Get Out and Go Sledding…

sleddingWhat a day to go sledding! With the forecast calling for a bunch of snow in Boulder this is a great opportunity to get the kids out and enjoy some time together! Even young kids can enjoy sledding!

Making it fun! 

1. Always have kids wear helmets!

2. Dress them warmly with lots of layers. Bring hand warmers if possible to pop in their gloves to keep their hands really toasty.

3. Bring warm drinks: Hot cocoa or cider goes a long way to keeping kids warm and comfortable.

Boulder Sledding Hills

Scott Carpenter Park: This is a mellow, fun slope for the kids, but adults enjoy it too!

Tantra Park [Just South of 46th and Hanover]: This sledding hill can get incredibly packed and at places it is steep.

Foothills Community Park: There are some great, low angle slopes here for kids and adults.

Do you have a favorite sledding hill? Tell us about it…

Boulder Family Events: February 15 to February 21, 2013

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Friday, February 15

Saturday, February 16

Sunday, February 17

  • 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, February 18

Tuesday, February 19

Wednesday, February 20

  • Wednesday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy books, songs and more at weekly storytimes for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Cruisers and Crawlers at the Main Boulder Library. On the first three Wednesdays of the month, crawlers and beginning toddlers (9-24 months) explore language and books with their caregivers in a fun and intimate setting. Programs include rhymes, songs and books as well as time for free play and informal discussion of early childhood development. 10:15 to 11:30am.

Thursday, February 21

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #February

Pathways to Parenting Success Offers Free Talks About Important Topics to Boulder Families!

IMG_0171Take advantage of these! The Boulder Psychological Services offers some really incredible, free, lectures on essential parenting topics. Examples include:

  • Technology’s Impact on Child Socialization
  • Understanding and Dealing with Teen Depression
  • Stress Reduction
  • Understanding and Managing Sibling Rivalry
  • Family Communication
  • And lots, lots more!

There are relevant topics for every family and situation! Even if your child isn’t a teen yet, it’s never to soon to start thinking about what is coming up. If you have an infant you still might be interested in topics of stress reduction or understanding family communications.

I highly recommend taking advantage of these free discussions/lectures. They are led by experts in their fields and every one I have attended was worthwhile! You can get more information about upcoming events at www.boulderpsychologicalservices.com. Click on calendar on the left side to find the most complete list of upcoming events. 

Boulder Family Events: February 8 to February 14, 2013

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Friday, February 8

Saturday, February 9

Sunday, February 10

Monday, February 11

Tuesday, February 12

Wednesday, February 13

Thursday, February 14

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #February

Boulder Family Events: February 1 to February 7, 2013

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Friday, February 1

Saturday, February 2

Sunday, February 3

  • Nature for Kids & Parents: Abert’s Squirrel This unique tree dwelling squirrel stays active in the winter.  Visit Abert’s squirrel habitat with OSMP Volunteer Naturalist and learn about it’s fascinating relationship with the Ponderosa Pine.  We’ll be detectives and search for signs, learn a song and play squirrel tag!  Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (map search 1903 Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike.  Free. Ages 6 and up. 1:00 to 2:30pm.
  • FREE Day at the Denver Zoo
  • 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, February 4

Tuesday, February 5

Wednesday, February 6

Thursday, February 7

Upcoming Events:
February 8: Winter Star Party with OSMP. 6:00 to 8:30pm
February 9:

February 10: Annual Bach Festival for Kids at the Main Boulder Library

Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #February

Boulder Family Deals

ice skatingHere are a few great deals for Boulder Families. Some are going fast, like the 50% off at Childish Things, so check them out quick…

  • Morning Glory Farm: $19 for a $40 credit [must be table of 4 or more]. This one is selling out. Check out the gluten-free, vegetarian, organic, farm fresh options they offer. Boulder & Lafayette locations.

Boulder Family Events: January 25 to January 31, 2013

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Friday, January 25

Saturday, January 26

Sunday, January 27

  • Walker Ranch Winter Heritage Days. This is a highly recommended event! Pioneer settlers had a lot to do preparing for and surviving Colorado’s long winters. Learn about typical winter chores when you explore the Walker Ranch Homestead. Tour the ranch, see a working demonstration in the blacksmith shop, and smell food being prepared on the woodstove. Be prepared for cold, windy weather, and to walk in snow. Free. All ages are welcome. 1:00 to 3:00pm.
  • 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.”
  • Nature for Kids & Parents: Tracking Tales! Wild animals leave lots of clues about who they are and what they are up to.  Go on a scavenger hunt with Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist to look for animal clues, play some fun activities to learn how to be good trackers!  Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge for an easy hike.  Or, take the SKIP! Ages 6 and up. 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Monday, January 28

Tuesday, January 29

  • What should go here? 

Wednesday, January 30

Thursday, January 31

Upcoming Events:
February 2: 
Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #January

Boulder Family Events: January 18 to January 24, 2013

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Friday, January 18

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

Saturday, January 19

  • CU Wizards–Polymers, foams & gels! Join CU professors for a wildly fun look at polymers, foams, and gels. Great for older children–grades 5 to 9, but everyone is invited!
  • FamilyDance Planet. This is a monthly dance party for families! Dance to celebrate the beginning of a new year and welcome live DJ Ryel (co-founder of the SF-based creative arts collective Pink Mammoth). There are blankets, pillows, books, shakers, scarves and yoga mats for all to use.
  • Peak Rhythms. Join Peak Rhythms for a fun and interactive drumming and music making program. We’ll provide drums and percussion instruments for everybody, and facilitate a variety of fun musical activities. No experience is necessary. Everybody participates and succeeds. Free. George Reynolds Branch from 11:00am to 12:30pm and Meadows Branch from 3:00 to 4:30pm.
  • The Prairie Saga. We live on the short grass prairie and yet it is one of the most endangered and least understood ecosystems. Come meet Petey, the Prairie Dog, as he learns about the amazing animals that live on the prairie. Snakes, Black Footed Ferrets, Burrowing Owls and Ferruginous Hawks all tell us their stories in an entertaining and educational puppet show. The show is performed by Maureen Lawry and sponsored by the Boulder County Audubon Society. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Free. Ages 6 and up. 1:00 to 2:00pm.
  • Saturday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy books, songs and more at weekly storytimes for all ages.
  • French/English Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Marie is amazing and she will delight all children with her reading of French and English literature.
  • Home Depot Apprentice Day. Bring your child in to the Boulder Home Depot and they can make a hands on project right there. 9 to Noon.

Sunday, January 20

  •  Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, January 21

Tuesday, January 22

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

Wednesday, January 23

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

Thursday, January 24

Upcoming Events:
Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #January

Win A Pair Of Tickets To See Laurie Berkner Live At The Boulder Theater!

laurie berknerBoulder Families is giving away a pair of tickets to see the amazing children’s musician, Laurie Berkner! She is coming to the Boulder Theater on February 2, 2013 for a mid-day show. Laurie is a world renowned children’s musician and will be bringing her “Kindie Rock” to Boulder for this one day show. She is a treat to listen to [even for adults] and always gives a great performance! What a fun thing to do with one of your kids! This show is appropriate for even the youngest kiddos. The pair of tickets is a $50 value.  Thanks for providing these tickets, Boulder Theater!

How to enter:

Leave a comment/reply here telling us what you like to do most with your kids when it’s freezing cold outside. Include your email contact so we can reach you or see below for details.

For an extra entry:

Like Boulder Families on Facebook

How do you know if you won?

We will draw a winner at random on Monday, January 21st at 5pm. If you leave us an email address in your comments we will gladly contact you. We will also post the winner on the blog and Facebook.

Watch Laurie Live

The Boulder Theater wrote: These days critics widely acknowledge Laurie’s major contribution toward launching what is now dubbed the progressive “kindie rock” movement – that is, less saccharine, more rocking music that is not dumbed down for children. 

Learn more about the Boulder Theater and/or buy tickets for Laurie Berkner here.

Learn more about Laurie Berkner at her website here.

Boulder Family Events: January 11 to January 17, 2013

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Friday, January 11

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

Saturday, January 12

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

Sunday, January 13

  • Nature for Kids & Parents: Learn about our neighbor the Abert’s Squirrel. This unique tree dwelling squirrel stays active in the winter.  Visit Abert’s Squirrel habitat with Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist and learn about it’s fascinating relationship with the Ponderosa Pine.  You’ll be detectives and search for signs, learn a song and play squirrel tag!  Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (map search 1903 Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike. No registration required. Ages 6+. 1:00 to 2:30pm.
  • Go Club for Kids & Teens at the Main Boulder Library. 2:00 to 5:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Free. “Learn to play the ancient and mysterious game of Go.”

Monday, January 14

Tuesday, January 15

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

Wednesday, January 16

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • Wednesday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy books, songs and more at weekly storytimes for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Cruisers & Crawlers at the Main Boulder Library. Crawlers and beginning toddlers (9-24 months) explore language and books with their caregivers in a fun and intimate setting. Programs include rhymes, songs and books as well as time for free play and informal discussion of early childhood development. Attendance limited to crawlers and beginning toddlers up to 24 months of age; no older children please.

Thursday, January 17

  • Rope World: Building Strong Minds and Confident Bodies. Rope World is a popular physical education program at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Longmont, Colorado. This program was developed by Mr. Higgins, retired physical education teacher at Rocky Mountain Elementary. The program involves swinging, crawling and climbing on, over and through ropes and other obstacles.  Rope World helps children develop self-confidence, agility and strength as they play freely in a supervised environment. $4/child. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times depending on age so check website for details.
  • Musical Storytime with Alice and Melanie. Join us for a special storytime full of story songs, musical stories, and more! The first Monday and third Thursday of every month. Main Boulder Library. 10:15am.
  • Thursday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Storytime for all children. 10:15 to 11:00am.
  • Toddler Time at the Main Boulder Library. Toddlers (18-36 months) and caregivers explore language and books in a fun and intimate setting. Programs include rhymes, songs and books as well as time for free play and informal discussion of early childhood development. Attendance limited to toddlers up to 36 months of age; no older children please. 10:15 to 11:30am.
  • Open Tumbling for Preschoolers at the Boulder JCC. 9:30 to 11:00am and 2:00 to 4:00pm. $5.
Upcoming Events:
Please let me know of any upcoming events that should be listed here. I am happy to include your free, low cost or unusual event in Boulder Family listing of weekly events. You can reach me at Boulder4Families@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.
#families #free #Boulder #events #boulderfamilies #getoutside #January