Tag Archives: Families

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

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 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? 

Boulder Family Events: July 27 to August 2, 2012

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Summer Feet!

July 27 to August 2, 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!

This Weeks Special Events: Walker Ranch Summer Heritage Day, Noon Tunes Puppet Show, Sketch & Stroll with OSMP, & The Boulder County Fair Opens

Friday, July 27

Saturday, July 28

  • 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
  • Twenty Ninth Street Live! presents Chris Daniels & The Kings at 29th Street Mall. Opening band at 6:15pm. Main band at 7:30pm. This is a fun family-friendly event!

Sunday, July 29

  • Walker Ranch Summer Heritage Day. See costumed volunteers demonstrating chores and activities of ranch life. Your family can participate in many old fashioned chores and activities. Free. 10:00 to 4:00pm.
  • 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.”
  • The Taming of the Shrew is brought into the modern day by the Longmont Theater and presented at the Community Park in Louisville, so bring a picnic and pull up some grass for the whole family to watch a fun performance. Free. All ages. 4:00pm.

Monday, July 30

  • 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.
  • No Meadow Music this week. 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, July 31

  • Children’s Storytime at George Reynolds Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing event.
  • Sketch and Stroll with OSMP. Take a stroll and sketch nature on this easy hike, suitable for families. Free. Ages 7+.
  • 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 1

  • Boulder County Fair opens today and runs through Sunday, August 4. There are many free events for families. More information here.
  • 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 2

  • Children’s Storytime at Boulder Public Library. 10:15 to 11:00. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Grand Rabbits Playdate. Ages 2 to 6 join with their peers for a playdate replete with a different theme each week. Free. 10:30 to 11:15am. Caregivers required to stay.
  • Boulder County Fair’s Young Guns Kids’ Rodeo. Kids enjoy the fun atmosphere of this kid oriented rodeo. They can enter the stick pony pull or the goat tail pull for a small entry fee. Kids under 5 are free, the rest need tickets [$5 to $15]. 6:00pm.
Upcoming Events:
  • Kids Races in Boulder: August 9, 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 #July #August

Boulder Families Event Review: Treasure Island by Colorado Shakespeare Festival

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Exciting. Intriguing. Pirate-like. Captivating. Adventurous. These are the words 8 and 10 year olds used to describe the performance of Treasure Island by the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Earlier this week we had the opportunity to head to campus and watch this great play under the stars in an intimate outdoor setting. There was not a bad seat in the house! They did not know the story going in [I had meant to read the book to them before hand, but vacations got in the way!], but they were captivated by the experience and the story right away. Kids who love pirates, adventure and/or just a well acted story will love this show! 

We started over evening by parking on The Hill and walking over to campus. As we walked up we found people picnicking on the grass in front with characters singing to set the mood. We immediately found the food cart and purchased a cookie and we knew we were in for something special–the tone was set. We entered the building and handed in our tickets to find a mom and child ushering–it felt family-friendly right away. A quick read over all the information in the program offered the kids a brief synopsis of what was going to unfold. They were so serious the whole time which is a bit unlike two boys sitting together at 6:30pm when they generally find a way to wind each other up. The play started and immediately we were all swept in and an hour had passed when intermission was upon us. I was excited to see that there were snacks as well as kid-friendly and adult-friendly drinks available. We got a little something because who can resist during intermission at a play?

Swash buckling, gun fights, suspense and intrigue were peppered throughout the evening. There were kids of all ages that night. The house was silent, besides my kids asking a few questions, or so it seemed. I took that to indicate that Treasure Island was as exciting to the rest of the families there as it was to us. I personally felt carried away right in to the story. It felt professional, very intimate, engaging, and I highly, highly recommend it to all Boulder Families [and beyond]! But you don’t need to bring the kids because it would also make a great date night.

Kids’ Review

Favorite Character[s]: Long John Silver & Benn Gunn Why? Because I love pirates and I think Benn Gunn is funny!

Would you recommend this show to a friend? Yes. Why? Because it was fun to go and I like the story. There is a lot of sword fighting too.

What was your favorite thing about the play? It was well performed and exciting. Also, I like the stunt where people fell of the boat.

What would you recommend to make it better? Actually act out everything, instead of explaining some parts. It interrupted the play. But I still really liked it, it could just be a bit better.

Overall Kid Ratings [scale of 1 to 10]:

8 year old–9

10 year old–8

Details

Ages: 6+, but family-friendly setting at most ages

Date/Times: 6:30 & 8:00pm on various dates through August 9, 2012 [2 1/2 hours long with an intermission]

Recommended for families: Yes, without reservation

Reservations: Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Kids tickets are only $10! 

It was a magical night for our family. I highly recommend Treasure Island. If your kids are elementary school aged or above they will fall in love with this production!

Boulder Families Trip Review: Touring The Denver Mint

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My kids are fascinated with money. For kids it is a constant source of questions: Can I buy that? Is it too expensive? Why can’t we buy that $500 toy? If you are reading this blog I know you get it. I thought it would be great for my kids to see how money is made and so we toured the Denver Mint this Monday. Touring the Denver Mint is a fun, free activity for kids in Denver.

History: The Denver Mint produces the most coins in the United States. They have a long and storied history that is part of the gold rush throughout the Western United States. The building is impressive–old and beautiful. It also holds a LOT of gold.

Experience: If you are like our Boulder family you know you are doing something special because you are going to the big city: Denver! You stand in line and get checked in by security much like the airport. Immediately you realize this is serious business and your small group [20 people] move into the building to check out some displays. The displays are somewhat interesting, but not overwhelmingly so because they are not hands on. Two tour guides take you through a few different rooms that hold displays. They also explain what is going on below you through the windows: they are making coins of all kinds. This is captivating! They are rolling out the coins we use daily. There were kids of all ages on our tour who seemed interested in the experience.

Logistics: You have to make reservations ahead of time on their website. They book far in advance, but if you can keep checking back and sometimes things open up.

Cost: Free!

Time: 30+ minutes

What we liked most: Seeing coins made and hearing the old lore about the Mint

What we liked least: The tour was short. It was not hands on.

Recommendation: We recommend going if your kids are seven [7] or older. Younger ones can go, but this older group will actually enjoy it the most.

Boulder Family Events: July 20 to 26, 2012

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july 20 to 26, 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!

This Weeks Special Events: Open Arts Fest, Classic Car Show, FREE day at Denver Botanical Gardens, Teddy Bear Tea, FamilyDance Planet, & Author/Illustrator Kadir Nelson 

Friday, July 20

Saturday, July 21

  • Teddy Bear Tea at Grandrabbits Toy Store. Kids bring their special stuffed friends and join the folks at Grandrabbits for games, activities, face painting and fun. Bring a lunch. Free. Ages 1 to 9. 10:30 to noon.
  • FamilyDance Planet. Come on out to a fun dance party organized just for families. The music is kid-friendly, but parents will love it too. Avalon Ballroom. 9:30 to noon. Families with kids up to 12.
  • French/English Storytime. Join Marie at the Boulder Public Library for a great bilingual storytime for kids. Every 1st/3rd Saturday. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • Kids Gone Fishing with Boulder County Open Space. Kids learn lots about how to fish. They go through stations learning techniques and practice skills. Please register at 303.678.6219 or mbowie@bouldercounty.org. Free. Ages 5 to 15.
  • Home Depot Building Project. Kids can build something new each time they participate. Drop in. Free. All ages. 9:00 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
  • Boulder Outdoor Cinema: Back to the Future. This is such a fun event and I love it when they show kid friendly flicks! Gates open at 7. Live band starts at 7:30. Movie starts at dusk.
  • Classic Car Show at 29th Street Mall. Restored cars, food & drink. Fun to look at for those car fanatic families. Free. 2:00 to 6:00pm.
  • Open Arts Fest. Lots of artists, demonstrations, children’s activities. Free. 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Sunday, July 22

  • 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.”
  • Open Arts Fest. Lots of artists, demonstrations, children’s activities. Free. 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Monday, July 23

Tuesday, July 24

  • 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.
  • Children’s Author/Illustrator: Kadir Nelson at the Boulder Public Library. This very special event brings award winning author and artist to Boulder. Kadir has been awarded the Caldecott Honor and many others. 7:00 to 8:00pm.

Wednesday, July 25

  • Story Hour and Five Senses Children Hike. It’s story time at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage!  Join OSMP for interactive, nature-themed books. Children participate with animal noises, sound effects, and more. If the weather is too hot, there will hands-on nature activity in the cottage. Free. Ages 3 to 6. 9:30 to 10:30am.
  • 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, July 26

Upcoming Events:
  • Kids Races in Boulder: August 9, August 30. Lengths vary, but these are just pure fun for families! Click the link to find out how to register and more information.
  • Summer Heritage Days at Walker Ranch on July 29

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 #July