What to do with Kids in Denver this Weekend July 8–10, 2016
Events listed in chronological order
Colorado Black Arts Festival
Photograph by ©Colorado Black Arts Festival
When: Friday, July 8th through Sunday, July 10th, 2016
Where: City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
Time: : July 8th: 12pm–8pm; July 9th & 10th: 10am–8pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Celebrate the 30th Annual Colorado Black Arts Festival showcasing the rich and creative talents of local, regional, and national African-Americans in art and culture. This is a family friendly event with programming and activities for the entire family. Festival highlights include visual artists, Watu Sakoni Marketplace, Art Garden, Children’s Pavilion, Health Highway, Food Court and Friday’s YouthFest. The Saturday morning Boogaloo Celebration Parade is a crowd favorite as it is a colorful and exciting street celebration.
Colorado Irish Festival
Photograph by ©Colorado Irish Festival
When: Friday, July 8th through Sunday, July 10th, 2016
Where: Clement Park, 7306 Bowles Ave, Littleton, CO 80123
Time: July 8th: 5pm–10pm; July 9th 10am–10pm; July 10th: 10am–7pm
Cost: General Admission $10–$16, VIP $30–$75, Free for Children 12 and Under. Purchase tickets at: coloradoirishfestival.com/tickets
Ages: All ages
The Colorado Irish Festival is the largest eclectic gathering of tens of thousands throughout the west and features display of kilts and bagpipes, Gaelic sports and Irish step dancing and the best Irish rock and classic music this side of the Emerald Isle. The 2016 line up promises to be a memorable weekend of great entertainment.
Psst… The Black Arts Festival and the Colorado Irish Festival were both included in our The Most Unique Summer Festivals 2016 Colorado article!
American Indian Beading Demonstration
Photograph by ©History Colorado Center
When: Friday, July 8th, 2016
Where: History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Time: 11:30am–1:30pm
Cost: Free with admission
Ages: All ages
If you’ve ever wondered how the beautiful patterns are created in Native American beadwork, then visit the History Colorado Center in Denver this Friday. History Colorado Center is hosting a special American Indian Beading Demonstration with Angelique Acevedo-Barron who will demonstrate on her loom.
Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park
Photograph by ©Four Mile Historic Park
When: Friday, July 8th, 2016
Where: Four Mile Historic Park, 715 S Forest St, Denver, CO 80246
Time: 12pm–4pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Four Mile Historic Park is offering a free day this Friday, courtesy of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Check out historic demonstrations, tour the Four Mile House Museum, explore the 12-acre grounds, sample a treat from the summer kitchen, and say hello to their farm animals. In addition, they’ll offer their Hay Bales & Tall Tales story time from 12pm–1pm.
Psst… Four Mile Historic Park was also featured this week in our 8 Best Places to Enjoy a Picnic in Denver article!
Miniature Fairy Garden Landscapes Workshop
Photograph by ©Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys
When: Friday, July 8th, 2016
Where: Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys, 1880 Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80206
Time: 1pm–2pm
Cost: Members $8, Non-Members $10. Register by July 7th at: bit.ly/MiniatureFairyGarden
Ages: Children ages 6 and Up
The Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls & Toys is hosting a Miniature Fairy Garden Landscapes Workshop. You will use professional miniaturist supplies to create your lush landscape for your tiny fairy figure. Choose from a variety of terrain options and sculpt your own environment. Your imagination is the limit as they teach you to think in scale for your toothpick-sized fairy.
Downtown After 5 at Festival Park
When: Friday, July 8th, 2016
Where: Festival Park, 300 2nd St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Time: 5pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Unwind after the long work week in Downtown Castle Rock with Town of Castle Rock‘s Downtown After 5 at Festival Park. Downtown After 5 features: food trucks, cocktails, craft beer, and free live music will create a festive environment for all ages to enjoy. Also, check out work by local artisans, pick up specialty gifts and enjoy live painting presentations.
This week, the Azucar Latin Band will be bringing their high energy sounds to Festival Park. With a “smokin-hot Horn section”, this Salsa band also plays a little Merengue, Cha Cha, Cumbia and Bachata. This week’s food trucks include: California Wrap Runner, 100% Street Tacos & Kona Ice.
Minions Outdoor Movie: Dive-In at Elitch Gardens and at Skyline Park
When: Friday, July 8th, 2016
Where: Two location: Elitch Gardens, 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204 & Skyline Park, 16th Street & Arapahoe, Denver CO, 80202.
Time: Elitch Gardens: 7:30pm–10pm / Skyline Park: from dusk
Cost: Elitch Gardens: Free with admission ticket / Skyline Park: Free
Ages: All ages
Enjoy the oh-so-adorable, Minions movie, this Friday at two different locations in Denver. Float in the wave pool at Elitch Gardens or visit Downtown Denver‘s Skyline Park and enjoy the movie on dry land!
Psst… Both Elitch Gardens’ Dive-In Movies & the Southwest Summer Movies Series were featured in our Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in Denver this Summer 2016 article!
The Big Wonderful’s ArtBlast!
Photograph courtesy of ©The Big Wonderful
When: Saturday, July 9th & Sunday, July 10th, 2016
Where: Welton St & 16th St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: July 9th: 2pm–10pm; July 10th: 11am–6pm
Cost: Adults $5, Children 12 and Under are Free. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/TheBigWonderfulArtBlast
Ages: All ages
The Big Wonderful presents ArtBlast! this Saturday & Sunday on 16th Street Mall in Denver. ArtBlast! will feature live music performances, live painting, artisan vendors and more.
Corner Store Country Run
Photograph Courtesy of ©Corner Store
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216
Time: From 8:30am
Cost: 5K Adults $10, Optional Chip Timing $5, Country Fair Only $5, Children 12 and Under are Free.
Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/CornerStoreCountryRunDenver
Ages: All ages
The Country Run is a 5K fun run brought to you by Corner Store that will bring out your inner cowboy or cowgirl. Participants are encouraged to wear over-the-top country attire and gallop, trot or do-si-do their way across that finish line. Along the way, runners will encounter farm-themed zones with hay bales, tractor tires and giant inflatable pigs and cows. Afterwards, everyone is invited to stick around for a family-friendly country fair with free sponsor swag, carnival games, live music, food and a beer garden. Chip timing is available for those who wish to compete, and prizes will be awarded for the fastest runners in each class.
CatFest at Dumb Friends League
Photograph courtesy of ©Dumb Friends League
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: Dumb Friends League, 2080 S Quebec St, Denver, CO 80231
Time: 10am–3pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Cat lovers of all ages are invited to a day of feline fun at Dumb Friends League‘s Quebec Street Shelter. CatFest will allow you to meet dozens of adoptable cats and kittens, and enjoy clicker-training demonstrations, photo booths, activities for kids, pet behavior and veterinary advice from experts, food, music and shopping at the outdoor “Meow Market.”
Homesteaders’ Day
Photograph by ©Chris Pagley, courtesy of ©Golden History Museums
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: Clear Creek History Park, 1020 11th St, Golden, CO 80401
Time: 10am–2pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Golden History Museums is hosting a Homesteader’s Day at Clear Creek History Park. Experience 19th century homesteading, explore the historic cabins, try wood-stove cooking, learn about blacksmithing, and take a lesson at the schoolhouse.
Life Size Candyland
Photograph by ©Judy Frederick Photography
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E Hampden Cir, Aurora, CO 80013
Time: 10am–5pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
The Mission Viejo Library, part of Aurora Public Libraries, will transform into a Life Size Candyland all day this Saturday. The library is the board and you are the game pieces!
X Marks The Spot: KidX Launch Event
Photograph by ©Town Center at Aurora
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: Town Center at Aurora, 14200 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012
Time: 12pm–2pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Town Center of Aurora are introducing their new Kid X Club and will throw a kick off event called X-Marks the Spot as the official welcome party. X-Marks the spot is a fun, interactive treasure hunt through the mall and those who complete the task will be rewarded with a free prize. They ask that parents sign up their kids to be part of their KidX Club at the mall. Membership is free and the kids get goodies when they become a member.
There will also be a bounce house, DJ, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon art, Jack Sparrow and a pirate princess for photo ops and so much more fun!
2nd Saturday Street Festival
Photograph by ©Historic Olde Town Arvada
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: Historic Olde Town Arvada,
Time: 4:30pm–10pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Summer evenings in Olde Town Arvada will come to life at the upcoming 2nd Saturday Street Festival, presented by Historic Olde Town Arvada. The 2nd Saturday Street Festival will feature live music by Olde Town Swing Band, JusTones and the The Goonies (80s Cover Band). The festival will also feature arts/crafts booths, food booths, kids activities, and beer/wine sales. Admission is free and Grandview Ave will be closed to auto traffic, ensuring a fun and safe atmosphere for all.
Hello, Shakespeare!
Photograph by ©BackStory Theatre
When: Saturday, July 9th, 2016
Where: Broomfield Outdoor Amphitheatre, 3 Community Park Rd, Broomfield, CO 80020
Time: 5pm–8pm
Cost: $15–$60, Children 4 and Under are Free. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/HelloShakespeare
Ages: All ages
BackStory Theatre are hosting a special evening of delicious food and delightful entertainment in the open air as their advanced students present the hilarious short comedy, “Hello, Shakespeare!”, written by Joseph P. Kochiss. The show provides a fast-paced introduction to the bard and his most famous works as only his most irreverent character, Puck, can give it. Tragedy, history, comedy… this show has it all. You may even see someone get a pie in the face!
Prior to the show, a delicious catered meal will be served by locally owned, Brothers BBQ. Bring your own blanket, or select VIP seating and enjoy lakeside views and a sense of community while eating and joining in several family-friendly pre-show activities.
Bastille Day Celebration in the Park
When: Sunday, July 10th, 2016
Where: Centennial Gardens, 1101 Little Raven St, Denver, CO 80202
Time: 10am–7pm
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Join the Alliance Française de Denver for a special Bastille Day Celebration in the Centennial Gardens in Downtown Denver! Celebrate the French National Holiday with live music and DJ, kids activities such as games, crafts and face painting, dance performances by Thomas Dance Project, a pétanque competition and more. This event is free and open to the public, food will be available for purchase.
Psst… the Centennial Gardens were also featured this week in our 8 Best Places to Enjoy a Picnic in Denver article!
#dancelab Exhibition Grand Opening at Denver Art Museum
Photograph courtesy of ©Denver Art Museum
When: Sunday, July 10th, 2016
Where: Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
Time: All day from 10am
Cost: Included in admission
Ages: All ages
Denver Art Museum‘s new exhibition #dancelab will be open from this Sunday, July 10th through October 2nd, 2016.
#dancelab is a creative dance installation created by local artistic dance partners Wonderbound and creative firm Legwork Studio. This immersive, participatory movement experience focuses on celebrating American dance and deconstructs the dance experience to make it accessible to all.
You are invited to follow dance steps choreographed exclusively for this installation. See your movements combined with other visitors’ movements for a collective dance experience projected in a large format. Psst… Stay connected beyond your on site experience by using #dancelab on social media.
Teaching Kitchen Workshop: Ice Cream Sandwiches
Photograph courtesy of @Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
When: Sunday, July 10th, 2016
Where: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211
Time: 10:45am–12pm
Cost: Adult Member $10, Child Member $20 /Adult Non-Member $20, Child Non-Member $30
Register at: bit.ly/IceCreamSandwichWorkshop
Ages: Children ages 3 and Up
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is hosting its Teaching Kitchen Workshop this Sunday. Families will make bite-sized vanilla ice cream sandwiches with two types of cookies – chocolate and snickerdoodle – all from scratch. Make the ice cream and watch it churn, whip up and bake a batch of cookie dough, then assemble and enjoy!
Kids Pool Party – “Kids Dance For Kids” Charity Event
Photograph courtesy of ©The Breakers Resort
When: Sunday, July 10th, 2016
Where: The Breakers Resort, 9099 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80247
Time: 3pm–6pm
Cost: Children: $10, Adults: Free, Breakers Resort Residents: Free
Ages: All ages
Visit The Breakers Resort this Sunday for a special Kids Pool Party Charity Event benefiting Kids Dance for Kids. Each child who attends and donates to a child in need, will be greeted and photographed by: Royal princesses and characters provided by Princess Parties of the Rockies, Spider-Man and other super heroes, a Fire Fighter, the Denver Nuggets Cheerleaders, a special surprise guest, DJ, raffles, prizes, snacks and a fun pool party for kids!
A portion of the proceeds will go to Kids Dance For Kids to aid in them continuing their mission of educating our community about the importance of giving back. Kids Dance For Kids is accepting donations to help educate children to give back and give to local children in need. School Supplies Requested: notebooks, folders, pencils, markers, notebook paper, glue, crayons, scissors, washable paints and backpacks. Food, non-alcholic beverages and a full bar will be available for purchase during the event. *Event co-organized by The Riviera at The Breakers Resort.