If full-time camp isn’t in your plans or budget for this school week off, there are still many ways you can fill those empty hours. We came up with a few spots to hit for online and outdoor fun, building and crafting, and scientific exploration any day of the week.
Special Events
Just Kidding Livestream Concert: Elena Moon Park and Friends
March 12, 9 to 10 a.m.
Voyage to East Asia and around the globe as Elena Moon Park & Friends perform reimagined children’s music, folk songs, and original tunes in a variety of languages. Free. Virtual Event.
Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 12, 9:30 a.m.
Get your green on and join the masses downtown where an eclectic festival winds its way from Coors Field toward Union Station and back. Brassy bands and bagpipes and talented step dancers, alongside community organization and leader appearances, fill the event with cheery St. Patty Day spirit. Free. Union Station neighborhood, Denver.
Harlem Globetrotters
March 12; 1 p.m. (Ball Arena, Denver), 7:30 p.m. (1st Bank Center, Broomfield)
The Original Harlem Globetrotters bring ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and unique family entertainment. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line, located six feet, three inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current three-point line. All ages. $15 to $150. Ball Arena, Denver and 1st Bank Center, Broomfield.
Disney Princess—The Concert
March 12, 7:30 p.m. (Bellco Theatre, Denver); March 13, 7:30 p.m. (The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins)
Acclaimed stars sing favorite Disney Princess songs and share their exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time portraying princesses on the stage and screen. Audience members are encouraged to dress up in royal attire. Age 6 and up. $20-$135. Bellco Theatre, Denver and The Lincoln Center, Fort Collins.
Passport to Culture: Fiesta Colorado
March 13, 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. (sensory-friendly)
Fiesta Colorado Dance Company, directed by Jeanette Trujillo-Lucero, presents the Hispanic dance arts of Colorado. This performance demonstrates how Mexican folkloric dance embodies rich artistic manifestations of culture and tradition. A sensory-friendly show with lowered volume and lights on is available. Find tickets online. $5. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree.
Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament
March 18 to 20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special Olympics Colorado will host its State Basketball Tournament; cheer on athletes and/or volunteer to help make the event happen. Find details online. Free. Colorado Academy Athletic Center, Denver.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Through March 19. Sat, 1 p.m.; additional 11 a.m. shows on March 12, 16, 19
A family of friendly bears in the forest and a curious, mischievous girl meet… Watch this old story performed with a new twist. Find tickets online. $12. Miners Alley Playhouse, Golden.
ShamROCK Stampede
March 19, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Elevate your celebration of St. Paddy’s Day with a family-friendly walk/run and Irish-themed festival that also raises funds for organizations that help veterans, first-responders, and others manage PTSD and mental illness. Participate in a Lucky 7K, a 3.3k, or a 1k Kid’s Sham-Scram, then enjoy an after-party with free food, music, and a brew for those age 21 and up. Proceeds benefit the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Live Free Association, and Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation. $35-$45 adult, $25-$35 age 17 and under (free 1k race). Douglas County Event Center, Castle Rock.
International Sportsmen’s Expo
March 24 and 25, noon to 7 p.m.; March 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; March 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Get geared up for Colorado’s many outdoor experiences, particularly hunting and fishing. Don’t miss the expo’s Youth Fair, hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which educates and inspires future outdoor enthusiasts. Find tickets online. $16 adult, TBD youth. Colorado Convention Center, Denver.
Annie
March 25 to 27 and April 1 to 3. Fri and Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sat and Sun, 2 p.m.
Lutheran High School theater students present the story of the orphan Annie and her unlikely encounter with New York City billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. The encounter does not come without its problems as others try to cash in on the generosity of Warbucks. All ages. Find tickets online. $15 and up. The PACE Center, Parker.
Boulder Arts Week
March 25 to April 2, dates and times vary by activity.
Take a free tour of public art using a B-cycle bike (find a map online), enjoy live music and demos at the NoBo Art Tour, and listen to the musical talent of The Diverse Musicians’ Alliance and CU’s West African Highlife Ensemble. Find details and tickets (when applicable) online. Cost varies, several events are free. Various locations around Boulder.
B — The Underwater Bubble Show
March 31, 7:30 p.m.
Taking cues from Cirque du Soleil, this visual spectacular incorporates lasers, low ground smoke, and flying foam to simulate waves and an underwater atmosphere. Bubblelandia is full of characters including a juggler in a huge plastic ball and dancing fish-chasing, and the use of soap bubbles in multiple artistic ways. All ages. $19 to $29. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver.
The Rocky Mountain Train Show
April 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the largest train show west of the Mississippi River: just over two acres of models and toys of all scales with more than 20 operating layouts including three LEGO displays. See classic and modern trains from American Flyer, Atlas, Blackstone, Broadway Limited, Marx, and Rapido. Kids activities include hands-on layouts, storytime, and a Junior Engineer program. $13 adult, free age 12 and under. National Western Complex, Denver.
Yesheme Productions: Soul of a Drummer
April 3, 3 p.m.
This tribute to drummers of the world features the Aurora High School Female Drumline, a Japanese taiko drummer, a Navajo Tribes hand drum player, a West African Twenshi drum artist, and others, highlighting nine cultural music practices in all. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. $39, $19 age 12 and under. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree.
Activities
Family Make and Take: Leprechaun Gardens
March 11, 6:30 p.m.; March 12 and 13, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Discover the legend of the leprechaun as you and your child design and create a miniature garden to attract the mischievous friends. Age 5 and up. Register online. $15 per project, $12 member. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, Denver.
Wonderful Waterfowl
March 12, 9 to 11 a.m.
Search for waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) and help your little one learn about the bird’s adaptations. Kids can participate in reading stories, play, and exploration. Ages 1-4. Register online by March 9. $7 ages 1-17, $1 adult; $9 daily or annual Colorado State Parks Pass required for entry. Bird Conservancy’s Environmental Learning Center, Brighton.
Balls for Bees and Butterflies
March 12, 10 to 11 a.m.
Explore artistic mediums, styles, and history while creating fun mixed-media masterpieces. All lessons will be adapted to be age appropriate for all students. Limited space available. The class will go virtual if necessary. $45. Art Garage Denver, 6100 E 23rd Ave., Denver.
Rainforest Yoga
March 12 to April 30; Sat, 8 to 9 a.m.
Slow down your mind and body. This class provides a nature-centric yoga experience surrounded by exotic plants and butterflies. All skill levels welcome. Age 13 (with a guardian) and up. Register online. $10, $8 member. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster.
Low Sensory Afternoon
March 15, 3 to 5 p.m.
During quiet afternoons, experience the Pavilion’s exhibits in a way that meets the needs of your family. All ages. Registration is recommended, but walk-ups may be available. $6 adult member, $10 adult nonmember; $4 youth member, $6 youth nonmember. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster.
Little University: Family Yoga
March 16, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Connect with your little one through a series of mindfulness activities, fun stretches, and relationship-building partner poses. A representative from the Denver Preschool Program will also be available to provide information and answer questions about affordable preschool. For preschoolers and younger with caregivers. Register online. Free. Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzalez Branch Library, Denver.
Ometeotl: Ojo De Dios Children Workshop
March 19, 2 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m.
A Chicano Humanities & Arts Council artist will take young creators through the steps to make Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye), a hanging pattern made with sticks and yarn. Age 6 and up. Register online. Free. The Collective, Lafayette.
Indoor Stargazing – Springtime Galaxy Hunting
March 19, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Stargaze from the comfort of a fireplace-warmed room using a remotely-controlled telescope to look for galaxies. All ages. Register online. Free. Majestic View Nature Center, Arvada.
Spanish/English Class for Kids with Ms. Denise
March 23 through May 25. Mon (Spanish), Wed (English); 10 to 10:30 a.m.
Join Ms. Denise’s energetic and engaging Spanish class, or English class for kids age 10 and under. The lessons are available to the public for seven days after the live stream. // Únanse a esta enérgica y divertida clase de español o inglés con Ms. Denise. Para niños de 0 a 10 años. Estas lecciónes estará disponible al público durante siete días después de la transmisión en vivo. Free. Virtual Event.
Bollywood Dance Workshop for Kids
March 24 and 30, 4 to 5 p.m.
Learn some Bollywood Dance moves with teaching artist Deepali Lindblom. Ages 5-12. Register online. Free. Virtual Event.
Open Lab Nights
March 24, and 31; 5 to 7 p.m.
PlayForge, a game store in downtown Littleton, offers Open Lab Nights with a different focus each week: 3D Modeling and Printing, Miniatures Painting, Laser Cutting and Etching, and Leather Work. Participants will be introduced to new tools and techniques; however, Open Lab nights are designed to get folks experimenting as quickly as possible. See online for each night’s suggested ages and registration. $20 per session. PlayForge, Littleton.
Girls and Science
Through March 26
Join CBS4 and Girls Inc of Metro Denver for the 8th Annual Girls & Science event, which includes stories with scientists presentations and downloadable activities to try out at home. Free. Virtual Event.
Tween Time: Irish Dance
April 2, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Boulder Public Library employee and former world-traveling, competitive Irish dancer Rachel invites tweens to an introductory class in the art form. Participants, wear comfortable activewear and shoes or socks you can dance in. Free. Boulder Public Library – Main, Boulder.
Kids Café Lunch/Almuerzo Para Niños
Mon, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Stop by for free food. Age 18 and under. No registration required.//Únase para comida gratis. Disponible para niños menores de 18 años. No se requiere registro. Free. Anythink Library, Brighton.
Creative Time for Youth
Wed, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Encourage your child to speak their truth with other youth; have them join Art from Ashes facilitators and community members for creative time with writing and art prompts, followed by pizza. Ages 12-24. Register online or drop in. Free. Art from Ashes, Denver.
Museums & Exhibits
Pig! Pig!
March 1 to 31; Fri to Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
National Pig Day is March 1; say hello to the Four Mile Historic Park resident Kune Kune pigs, Antigone and Clover, and learn more about the intelligent and kind creatures. Then, make a swine-themed craft. Included with admission: $8 ages 18-64, $6 ages 7-17, free age 6 and under and members. Four Mile Historic Park, Denver.
Frida: Immersive Dream
March 3 to May 30; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; days and times vary
Dive deep into the art and life of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), the beloved 20th century Mexican artist best known for self-portraits and pieces inspired by her native country. The exhibition features some of the artist’s best-known works “brought to life” in 500,000 cubic feet of digital art. $40 and up. Lighthouse ArtSpace, Denver.
Clyfford Still, Art, and the Young Mind
March 11 to Aug. 7; Tue to Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This community-wide collaborative exhibition examines the aesthetic preferences of early learners (including high contrast, pattern, and scale), using Still’s artworks as a basis for study. Gallery text reveals how children in the community responded to these themes in Still’s artwork. All ages. $10, free age 17 and under and members. Clyfford Still Museum, Denver.
Beijing Winter Fest
Through March 13. Sun to Mon and Wed to Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Get inspired by the athletes competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics and test your indoor curling and hockey slap shot skills at interactive areas of the Olympic Museum. Don’t miss daily themed winter games. All ages. Included with admission: $19.95 adult, $11.95 ages 3-12, free age 2 and under. United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs.
Butterfly Pavilion’s Butterfly Quest
Through March 20; daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Assist with Butterfly Pavilion research, while exploring the world of animal behavior. Help observe tagged butterflies, record data, and share your discoveries—all from your phone. By participating, you help scientists shape animal welfare at Butterfly Pavilion and in zoos around the world. Included with admission: $14.50 adult, $9.50 child, free member. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster.
Day at the DAM
March 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This program invites kids to spend school days off at the museum exploring galleries, discussing, and creating art in Creative Hub classroom spaces. Register online. Included with admission: $10-$13 adult, free age 18 and under. Denver Art Museum, Denver.
Spring Break: Codes & Signals – Communicating on the Railroad
March 29 to April 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Your family is invited to visit the Colorado Railroad Museum for a week of special hands-on activities. Enjoy re-enactors portraying characters and silent movies about the telegraph; kids can try their hand at lantern signals, whistle blowing, and typing out American Morse Code on telegraph keys. Included with admission: $10 adult, $5 ages 2-17, free members. Train rides extra: $4 adult, $2 ages 2-17, free under age 2. Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden.
Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World
Through April 17; daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fri, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Explore the science, sound, history, and pop culture behind one of the world’s most popular instruments. This exhibition features more than 70 instruments, plus hands-on experiences (get the chance to strum the world’s largest playable guitar). All ages. Included with admission: $18.95-$19.95 adult, $15.95-$16.95 seniors, $13.95-$14.95 ages 3-18, free age 2 and under and members. Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver.
The Power of Horses
Through May 8; daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This exhibition will reveal strength, majesty, and diversity in Colorado’s history with horses, from prehistoric animals and Ute tribal traditions to contemporary Black horsemanship and therapeutic rides. View artifacts, enjoy pop-culture references, and engage in activities including a ride on bouncing toys, braiding toy horsehair, and creating a leather craft.Included with admission: $14 adult, $10 ages 16-22 with student ID, $8 ages 5-15, free age 4 and under and members. History Colorado Center, Denver.
Skyward: Breakthroughs in Flight
Through June 15; Mon to Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun, noon to 5 p.m.
Journey through extraordinary aerospace milestones by viewing artifacts and discovering the stories behind the people who made the momentous achievements happen. All ages. Included with admission: $16.95 adult, $9.95 age 4-16, free age 3 and under. Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Denver.
Egypt: The Time of Pharaohs
Through Sept. 5; daily, 9 a.m. to 5 pm..; Fri, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Visit the distant past, exploring the myths and realities of ancient Egyptian culture. This exhibit features more than 350 original artifacts—some more than 4,500 years old—and is enhanced with detailed models, multimedia overlays, films, and interactive elements. $9.50 adult, $7 ages 3-18; plus admission: $19.95 adult, $14.95 ages 3-18. Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver.
