2013 SCFD FREE Days

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Check out the great FREE opportunities in and around Boulder. Here is a list of the big ones–All the big ones are in Denver but there are smaller locations that offer FREE Days through SCFD such as the Colorado Railroad Museum, the Boulder History Museum, the Longmont Museum, and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

I always list these free events on my weekly update which comes out on Fridays. A permanent link to the 2013 FREE Days can be found on Boulder Families’ Website under What To Do In & Around Boulder.

2013 SCFD Free Days

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Monday – January 28
Monday – February 11
Sunday – April 21
Sunday – May 12
Monday – June 3
Monday – July 1
Sunday – July 21
Sunday – August 11
Monday – August 19
Sunday – September 8
Sunday – October 6
Monday – December 9		 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 303.322.7009

www.dmns.org

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily
 
Denver Zoo
Friday, January 11
Saturday, January 12
Wednesday, January 23
Sunday, February 3
Monday, February 4
Thursday, February 21
Monday, November 4
Friday, November 15
Thursday, November 21		 Denver Zoo: 2300 Steele St, 303.376.4800 www.denverzoo.org

Open every day 9am-6pm
Denver Botanic Gardens
Monday – February 18
Wednesday – March 27
Monday – April 22 (Earth Day)
Tuesday – July 9
Tuesday – August 27
Monday – October 7
Saturday – November 2		 Denver Botanic Gardens: 1005 York St., 720.865.3500

www.botanicgardens.org

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Times Vary – Check Schedule SCFD 10 for $10Each Tuesday at 10am, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts will release a limited number of $10 tickets. Ten seats for every Denver Center Theatre Company performance in the coming week will qualify (up to 25 shows per week). Tickets available by phone (303-893-4100) or in person in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby at Speer & Arapahoe.		 Denver Performing Arts Complex: 14th and Curtis, 303.893.4100

www.denvercenter.org
Denver Art Museum
General admission is free for Colorado residents on the first Saturday of every month.Saturday, January 5
Saturday, February 2
Saturday, March 2
Saturday, April 6
Sunday, April 28 – Dia De Los Ninos
Saturday, May 4
Saturday, June 1
Saturday, July 6
Saturday, August 3
Saturday, September 7
Saturday, October 5
Saturday, November 2
Saturday, December 7		 Denver Art Museum
The Museum is now open late! Open until 10 p.m. Wednesday and Friday nights, the Museum is a great place to go during an evening trip to downtown with out-of-town family and friends. The new Museum complex opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, allowing more time in the morning to view the collections.100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway

720.865.5000

www.denverartmuseum.org

Hours: Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Sat. – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.,,Fri. – 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.,,Sun. – noon – 5 p.m., Monday – Closed
Children’s Museum of Denver
The Children’s Museum of Denver is opening its doors to the public for free the first Tuesday of every month. 4:00 to 8:00pm		 Children’s Museum of Denver, 303.433.7444The Children’s Museum of Denver offers a variety of ongoing daily programs and an exciting schedule of special events designed to nourish the relationship between you and your children.

www.mychildsmuseum.org

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm

Boulder Family Events: March 1 to March 7, 2013

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perspective2

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

Parenting Support Via Parenting Tips

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IMG_0217Parenting is truly a journey! Sometimes it can be rough, other times you feel in sync and sail through. Either way we can all reach a higher level of self-understanding and be the best parents possible by getting support. We get that support in many ways: teachers, friends, family, church, classes, etc. Think about who it is that has pushed you to think deeply about the way you are with your child, spouse, friends. Who supports you to think, reflect, act?

I have found a few parent educators who offer support via emails that I think they are worth sharing. You can add their insights to your “bag of tricks” if you choose:

1. Michael Vladek: He focuses on families, teens, parenting and offers a weekly email that offers parenting insights. To sign up for his weekly insights click here.

2. Scott Noelle: His website is Enjoy Parenting. He offers daily parenting insights that come to your email. He is insightful and I have enjoyed his vision for a few years. To sign up for his daily parenting tips click here.

Do you have suggestions for other resources for Boulder Families? 

Boulder Family Events: February 22 to February 28, 2013

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IMG_0287

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

Get Out and Go Sledding…

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sleddingWhat a day to go sledding! With the forecast calling for a bunch of snow in Boulder this is a great opportunity to get the kids out and enjoy some time together! Even young kids can enjoy sledding!

Making it fun! 

1. Always have kids wear helmets!

2. Dress them warmly with lots of layers. Bring hand warmers if possible to pop in their gloves to keep their hands really toasty.

3. Bring warm drinks: Hot cocoa or cider goes a long way to keeping kids warm and comfortable.

Boulder Sledding Hills

Scott Carpenter Park: This is a mellow, fun slope for the kids, but adults enjoy it too!

Tantra Park [Just South of 46th and Hanover]: This sledding hill can get incredibly packed and at places it is steep.

Foothills Community Park: There are some great, low angle slopes here for kids and adults.

Do you have a favorite sledding hill? Tell us about it…

Amazon Baby Offering 15% Discount On One Item

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Amazon Baby is offering a 15% discount for a limited time on items sold by Amazon. I believe their is a one item limit on the discount. The link is here. Code: 15baby15

Thanks to Dan’s Deals for this tip!

Boulder Family Events: February 15 to February 21, 2013

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IMG_0158

Friday, February 15

Saturday, February 16

Sunday, February 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.”

Monday, February 18

Tuesday, February 19

Wednesday, February 20

  • Wednesday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy books, songs and more at weekly storytimes for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Cruisers and Crawlers at the Main Boulder Library. On the first three Wednesdays of the month, crawlers and beginning toddlers (9-24 months) explore language and books with their caregivers in a fun and intimate setting. Programs include rhymes, songs and books as well as time for free play and informal discussion of early childhood development. 10:15 to 11:30am.

Thursday, February 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 #February

Pathways to Parenting Success Offers Free Talks About Important Topics to Boulder Families!

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IMG_0171Take advantage of these! The Boulder Psychological Services offers some really incredible, free, lectures on essential parenting topics. Examples include:

  • Technology’s Impact on Child Socialization
  • Understanding and Dealing with Teen Depression
  • Stress Reduction
  • Understanding and Managing Sibling Rivalry
  • Family Communication
  • And lots, lots more!

There are relevant topics for every family and situation! Even if your child isn’t a teen yet, it’s never to soon to start thinking about what is coming up. If you have an infant you still might be interested in topics of stress reduction or understanding family communications.

I highly recommend taking advantage of these free discussions/lectures. They are led by experts in their fields and every one I have attended was worthwhile! You can get more information about upcoming events at www.boulderpsychologicalservices.com. Click on calendar on the left side to find the most complete list of upcoming events. 

Boulder Family Events: February 8 to February 14, 2013

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jeff&paige

Friday, February 8

Saturday, February 9

Sunday, February 10

Monday, February 11

Tuesday, February 12

Wednesday, February 13

Thursday, February 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 #February

Money Savings for Boulder Families: Get Energy Smart!

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energy smart rebate graphicI recently moved to a new house and after checking the Xcel bill I knew it had some issues with high energy consumption and costs–more than double our previous house monthly. Yikes! So I called Energy Smart to get them to immediately conduct an energy audit. I knew this was a hoop I needed to jump through to qualify for rebates [and figure out what needed to get attention]. It turns out that there are an incredible number of rebates you can get. They haven’t disappeared! Here’s how we save over $1,000 on work we needed to get done on our house. 

The first thing you need to do is get an energy audit. Contact Energy Smart and they will make all the arrangements for your energy audit. The cost is $90 and they do a comprehensive audit of your living space. They also replace high energy cost bulbs all around your house, offer you low flow shower heads, and install programmable thermostats [$20 each] during the audit. Here are some of the rebates that make it well worth your while to do the audit:

Xcel Energy:  They offer a prescribed amount of rebates based on what you do with your home. We blew insulation into our attic and will receive $350 back. They also offer rebates for Energy Star appliances, Air Sealing, etc… Click here for more details.

City of Boulder: They also offer rebates on a list of energy improvements. We are going to receive $800 back on the attic insulation we did [on top of the $350 from Xcel]. But you can get rebates for furnace tune ups, wall insulation, etc… Click here for more details.

By the numbers:  Here’s an example of what happened for us. We insulated our attic. Going from a R19 to R50. The cost was $1600. We are getting rebates for $350 [Xcel] and $800 [City of Boulder], so in the end we are paying $450 to get the work done. Yippeeee! I’m feeling good about this one!

I’ll continue this series on water savings and other ways to save some money, help the planet, and more. Any ideas, send them my way!