Time: 3:30pm
Cost: $19–$29. Purchase tickets at: soundoftherockies.com/acappellooza-2016
Ages: All ages
It’s like “Pitch Perfect”… only live! Bring Dad to a “Father’s Day” celebration with Sound of the Rockies, as Colorado’s premier a cappella chorus presents Acappellooza 2016. Sound of the Rockies is proud to present five of the best vocal groups in the Denver area. Acappellooza is a lively and playful competition with big prizes, celebrity judges, and audience voting. You’ll also hear lots from Sound of the Rockies including their competition set as they prepare for the World Chorus Championships in Nashville TN taking place on July 8th, 2016.