Family Friendly 4th of July Events

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Check out some great family-friendly 4th of July options in and around Boulder this year! For families with really young kids, or those who just don’t want to be out late, check out Parenting Place’s Kids’ July 4th Bike Parade OR head over the Boulder Rez for some daytime fun. The evening events are all fun, but remember you can see a lot of them from outside of the crowd if you want a more mellow experience for your family. Whatever you decide to do–enjoy!

Boulder: Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast: Gates open at 8 p.m. Program at 8:30pm. boulder4thofjuly.wordpress.com

Boulder: Kids’ July 4th Bike Parade. 10am to 1pm. www.myparentingplace.org

Boulder: Boulder 4th of July at the Boulder Rez. Race, family-friendly activities, food trucks & more. 6am to 6pm. Boulder Rez

Broomfield: Broomfield County Commons Park: Celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. broomfield.org

Lafayette: Waneka Lake: Celebration begins at 4 p.m. lafayettecolorado.com

Louisville: Coal Creek Golf Course: Events begin at 6 p.m. louisvilleco.gov

Longmont: Boulder County Fairgrounds: Fireworks planned for 9:30 p.m. ci.longmont.co.us

Boulder Parks and Recreation Offers FREE Events in July!

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Boulder Parks and Recreation is offering FREE Events in July! 
 
Check out these Free Days at their pools & Rec Centers in July! Want to try out a recreation center or pool? Here is your opportunity to try it for FREE!
 
  • East Boulder Community Center July 9
  • Boulder Reservoir July 22
  • Spruce Pool July 16
  • North Boulder Recreation Center July 24
  • South Boulder Recreation Center July 29

There are also FREE Concerts in the parks throughout July! Find your neighborhood park and plan a night out! All concerts are from 7:00 to 8:00pm.

  • July 1: Harlow Platts Park [1360 Gillaspie] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 8: Salberg Park [19th St and Elder Ave] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 15: Scott Carpenter Park [1505 30th St] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 22: North Boulder Park [9th St and Dellwood] Presents the  Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 29: Chautauqua Park [900 Baseline Rd] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band

Boulder Family Events: June 28 to July 4, 2013

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Friday, June 28

Saturday, June 29

  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, do some artwork, get some lunch. There is always so much going on at the market! 8:00am to 2:00pm.
  • FREE Day at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits or stop by during the Farmer’s Market for a fun kids craft.
  • Twenty Ninth Street Live! Live musical performances Saturday nights throughout the summer. Food trucks, drinks, music. All outside at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall. 7:00 to 10:00pm. 

Sunday, June 30

Monday, July 1

Tuesday, July 2

Wednesday, July 3

  • Bands on the Bricks. Get down and enjoy great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm [libations starting at 5:30pm]
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, July 4–Happy 4th of July!

Common Sense Media Helps Parents Make Informed Movie Choices!

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Today my 9 year old and I sat down to find an appropriate movie for him to download for our upcoming trip. We headed to Common Sense Media because it is tough to determine what shows are acceptable for him AND that he will enjoy. I was amazed. I was able to search for movies, then his age, and up popped a list of options. Not only do they have a great list, but the list includes trailers, Common Sense Media’s take on the show, and a rating of appropriateness. Just what we needed!

Want the scoop on age appropriate movies? Head to www.commonsensemedia.org and click on “Reviews” in the left corner.

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Add your criteria such as age, genre, etc…

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And you get some great suggestions with detail on what you are watching, what is good about the movie, what to watch out for, and what you may want to discuss with your child after or before watching the movie. Common Sense Media is opinionated! I like it!

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I am so thankful that we have Common Sense Media to help us make tough decisions about movie watching!

Do You Instagram? This Social Media Tool Is Not Just For The Kids!

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Instagram is a really cool social media tool that allows you to take photos, use great filters to make them look amazing, and then share them on a photo stream with your friends. You choose who shares your photo stream so you can keep your circle as small an you want. Instagram quickly becomes a photo journal of your life.

I love Instagram for families! Let me tell you why…

  1. Take Fun Photos! You can take really fun photos and easily manipulate them with filters. It can be addictive!
  2. Share Your Photos: You can share photos with select friends/family/others–you choose!
  3. Photos Are Available Immediately: The photos you share show up on your photo stream immediately so people can share your experiences and see what you are up to. Even grandparents can keep up to date on what’s happening in your family’s life via your photo journalism.
  4. Photos Are Archived: you can always look back for photos you took.
  5. Print Your Instagram Photos: You can now create great photo prints with your Instagram images.
  6. Keep Tabs On Your Kids: You can follow your kids and even their friends–essential for the teen crowd! If you have a teen you know what I mean.
  7. Share Via Email or Other Social Media Sites: After you snap an Instagram photo you can share those photos via email or many other social media sites. It makes it easy to integrate these images into your life.
  8. And Now Video: Instagram just added up to 15 second video capability with some of the same great filters to make your videos look great!

Instagram Example 1: This weekend we went camping with some friends. The kids and I snapped Instagram photos and uploaded them immediately. It was fun to share the journey with our friends and family! I use the photos to document our adventures.

Instagram Example 2: My husband travels a lot for work. I snap Instagram photos and he can follow what we are up to in almost real time. He can “like” or “comment” on all the photos so he can interact with me and they kids too.

Instagram Example 3: The other day I set my mom up with an Instagram account [took under 5 minutes]. She can now follow her grandkids and our whole family. She does this on her iPhone, but she could do it on another mobile device [iPad, iPad Mini, etc…]. She loves it!

Want to get started on Instagram? Here is how.

Boulder Family Events: June 21 to June 27, 2013

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Friday, June 21

  • Noon Tunes on Pearl Street Mall. Head down to Pearl Street for some free, grooving good tunes. Let the kids play in the pop fountain and dance the afternoon away. Noon to 1:30pm.
  • Friday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Come listen to stories. Free. 10:15am.
  • Wanda & The Wave Children’s Theatrical Performance. A giant wave looms over the home of Wanda. “Drip-drop!” she scolds the wave, as she goes about daily life with her dog Bones, not realizing that the wave is a companion who loves her.  A stranger muses on the possibilities of the wave, awakening Wanda’s curiosity as to what lies beyond. Told through puppetry, “Wanda & The Wave” is a whimsical tale about
    appreciating the world around us. The audience will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the puppets and performers. 7:00pm.

Saturday, June 22

Sunday, June 23

  • Ballet in the Park with the Boulder Ballet. The ninth-annual outdoor concert series, free to the public! This family-friendly repertoire concert features excerpts from the season along with new works, in classical and contemporary styles. Come early with a picnic, enjoy a beautiful summer evening with the ballet, and then marvel at the spontaneous dancing by children from the audience after the show! Performance length is approximately one hour. Boulder’s Central Park Bandshell, Downtown. Free. 7:00pm.
  • Charlotte’s Web performed by the Now or Never Theater brings this classic tale to life with puppets, shadows and storytelling performed by Betsy Tobin and Margarita Blush. Children and adults will love this touching story enacted with puppets and magical shadow imagery of the webs that Charlotte weaves for her friend, Wilbur.
    at the Boulder Public Library. Free. 2:00 to 3:00pm at the Main Boulder Library Canyon Theater.
  • Wanda & The Wave Children’s Theatrical Performance. See description on 6/21. Showtimes: 3:00pm

Monday, June 24

Tuesday, June 25

  • GrandRabbits’ Play Day. Join this great toy store for unique crafts and activities each week. Free. 11:00am.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am.
  • PJ Storytime at the George Reynolds Branch library. Wear your PJ’s and bring a teddy bear for this fun filled storytime. 10:15am.
  • Teen Summer Film Festival presents Lincoln. For middle- and high schooled- aged youth only! Pizza in the Teen Art Gallery at 5:00. Movie in the Boulder Creek Room at 5:30.Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg. As the Civil War continues to rage, America’s president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.
    Seating in chairs or on floor instead of theater seats—bring pillows and blankets for comfort!

Wednesday, June 26

  • Summer Reading Crafts at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Open to all. 3:00pm.
  • Bands on the Bricks. Get down and enjoy great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm [libations starting at 5:30pm]
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, June 27

  • History Hunters at the Boulder Public Library. Enjoy the musical quest as the History Hunter sets out to search through the world’s history, discovering stories of remarkable people who have made a difference along the way. Filled with amazing songs, festive dances, and a cast of wonderful characters. 11:00am Canyon Theater at the Main Boulder Library.
  • LEGO Club at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Do you like LEGOs? Do you like stories? Then you’ll love LEGO club at the George Reynolds Branch Library! Join us the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month for storytime and LEGOextravaganza. If you’re a great LEGO builder, or a first timer, this is the place for you. Open to anyone interested, no need to sign up.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.

Teen Movie Series at the Boulder Public Library Looks Great!

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theaterThe Boulder Public Library never ceases to amaze me! Their programming for our community is exemplary and they certainly do not leave out Boulder Families. I am so excited to see that they are offering Teen Movie Screenings including pizza! So if you have a child going into middle or high school this is the place to be. Drop them off to see movies like:

  • Skyfall: June 18, 2013
  • Lincoln: June 25, 2013
  • Princess Bride: July 2, 2013
  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower: July 16, 2013
  • The King of California: July 23, 2013
  • Edward Scissorhands: July 30, 2013

Now that’s a great line up! And one even your teen will enjoy. So have them grab a friend and head over for these free movie and pizza nights. Can’t beat this! Thanks, Boulder Public Library!

More details on teen programming and these movie nights click here.

Boulder Family Events: June 14 to June 20, 2013

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Friday, June 14

Saturday, June 15

  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, do some artwork, get some lunch. There is always so much going on at the market! 8:00am to 2:00pm.
  • FREE Day at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits or stop by during the Farmer’s Market for a fun kids craft.
  • Hellen Olson: The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Great for the whole family whether you are veteran campers or just want to start getting your family out. 11:00am to Noon.
  • Louisville Public Library Kickoff Event for All Summer Reading: Digging in the Dirt. All ages are welcome to participate in this hands-on program presented by Dr. Cathy Regan of the University of Colorado Museum. Much of what is done at the Museum starts with digging in the dirt. Explore and share some of the techniques and collections: Archaeology—Dig up ancient southwestern potsherds to discover how much insight we gain into people’s lives from a single broken piece of pottery. Paleontology—Search for real fossils in material dug up by ants in Wyoming. Animal adaptations for living in the dirt. Look at real museum specimens up close to learn about what it takes to excavate and live underground. 10:00am to Noon. 

Sunday, June 16 — Happy Father’s Day! 

  • Ballet in the Park with the Boulder Ballet. The ninth-annual outdoor concert series, free to the public! This family-friendly repertoire concert features excerpts from the season along with new works, in classical and contemporary styles. Come early with a picnic, enjoy a beautiful summer evening with the ballet, and then marvel at the spontaneous dancing by children from the audience after the show! Performance length is approximately one hour. Broomfield Amphitheater.
  • Charlotte’s Web performed by the Now or Never Theater brings this classic tale to life with puppets, shadows and storytelling performed by Betsy Tobin and Margarita Blush. Children and adults will love this touching story enacted with puppets and magical shadow imagery of the webs that Charlotte weaves for her friend, Wilbur.
    at the Boulder Public Library. Free. 2:00 to 3:00pm at the Main Boulder Library Canyon Theater.

Monday, June 17

Tuesday, June 18

Wednesday, June 19

  • Summer Reading Crafts at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Open to all. 3:00pm.
  • Bands on the Bricks. Get down and enjoy great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm [libations starting at 5:30pm]
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, June 20

Do You Know What Drowning Looks/Sounds Like?

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None of us think its going to happen. We teach our kids to swim. We watch them near the water. But drowning is not always what we think. I just want to raise awareness.

It was almost exactly a year ago when my family was in Mexico. It was there that a friend told me the scariest story about a near drowning of their friend’s 3 year old when there were 6 adults around. Here is what I learned:

  • Drowning is often silent [the victim doesn’t yell for attention or gasp for air so loudly you can hear]

Their story goes that 3 couples showed up at their beautiful house for a relaxing vacation in Mexico. The house had a pool in the back. They were standing around talking when they first arrived since they came from different parts of the country. Kids wandered around. 15 minutes went by and they realized they were missing one child. They calmly looked around. It was then that they found their son floating face down in the water with all his clothing on. They still don’t know how it happened, but it did. It was silent. None of the 6 adults heard anything.

Do you know the signs of drowning? Since it is often silent you need to know what do watch for.

Here is a great article on how to know if someone is in trouble in the water. 

Boulder Family Events: June 7 to June 14, 2013

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Friday, June 7

Saturday, June 8

  • Longmont Museum FREE Day. Enjoy a free day at this great museum. Today kicks off their Build! LEGO exhibit and interactive events. 10:00am to 2:00pm. 
  • Snow White performed by Theater-Hikes Colorado. Audience and actors take a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. There are additional performances, but in the past this has sold out, so get your tickets! SOLD OUT!
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, do some artwork, get some lunch. There is always so much going on at the market! 8:00am to 2:00pm.
  • FREE Day at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits or stop by during the Farmer’s Market for a fun kids craft.
  • Eldorado Canyon Junior Rangers. Resource-based nature programs for kids 6 to 12 years. The program is free with a parking pass or annual pass. 10:00 to 11:15am. More details: 303.494.3943.
  • Dig In To The World of Henry Cole at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Join children’s author/illustrator, Henry Cole for this interactive presentation filled with laughter as he brings the art of writing and illustrating for children to life. His vibrant animal illustrations, his love for nature and his imagination will inspire everyone who attends. Free. 11:00 to Noon.

Sunday, June 9

  • Boulder Jewish Festival on Pearl Street. Entertainment, food and fine arts come together to celebrate. This is a family-friendly, fun annual event. Definitely worth checking out!
  • Snow White performed by Theater-Hikes Colorado. Audience and actors take a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. There are additional performances, but in the past this has sold out, so get your tickets!

Monday, June 10

Tuesday, June 11

Wednesday, June 12

  • Bands on the Bricks. Tonight is the first in a series of great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm. 
  • Now or Never Theater Presents Charlotte’s Web. Adapted from the book by E. B. White by Betsy Tobin of the Now Or Never Theatre: puppets, shadows and storytelling performed by Betsy Tobin and Margarita Blush. Fern’s mother, the storyteller, evokes life in the barn as she tells the story of Wilbur the pig’s unlikely survival and his lasting friendship with a spider and her offspring. Children and adults will love this touching story enacted with puppets and magical shadow imagery of the webs that Charlotte weaves for her friend, Wilbur. Free. Meadows Branch Library. 1:00 to 2:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, June 13