Boulder Family Events: May 17 to 19, 2013

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Boulder Families

Photo credit: Kai Wember-Brown

What is your family up to this weekend? Share your plans or other fun things going on around town here [comment here] or on our Facebook Page.

Friday, May 17

Game Night at the Meadows Branch Library. Come with the whole family to play! Play board games, card games, and even video games. 4:00pm.

Saturday, May 18

Get Outdoors! CD Release Party for Jeff & Paige. This will be a fun, interactive musical event with well loved Boulder musicians. Kids up to 10. To purchase tickets or for more information click here. Two shows: 11:00am and 3:00pm.
Growing Garden’s Community Plant Sale. This is the last one! Come get some organic veggies at this local nonprofit.
Boulder Community Day: Clean! Plant! Restore! Play! Check out everything happening for the Boulder community at the Boulder Community Day
Fishin’ Fun!, part of National Kids to Parks Day. Join ranger naturalist Arian Hampel for a two-hour fishing excursion. We will explore fishing techniques, equipment to use, and places to go on OSMP lands to catch bass, sunfish, bluegill and carp. Limited equipment provided, but feel free to bring your own. Kids will have a better time if their equipment is sized for them. And—when teaching a youngster to fish, it is best to leave your own equipment at home. If you are 16 or over, bring your fishing license. Limit: 24 people. Please register online using this link:http://kidsfishing.eventbrite.com Meeting location will be provided when you register. 2:00 to 4:00pm
Hiking As A Family, part of National Kids to Parks. Celebrate National Kids to Parks Day and Boulder Community Day by loading up the family to hit the trails. Naturalists will share fun, kid-oriented nature games and ideas on the importance of getting kids outdoors this summer and beyond. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and be prepared for an easy hike around the trails. See what is in their “bag of tricks” to encourage kids to soak up the natural world. 10:00am to 11:30am
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.
CU Wizards presents Waves and Radios: The Physics of the Information Age! Grades 5 to 9, but everyone is welcome. On campus. 9:30am.
Green Playhouse Auction at the Boulder Community Day. Check out these amazing playhouses. They are on the auction block starting at 1:30pm at the East Boulder Community Center. 1:30pm

Sunday, May 19

Magicians of the Mountain Parks 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. Join us at the Sunrise Amphitheater on Flagstaff Mountain for this stationary nature magic show. 11:00am.

Boulder Family Events: May 10 to 13, 2013

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Boulder Families

What is your family up to this weekend? Share your plans or other fun things going on around town here [comment here] or on our Facebook Page.

Friday, May 10

What is happening today? Some ideas: Family movie night, take a hike on the Annie U. White Trail, Bike at the Valmont Bike Park, Walk along the Bobo Link Trail

Saturday, May 11

Kids’ Bike Day at Community Cycles. Free event which includes bike tunes for kids bikes, a bike rodeo, bike safety, and lots of other fun stuff. Every kid who participates gets a prize! No need to register just make your way over. 11:00 to 3:00.
FREE Day at the Longmont Museum
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.
Dinosaur Day at Chautauqua Millions of years ago, they stalked the earth! Drop by the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage to see and touch fossils that tell the stories of Boulder’s prehistoric creatures. Help assemble a life-sized replica of a duck-billed Edmontosaurus skeleton! Feel a real dinosaur track, and a tooth from the awesome T. rex, and visit with naturalists who will show you pictures of what Colorado used to look like in the days of the thunder lizards. (Hint: prepare to be amazed). Dinosaur costumes and clothing, and lots of questions, are encouraged. Free event. 10:00 to 2:00
Boulder Home and Garden Show at 29th Street Mall. Lots of great ideas and products, food trucks, and an Alpaca Petting Zoo. 10:00 to 4:00
Best of Mary Sue and Cari Be ready to clap, stomp, sing and enjoy “The Best of Mary Sue & Cari” From buzzing like insects to dancing like fairies, these talented musicians will captivate you with their original kid-centered rhythmic music, relevant to kids and parents alike. Lauded by Downtown Boulder as, “The best kids music in Boulder!” this is a concert you wont want to miss. Free event. 11:00am at the George Reynolds Branch Library AND 3:00pm at the Meadows Branch Library.

Sunday, May 12

Midsummer’s Night Dream performed by the Boulder Ballet. At the Boulder Theater. 2 shows: 11:00am and 2:00pm.
FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Walking Through the Language of the Landscape Shapely mountains, textured meadows, communities of plants – these are the voices of the landscape, patiently waiting for an observer to discern their stories. Join naturalist Lynne Sullivan as we learn to read the language of the landscape for the subtle and significant stories of our beloved wildlands. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage with water and snacks for this 3 mile moderate hike. Attn: appropriate for teens and up. Free event. 9:00 to Noon.
Bach 4 Kids Concert at the Main Boulder Library. The Annual Bach 4 Kids Concert opens with a performance of a movement of Bach’s “Double Violin Concerto” by Boulder Suzuki Strings under the direction of Amy Gesmer-Packman. The Boulder Bach Trio–Benjamin Tomkins-violin, Ysmael Reyes-flute, and Karen Terbeek-cello–follows with a hands-on demonstration of how Bach ornaments his music by “decorating” it with added notes and trills. Kids will create and “decorate” their own melodies, using the aria from Bach’s “Goldberg Variato”.

Monday, May 13

Rain, Mud, and Bees! Celebrate moisture, mud and May as naturalist Ellen Orleans reads lively picture books at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Your children (or grandchildren!) can join in the fun with pitter-pattering, foot stomping, buzzing, and the color of the week. At 10:30, we’ll take off for a kid-friendly “Signs of Spring” hike. Wear clothes to match the weather and bring a snack if you like. The story portion of this program is wheelchair-accessible. Free event. Geared toward 3 to 6-year-olds. 10:00 to 11:00.

Boulder Family Events: May 3 to 5, 2013

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Boulder Families

Photo credit: City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks

The snow may still be on the ground, but warmth is in the air. Please do share your plans or other fun things going on around town here [comment here] or on our Facebook Page.

Friday, May 3

Imagination Makers Theater presents “The Journal of Abby Munson”. This is an original play focused on how a fifth-grader deals with her anger and finds discovers valuable gifts. Ages 7 to 12. Everyone invited to wear PJs and stay for milk and cookies after the play. Main Boulder Library. 7:00pm.
Family Game Night at Meadows Library. Take this chance to join together with your whole family to play age old games and new ones. 4:00pm.

Saturday, May 4

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Storytime. A special storytime reading of selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented by ballerinas from the Boulder Ballet Company! Free. Boulder Bookstore at 11:00am.
Boulder Jazz & Artfest. Head to Pearl Street for live jazz and shopping from unique artisans. Fun for the whole family!
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.
FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum. Great opportunity to explore the DAM.
FREE Day at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Check out all the cool train cars and much more!
Family Day: Digging in the Dirt at the CU Museum of Natural History. Much of what we do at the museum starts with digging in the dirt. We’ll explore artifacts and fossils dug up by archaeologists and paleontologists. But it’s not just scientists who dig in the dirt – lots of animals dig for food or to make their homes. And we won’t forget the plants, whose roots bring food and water from the dirt. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore the world under our feet! Free entry. 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Sunday, May 5

Wild Earth Day. Join the Wild Bear Mountain Center to enjoy Boulder County’s largest Earth Day celebration. Hands on events for kids. Central Park in Downtown Boulder. 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Boulder Jazz & Artfest. Head to Pearl Street for live jazz and shopping from unique artisans. Fun for the whole family!
Marsh Songs. Listen for bird songs in a local marsh with naturalist Dave Sutherland and hear selections from the orchestral work. Early birds should meet at Sawhill Ponds, on 75^th Street about 0.6 miles north of Valmont Road, for this easy hike. This program is free and open to the public. Beginning bird watchers strongly encouraged! 8:00 to 10:30am.
Nature for Kids & Parents: Birdsong. Find out why birds sing and where each bird gets his song. Learn a song, dance, and game while observing the many local birds. Go on a bird hunt to listen to the song the birds are singing, so you can tell exactly what is on his mind. Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (map search 1903 Lehigh, where Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike. Parking is available along the street. Ages 6 and up. 1:00 to 3:00pm.

Top Family-Friendly Bike Rides in Boulder

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Boulder Families

Photo Credit: SMBA

Boulder is a bike town. No doubt. My son is riding with Singletrack Mountain Bike Adventures [SMBA] and were we in for a surprise when we showed up. The kids on the team have nicer bikes than my husband and me combined. Really. 10 year olds with really nice full suspension bikes. But that’s okay, they are getting out to ride together and that is what counts [fancy bikes and all!]. Here are some of Boulder’s top bike rides for kids.

Top Bike Rides for Kids

Valmont Bike Park: Ride the fun trails, try some bowls, learn to ride the stairs, take the downhill courses. The best part about this park [other than it is free] is that it has something for everyone!
Marshall Mesa: This is a tame ride on some rolling terrain. There is some uphill and some downhill, but they are easily walkable if necessary. There are many options here. There are also interpretive signs along the way showing how this area was a coal mining site and the fires that burned here in the past. This ride can be good for many ages and abilities.
Boulder Valley Ranch/Boulder Reservoir: This is great for kids because it is relatively flat, gets them close to a working ranch, and does go by a few ponds. It is open and exposed, so in the mid-day this may not be the best option. This has seemingly endless options for extending the ride for older kids.
Harlow Plats Park: This South Boulder gem has a 1 mile look as well as a shorter loop. It also has a wonderful lake, Viele Lake. Then there is a park for after ride play. Great for young kids!

Boulder Biking Resources:

Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance
GO Bike Boulder [map your route around Boulder]
Community Cycles [non-profit working to support bike culture in Boulder. Buy a bike here. Fix a bike here.]

Upcoming Bike Event:

Kids Bike Day at Community Cycles, May 11, 2013

Boulder Family Events: April 26 to 28, 2013

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Boulder Families

I think spring has sprung here in Boulder, Colorado. Hopefully! There are so many great things going on this weekend! I hope your family has a joyous weekend. Please do share your plans or other fun things going on around town here [comment here] or on our Facebook Page.

Friday, April 26

Live Alpacas at the UMC at CU. An educational experience for audiences of all ages! Meet, greet, photograph and learn about the huacaya (pronounced wah-KI-ah) alpaca. The alpacas are a sustainable animal with even their manure going back to the garden and pasture as an outstanding fertilizer. Meet some of the cutest creatures, live near the fountain on the CU Campus. Free. 2:00 to 5:00pm.

Saturday, April 27

Tulip Fairy & Elf Parade on Pearl Street Mall. Bring your sweet ones down to join in this hugely popular event. Kids love it. Parents love it. There are many different activities and productions during the event. It’s just fun! Free. 3:00 to 6:00pm.
Wake the Bears Concert with Jeff Kagan and Paige Doughty featuring hilarious nature songs for children. There will also be an official from the Colorado Division of Wildlife to remind us what to do if we see a bear, lion or coyote in the wild. He will have a mustache. Free. 4:00 to 4:45pm on Pearl Street Mall.
La Cenerentola [aka: Cinderella] is the current Boulder Opera kids production. This is a short, 1 hr, production that has been highly anticipated. It should be a great show!
Prairie Saga Puppet Show at the CU Museum of Natural History. Bring your family to explore animals that live in the ground. The Prairie Saga Puppet Show will take you through a day in the life of a prairie dog colony. We will have real specimens and a hands-on activity to round out your museum experience. Free. 1:00pm.
Shakespeare Storytime with the Boulder Ballet. Bring your children to enjoy Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with one of Boulder Ballet’s dancers! They’ll get to meet the delightful Puck, played by Melissa Heslep, hear her read the classic story, enjoy her beautiful costume and toe shoes, and even dance with her and the other kids! Free. 11:00am at Barnes & Noble.
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.

Sunday, April 28

Spring Heritage Days at Walker Ranch. Bring your family up to really learn what it was like to be a homesteading family. This historical enactment is a great event for families. There are hands on opportunities and fun demonstrations. I think this is one of the best events of the year in Boulder!
La Cenerentola [aka: Cinderella] is the current Boulder Opera kids production. This is a short, 1 hr, production that has been highly anticipated. It should be a great show!
FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum. The Art Museum has something for everyone! Even kids enjoy this museum and there are always rotating hands on exhibits.

We Are What We Eat: The 2013 Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 Lists Are Out!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Boulder Families

Every year the Environmental Working Group [EWG], a non-profit advocacy group, updates their list of the fruits and veggies that are most pesticide-ridden “The Dirty Dozen Plus”, and therefore best to avoid, as well as the “Clean Fifteen” which are those fruits and veggies best to choose when possible. EWG is offering the public the science behind what we eat. These pesticides they are identifying are hormone disrupting and they are showing up in the most unusual places–such as on our plates and in our bodies. The idea is that with the knowledge of what to avoid when possible, and what to purchase when available, we can reduce your family’s exposure. For a complete list of the Dirty Dozen Plus and the Clean Fifteen click here.

Here is a sneak peek at the Dirty Dozen [listed in order of most to least residue]:

Apples
Strawberries
Grapes
Celery
Peaches
Spinach
Sweet Bell Peppers
Nectarines
Cucumbers
Potatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Hot Peppers

Alternatively EWG publishes a list of the Clean Fifteen which are the fruits and veggies with the least pesticide residue. Here is a sneak peek:

Asparagus
Avocados
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Corn
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Mango
Mushrooms
Onions
Papaya

EWG video takes you on a trip through the grocery store to identify which fruits and veggies are safe and which are not: Click Here

If you have a tough time remembering what is on the list EWG is happy to send you a laminated copy of the Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce for a small donation. Or you can download an app for your iPhone or Android here. Head to EWG for more info.

Boulder Family Events: April 19 to April 25, 2013

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Boulder Families

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

Children’s Peace Garden Earth Day Celebration. This second annual event is intended to connect children and families to fresh food, local honeybees and healthy bodies. Children’s Peace Garden at 1630 Hawthorn in Boulder. Free event. 10am to 2pm.
Dia de la Nino at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art [BMoCA]. Celebrate Children’s Day, a traditional Mexican holiday, and enjoy art-making, storytelling, dance performances, and authentic food with your young ones. Created in collaboration with The Mexican Cultural Center and The Mexican Consulate in Denver. Free event. All ages. 11:00am to 1:00pm.
FREE Day at the Museum of Nature and Science
French/English Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am
McGuckin’s Apprentice Series: Make a PVC Toddler Chair. 1:00 to 4:00pm.
Saturday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
COOL MOVES at the Main Boulder Library. This is a free multicultural dance performance featuring Malang Diatta – Senegalese drumming and dancing, Streetside Dance Hip-hop and SalsaKo – Salsa dancing. Perfect for families with an opportunity for children to learn some steps onstage. Potluck picnic to follow. Free. All ages.
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.
FamilyDance Planet. Featuring DJbUmpKin, seasonal DJ, and Serena, our Face Painting Fairy. Come for some or all of the time. FamilyDance Planet is meant to be a party that you can drop in to when it’s right for your family. 9:30 to 11:30am at the Avalon Ballroom. Purchase tickets–$17 for the whole family.

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 youll 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

Monday Milk & Cookies Club at Becoming Mothers. Meet other moms and discuss concerns. Free. 11:00am.
Rise and Shine Storytime @ Barnes & Noble. 9:30am. Don’t forget the fun train table
Monday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.

Tuesday, April 23

Grandrabbits’ Play Day. There is always a new theme Free. Children 2 to 7. 11:00 to 11:45am.
Storytime at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Join librarians for an interactive storytime. 10:15am.
Storytime Creek Walk: Early birds at the Main Boulder Library. Families, join the library staff 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. Free. 10:15am.
Bilingual Storytime: English/Spanish at the Main Boulder Library. Everyone welcome.10:15am.

Wednesday, April 24

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.
Storytime at the Meadows Branch Library. 10:15am.
Boulder Folders at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Learn to fold beautiful origami. 1:00pm.

Thursday, April 25

Thursday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.

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 Public Library Renovations: Have a Say!

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Boulder Families

The Main Boulder Public Library is slated for some renovations. This is really exciting because it has been over 20 years since they last renovated the space. Have your voice heard! If you want to have a say in how this renovation looks this is the right time to get involved!

The reason I bring it up on Boulder Families is that we are SO lucky to live in a community where our public library system offers incredible programming for families and the entire community. They are an insanely valuable resource for kids and I want to make sure they understand how important they are to Boulder Families.

What can you do?

Atttend a meeting: April 18th is the next meeting. They are offering childcare. See their Facebook Page for more details.
Fill out a feedback form on their website.
Take part in their events and let them know how important they are to your family! Boulder Public Library events

If you value the Boulder Public Library and want to have your voice heard make sure to get involved! I am looking forward to the renovation–it could offer space expansion, additional resources, fun new programming opportunities, etc…

A big shout out to the staff at the Boulder Public Library for being such an integral resources in our community for Boulder Families!

Boulder Family Events: April 12 to April 18, 2013

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Boulder Families

The Dinosaur Lady will be at the Boulder Public Library!

Friday, April 12

Boulder Dinner Theater’s Kids Kabaret Presents: The Differentest School of All. Children’s play performed based on Dr. Seuss book ‘Hooray for Diffendoofer Day’. This fun and whimsical show focuses on creative ways to teach and learn. Kids ages 3 to 10. Tickets are just $8.00 each. Last show.
Friday Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

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

Nature for Kids & Parents: A Day to Celebrate Trees! Celebrate Arbor Day, and experience the life of a tree! Get ready to go on an exciting nature hunt as we investigate and learn easy tricks to identify trees, how they grow, and why trees are very important to life on earth. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage for an easy hike to meet your special tree on Bluebell-Baird Mesa trail. Ages 6 and up. 1:00 to 3:00pm.
The Library Concert Series Presents: Global Roots with Sandra Wong and friends at the Boulder Library. 2:00 to 3:15pm at the Canyon Theater. Free. All ages.
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 15

Monday Milk & Cookies Club at Becoming Mothers. Meet other moms and discuss concerns. Free. 11:00am.
Rise and Shine Storytime @ Barnes & Noble. 9:30am. Don’t forget the fun train table
Monday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.

Tuesday, April 16

Grandrabbits’ Play Day. There is always a new theme Free. Children 2 to 7. 11:00 to 11:45am.
Storytime at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Join librarians for an interactive storytime. 10:15am.
Lap Babies at the Main Boulder Library. Bring your babies to hear stories. 10:15am.
Bilingual Storytime: English/Spanish at the Main Boulder Library. Everyone welcome.10:15am.

Wednesday, April 17

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.
Storytime at the Meadows Branch Library. 10:15am.
Cruisers & Crawlers at the Boulder Library. Bring your little ones 9 to 24 months to enjoy an interactive storytime. 10:15am.

Thursday, April 18

Musical Storytime with Alice and Melanie at the Main Boulder Library. Interactive, musical storytime for all children. 10:15am
Toddler Time at the Main Boulder Library. Bring your toddlers for fun, interactive storytime. 10:15am.

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

The Intersection of Yoga and Parenting

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Boulder Families

I love yoga. I don’t do it enough, but I still love it! Yesterday I was at a delicious yoga class at The Little Yoga Studio deeply immersed in sweat and downward dogs, when my mind started to wander. I cherish the time when I give myself the space for my mind to wander -it doesn’t happen a lot these days. All at once the words that yoga instructors have said over the years started to accumulate in my head. They came flooding in. It started with the yoga instructor telling us about her decision to bring Joy back into her life. Joy. Joy? Joy’s honorable. We all want to feel joy, right?

I was joyful, in between praying with all my being that this was not a class that was over 1 hour and wondering how I was going to ask my friend Wendy this question since she seemed to in the moment and engaged any time I glanced over to see if there was an iota of an opening to ask my very important question. It was hot in there, I was seriously sweating, I hadn’t been to yoga in a few weeks, and I know my body sort of turns off after an hour of yoga. I guess I was panicking a bit. I forgot at first how much more than exercise I get every time I am on my mat. But here were all these thoughts about ways of being that were floating around my head.

Back to the intersection of yoga and parenting. The words of past yoga teachers flooded in and it occurred to me how yoga informs parenting. And vice versa. But at this point with a pre-teen boy and a pre-pre-teen boy in my house I was really appreciating how yoga could support me. I need some support. Some of the words of wisdom that were ringing though my head about how the essence of yoga cold support parenting include:

Be kind to yourself. If you need to take a break just take child’s pose or let your family know you need a break [even for a moment just go outside] and accept that it is okay to not be perfect.
If you wobble, it’s okay. Think tree pose and life. We will all wobble. It’s okay. Be accepting.
Look for joy. We are given many opportunities to find joy in our lives we just need to let them in. Don’t take life too seriously.
Find ease [smile] even when it is tough. It’s not where we stand in times of comfort and convenience, but rather in times of difficulty and hardship that matter! [paraphrase of the MLK quote] Think of how this could transform the act of getting out the door in the morning.
Be thankful. Appreciate that you are here on your yoga mat. It’s okay to do something good for yourself.

There are so many more wise words I have heard and wish to live by, but these are a few of the ways that yoga and parenting intersect.

Add to the conversation. What are the ways you see yoga and parenting intersecting and informing each other? I would love to hear from this amazing, yoga loving community!

Bolder Families