Psst… What to do with Kids in Denver this Weekend June 10–12, 2016

This weekend kids can celebrate the outdoors, learn about our oceans, meet with fairies, mermaids and knights, create arts and crafts, play arcades, grow gardens, cook, visit festivals, carnivals, markets and so much more!

What to do with Kids in Denver this Weekend June 10–12, 2016

Events listed in chronological order

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Buell Theatre

When: Friday, June 10th through Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Buell Theatre at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80204

Time: June 10th: 7:30pm; June 11th: 2pm & 7:30pm; June 12th: 2pm & 7:30pm

Cost: $30–$150. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/BeautyAndTheBeastDenver

Ages: All Ages

NETworks presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the smash hit Broadway musical, returns to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Buell Theatre!

2016 Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown

When: Friday, June 10th through Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows, 10345 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124

Time:  June 10th: 11 am – 10pm; June 11th: 10am – 12am; June 12th: 10am – 5pm

Cost: Adult: $30 per day; $75 3-day pass; Kids (7-12): $15 per day; $35 3-day pass; Kids 6 and under: free. Purchase tickets at: www.pinballshowdown.com/attend.html.

Ages: All ages

The 2016 Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown, presented by Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown and Gameroom Expo, will take place at Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. This once-a-year, three-day Colorado festival offers an entertaining, family friendly environment catering to all ages and gaming skill levels. Come play hundreds of pinball, retro video, and classic arcade games. Play a huge game list and variety of themes in pinball machines, retro console, and classic arcade games – No Quarters Needed. Buy your admission at the door or online and play all the pinball machines, retro console, and classic arcade video games you want at the Rocky Mtn. Pinball Showdown and Gameroom Expo. Play hundreds of games for fun, or compete in tournaments for all ages and skill levels with trophies and cash prizes. Meet special pinball and gamer celebrity guests from industry and across this amazing community. Whatever theme, artist, or decade of game you desire, you will find it at this festival on the hundreds of pinball, retro console, and classic arcade video games.

Parker Days Festival

When: Friday, June 10th through Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Main St, Parker, CO 80134

Time: June 10th: 5pm – 12am; June 11th: 9am – 12am; June 12th: 8am – 10pm

Cost: Free admission. Carnival rides single day ticket $25 online / $30 at the festival, Carnival rides 4 day pass $60 (only available for purchase online). Purchase carnival rides tickets at: bit.ly/ParkerDaysCarnivalRides

Ages: All ages

Parker Days Festival, presented by Town of Parker,  is in its 39th year and includes fun for the whole family. There are three stages of free entertainment, carnival rides, booths to shop, a parade, a car show, a strongman competition, bounce houses, carnival food and fun for all ages! Kids rides include: Beach Party, Tons of Fun, Dragon Wagon, Ferris Wheel, Pirates Island, Wet Boat, Carousel, Himalaya, Hog Wild, Whale, Safari, Pix Plane, Rock N Tub, Fun Slide, Dune Buggy, Jet Ski, Wiggly Worm & Fire Chief. There are a number of free activities for kids including the petting zoo, the buskers, and the music. However carnival rides, hamster balls, bounce houses, and the zip line do have a cost associated.

Get Growing Garden Program at WOW! Children’s Museum

When: Friday, June 10th, 2016

Where: WOW! Children’s Museum, 110 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO 80026

Time: 10:45am – 11:15am

Cost: Included in Museum Admission. Admission Cost: $9 per child (ages 1-11); $5 per adult; free for infants (under 1)

Ages: All ages

Join the farmers from Ollin Farms as they tend to WOW! Children’s Museum‘s summer garden. Learn what plants need to grow and lend a helping hand to pull weeds and plant veggies and seeds in the garden.

Nerf Open Play: Summer Kick Off

When: Friday, June 10th, 2016

Where: Clement Park, 7306 W Bowles Ave, Littleton, CO 80123

Time: 11am – 7pm

Cost: $5 for 30 minutes of play, or $8 for 60 minutes. Admission includes safety equipment, use of a Nerf Firestrike blaster, unlimited darts, and 30 minutes of play time in the mega arena.

Ages: 5+

Battle Zone are hosting a special outdoor Nerf open play at Clement Park in Littleton. They will be out in their mega arena playing in exciting Nerf battles all day long. Feel free to bring your own favorite blaster or upgrade to one of their bigger and cooler blasters. They have what you need to have a blast.

Four Mile Historic Park Free Day

When: Friday, June 10th, 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 will have a free admissions day, provided by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Take a tour of the Four Mile House Museum, check out historic demonstrations, explore their 12-acre grounds, sample a treat from their summer kitchen, and greet farm animals. They’ll also be offering Hay Bales & Tall Tales story time from 12pm – 1pm. Tours are at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm and are first come, first served.

Psst… Four Mile Historic Park was featured in our, “9 Things to do in Colorado this Spring” 2016 list.

Friday Fun Day at Belly Bliss

When: Friday, June 10th, 2016

Where: Belly Bliss, 300 Josephine St #10, Denver, CO 80206

Time: 1:30pm – 4pm

Cost: $50

Ages: 4–9

Belly Bliss are hosting a Friday Fun Day. Drop off your 4-9 year old for an afternoon of yoga, fun, sun, crafts, and play! Bring your yoga gear, and some shoes for playing in the park. Snacks will be provided.

Psst… Scholarships available for application online.

Movie on the Green: Inside Out

When: Friday, June 10th, 2016

Where: Founders. Green, 7601 E 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80238

Time: From 6pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

Join Stapleton MCA‘s first Movie on the Green of the summer with the family friendly feature: Inside Out! The outdoor movie will  feature a concessions stand to benefit a local nonprofit organization. The concessions stand will sell freshly popped popcorn, candy, sodas and bottled water. All movies are free and open to the public Food trucks will also be parked at this event, providing local goodies and food items. This week’s food trucks:  The Real Deal Natural Smoothies and Latin Food, Street Frites Mobile Eatery, Happy Cones, Lena B Bar-B-Que, California Wrap Runner, Colorado Cotton Candy. 

Psst… Check out our featured article on Where to Watch Outdoor Movies in Denver this Summer 2016 for a complete event guide!

Teen Bash at the Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park

When: Friday, June 10th, 2016

Where: Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park, 852 E Bromley Ln, Brighton, CO 80601

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $9, includes admission and combo from the concession stand.

Ages: 12 – 17

Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park & Brighton Recreation Center are hosting a special Teen Bash with no adults allowed! They will bring in a live DJ, host several contests, and offer games and prizes. 10% of all proceeds will go to benefit the Brighton Legacy Foundation. The event is sponsored in part by Blackjack Pizza, Melissa Rippy with Allstate Insurance, Crossfit Salvo, Team Tidal Wave Entertainment, and Halo Branded Solutions.

Denver Mini Maker Faire

When: Saturday, June 11th & Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205

Time: 9am – 5pm

Cost: Adults $19.95, Seniors $16.95, Children (3–18) $14.95, Members $5, Children 3 and under Free. Purchase tickets at: denvermakerfaire.com/tickets.

Ages: All ages

The 3rd Annual Denver Mini Maker Faire comes again to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The theme this year is “Building The Future” and they are focusing on leading edge innovations and technologies. From wearable tech to interactive experiences, you’ll have a great hands-on experience in the STEAM world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Making!

The Denver Faire is co-created by maker spaces, community groups, local artists, scientists, youth and entrepreneurs convened by the non-profit Colorado Maker Hub.

Colorado Renaissance Festival 2016

When: Saturday, June 11th & Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: “Larkspurshire”, 650 West Perry Park Ave, Larkspur, CO 80118.

Time: 10am – 6:30pm

Cost: Adults $20.50 online/$22 at the door, Children (5–12) $9 online/$10 at the door & Children ages 5 and under are FREE. Purchase online ticket at: coloradorenaissance.com/tickets.

Ages: All ages

The Colorado Renaissance Festival, Colorado’s premier summertime event, is a thematic recreation of a 16th Century village and marketplace set in the picturesque mountain venue of “Larkspurshire”, just south of Denver. Hundreds of colorfully costumed characters entertain continuously upon the village streets and on the Festivals 10 stages, performing 60 shows daily. More than 200 period artisans sell their one-of-a-kind works and demonstrate their ancient craft along the shaded streets and pathways. Tantalizing medieval delicacies and the finest ales and beverages entice the palette and satisfy the heartiest of appetites.

Psst… Check out our featured article about the Colorado Renaissance Festival 2016 for more info!

Denver Berkeley Park Art & Music Festival

When: Saturday, June 11th & Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Berkeley Park, 4600 W 46th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

Time: June 11th: 9:30am – 7pm; June 12th: 9:30am – 4pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

Enjoy a family friendly Art & Music Festival at Berkeley Park. National juried artists display handcrafted fine arts, and the music stage features performances by Ponder the Albatross , Band On The Fence, Kelly Triplett, Franny & The Jets, Rail Ramblers, Beans & Wheels and more. Create a masterpiece in the Creative Station For All Ages. Face Painting and delicious food.

World Oceans Day at Butterfly Pavilion

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020

Time: 9am – 5pm

Cost: $1 on top of regular admission

Ages: All ages

Join Butterfly Pavilion for World Oceans Day, where you will have the opportunity to enter their special underwater world! Play games, experience cool presentations and crafts, take a picture with the Little Mermaid, and explore amazing oceans. Special activities will be happening from 10am – 2pm but the celebration will last all day long, 9am – 5pm.

KidFest at Civic Green Park

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Civic Green Park, 9370 S Ridgeline Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Time: 9am – 12pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

Highlands Ranch Metro District is hosting a special KidFest this Saturday. Families are invited for a morning of fun outdoors at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch. The event features free activities, live entertainment, food and a variety of family-friendly vendors.

Jefferson Park Farm & Flea

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: 25th Avenue between Federal Blvd & Eliot St, Denver, CO 80211

Time: 9am – 2pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

The Jefferson Park Farm & Flea, a hybrid farmers market and flea market in Northwest Denver, will host its second market of the season this Saturday. The market is also promoting the a first of its kind “Chicken Amnesty Program” where all current chicken owners can get the paperwork rolling to make their chickens legal. Stop by the farm, pick up your forms, learn more about raising chickens and goats, register to win great prizes and take in over 55 of Denver’s best vendors that include: food, housewares, jewelry, art, ice-cream, Colorado-grown produce, free bike check-ups and some of Denver’s best food trucks and mobile boutiques!

Psst… Learn more about the Jefferson Park Farm & Flea and their “Chicken Amnesty Program” in our featured article!

9th Annual National Get Outdoors Day

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Sloan’s Lake, Sheridan Blvd & W 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80219

Time: 10am – 3pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

The 9th Annual National Get Outdoors Day, presented by National Park Service, is a fun, free, active day with so many things for everyone to do! Visit this interactive event where you can fish, bike, jump, garden, climb, paint, build, paddle, learn, dance, jump, eat, explore, and play! Select adaptive recreation activities are available for people of all backgrounds and abilities. This event is accessible. They’ll also host multiple stage activities and live music throughout the day alongside Denver Bronco Cheerleaders and PBS’ Nature Cat will be there to help celebrate. Kids will also have the opportunity to earn their Junior Ranger Badges.

City of Aurora’s KidSpree

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012

Time: 10am – 6pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

City of Aurora invites you to experience the metro area’s most exciting (and free!) kids’ event. The city’s Municipal Center Great Lawn will transform in to a wonderland filled with some of your little one’s favorite characters, booming slides and engaging live performances guaranteed to inspire their imaginations. KidSpree will include: amazing crafts, face painters, a petting zoo, unique stage entertainers, pony rides, inflatables, the Top Hogs are back with their all-pig performance and the Aurora Police Department’s K-9 unit. This year event organizers are allowing participants to give back by donating to a local food pantry. A collection station will be set up during the event to support The Little Flower Assistance Center in Aurora. The group is in need of the following food and personal care items: Dry beans, rice, dry pasta; Canned tomatoes/beans/fruit; Peanut butter, jelly; Bar soap, deodorant, sunscreen, lip balm & Toothpaste and toothbrushes. The KidSpree is presented by the City of Aurora, Westerra Credit Union, Mix 100 and Big Frog.

Family Tour at Clyfford Still Museum

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

Cost: Free with Museum Admission. Registration required. Register at: bit.ly/FamilyTourClyfford

Ages: Children ages 4 – 10

Enjoy an art adventure designed for the whole family at Clyfford Still Museum. Family Tours are full of games, art-making and close looking in the galleries and are led by a professional team of gallery teachers. June programs will focus on movement and how art can move us in many different ways. Families will make and take home a mobile that will come to life in the summer breeze.

ManCraftival Summer Market

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: VFW Post 2461, 1350 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210

Time: 2pm – 9pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

ManCraftival, presented by Ink Lounge, returns for its second year and will fill South Broadway’s VFW Post 2461, inside and out, with more than 60 male makers and their crafted items ranging from beard oil to bow ties, lighting to leather, pickles to pinball, and everything in-between. All ages and genders are welcome to this free summer event, taking place the weekend before Father’s Day, and cheering men making art, craft, food and beer.

Terrariums Class: Craft a Tiny Living World

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: In Creative Bliss, 1521 S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210

Time: 4pm – 6pm

Cost: Admission $10; $19 for a small, $29 for a medium, $39 for a large. Register at: bit.ly/TerrariumsClass

Ages: Children ages 7 and older

In Creative Bliss is hosting a special Terrariums Class: Craft a Tiny Living World. There’s something magical about a miniature world. In this class you’ll create an interactive terrarium, a tiny thriving world. Make an open system terrarium, complete with small objects, and micro-craft as well, so that you can interact with it and continue the fun long after the class is over.

Psst… Drop off is allowed.

2nd Saturday Street Festival

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Historic Olde Town Arvada, 7307 Grandview Ave, Arvada, CO 80002

Time: 4:30pm – 11pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

The Summer evening in Olde Town Arvada will again come to life at the upcoming 2nd Saturday Street Festival, featuring live music from three local favorites, beer and wine sales, delicious food, arts/crafts booths and fun activities for kids! Historic Olde Town Arvada will be closing down Grandview Avenue, just east of Olde Wadsworth Boulevard to Upham to include the Historic Society Car Show.

The Town of Castle Rock’s Celebration Concert Series: The Fab Four

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W Plum Creek Pkwy, Castle Rock, CO 80109

Time: 5pm – 9pm

Cost: Adults $35 – $55, Children (2-12) $10. *Children tickets are for lawn seating only, for other sections a full price ticket is needed. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/CelebrationConcertSeriesFabFour

Ages: All ages

Experience the new Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park like never before. Enjoy live music from nationally known bands, craft beer and cocktails under the stars. Think a smaller version of Red Rocks Amphitheater. These ticketed music events are sure to become a signature part of summers in the Town of Castle Rock.
This Saturday, experience the ultimate Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute. The Emmy Award winning Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as “ Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Live,” Twist and Shout,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Hey Jude,” the Fab Four will make you think you are watching the real thing.

Sharkey’s Luau at Downtown Aquarium

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Downtown Aquarium, 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211

Time: 6pm – 8pm

Cost: Adults $34.99, Children 10 and under $23.99. Purchase tickets at: bit.ly/SharkeysLuau.

Ages: All ages

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver is throwing a Luau and you are invited. Join Sharkey for festive food, hula lessons, Polynesian dancing and much more. Price includes Hawaiian luau dinner buffet, adventure exhibit tickets, all contests and activities, face painting, free parking and the Polynesian show.

Activity Schedule:  5:45pm: Check-in, lei greeting, photo op, sign ups for contests; 6pm: Mermaid appearance; 6pm-8pm: Buffet & cash bar open; 6pm-8pm: sand pit search, face painting & crafts; 6:15pm: Welcome announcement; 6:30pm: Animal appearance; 6:45pm: Best Hawaiian costume contest & hula lesson with Sharkey; 7pm: Water balloon toss, relay race; 7:30pm: Polynesian dance show; 8pm: Finale.

Historic Downtown Littleton’s Block Party

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Historic Downtown Littleton, W Main St, Littleton, CO 80120

Time: 6pm – 11pm

Cost: Free admission. Food & drink tickets additional fee

Ages: All ages

Historic Downtown Littleton‘s Block Party is a family-friendly evening of fun with live music, entertainment, fireworks shows, food and street acts. The Block Party will include individual booths highlighting Downtown Littleton’s Finest Boutiques, Food vendors such as: McKinners Pizza Bar, The Castle Bar and Grill, Romano’s Italian Restaurant, Pho Real, Inside Scoop Creamery, SnowBusiness, Uncle Fred’s Franks, Happy Camper BBQ Food Truck, SweetKart Kettle Corn, Drew’s Kettle Corn, Tamales Especials, Jozi’s Kitchen & Shebeen, and more. Five live bands will be performing: Mr. Steak, The Dave Frisk Group, Float Like A Buffalo, KenK and the Criminals, The Legendary Hitchhikers. More entertainment to expect: magicians and buskers stationed throughout the event, antique Fire Trucks and for the Finale: Two Fireworks Shows: Dusk & a Grand Finale you won’t want to miss at 10:45pm!

Free Concert at Elitch Gardens: Sabrina Carpenter

When: Saturday, June 11th, 2016

Where: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, 2000 Elitch Cir, Denver, CO 80204

Time: From 7pm

Cost: Free with admission or season pass

Ages: All ages

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park are kicking off their summer concert series with Sabrina Carpenter‘s free performance! Sabrina Carpenter is most known for her role as “Maya Hart” in the Disney Channel series “Girl Meets World”.

Wildflower Festival

When: Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, 910 Colorow Rd, Golden, CO 80401

Time: 10am – 4pm (Wildflower hikes at: 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3pm)

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

Jefferson County Open Space is inviting you and your family to celebrate the incredible diversity and importance of native wildflowers through fun activities. Explore stations on wildflowers and pollinators, learn to identify invasive weeds, enjoy a wildflower hike, and browse the native plants available for sale. Hikes will take place on the Forest Loop trail, an easy but rocky trail with a moderate uphill climb. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Wildflowers hikes are an hour in length.

Kid’s Cooking – Homemade Dog Treats

When: Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, 2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver, CO 80211

Time: 10:45am – 12pm

Cost: Member Adult $10 / Non-Member Adult $20, Member Child $20 / Non-Member Child $30. Fee includes museum admission. Register at: bit.ly/HomemadeDogTreatsClass

Ages: Children ages 3 and older

Spend your Sunday morning at Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus‘ Kitchen Workshop! Families will make two different dog treats that they can take home and feed to their furry friend. On the menu: Coconut tumeric biscuits – a slightly chewy, crescent-shaped biscuit & Better breath biscuits – a whole wheat cookie that’s packed with fresh parsley and mint.

A Taste of Puerto Rico Festival

When: Sunday, June 12th, 2016

Where: Civic Center Park, 101 W 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204

Time: 11am – 7pm

Cost: Free

Ages: All ages

The A Taste of Puerto Rico (ATOPR) Festival is deeply rooted in the Colorado community as the largest Caribbean Festival in the state. The event attracts over 20,000 attendees each year. ATOPR is a fun, family-oriented event with special attractions, musical acts, cultural offerings and some of the most delicious Puerto Rican cuisine found in Colorado.

Want to submit an event for any of our What to do with Kids in Denver this Weekend guides? email us at [email protected]!