Category Archives: Nature

City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Rocks For Families!

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Want to get your family outdoors more? The City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks provides excellent programming for families! I have lived in Boulder long enough that I have very little perspective on other communities’ programs to help get kids and families outdoors. But I know we have an amazing resource in the Open Space and Mountain Parks!

If you are looking for ways to get outdoors with your family check out their Nature Hikes and Nature Programs. These programs are really varied. Here are some upcoming opportunities to give you an idea of what they offer on a regular basis. Jump on board. Get outside. Have fun!

  • Fishin’ Fun When: Friday, July 26, 2013, 5:00 PM. Join ranger naturalist Arian Hampel for a two-hour excursion to to teach kids the basics of fishing on OSMP.
  • Stars of a Summer Night When: Saturday, July 27, 2013, 9:00 PM. Join Naturalist Dave Sutherland and a large telescope for a trip through the universe!
  • WabWabi-Sabi: Finding Beauty on OSMP. When: Saturday, August 3, 2013, 9:00 AM. Join naturalist and artist Jane Larson on this easy hike and explore Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese aesthetic of “the beauty of things imperfect.
  • Calling All Rockhounds!. When: Saturday, August 3, 2013, 9:30 AM. Nature For Kids Parents: Calling All Rock Hounds! Search for rocks and minerals! Take a fantasy journey back in time. Ages 6 and up.

Open Space and Mountain Parks offers more than ongoing programming for the community. Check out their fun pages for kids too. They include outdoor oriented jokes, bingo pages, etc… Here is a the Wildlife Decoder:

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To learn more about all Open Space and Mountain Parks is doing in our community head to their website here.

Boulder Family Events: April 19 to April 25, 2013

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Friday, April 19

  • Kids 4 Kids Charity Event. Kids 4 Kids is a committee of middle school students dedicated to supporting organizations who help kids. This is the 2nd year the group has organized a music event featuring middle and high school musicians. The group’s purpose is to empower kids! This event raises money for the Children’s Hospital Colorado. eTown Hall, Boulder. Doors open at 5:30pm.
  • Friday Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

Saturday, April 20

Sunday, April 21

  • Marsh Songs Earth Day Celebration. Visit a local marsh with naturalist Dave Sutherland to listen for our local birds, and get a sneak preview of the orchestral work. Meet at Sawhill Ponds, on 75th Street about 0.6 miles north of Valmont Road, for this easy hike. Beginning bird watchers strongly encouraged! Bring binoculars if you have them. Please do not bring dogs. Free. 8am to 10:30am.
  • Magicians of the Mountain Parks – a magic show for the whole family. In celebration of Earth Day, come meet some of the astonishing magicians who live in our wild backyard – the rabbit, the skunk, the weasel and more. Magician Paul Norton and Naturalist Lynne Sullivan will reveal the amazing survival strategies of our wild neighbors. Meet at the Bluebell Shelter for this stationary nature magic show. In the case of very cold or snowy weather, it will be held in the Ranger Cottage at Chautauqua. Call 720 564-2058 the day of the program for the location. Click on this link for a map to the Shelter; there is a 0.8 mile walk from the Ranger Cottage at Chautauqua to the shelter along a dirt road, so give yourself and your family plenty of time to get there and enjoy the stroll along the way. 11am to 11:45am [arrive by 10:30 to walk to the shelter]
  • Comic Book Release Party Concert! A live performance by Paige and Jeff and the usual frivolity. Be the first on your block to get the NEW Coyote Bob & Ranger Paula Comic Book- Return to the Flatirons. In this issue, Coyote Bob moves away from his Boulder home. Plus- games, and tips on having nature fun. Meet at Settlers’ Park trailhead in Boulder. Free. 3:00 to 5:00pm.
  • Giddyup Kitty Bluegrass Band. This is a four-piece, high-energy, all-female bluegrass band. The Denver Post says they are “the finest bluegrass you’ll find anywhere.” Weaving fine melodies with rich harmony, these award winning musicians create a show that leaves an audience joyful, and asking for more! Classy, sweet, and smooth, you’ll be a believer, once you catch Giddyup Kitty fever! Free. All ages. 3:00pm at the Meadows Branch Library.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, April 22

Tuesday, April 23

Wednesday, April 24

Thursday, April 25

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach Boulder Families here or visit us on Facebook.

#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #April

Boulder Family Events: April 12 to April 18, 2013

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The Dinosaur Lady will be at the Boulder Public Library!

Friday, April 12

Saturday, April 13

  • Awesome Arctic Family Day at the CU Museum of Natural History. The Arctic is a cold and wondrous place! Learn about the peoples and animals that call this snow and ice world home. Explore how YOU are connected to the animals, cultures, and environment of the Arctic. Try on the blubber mitt; look up close at furred and feathered creatures. Build a totem pole, make finger masks to enliven the long, dark winter and make snow goggles to protect from the bright arctic sun. Free event. All ages. 10:00am to 4:00pm.
  • FREE Day at the Longmont Museum.
  • The Dinosaur Lady Presentation. Connie Burton Burkhart, aka The Dinosaur Lady, has created a unique blend of entertainment and education as she shares information and stories about dinosaurs, fossils, rocks, and digging in a dinosaur quarry. Weaving together facts and stories using fossils, puppets and props, the Dinosaur Lady has captured the interest of various museums, the Geologic Society of America, as well as many school and outdoor adventure groups throughout the southwestern United States. 2 Times: 11:00am George Reynolds Branch. 3:00pm Meadows Branch. Free. All ages.
  • Saturday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
  • BMoCA [Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts] FREE Day. This is a surprisingly kid friendly space! We loved the one where you threw cups against the wall. See what’s happening at this local Boulder museum.
  • Be Well Mama event at BMoCA. Join health and wellness practitioners to learn about local Boulder resources for new and expectant mamas. Free. 1:00 to 4:00pm.

Sunday, April 14

Monday, April 15

Tuesday, April 16

Wednesday, April 17

Thursday, April 18

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach Boulder Families here or visit us on Facebook.

#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #April

Boulder Family Events: April 5 to April 11, 2013

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Life size LEGO car!

Life size LEGO car!

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Friday, April 5

Saturday, April 6

Sunday, April 7

Monday, April 8

Tuesday, April 9

Wednesday, April 10

Thursday, April 11

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach Boulder Families here or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #April

Boulder Family Events: March 29 to April 4, 2013

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Friday, March 29

Saturday, March 30

Sunday, March 31

Monday, April 1

Tuesday, April 2

Wednesday, April 3

Thursday, April 4

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach Boulder Families here or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March #April

Boulder Family Events: March 22 to March 28, 2013

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Love is a kitty!

Love is a sweet kitty!

Friday, March 22

Saturday, March 23

Sunday, March 24

  • Reading the Language of the Landscape. The roll of the hills, the texture in the fields, the patterns of the snow – these are the voices of the landscape, patiently waiting for an ear to hear and an eye to see the stories they have to tell. Join naturalist Lynne Sullivan to learn to read the language of the landscape for the subtle and significant stories of our beloved wildlands. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and bring water, snacks and plenty of layers as this hike will take us into colder, shadier trails. 10:00am to 1:00pm.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, March 25

Tuesday, March 26

Wednesday, March 27

Thursday, March 28

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach Boulder Families here or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Boulder Family Events: March 15 to March 21, 2013

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Photo courtesy of BPL

Friday, March 15

Saturday, March 16

  • McGuckins Apprenticeship Program: Annual Make & Take. Kids come to McGuckins Hardward and make a model onsite and then you can take it home. Free. 10:00am to 2:00pm. East side of the store.
  • CU Museum of Natural History: Family Day brought to you by the letter B. Learn about bees during the day. Bees, beetles, birds, bison, blossoms, brontotheres, and butterflies are just a few of the bountiful, beautiful beasts and botanicals we’ll explore.  Bring your bodies and your brains to the museum for a day of big fun with the best “B’s” from our collections. Free. 10:00am to 4:00pm.
  • CU Wizards: Fibonacci numbers and the golden ration–Why can’t we all just get along! This fun event is presented by CU professor “wizards” in a creative way. Free. 9:30am.
  • The Prairie Saga. Join the City of Boulder’s Open Space & Mtn. Parks to learn about how we live on the short grass prairie and yet it is still one of the most endangered and least understood ecosystems. Come meet Petey, the Prairie Dog, as he learns about the amazing animals that live on the prairie. Snakes, Black Footed Ferrets, Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks all tell us their stories in an entertaining and educational puppet show. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Ages 6 and up. Free. 1:00 to 2:00pm.
  • French Storytime. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
  • Puppets and Things on Strings. Willy Worm takes kids on an Adventure in Reading where they not only explore how reading opens up a world of learning, but also why reading is important. They also learn about classics and how to use their imagination. A highlight is when Willy tells them a hilarious fractured version of a story he has just read. Kids are amazed when a drawing of a classic book comes to life before their eyes. Free. George Reynolds Branch @ 11:00am and Meadows Branch at 3:00pm. 
  • BMoCA [Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts] FREE Day. This is a surprisingly kid friendly space! We loved the one where you threw cups against the wall. See what’s happening at this local Boulder museum.
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie performed by Rocky Mtn Theater for Kids. Buy tickets right away because they sell out! This is a performance by kids for kids. Super fun. Through March 17.

Sunday, March 17

  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie performed by Rocky Mtn Theater for Kids. Buy tickets right away because they sell out! This is a performance by kids for kids. Super fun. Through March 17.
  • St. Patrick’s Day Festivities. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to one and all! Come celebrate Irish heritage on March 17th at 10:00 am at the Pine Street Church in Boulder. We’ll have bagpipes, fiddle music, food, and activities for your little leprechauns. Bring a friend or two. All are welcome. No exceptions! See you there!

Monday, March 18

Tuesday, March 19

Wednesday, March 20

Thursday, March 21

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Boulder Family Events: March 8 to March 14, 2013

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Friday, March 8

Saturday, March 9

Sunday, March 10

Monday, March 11

Tuesday, March 12

Wednesday, March 13

Thursday, March 14

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Boulder Family Events: March 1 to March 7, 2013

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Friday, March 1

Saturday, March 2

Sunday, March 3

  • FREE Day at the Boulder History Museum. They offer hands on rotating exhibits that are great for kids.
  • Nature for Kids & Parents: Lions, Bobcats, Lynx, Oh My! Fascinated by cats? Join Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist on an adventure into the mystery of our Colorado cats!  Long tail, short tail, spots, bearded, tufted ears, ghost cats?  With a little understanding of these great cats and their habitats, we can coexist with these magnificent animals!  Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for an easy hike filled with fun activities at 1:00 pm. Ages 6 and up.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, March 4

Tuesday, March 5

Wednesday, March 6

Thursday, March 7

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #March

Boulder Family Events: February 22 to February 28, 2013

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Friday, February 22

Saturday, February 23

  • CU Wizards: The Chemistry of Cooking. A great way to introduce kids to the science in every day. Aimed at children in grades 5 to 9, but all are welcome! Cristol Chem 140.
  • Boulder Folders: Learn Origami. Learn to fold beautiful origami. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am to Noon.
  • Saturday Storytime. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
  • Library Concert Series: Colorado Chamber Players. The Colorado Chamber Player’s “Revolutionary Times: Haydn and Washington” – World Premier. The CCP performs with actors, in a zany theatrical program all about Haydn’s quartet, the Revolutionary War against the British and European royalty. 11:00am.
  • Family Day at the CU Museum of Natural History. Explore the animals, cultures, and environment of the Arctic. Try on the blubber mitt; look up close at furred and feathered creatures. Build a totem pole, design an inukshuk to show the way, make finger masks to enliven the long, dark winter and make snow goggles to protect from the bright arctic sun. Free. 10:00am.
  • Junior Ranger Adventures. A winter adventure day which will include ice safety, building a snow shelter, learning how to safely start a fire and even making ice cream. For a special treat, watch the Boulder Emergency Squad perform an ice rescue demonstration! After completing all your outdoor challenges, kids will receive the title of Junior Ranger! Perfect for kids aged 6-12. 11:00am start at Mud Lake. A parent or guardian must be present. Registration is required. Contact Ranger Erin O’Leary, 720-352-7041 or eoleary@bouldercounty.org
  • BMoCA [Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts] FREE Day. This is a surprisingly kid friendly space!
  • McGuckin’s Apprentice Series: Make a dog collar and leash. This is a great ongoing series. If you have a child who has a special pet they want to make a collar and leash for this would be a great opportunity. The only cost is materials. 1:00 to 4:00pm.

Sunday, February 24

  • The Prairie Saga. We live on the short grass prairie and yet it is one of the most endangered and least understood ecosystems. Come meet Petey, the Prairie Dog, as he learns about the amazing animals that live on the prairie. Snakes, Black Footed Ferrets, Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks all tell us their stories in an entertaining and educational puppet show. The show is performed by Maureen Lawry and sponsored by the Boulder County Audubon Society. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Ages 6 and up. This program is wheelchair accessible. 1:00pm.
  • Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave FREE Day. Buffalo Bill’s Birthday Celebration! Free admission all day (9 am – 4 pm), free cake and ice cream starting at noon (while supplies last). Buffalo Chip tossing competition [if you’re into that sort of thing!] http://www.buffalobill.org
  • Trickster Tales. Coyotes live throughout most of North America and coyote tales are found in many native cultures. Sometimes coyote has the power of creation, other times he battles supernatural enemies, and sometimes he’s a trickster, outsmarting people and animals alike. Take a moderate 2-mile hike at Hall Ranch Open Space to learn more about this clever, adaptable character. Dress for the weather, wear hiking boots or shoes, and bring drinking water and your sense of humor. All ages are welcome. Free. 10:00 to Noon.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, February 25

  • Nature, Nature, Everywhere!  Story Time and Children’s Hike. Celebrate the natural world both near and far as naturalist Ellen Orleans reads picture books about animals, plants and weather around the world and right in our own back yard. Children can join in the fun with sound effects, the color of the week, and their own observations. Afterwards, if weather allows, we’ll take off for a kid-friendly hike.  If it’s too cold to hike, we’ll offer indoor nature activities for young children. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Geared toward 3 to 6-year-olds. Wear warm clothes and bring a snack if you like. The story portion of this program is wheelchair accessible. 10:00am.
  • Monday Storytime at the Library. Join librarians at the Main Boulder Library for an interactive storytime. 10:15am.
  • Rise and Shine Storytime @ Barnes & Noble. 9:30am. Don’t forget the fun train table

Tuesday, February 26

Wednesday, February 27

Thursday, February 28

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #February