Boulder Family Projects: DIY Recycled Garden Markers

The garden is finally all in the ground. It looks great, but we really needed some markers. I hate to let this opportunity slide to get the kids involved in creating something for the garden. They love to pick the plants and harvest the produce and fruit, but I wanted them to have some artistic buy in, so I wanted them to create garden markers. Here are some ideas of ways you can create markers:

1. Wood Markers: You can pick out sticks or 1×2 cedar in short 1ft lengths [more or less as you like]. The kids can carefully carve points on the ends for pushing into the ground. Then then can draw [paint or sharpies] on the wood. On sticks you could create flags with tape to draw on.

2. Rock Markers: Find rocks and have the kids paint names of the plants/veggies in the garden. These turn out super cute. Any rocks work. I like to take the kids on a walk to find the “right” ones for them.

3. Recycled CD Markers: Remember all those old CDs sitting around that you never listen to? The ones that clutter your house. Grab some of those [If you don’t have them ask a friend or neighbor!] and have your kids use sharpies to write the names of each of your plants/veggies. They can add artwork or whatever they like. They could easily embellish with gems or stickers [great for little kids!]. We then used a glue gun and some popsicle sticks to make the stake. They love them and they were so easy!

What every you decide to do consider having your kids go into the garden with you and write down a list of the different veggies/fruit you have. They can do some fun math with this one [e.g., if we have 5 tomato plants, 6 pepper plants, & 3 basil plants, how many do we have all together]. They can also get some writing practice by writing down the different types of plants for which you need markers. The ideas are endless. Whatever you do have fun with it! It always helps if you stay involved and make some markers or something else that has to do with the garden at the same time.

How do you get your kids involved in the garden?

Boulder Family Events: June 1 to 7, 2012

june 1 to 7, 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 week:

Notice the Free Days: Denver Art Museum, Children’s Museum of Denver, & Boulder History Museum.

Friday, June 1

  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Boulder Public Library presents Wise Fool New Mexico’s “Too Much Noise”. This is a circus and puppetry production. Main Library. All ages. Free. Doors open at 10:45.
  • Family Game Night. Meadows Branch Library. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Fun for the whole family!
  • First Fridays “On The Plaza” featuring the Elevation Swing Orchestra. 18 piece swing band will perform in front of the North Wing of the Boulder Main Library. Bring a blanket and a picnic if you like. 6:30 to 7:45pm. All ages. Free.

Saturday, June 2

 

  • Touch a Truck Check out big trucks, small trucks, and all sorts of trucks. Louisville Recreation Center. 9:00 to 11:30am.  Free.
  • Boulder History Museum Family Day: Mining. Noon to 4:00pm. Free with museum entry.
  • Denver Art Museum FREE DAY! Admission is free all day.
  • Chalk Arts Festival at Larimer Square, Denver. This festival looks like a great experience for the whole family. See amazing chalk art, create your own chalk art, and get a chance to check out Larimer Square. Free. June 2 & 3.
  • French/English Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free.

  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. All ages. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. 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

  • Gardening with Native Flowers brought to you by the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks [OSMP]. Expert gardner and naturalist Dave Sutherland will lead this program. Free. All ages. 2:30 to 4:30pm at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.

Sunday, June 3

Monday, June 4

Tuesday, June 5

  • Children’s Museum of Denver FREE NIGHT. Admission is FREE from 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • Children’s Storytime @ George Reynolds Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Lap Babies at the Main Boulder Library. Babies up to 12 months explore books & stories with their caregivers. 10:15 to 11:00am. No older children, please! Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Family Camping Basics at REI. Learn more about how to make camping as a family accessible, easy, and fun! 6:30 to 8:00pm.
  • Tumbling/Movement Class Demos at the JCC. Free. 12-30 months: 10:00 to 10:30am & 2.5 to 5 years: 10:40 to 11:10am.

Wednesday, June 6

  • Children’s Storytime @ Meadows Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. Free. Ongoing.

  • 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.
  • 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

Thursday, June 7

Upcoming Events

  • Boulder Jewish Festival 2012 on June 10 from 11:00 to 5:00pm
  • A Paris Street Market at 29th Street Mall from 9:00am to 3:00pm
  • CU Wizards: Black Holes on June 9
  • Bands on the Bricks on Pearl Street Mall all summer Fridays from 12:00 to 1:30pm

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.


Boulder Families Deals: Great deals for families

Here are some of great deals that Boulder Families might want to check out. These are the top ones for the week. I sift through all the deals out there an find ones that seem authentic, valuable for families, and are preferably local or with local interest. If you know of anything else out there feel free to comment!

  • Jumpstreet Deal from Groupon. Here is a great way to blow off steam for your kids during those hot summer months. For 2 hours: 1 person/$10; 2 people/$19; 3 people/$35
  • 1 Year Subscription to National Geographic Little Kids for $10. This is a great deal brought to you by Mamapedia. The usual rate is $20/year even out of the magazine.
  • Check out the Da Vinci Machines Exhibit at the Denver Pavilions. For elementary aged kids and parents alike this is a great opportunity to explore this Renaissance icon’s creations. On loan from the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence, Italy. $14/2 tickets.
  • Date night deal! Agave Mexico Bistro and Tequila House [Valmont and 28th in Boulder] is offering a deal for $29 you get 2 entrees, an appetizer, and 2 margaritas. I live Agave and at $29 for 2, I love it for date night or a girls night out.

#boulder #kids #deals

Kids’ Summer Reading: Boulder Style!

School is out. Kids are getting settled into a new routine. How do we keep out kids reading? Check out these great programs and resources to keep our kids reading all summer long! These programs really motivate kids to read with great books, give aways and incentives. Join 1 or all 3. Which ones do you like the most?

Boulder Area Reading Programs

Boulder Public Library: Their reading program, Dream Big: Read!, started today. You can sign up at any library  and your kids can earn prizes, books, and a pool party. Join any time, but the sooner the better!

Grandrabbits: This Summer join Grandrabbit’s “Jump Into Reading”. Staring June 11th, children 3 to 13 can join their Summer Reading Program at the store. Read books, fill out a tracking sheet, then bring it in for a special prize.

Boulder Bookstore: Their summer reading program starts June 1. The program is aimed at kids K to 8. Kids go to the store, grab a tracking form, & pick up a few books to kick off the program. Kids read 6 books total and they can earn a $5 gift card to the Boulder Bookstore.

Summer Reading Resources/Lists

Boulder Family Events: May 25 to 31, 2012

may 25 to 31, 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!

Friday, May 25

Saturday, May 26

  • Boulder Creek Festival. This festival includes a children’s area, food, arts & crafts, and much more. All ages.
  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. All ages. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing activity.

  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Map. 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] provides FREE 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. The museum is Free during the Farmer’s Market as well. All ages.

Sunday, May 27

  • Boulder Creek Festival. This festival includes a children’s area, food, arts & crafts, and much more. 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, May 28 [Happy Memorial Day!]

Tuesday, May 29

  • Children’s Storytime @ George Reynolds Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Bilingual Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free.
  • Read to the Dog at the Main Boulder Library. Practice reading to Cooper, a certified therapy dog. Sign up by calling 303.441.3099. Ages 5 to 12. Free. 3:30 to 4:45pm.
  • Lap Babies at the Main Boulder Library. Babies up to 12 months explore books & stories with their caregivers. 10:15 to 11:00am. No older children, please! Free. Ongoing activity.

Wednesday, May 30

  • Children’s Storytime @Meadows Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. 9 to 24 months. Ongoing.

  • Discovery Days at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center. Ages 2 to 5. Low cost [$3.50 to $4.50/child]. Drop-in sessions: 9:00 to 10:15, 10:15 to 11:30, 12:30 to 2:00.

  • Family Garden Story and Song Time at Barnes & Noble. Join Kristin from Famiy Garden to sing and cut some fruits. Free. 1:00pm.
  • Storytime with Judy Volc @ Barnes & Noble. Free. 10:00am.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Purchase your veggies, fruits, flowers and other food items, as well as listen to music and dine on prepared foods from the food area. Always a Boulder favorite. Art Stop, a kids’ free art activity, by BMOCA is happening too. 4:00 to 8:00pm.

Thursday, May 31

Upcoming Events

  • Boulder Jewish Festival 2012 on June 10 from 11:00 to 5:00pm
  • A Paris Street Market at 29th Street Mall from 9:00am to 3:00pm
  • CU Wizards: Black Holes on June 9
  • Bands on the Bricks on Pearl Street Mall all summer Fridays from 12:00 to 1:30pm

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.

Boulder Family Events: May 18 to 24, 2012

may 18 to 24, 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!

Friday, May 18

Saturday, May 19

  •  CU Wizards: SPEED! 9:30 to 10:30am. Free. On campus in Duane G1B30
  • Dinosaur Express Train @ The Colorado Train Museum in Golden. This is a special event at the museum.
  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. All ages. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing activity.

  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Map. 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] 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

  • Family Day at CU Museum of Natural History: May’s theme is Running Water: Rivers, Streams and Faucets. All ages. Free. 1:00 to 4:00pm. Explore the size, shape, color, habitat, taste and behavior of beetles, the most diverse specie on earth! Learn what links all 400,000 species together and sing some Beatles songs as well.
  • Fishing Fun! With Boulder OSMP. All ages. 9:00 to 11:00am. Free, but you need to register by calling 303.441.3440.
  • Hiking as a Family with OSMP. 12:30 to 2:00pm. All ages. Free. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage.
  • Learn Origami Workshop at the Boulder Public Library. 10:15 to noon. Ages 10 and over.

Sunday, May 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, May 21

Tuesday, May 22

  • Children’s Storytime @ George Reynolds Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Lap Babies at the Main Boulder Library. Babies up to 12 months explore books & stories with their caregivers. 10:15 to 11:00am. No older children, please! Free. Ongoing activity.

Wednesday, May 23

  • Children’s Storytime @ Meadows Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. 9 to 24 months. Ongoing.

  • Discovery Days at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center. Ages 2 to 5. Low cost [$3.50 to $4.50/child]. Drop-in sessions: 9:00 to 10:15, 10:15 to 11:30, 12:30 to 2:00.

  • Barnes & Noble Storytime. Ongoing activity. 10:00am.
  • Gymboree Storytime @ Barnes and Noble. Stories, movement and more. Ongoing activity. 1:00pm.

Thursday, May 24

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.

Boulder Family Events: May 11 to 18, 2012

may 11 to 18, 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!

Friday, May 11

Saturday, May 12

  • Hill Flee Market. An event happening on The Hill with great finds, yoga, music, and much more. For a listing of kids’ events click here.
  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. All ages. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing activity.

  • Top Hogs: The Einsteins of Porcine. Join the Boulder Library for 2 amazing, comedy-filled trick pig show that is action-packed and fun for the entire family. All ages. At George Reynolds Library from 11 to noon. At the Meadows Branch Library at 3:00pm.

  • Golden History Museum’s Blacksmith Day. Blacksmiths will be forging iron into useful items. Amazing to watch!  All ages. Free.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Map. 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] 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

  • Family Day at CU Museum of Natural History: May’s theme is Running Water: Rivers, Streams and Faucets. Kids with BeetlesAll ages. Free. 1:00 to 4:00pm. Explore the size, shape, color, habitat, taste and behavior of beetles, the most diverse specie on earth! Learn what links all 400,000 species together and sing some Beatles songs as well!

  • Bookmaking for Kids at Two Hands Paperier. Ages 5+. 10:30 to 1:00pm. Cost $55 [1 child/1 adult]

Sunday, May 13 [Happy Mother’s Day!]

Monday, May 14

Tuesday, May 15

  • Children’s Storytime @ George Reynolds Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Lap Babies at the Main Boulder Library. Babies up to 12 months explore books & stories with their caregivers. 10:15 to 11:00am. No older children, please! Free. Ongoing activity.

Wednesday, May 16

  • Children’s Storytime @ Meadows Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

  • Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. 9 to 24 months. Ongoing.

  • Discovery Days at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center. Ages 2 to 5. Low cost [$3.50 to $4.50/child]. Drop-in sessions: 9:00 to 10:15, 10:15 to 11:30, 12:30 to 2:00.

  • Barnes & Noble Storytime. Ongoing activity. 10:00am.
  • Gymboree Storytime @ Barnes and Noble. Stories, movement and more. Ongoing activity. 1:00pm.

Thursday, May 17

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

Family Friendly Recipes: Where to find ’em

The days are long and full at this time of year. School is about to let out. The number of events and things we need to do at this time of year seems to increase exponentially. When is there time to cook? Here are some ideas of where to find easy, healthy and delicious meals:

Summer Express: 101 Simple Meals Ready in 10 Minutes or Less by Mark Bitmann (thanks, Kim!)

Cure Organic Farm CSA Recipes: Fantastic seasonal recipes

Delicious Living: lots of great options here

Elana’s Pantry: great gluten free cooking options

Whole Foods: lots of delicious options here

Where do you look for healthy, seasonal, quick family friendly recipes? What else is out there? Share a favorite recipe, please!

Boulder Family Events: May 4 to 10, 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. there are a lot of free day events at major museums this week to enjoy.

Have a fantastic week!

Friday, May 4

  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Family Game Night. Meadows Branch Library. 4:00 to 6:00pm. Fun for the whole family!

  • Bold Doors Student Art Exhibit. 3:00 to 5:00pm & May 5, 9:00 to 3:00pm.

    This is a student art exhibit and kick off event featuring repurposed doors artistically redesigned by students. Sponsored by the Center for ReSource Conservation. Support a great local organization and our artistic children!

Saturday, May 5

  • Dan Zanes and Friends at the Boulder Theater. Great kids’ music and a treat to have them in Boulder! Tickets cost $12.50/kids & $25/adults.

  • Denver Art Museum Target FREE day.
  • Nature Journaling and Migration with OSMP. All ages. Free. 9:00 to Noon. You must register ahead of time by calling 303.413.7657.
  • Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. All ages. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am. Ongoing activity.

  • French/English Storytime at the Main Library. All ages. Free. 10:15 to 11am.

  • Colorado Railroad Museum is FREE today.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. 8:00 to 2:00pm. 13th Street between Arapahoe & Canyon Blvd. Map. 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] provides FREE guided art activities for kids on Saturdays during the Farmer’s Market. 8:00am to 2:00pm. All ages

  • African Dance and Drum performance at the Canyon Theater of the Boulder Main Library. All ages. Free. 2:00 to 3:00pm.
  • Family Day at CU Museum of Natural History: May’s theme is Running Water: Rivers, Streams and Faucets. Kids with BeetlesAll ages. Free. 1:00 to 4:00pm. Explore the size, shape, color, habitat, taste and behavior of beetles, the most diverse specie on earth! Learn what links all 400,000 species together and sing some Beatles songs as well!

  • Bold Doors Student Art Exhibit. 9:00 to 3:00pm. This is a student art exhibit and kick off event featuring repurposed doors artistically redesigned by students. Sponsored by the Center for ReSource Conservation.

Sunday, May 6

Monday, May 7

Tuesday, May 8

Wednesday, May 9

  • Children’s Storytime @ Meadows Branch Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

  • Cruisers & Crawlers @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:30am. 9 to 24 months. Ongoing.

  • Discovery Days at the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center. Ages 2 to 5. Low cost [$3.50 to $4.50/child]. Drop-in sessions: 9:00 to 10:15, 10:15 to 11:30, 12:30 to 2:00.

  • Barnes & Noble Storytime. Ongoing activity. 10:00am.
  • Gymboree Storytime @ Barnes and Noble. Stories, movement and more. Ongoing activity. 1:00pm.

Thursday, May 10

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

50 Free Things To Do This Summer!

Here is a great list of 50 FREE things to do this summer in the Denver/Boulder area. Most of them are family friendly. Some will surprise even those of us who have lived here for a long time. Others will just be a reminder of things we have been wanting to do, or places we want to revisit–maybe now with kids. No need to pay. Just go. Have an adventure. Try something new. Have fun! What else is should we add to this list?

The FREE list includes:

  • Art Fairs

  • Exhibits
  • Concerts
  • Attractions
  • Tours
  • Day Trips

I would add:

  • Boulder Farmer’s Market

  • Band on the Bricks
  • Live music at 29th Street Mall
  • Pearl Street [playing at the fountain, on the animal statues, at the rocks]

Here’s the link to 50 FREE Summer Things To Do!

A big thinks to http://www.denver.org and @iknowdenver!