Boulder Parks and Recreation Offers FREE Events in July!

Boulder Parks and Recreation is offering FREE Events in July! 
 
Check out these Free Days at their pools & Rec Centers in July! Want to try out a recreation center or pool? Here is your opportunity to try it for FREE!
 
  • East Boulder Community Center July 9
  • Boulder Reservoir July 22
  • Spruce Pool July 16
  • North Boulder Recreation Center July 24
  • South Boulder Recreation Center July 29

There are also FREE Concerts in the parks throughout July! Find your neighborhood park and plan a night out! All concerts are from 7:00 to 8:00pm.

  • July 1: Harlow Platts Park [1360 Gillaspie] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 8: Salberg Park [19th St and Elder Ave] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 15: Scott Carpenter Park [1505 30th St] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 22: North Boulder Park [9th St and Dellwood] Presents the  Boulder Summer Concert Band
  • July 29: Chautauqua Park [900 Baseline Rd] Presents the Boulder Summer Concert Band

Boulder Family Events: June 28 to July 4, 2013

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Friday, June 28

Saturday, June 29

  • 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.
  • Twenty Ninth Street Live! Live musical performances Saturday nights throughout the summer. Food trucks, drinks, music. All outside at the Twenty Ninth Street Mall. 7:00 to 10:00pm. 

Sunday, June 30

Monday, July 1

Tuesday, July 2

Wednesday, July 3

  • Bands on the Bricks. Get down and enjoy great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm [libations starting at 5:30pm]
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, July 4–Happy 4th of July!

Boulder Family Events: June 21 to June 27, 2013

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Friday, June 21

  • Noon Tunes on Pearl Street Mall. Head down to Pearl Street for some free, grooving good tunes. Let the kids play in the pop fountain and dance the afternoon away. Noon to 1:30pm.
  • Friday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Come listen to stories. Free. 10:15am.
  • Wanda & The Wave Children’s Theatrical Performance. A giant wave looms over the home of Wanda. “Drip-drop!” she scolds the wave, as she goes about daily life with her dog Bones, not realizing that the wave is a companion who loves her.  A stranger muses on the possibilities of the wave, awakening Wanda’s curiosity as to what lies beyond. Told through puppetry, “Wanda & The Wave” is a whimsical tale about
    appreciating the world around us. The audience will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the puppets and performers. 7:00pm.

Saturday, June 22

Sunday, June 23

  • Ballet in the Park with the Boulder Ballet. The ninth-annual outdoor concert series, free to the public! This family-friendly repertoire concert features excerpts from the season along with new works, in classical and contemporary styles. Come early with a picnic, enjoy a beautiful summer evening with the ballet, and then marvel at the spontaneous dancing by children from the audience after the show! Performance length is approximately one hour. Boulder’s Central Park Bandshell, Downtown. Free. 7:00pm.
  • Charlotte’s Web performed by the Now or Never Theater brings this classic tale to life with puppets, shadows and storytelling performed by Betsy Tobin and Margarita Blush. Children and adults will love this touching story enacted with puppets and magical shadow imagery of the webs that Charlotte weaves for her friend, Wilbur.
    at the Boulder Public Library. Free. 2:00 to 3:00pm at the Main Boulder Library Canyon Theater.
  • Wanda & The Wave Children’s Theatrical Performance. See description on 6/21. Showtimes: 3:00pm

Monday, June 24

Tuesday, June 25

  • GrandRabbits’ Play Day. Join this great toy store for unique crafts and activities each week. Free. 11:00am.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am.
  • PJ Storytime at the George Reynolds Branch library. Wear your PJ’s and bring a teddy bear for this fun filled storytime. 10:15am.
  • Teen Summer Film Festival presents Lincoln. For middle- and high schooled- aged youth only! Pizza in the Teen Art Gallery at 5:00. Movie in the Boulder Creek Room at 5:30.Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg. As the Civil War continues to rage, America’s president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.
    Seating in chairs or on floor instead of theater seats—bring pillows and blankets for comfort!

Wednesday, June 26

  • Summer Reading Crafts at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Open to all. 3:00pm.
  • Bands on the Bricks. Get down and enjoy great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm [libations starting at 5:30pm]
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, June 27

  • History Hunters at the Boulder Public Library. Enjoy the musical quest as the History Hunter sets out to search through the world’s history, discovering stories of remarkable people who have made a difference along the way. Filled with amazing songs, festive dances, and a cast of wonderful characters. 11:00am Canyon Theater at the Main Boulder Library.
  • LEGO Club at the 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 and 4th Thursday of every month for storytime and 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.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.

Teen Movie Series at the Boulder Public Library Looks Great!

theaterThe Boulder Public Library never ceases to amaze me! Their programming for our community is exemplary and they certainly do not leave out Boulder Families. I am so excited to see that they are offering Teen Movie Screenings including pizza! So if you have a child going into middle or high school this is the place to be. Drop them off to see movies like:

  • Skyfall: June 18, 2013
  • Lincoln: June 25, 2013
  • Princess Bride: July 2, 2013
  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower: July 16, 2013
  • The King of California: July 23, 2013
  • Edward Scissorhands: July 30, 2013

Now that’s a great line up! And one even your teen will enjoy. So have them grab a friend and head over for these free movie and pizza nights. Can’t beat this! Thanks, Boulder Public Library!

More details on teen programming and these movie nights click here.

Boulder Family Events: June 14 to June 20, 2013

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Friday, June 14

Saturday, June 15

  • 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.
  • Hellen Olson: The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Great for the whole family whether you are veteran campers or just want to start getting your family out. 11:00am to Noon.
  • Louisville Public Library Kickoff Event for All Summer Reading: Digging in the Dirt. All ages are welcome to participate in this hands-on program presented by Dr. Cathy Regan of the University of Colorado Museum. Much of what is done at the Museum starts with digging in the dirt. Explore and share some of the techniques and collections: Archaeology—Dig up ancient southwestern potsherds to discover how much insight we gain into people’s lives from a single broken piece of pottery. Paleontology—Search for real fossils in material dug up by ants in Wyoming. Animal adaptations for living in the dirt. Look at real museum specimens up close to learn about what it takes to excavate and live underground. 10:00am to Noon. 

Sunday, June 16 — Happy Father’s Day! 

  • Ballet in the Park with the Boulder Ballet. The ninth-annual outdoor concert series, free to the public! This family-friendly repertoire concert features excerpts from the season along with new works, in classical and contemporary styles. Come early with a picnic, enjoy a beautiful summer evening with the ballet, and then marvel at the spontaneous dancing by children from the audience after the show! Performance length is approximately one hour. Broomfield Amphitheater.
  • Charlotte’s Web performed by the Now or Never Theater brings this classic tale to life with puppets, shadows and storytelling performed by Betsy Tobin and Margarita Blush. Children and adults will love this touching story enacted with puppets and magical shadow imagery of the webs that Charlotte weaves for her friend, Wilbur.
    at the Boulder Public Library. Free. 2:00 to 3:00pm at the Main Boulder Library Canyon Theater.

Monday, June 17

Tuesday, June 18

Wednesday, June 19

  • Summer Reading Crafts at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Open to all. 3:00pm.
  • Bands on the Bricks. Get down and enjoy great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm [libations starting at 5:30pm]
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, June 20

Boulder Family Events: June 7 to June 14, 2013

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Friday, June 7

Saturday, June 8

  • Longmont Museum FREE Day. Enjoy a free day at this great museum. Today kicks off their Build! LEGO exhibit and interactive events. 10:00am to 2:00pm. 
  • Snow White performed by Theater-Hikes Colorado. Audience and actors take a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. There are additional performances, but in the past this has sold out, so get your tickets! SOLD OUT!
  • 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.
  • Eldorado Canyon Junior Rangers. Resource-based nature programs for kids 6 to 12 years. The program is free with a parking pass or annual pass. 10:00 to 11:15am. More details: 303.494.3943.
  • Dig In To The World of Henry Cole at the George Reynolds Branch Library. Join children’s author/illustrator, Henry Cole for this interactive presentation filled with laughter as he brings the art of writing and illustrating for children to life. His vibrant animal illustrations, his love for nature and his imagination will inspire everyone who attends. Free. 11:00 to Noon.

Sunday, June 9

  • Boulder Jewish Festival on Pearl Street. Entertainment, food and fine arts come together to celebrate. This is a family-friendly, fun annual event. Definitely worth checking out!
  • Snow White performed by Theater-Hikes Colorado. Audience and actors take a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. There are additional performances, but in the past this has sold out, so get your tickets!

Monday, June 10

Tuesday, June 11

Wednesday, June 12

  • Bands on the Bricks. Tonight is the first in a series of great live music playing on the Pearl Street Mall. Check out the line up here. Free. 7:00 to 9:00pm. 
  • Now or Never Theater Presents Charlotte’s Web. Adapted from the book by E. B. White by Betsy Tobin of the Now Or Never Theatre: puppets, shadows and storytelling performed by Betsy Tobin and Margarita Blush. Fern’s mother, the storyteller, evokes life in the barn as she tells the story of Wilbur the pig’s unlikely survival and his lasting friendship with a spider and her offspring. Children and adults will love this touching story enacted with puppets and magical shadow imagery of the webs that Charlotte weaves for her friend, Wilbur. Free. Meadows Branch Library. 1:00 to 2:00pm.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • TEBO Train on Pearl Street Mall. Free. 10:00am to 11:15am. More details in the June 10 listing.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, June 13

Family Movie Nights [Not the ones in the movie theater!]

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My family loves a good movie night! We often have a tough time finding a movie we agree upon. Recently we have tried to find some good oldies and it’s worked. The kids actually like them. And they tend to be free or cheap to watch.

home-aloneYou don’t have to pay [or pay much] to watch some wonderful movies! To get them free or almost free you have to stick to the older movies. Most kids won’t jump up and down for joy when you tell them you are going to play Princess Bride, but they usually end up loving them despite themselves. Head to the library, use Amazon Prime Instant Video [if you’ve got it already], or check your cable company’s free On Demand movie section. Babble has an interesting Top 10 List of free or almost free movies: 10 Picks for Cheap [or free!] Family Movie Nights.

In Boulder you can check out the Boulder Outdoor Cinema’s showings too. Some are better for the family than others! For 2013 it looks like Despicable Me & Princess Bride are the family-friendly winners in the line up.

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You cannot always count on movie ratings, especially with older movies, to tell you all you want to know about the movie you are considering watching with your family. To check out the appropriateness of a movie you can head to Common Sense Media where you can look into the movie themes and appropriateness for your kids’ age group. This is a fantastic resource since it really is tough to know what is appropriate for your family!

Enjoy family movie night without the huge expense of taking the family to the movie theater! The oldies really are goodies when it comes to watching movies with your kids!

Any other movie recommendations? What are your family’s favorite movies?

Boulder Family Events: May 31 to June 6, 2013

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Friday, May 31

Saturday, June 1

  • FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum. 
  • Snow White performed by Theater-Hikes Colorado. Audience and actors take a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. There are additional performances, but in the past this has sold out, so get your tickets!
  • 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, June 2

  • Circle Boulder By Bicycle Fun Ride presented by Community Cycles. Kick off Boulder Walk & Bike Month in style. This non-competitive ride follows the city’s bikeways, beginning and ending at Scott Carpenter Park and is open to all ages. Riders can register for free and start the ride for the approximately 26-mile or 16-mile  rides. Participants that need extra time, for either ride, can register earlier. Participants will loop around Boulder using a linking network of paths, neighborhood streets and unpaved trails. A free, post-ride party will take place at Scott Carpenter Park, where the ride began. The free party starts at 5 p.m. and will include refreshments.
  • Snow White performed by Theater-Hikes Colorado. Audience and actors take a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. There are additional performances, but in the past this has sold out, so get your tickets!

Monday, June 3

Tuesday, June 4

Wednesday, June 5

  • West End 3k/1.5k Kids Run. This local favorite kicks off the Downtown Boulder Race Series, taking runners through the vibrant West End district of Pearl Street. The race will include a special 1.5K distance just for the kids. Click here to REGISTER.
  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.
  • Kids Eat FREE tonight at Wahoo’s!

Thursday, June 6

Boulder Family Events: May 24 to 30, 2013

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Climbing in Boulder Canyon with the kids last weekend was great!

Friday, May 24

Saturday, May 25

  • Boulder Creek Festival. This is a fun event for families. There are kids rides, lots of food, kids activities, nonprofits, and lots of great people watching. To get more details on the Kids Place, Teen Fest, and other features of this fun weekend event click here.
  • 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, May 26

  • Boulder Creek Festival. This is a fun event for families. There are kids rides, lots of food, kids activities, nonprofits, and lots of great people watching. To get more details on the Kids Place, Teen Place, and other features of this fun weekend event click here. 

Monday, May 27

  • Boulder Creek Festival. This is a fun event for families. There are kids rides, lots of food, kids activities, nonprofits, and lots of great people watching. To get more details on the Kids Place, Teen Place, and other features of this fun weekend event click here.
  • Bolder Boulder. This is a fun event to run or watch. The link gives you info on the route. There is entertainment all along the way.

Tuesday, May 28

  • Storytime Creekwalk: Clean Up Crew. Meet at the Main Boulder Library for stories and activities including an outdoor explore along Boulder Creek.
  • GrandRabbits’ Play Day. Join this great toy store for unique crafts and activities each week. Free. 11:00am.
  • Musical Story Hour at Chautauqua. Join Boulder Public Library’s Youth Services Staff for a fun story hour full of music, play and dance!  The chosen books will be full of rhythm and song inviting all children and their caregivers to sing along.  The presenters will incorporate movement to help youth feel the groove and joy of books, music and song! The hours are designed for ages 3 to 7 but all ages are welcome. Cost $1. 10:00am

Wednesday, May 29

  • Boulder Farmer’s Market. Meet your farmers, buy some veggies, get some dinner, listen to live music and even have a beer. There is always so much going on at the market and it’s not as crowded as Saturdays, so it’s great for families! 4:00 to 8:00pm.
  • FREE Night at BMoCA. Join them all day to delight in their exhibits. 4 to 8pm.

Boulder Family Events: May 17 to 19, 2013

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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

Saturday, May 18

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.