Kids Eat Free! List Updated

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It’s around this time of year with all the transitions going on that I find myself looking for a convenient, reasonably priced place to take the family. Here is an updated list of Kids Eat Free! & Kids Eat Cheap! listings.

I have been getting rave reviews about Larkburger and Wahoos. Thanks to both of these restaurants for being so family-friendly! Let me know what you like on the list and what else belongs here…

Monday

  • Larkburger invites kids ages 12 and under to eat FREE every Monday from 4 p.m. to close when an adult spends $9. 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. 303.444.1487

  • Beau Jo’s Pizza’s Family Night is Mondays. Up to 2 kids eat FREE with each paying adult. Plus there is kids’ entertainment each night. They have gluten-free options. 2690 Baseline Road, Boulder. 303.554.5312
  • Spooners Frozen Yogurt offers 50% OFF for Kids after 6pm every Monday. They are located in 29th Street Mall.

Tuesday

  • Oscar Blues in Lyons offers Kids Eat CHEAP on Tuesday. Kids eat for 99 cents off their kids’ menu. 303 Main Street, Lyons. 303.485.9400

Wednesday

  • Up to 2 kids eat FREE with the purchase of an adult meal at the Lazy Dog Sport Bar & Grill on the Pearl Street Mall. 1346 Pearl St., Boulder. 303.440.3355.
  • The Attic Bar & Bistro offers a Kids Eat Free until 7pm. 949 Walnut St., Boulder. 303.415.1300.
  • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos serves up to two FREE kids meals for every $10 adult meal purchased after 4pm on Weds. Kids must be 12 or younger. 2790 Pearl Street, Boulder. 303.473.9072
  • Mamacita’s offers Kids Eat for CHEAP off the kids menu all night. Kids eat for 99 cents of the kids’ menu. This restaurant is on The Hill–great people watching.

Thursday

  • What restaurant should go here? If you know of one I’m glad to include it on the list. 

Friday

  • What restaurant should go here?If you know of one I’m glad to include it on the list.

Saturday

  • What restaurant should go here? If you know of one I’m glad to include it on the list.

Sunday

  • Centro Latin Kitchen has Family Night each Sunday where Kids under 10 receive a FREE kid’s entrée (choice of any entrée from the Centro kids’ menu) with the purchase of an adult entrée after 5 p.m. 950 Pearl St., Boulder. 303.442.7771.

Everyday Discounts for Kids

  • Moe’s Original Bar B Que offers Kids Eat Cheap Every Day. Kids 10 and under pay $2 for their kids menu daily. They are new in town, but delicious!
  • St. Julien/Jill’s offers free meals for children 3 and under when they eat off the children’s menu. 900 Walnut St., Boulder. 720.406.9696
  • The Taj offers Kids Eat Free under 5. Between 5 and 10 years kids pay 1/2 price for meals. 2630 Baseline Rd., Boulder. 303.494.5216
  • Smiling Moose provides a Free Kids Meal with the purchase of any sandwich, chips, & a drink. Coupon is at the link above. 3223 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder. 303.530.2700.
  • Wild Mountain Brewery offers Kids Eat Free on the first Tuesday of each month. For kids 12 and under with a paying adult. 70 East First Street, Nederland. 303.258.WILD.

Don’t forget to always call ahead to make sure these restaurants are still offering their Kids Eat Free deals as they are subject to change at any time.

If you tried one of the Kids Eat Free! deals, did you like it? Which restaurant[s] are your family’s favorites in the Boulder area? Where are some other great deals for families? Any favorites for the gluten free crowd? Dairy free crowd? I cannot wait to hear the juicy details…

Boulder Family Events: August 17 to August 23, 2012

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Pearl Street Mall Kids’ Rock Area

August 17 to August 23, 2012

Listed here are some great family events. Most are free. They are all opportunities to be together as a family and engage your kids of all ages. HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK!

Special Events This Week: Flick & Float, Lafayette Peach Festival, FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Kids Gone Fishing, All That Glistens Is Not Gold, & Princess Bride at Boulder Outdoor Cinema.

Friday, August 17

Saturday, August 18

  • French/English Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Join Marie for delightful stories in French. Free. All ages. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • Flick & Float: The Lorax. Join the City of Boulder to float lazily in the pool and watch The Lorax. Entry at 7pm. Movie starts at dusk. $10/family of 4. All ages.
  • Kids Gone Fishing. Join Boulder County Open Space to teach your kid[s] how to fish. Kids will run through different learning stations and leave with confidence and experience to continue fishing. Registration required–link on site. Free. Ages 5 to 15. 9:00 to Noon.
  • All That Glistens Is Not Gold. Try your hand at gold panning with Boulder County Open Space. Registration required–link on site. Free. All ages. 11:00 to Noon.
  • Lafayette Peach Festival. Enjoy everything peach at this fun family-friendly event. Includes concerts, food, face painting, activities, etc. Free. All ages. 9:00 to 4:00pm.
  • Boulder Outdoor Cinema presents Princess Bride. This is such a fun, outdoor, evening event for the whole family.
  • Children’s Saturday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 8:00am to 2:00pm. All ages
  • Home Depot: Kids Building Project. Join the folks at Home Depot to create a new craft. Always hands on and the kids keep their project. Free. 9:00 to Noon.

Sunday, August 19

  • 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, August 20

Tuesday, August 21

  • Children’s Storytime at George Reynolds Branch Library. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing event.
  • Folk Dance for Children [and the Whole Family]! Participatory dance program for children of all ages and their parents! A fun way to learn dances from around the world, find out what young folks like in other countries. Outside on the Plaza beside the Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th (between Arapahoe & Canyon) in Boulder. Free. All ages. 6:15 to 7:00pm. Ongoing activity.

Wednesday, August 22

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Ongoing.
  • Storytime and Kids Hike. Join OSMP to hear stories and take a kid-friendly hike at Chautauqua. 9:30 to 10:30am. Free. 3 to 6 year olds and their caregivers.
  • Family Garden Story and Song Time with Kristin at Barnes and Nobles. Free. All ages. 1:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 4:00 to 8:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Valmont Bike Park Family Rides. Bring the bikes and the family for fun rides on the amazing terrain at Boulder’s coolest bike park. All ages. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Free.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 4:00 to 8:00pm. All ages.
  • Just Between Friends Sale. Consign or buy used kids’ gear and maternity clothing at this huge sale. Get rid of some of the things you don’t use and pick up with you need. 8/22 to 28.

Thursday, August 23

Upcoming Events:
  • Kids Races in Boulder: August 30. Lengths vary, but these are just pure fun for families! Click the link to find out how to register and more information.

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 #August

We All Need It: Acknowledgement + Support!

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Today was not the best day for a variety of reasons. It could have been. My kids and I spent the morning with a good friend and her kids hanging out and making awesome ceramic pieces to go on a totem pole. Every day that includes an art project rocks! But some other things were slipping in to weigh down my day.

Then it happened. I was waiting in the interminable line at Noodles with my kids [had to catch a bite before one of the kids had a try out]. The kids had been bickering a lot in the car and it looked like it would continue [after circling at least 4 times to even find a parking spot in what looks like an endless sea of spots, but none available], but they actually got to business deciding what to order. In the end they decided to SHARE two meals–all on their own mind you. As I was paying attention to when we could get our order in since it was looking like we could be late for the aforementioned try outs, a woman tapped me on the shoulder. Then she uttered these magic words:

“Your kids are so sweet! Whatever you are doing, it’s going really well. Keep it up!” 

I cannot imagine what the look on my face was as I mustered the energy to stammer, “Thank you…” Then I was off to order, but the feeling of being acknowledged lingered. It was the best because it was fully unexpected, honest, and bold. Parenting [as you know] is a tough job [yes, it is also very rewarding and I wouldn’t change it for anything else in the world!]. I want to offer that same acknowledgement to someone soon. Especially a parent in the throws of dealing with a tough situation and doing it well. I tend to be too shy or not want to intrude. Or I wonder how they will take it if I say something. Either way I keep my mouth shut and let other parents do their thing. I plan to change that approach–right now!

What would our world/community be like if we all took a moment to acknowledge another person’s efforts? Just this small act… Have you ever said something positive to a parent you don’t know about their children or how they are parenting? How did it feel? How did it work out?

Boulder Family Events: August 10 to August 16, 2012

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August 10 to August 16, 2012

Listed here are some great family events. Most are free. They are all opportunities to be together as a family and engage your kids of all ages. HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK!

Special Events: Aladdin performed at Rocky Mtn Theater for Kids, Asian Aloha Festival, Dr. Noize in Concert, Fairy Tale Festival, & FREE Day at Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Friday, August 10

Saturday, August 11

Sunday, August 12

Monday, August 13

  • Rise and Shine Storytime @ Barnes & Noble. 9:30am. Don’t forget the fun train table!
  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • International Summer Celebration at the Main Boulder Library. This is an international celebration with storytelling, dance performances, and music from a variety of countries. 11:00am.
  • Meadow Music. This is a treat for families and includes live music and nature education. Consider bringing a picnic and enjoy the show. Ages 2 to 8 [but all ages are welcome!]. 5:30 to 6:45pm at Chautauqua

Tuesday, August 14

  • Children’s Storytime at George Reynolds Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing event.
  • Read to the Dog at Meadows Branch Library. Please call ahead to reserve a time to read to this gentle dog [15 minute blocks]. Kids love it! 3:30 to 5:30pm.
  • Dance for Children [and the Whole Family]! Participatory dance program for children of all ages and their parents! A fun way to learn dances from around the world, find out what young folks like in other countries. Outside on the Plaza beside the Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th (between Arapahoe & Canyon) in Boulder. Free. All ages. 6:15 to 7:00pm. Ongoing activity.
  • Walker Ranch Family-Friendly Sunset Hike. Join Boulder County Parks & Open Space for a beautiful  hike. Volunteer naturalists will interpret each park’s history, geology, ecosystems, wildlife, and plants. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening exploring your local parks. 6:30 to 8:30pm. Free. All ages.

Wednesday, August 15

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Ongoing.
  • Storytime and Kids Hike. Join OSMP to hear stories and take a kid-friendly hike at Chautauqua. 9:30 to 10:30am. Free. 3 to 6 year olds and their caregivers.
  • Family Garden Story and Song Time with Kristin at Barnes and Nobles. Free. All ages. 1:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 4:00 to 8:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Valmont Bike Park Family Rides. Bring the bikes and the family for fun rides on the amazing terrain at Boulder’s coolest bike park. All ages. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Free.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 4:00 to 8:00pm. All ages
  • Band on the Bricks on Pearl: A different band each week will rock Pearl Street! This is an ongoing event each Weds night throughout the summer. All ages. 7:00 to 9:00pm.

Thursday, August 16

Upcoming Events:
  • Kids Races in Boulder: August 30. Lengths vary, but these are just pure fun for families! Click the link to find out how to register and more information.

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 #August

Taming The Stuff: Storage of Kids’ Art, School Projects, Etc…

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Kids’ art work organized on the wall in frames.

Every year I promise I will get better at organizing my kids’ art projects, school projects, etc.. To be honest I still have the bags of items that came home from school and need to be sorted through in my office closet. This used to be the bane of my existence because I loved everything they created, beat myself up over needing to keep it for them [and us], and at the same time was overwhelmed by the sheer quantity. Here are a few suggestions of how to tame the stuff:

1. Buy Frames for Special Art. The pieces we love go on the wall in our dining room. Nicely displayed in matching frames I purchased at Michael’s. They come in different sizes and you can open them easily so I can slip in new pieces and remove the old ones when the time comes. These types of frames are often on sale. Just buy lots of them if you care about them matching.

2. Create a Designated Place for All School Work/Art.I put two [I have 2 kids] file folders [the accordion type] in a file drawer with each of my kid’s names & school year on the front. When items come home I look them over to see if anything still needs to be done with them, then I put it all in the folder. This includes report cards, art, work, etc… I can cull through that pile any time. Don’t forget to put a name and date on each piece.

Accordion file with my kids’ school/art for the year

3. Buy a Large Tupperware for Each Child. After I have culled through the yearly accordion file I move them to a tupperware I created for each of my kids. I keep the accordion files by year in the tupperware. Larger art pieces go in the tupperware along the edge. Don’t forget to date these items.

A few reminders:

  • Take the first pass at their art/school work file without kids. Then you can include them to see what is important to them.
  • Write your child’s name and grade/age on items as you file them. Especially if you have more than one child.
  • It’s not too early to create a storage system–even if you have a very young child. The amount of work created will only increase as they get older.
  • Whatever you do, make it easy for yourself. If it’s not easy you won’t do it.

How do you store your kids’ stuff? What works best?

Boulder Family Deals: Amazon videos, Shutterfly, & Boulder B.Cycles

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Here are some deals I have found recently that may appeal to families:

Let me know if you find deals you think other Boulder Families may enjoy. Cheers, Amanda

Boulder Families on Facebook & Twitter: Join us to get more family-friendly info…

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Hey Boulder Families followers. Thanks so much for following this blog! It is for readers like you that I am blogging. Don’t forget to let your friends know about Boulder Families! Right now I want to let you all know that I am also active on Facebook and Twitter. I update Facebook with lots of juicy info on a regular basis that never shows up on the blog. It is just a different platform. But I think you will enjoy getting the info. So, consider “liking” Boulder Families on Facebook and let your friends know if you are enjoying the resources. Maybe they would like to join in…

Twitter is another venue I use for connecting Boulder Families to what’s going on in the community. We are @boulderfamilies on Twitter. You can always see what I post on Twitter @ http://www.boulderfamilies.com. Just look on the right side of the page to see the latest Tweets.

And please let me know what you enjoy seeing on Boulder Families, what I should add more of, and anything else you feel like letting me know. I am currently looking for guest bloggers, so if you have a passion for something that Boulder Families would enjoy hearing about, let me know. I love hearing from Boulder Families!

Warmly, Amanda

Boulder Family Events: August 3 to August 9, 2012

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This Weeks Special Events: Free Days at Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Art Museum, Boulder History Museum, & Children’s Museum of Denver; Boulder Historic Train Unveiling; Boulder County Fair; Boulder Outdoor Cinema–The Muppets; Pearl Street Mile Race; & The Gustafer Yellowgold Show

Friday, August 3

Saturday, August 4

  • City of Boulder’s Historic Train Unveiling at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Come see Boulder’s restored locomotive, coach & caboose. FREE admission to the museum for Boulder residents. 10:00 to Noon. All ages.
  • FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum. Free. All ages. All day.
  • Bears, Bears, Bears! It’s black bear season! Join OSMP for a moderate hike to learn what bears are up to this time of year? Are they dangerous? How do I know if one is close by? Learn all about these fascinating animals, including what motivates them, what we can learn from them, and how to behave around them.  Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Free. All ages. 8:00 to 10:30am.
  • French/English Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Free.
  • Home Depot Kids Club. Kids can stop by the stores to build something of their own. The themes change every week. 1st/3rd Saturday each month. Free. All ages. 9 to Noon.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 8:00am to 2:00pm. All ages
  • Twenty Ninth Street Live! Opening band at 6:15pm. Main band at 7:30pm. This is a fun family-friendly event!
  • Boulder County Fair runs through Sunday, August 4. There are many free events for families. More information here.
  • Boulder Outdoor Cinema bring The Muppets to Boulder tonight.

Sunday, August 5

  • 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.”
  • Boulder County Fair‘s final day. There are many free events for families. More information here.
  • FREE Day at Boulder History Museum. All ages.
  • The Gustafer Yellowgold Show at the Main Boulder Library. International phenomenon and acclaimed by The New York Times, which described Gustafer as “A cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show is a multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations,and storytelling. Free. All ages. 1:00pm & 3:00pm shows.

Monday, August 6

Tuesday, August 7

  • FREE Day at the Children’s Museum of Denver. Free. All ages. 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • Children’s Storytime at George Reynolds Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing event.
  • Dance for Children [and the Whole Family]! Participatory dance program for children of all ages and their parents! A fun way to learn dances from around the world, find out what young folks like in other countries. Outside on the Plaza beside the Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th (between Arapahoe & Canyon) in Boulder. Free. All ages. 6:15 to 7:00pm. Ongoing activity.

Wednesday, August 8

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Ongoing.
  • Family Garden Story and Song Time with Kristin at Barnes and Nobles. Free. All ages. 1:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 4:00 to 8:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Great opportunity for families to purchase locally grown produce, eat delicious food, listen to live music and so much more! A Boulder kids’ favorite.
  • Valmont Bike Park Family Rides. Bring the bikes and the family for fun rides on the amazing terrain at Boulder’s coolest bike park. All ages. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Free.
  • Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts [BMOCA] Check out Art Stop which provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. I have heard that they have a space where you can throw a cup at the wall. Kids love it! 4:00 to 8:00pm. All ages
  • Band on the Bricks on Pearl: A different band each week will rock Pearl Street! This is an ongoing event each Weds night throughout the summer. All ages. 7:00 to 9:00pm.

Thursday, August 9

Upcoming Events:
  • Kids Race August 30. Lengths vary, but these are just pure fun for families! Click the link to find out how to register and more information.
  • Fairy Tale Festival at Kids Row August 11. Fairy parade, face painting, & other fun for the kids.

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 #August

August 1st is Colorado Day!

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Colorado Day is August 1, 2012. Happy 136th birthday to Colorado!

  • Admission to the History Colorado Center [new history center in Denver] is FREE on Colorado Day [regularly $10/adults & Children $6]! There are special events going on all day including a magician at the newly opened History Colorado Center. They are sure to make it fun for kids and adults alike. Also see the cool LEGO-rado display which will be gone soon. Free. All ages. 10:00 to 5:00pm.
  • Information on Colorado History for adults and older kids. Do you know your colorado history?
  • Colorado History for Kids from Colorado.gov. Kids can learn the basics of Colorado history here.

Happy Wednesday!!!!!

Kale Your Whole Family Will Enjoy! Really!!

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I have been thinking a lot about Kale. Sounds funny, but it is so healthy and I have found a way to get my kids [and husband] to eat it. I make Kale Chips. They are so easy and even my nieces who are super picky eaters couldn’t get enough of what they thought were just green chips. Of course they wouldn’t touch them until they felt the healthy competition with my two boys who were clearly going to clean the bowl.

The good stuff in Kale:

Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Beta Carotene, Vitamin C, Calcium, Vitamin E, Folacin, Iron, Potassium, & Magnesium

Kale Chips Recipe

  • Buy one head of kale [I’ve tried all different types and the kids like them all]
  • Clean and chop into 1″ to 2″ pieces
  • Put kale “chips” into the bowl and coat lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt [I like sea salt]
  • Turn oven to broil and place the uncooked “chips” on a baking tray or glass pan
  • Cook the kale for 5 minutes [more or less depending on your over] turning every minute or when some chips start to get crispy, but others are still soft. You are aiming for some consistency. Most kids prefer them crispy, but not over cooked [blackened].
  • Pull them out. Let them cool for a few minutes. Put them in front of your kids and watch them inhale them!

No Cook Kale Chips

I read a blog [I cannot find it now!] about “No Cook Kale”. This mom did more of less what I suggest above, but then she put the tray of kale on the dash of her car on one of our warm days. She left it there for an hour or so and when she picked up her kids from school they were warm and ready to eat. By the time they were home the whole tray was gone.

Lemon Kale Chips

Elana’s Pantry recipe for Lemon Kale Chips. This website is always good for excellent Gluten Free recipes. I highly recommend it!

What other nutritious snacks do your kids/family love?