Boulder Family Events: January 18 to January 24, 2013

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Friday, January 18

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • Friday Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Family Game Night at the Meadows Branch Library. Enjoy playing board games with other members of the community, or try out Wii games on the big screen. They provide a variety of games to play, or feel free to bring a family favorite. Free. All ages. No reservations required.
  • Open Tumbling for Preschoolers at the Boulder JCC. Noon to 3:00pm. $5.

Saturday, January 19

  • CU Wizards–Polymers, foams & gels! Join CU professors for a wildly fun look at polymers, foams, and gels. Great for older children–grades 5 to 9, but everyone is invited!
  • FamilyDance Planet. This is a monthly dance party for families! Dance to celebrate the beginning of a new year and welcome live DJ Ryel (co-founder of the SF-based creative arts collective Pink Mammoth). There are blankets, pillows, books, shakers, scarves and yoga mats for all to use.
  • Peak Rhythms. Join Peak Rhythms for a fun and interactive drumming and music making program. We’ll provide drums and percussion instruments for everybody, and facilitate a variety of fun musical activities. No experience is necessary. Everybody participates and succeeds. Free. George Reynolds Branch from 11:00am to 12:30pm and Meadows Branch from 3:00 to 4:30pm.
  • 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. Free. Ages 6 and up. 1:00 to 2:00pm.
  • Saturday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy books, songs and more at weekly storytimes for all ages.
  • French/English Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Marie is amazing and she will delight all children with her reading of French and English literature.
  • Home Depot Apprentice Day. Bring your child in to the Boulder Home Depot and they can make a hands on project right there. 9 to Noon.

Sunday, January 20

  •  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, January 21

Tuesday, January 22

  • Storytime Creekwalk: Deep Winter. Families,join us for a story and activities including an outdoor explore along Boulder Creek. Dress for the weather, and please remember to leave four-footed family members at home.

Wednesday, January 23

  • FREE Day at the Denver Zoo
  • A Kid’s View of Raptors. Learn how to recognize birds of prey, or raptors — hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls — in the winter skies above Boulder County. During the slide presentation you’ll see some of these awesome birds up close and learn about where they live and what they eat. Kids get to see how their “wingspan” measures up against a hawk or eagle. This program is for elementary-age children. Free. 4:30 to 5:30pm at the Louisville Library.
  • 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.

Thursday, January 24

Upcoming Events:
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 #January

Boulder Family Events: January 11 to January 17, 2013

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Friday, January 11

  • FREE Day at the Denver Zoo
  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • Friday Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Family Game Night at the Meadows Branch Library. Enjoy playing board games with other members of the community, or try out Wii games on the big screen. They provide a variety of games to play, or feel free to bring a family favorite. Free. All ages. No reservations required.
  • Open Tumbling for Preschoolers at the Boulder JCC. Noon to 3:00pm. $5.

Saturday, January 12

  • FREE Day at the Denver Zoo
  • Saturday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy books, songs and more at weekly storytimes for all ages.
  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • Quicker Quaker 5k Walk/Run. A unique festival including an oatmeal breakfast, 5K walk/run, health fair, oatmeal baking contest.
  • FREE Day at the Denver Firefighter’s Museum. This is a fun, hands on experience for kids. If you have a fire truck, fire fighter crazy kid, this is the place for them!

Sunday, January 13

  • Nature for Kids & Parents: Learn about our neighbor the Abert’s Squirrel. This unique tree dwelling squirrel stays active in the winter.  Visit Abert’s Squirrel habitat with Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist and learn about it’s fascinating relationship with the Ponderosa Pine.  You’ll be detectives and search for signs, learn a song and play squirrel tag!  Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (map search 1903 Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike. No registration required. Ages 6+. 1:00 to 2:30pm.
  • 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, January 14

Tuesday, January 15

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • Lap Babies @ the Main Boulder Library. Babies (birth-12 months) and their caregivers explore language and books 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. Attendance limited to babies up to 12 months of age; no older children please.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish Storytime. Disfrute con sus hijos cuentos, rimas y canciones los primeros tres martes cada mes. Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs with your children in English and Spanish the first three Tuesdays of every month. 10:15 to 11:00am.

Wednesday, January 16

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • 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 & Crawlers at the Main Boulder Library. 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. Attendance limited to crawlers and beginning toddlers up to 24 months of age; no older children please.

Thursday, January 17

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • Musical Storytime with Alice and Melanie. Join us for a special storytime full of story songs, musical stories, and more! The first Monday and third Thursday of every month. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
  • Thursday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Storytime for all children. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • Toddler Time at the Main Boulder Library. Toddlers (18-36 months) and caregivers explore language and books 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. Attendance limited to toddlers up to 36 months of age; no older children please. 10:15 to 11:30am.
  • Open Tumbling for Preschoolers at the Boulder JCC. 9:30 to 11:00am and 2:00 to 4:00pm. $5.
Upcoming Events:
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 #January

What To Do With The Kids When It’s Cold Outside: Ideas and Inspirations!

BRCThe winter can seem long and cold. When you have got young ones it is always a good idea to have some indoor activities in your bag of tricks. Here are some ideas to help you get the kids moving and engaged.

Swimming Pools

Rock Clubs

Gymnastics/Activities

StorytimeKJ0308.6.mediumMuseums

Tours

Libraries

Parenting Support Groups

Boulder Family Events: January 4 to January 10, 2013


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Friday, January 4

Saturday, January 5

  • WOW! Craft Club. Make paper snowflake garlands, tissue paper snowmen, or a winter wonderland collage. Practice cutting, gluing and tracing techniques while celebrating the snowy season. Free with museum admission [$8].
  • FREE Day at Denver Art Museum. All day.
  • French/English Storytime. Join French teacher Marie for bilingual story time. 10:15 to 11:00am.

Sunday, January 6

  • 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, January 7

Tuesday, January 8

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times in January [8th to 18]
  • Lap Babies @ the Main Boulder Library. Babies (birth-12 months) and their caregivers explore language and books 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. Attendance limited to babies up to 12 months of age; no older children please.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish Storytime. Disfrute con sus hijos cuentos, rimas y canciones los primeros tres martes cada mes. Enjoy stories, rhymes and songs with your children in English and Spanish the first three Tuesdays of every month. 10:15 to 11:00am.

Wednesday, January 9

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times in January [8th to 18th].
  • 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 & Crawlers at the Main Boulder Library. 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. Attendance limited to crawlers and beginning toddlers up to 24 months of age; no older children please.

Thursday, January 10

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times in January [8th to 18th].
  • American Girl Club @ Barnes & Noble. Join Amy, B & N’s American Girl enthusiast, for reading, games, crafts and fun based on the popular ‘American Girl’ series. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Thursday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Storytime for all children. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • Toddler Time at the Main Boulder Library. Toddlers (18-36 months) and caregivers explore language and books 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. Attendance limited to toddlers up to 36 months of age; no older children please. 10:15 to 11:30am.
  • LEGO Club at 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 Thursday of every month for a 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. 4:00 to 5:30pm.
  • Open Tumbling for Preschoolers at the Boulder JCC. 9:30 to 11:00am and 2:00 to 4:00pm. $5.
Upcoming Events:
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 #January

Boulder Family Deals

Here are some family friendly deals happening around Boulder. Image

  • Stockshow Tickets. Kids love Stockshow and these tickets include a choice of specific shows such as Dancing Horses, Mexican Rodeo, etc… This is a Livingsocial offer.
  • Turn Photos to Canvas. You have so many photos from 2012. Maybe it’s time to turn them into cool canvas prints that look great displayed on the wall! This is a Livingsocial offer.
  • Horseback Ride. Have a horse crazy kid? This deal is for a trail ride in Estes for 2+ people.

Boulder Family Events: December 28, 2012 to January 3, 2013

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Happy New Years 2013!

What to do outdoors: hit the sledding hills, check out the train table at Barnes and Noble, head to your favorite coffee shop with your kids for some hot cocoa or cider and a chat, walk around Pearl Street and climb on the rocks or just check out the beautiful decorations, check out the

Denver Zoo Lights.

What to do indoors: WOW! Children’s Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, head to NCAR for their interactive exhibits, snuggle up at home with some books or a fun family movie night, discover a new board game, turn off all the lights and light a candle and just sit silently in the night.

Friday, December 28

Saturday, December 29

  • Saturday Storytime at the Downtown Boulder Library. Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, December 30

  • 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, December 31

Tuesday, January 1

  •  Happy New Year!

Wednesday, January 2

  • What’s happening today? 

Thursday, January 3

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 #December #January

Boulder Family Events: December 21 to December 27, 2012

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Welcome to a slow week here for families in Boulder.

What to do outdoors: hit the sledding hills, check out the train table at Barnes and Noble, head to your favorite coffee shop with your kids for some hot cocoa or cider and a chat, walk around Pearl Street and climb on the rocks or just check out the beautiful decorations, check out the

Denver Zoo Lights.

What to do indoors: WOW! Children’s Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, snuggle up at home with some books or a fun family movie night, discover a new board game, turn off all the lights and light a candle and just sit silently in the night.

Friday, December 21 It’s the Winter Solstice today!

Saturday, December 22

  • St. Nick on the Bricks. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. This is the last day. 11:00am to 2:00pm at 1301 Pearl Street
  • Amazing Ornaments and Gift Tags. These will make great gifts or hang them from the tree. WOW Children’s Museum. 11:00 to 1:00pm.
  • Saturday Storytime at the Downtown Boulder Library. Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, December 23

  • Holiday Hike with OSMP staff. This is a nighttime holiday hike at Chautauqua where you can enjoy caroling to the deer and take in spectacular views of Boulder’s holiday lights along the way. Meet at the Ranger Cottage at Chautauqua. Hot chocolate provided before and after this easy hike. Bring treats to share with all! Please dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear. Trails may be slick and icy, so strap-on traction for your boots is HIGHLY recommended. Free. 6:00 to 8:00pm
  • 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, December 24

Tuesday, December 25    Merry Christmas! 

Wednesday, December 26

Thursday, December 27

  • Creekwalk Storytime: Who’s Here For Winter? Back by popular demand, families, join together for a story and activities including an outdoor exploration along Boulder Creek. Dress for the weather, and please remember to leave four-footed family members at home. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am.
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 #December

Boulder Family Events: December 14 to December 20, 2012

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Friday, December 14

Saturday, December 15

  • FamilyDance Planet. FamilyDance Planet is a monthly dance party for families!
    As we near the longest night of the year, we dance to remember our light within!
    We welcome live DJ Mark Whaley … spinning dancing grooves for the whole family.
  • St. Nick on the Bricks. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. 11:00am to 2:00pm at 1301 Pearl Street
  • French/English Storytime. Join this great bilingual reading. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am
  • Saturday Storytime at the Downtown Boulder Library. Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, December 16

  • Nature for Parents and Kids: Oh Deer! Prance into the woods and enjoy a little magic with Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist. We’ll put on our headbands, pretend we’re a herd of deer, play a game and learn a song while in their habitat! Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (search 1903 Lehigh Street in Boulder, where Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike. Ages 6+. Free. 1:00 to 2:30pm.
  • 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, December 17

Tuesday, December 18

Wednesday, December 19

Thursday, December 20

What is your family up to this weekend? 
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 #December

Boulder Family Events: December 7 to December 13, 2012

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Special Events This Week: Longmont Lights Holiday Parade, Pajama Night, Family Day at the CU Museum of Natural History, FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Lafayette Home for the Holidays, St. Nick on the Bricks, LEGO Club!, & Menorah Lighting on Pearl Street Mall

Friday, December 7

  • Friday Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Family Game Night at Meadows Branch Library. Try some new games and spend time together as a family! 4:30 to 6:30pm. Free.
  • Longmont Lights: A weekend holiday parade. This one looks great! Longmont Lights Parade, visit Santa, free hot cocoa carts, Santa’s workshop, Reindeer visits, sleigh rides, food trucks, mini train rides, and much more! Free event. 5:00 to 8:00pm
  • Pajama Night at the Downtown Boulder Library. Imagination Makers Theater Company present the play, Dreams, where kids imagine a world where there are pet tigers, and vending machines that dispense food for the homeless! What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Pajamas preferred. Free. Ages  to 12. 7:00 to 8:00pm

Saturday, December 8

Sunday, December 9

Monday, December 10

Tuesday, December 11

  • Menorah Lighting on Pearl Street Mall. Meet on the 1300 block of Pearl Street to light an 8 ft high menorah in honor of Chanukah. Enjoy a special concert following the lighting by artist Steve Brodsky, complete with fresh donuts, hot drinks, a dreidle guessing game and much more fun!  Special Chanukah lightup necklaces for the first 150 participants. Free. All ages. 5:30pm.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am
  • Lap Babies at the Main Boulder Library. A program for babies birth to 12 months and their caregivers.

Wednesday, December 12

Thursday, December 13

What is your family up to this weekend? 
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 #December

Trip Review: Valmont Bike Park


Valmont Bike Park is amazing! Really, truly, amazing! Right here in Boulder we have a world class bike park that offers terrain for ALL rider levels. I love watching the confluence of hardcore riders and kids on wheel-less bikes all riding near each other. All getting along. I even saw a dad with a child in a pack on his back riding some relatively technical rides. Refreshing!

The Valmont Bike Park is located East of Foothills Parkway on Valmont Road [3160 Valmont Road, Boulder]. There are trails for every level here or if your little one is ready for some play time they can take a break at the kids’ area. There is a climbing structure and spinning seats as well as a solid surface that makes it easier for little ones to bike around. All the trails are marked so you know what you are getting into. XS, S, M, L, XL. I know you get the idea. The kids get it too. They quickly learn what level feels comfortable and they can look for the signs that show them which route to take. What I cannot emphasize enough is that this is a space designed for everyone. Go as a whole family, no matter the range of biking abilities in your group.

The Valmont Bike Park does not offer pads at every turn. Your kids are not roped up. And there are a lot of places to test your boundaries. But this place WILL inspire confidence in your kids. I even went over a wooden bridge I would normally not touch. I have to be honest, I was following my emboldened 8 year old and I just couldn’t not try.

Take some time to interact with this incredible resource in our Boulder community. Bring a picnic and stay for a good long time. I know you will love it. The Valmont Bike Park website. Or visit them on Facebook.