Boulder Family Events: January 4 to January 10, 2013


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Friday, January 4

Saturday, January 5

  • WOW! Craft Club. Make paper snowflake garlands, tissue paper snowmen, or a winter wonderland collage. Practice cutting, gluing and tracing techniques while celebrating the snowy season. Free with museum admission [$8].
  • FREE Day at Denver Art Museum. All day.
  • French/English Storytime. Join French teacher Marie for bilingual story time. 10:15 to 11:00am.

Sunday, January 6

  • 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 7

Tuesday, January 8

  • 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. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times in January [8th to 18]
  • 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 9

  • 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. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times in January [8th to 18th].
  • 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 10

  • 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. Ages 2 years through 3rd grade. Various times in January [8th to 18th].
  • American Girl Club @ Barnes & Noble. Join Amy, B & N’s American Girl enthusiast, for reading, games, crafts and fun based on the popular ‘American Girl’ series. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • 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.
  • LEGO Club at 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 Thursday of every month for a 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. 4:00 to 5:30pm.
  • 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

Boulder Family Deals

Here are some family friendly deals happening around Boulder. Image

  • Stockshow Tickets. Kids love Stockshow and these tickets include a choice of specific shows such as Dancing Horses, Mexican Rodeo, etc… This is a Livingsocial offer.
  • Turn Photos to Canvas. You have so many photos from 2012. Maybe it’s time to turn them into cool canvas prints that look great displayed on the wall! This is a Livingsocial offer.
  • Horseback Ride. Have a horse crazy kid? This deal is for a trail ride in Estes for 2+ people.

Boulder Family Events: December 28, 2012 to January 3, 2013

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Happy New Years 2013!

What to do outdoors: hit the sledding hills, check out the train table at Barnes and Noble, head to your favorite coffee shop with your kids for some hot cocoa or cider and a chat, walk around Pearl Street and climb on the rocks or just check out the beautiful decorations, check out the

Denver Zoo Lights.

What to do indoors: WOW! Children’s Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, head to NCAR for their interactive exhibits, snuggle up at home with some books or a fun family movie night, discover a new board game, turn off all the lights and light a candle and just sit silently in the night.

Friday, December 28

Saturday, December 29

  • Saturday Storytime at the Downtown Boulder Library. Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, December 30

  • 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, December 31

Tuesday, January 1

  •  Happy New Year!

Wednesday, January 2

  • What’s happening today? 

Thursday, January 3

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 #December #January

Boulder Family Events: December 21 to December 27, 2012

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Welcome to a slow week here for families in Boulder.

What to do outdoors: hit the sledding hills, check out the train table at Barnes and Noble, head to your favorite coffee shop with your kids for some hot cocoa or cider and a chat, walk around Pearl Street and climb on the rocks or just check out the beautiful decorations, check out the

Denver Zoo Lights.

What to do indoors: WOW! Children’s Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, snuggle up at home with some books or a fun family movie night, discover a new board game, turn off all the lights and light a candle and just sit silently in the night.

Friday, December 21 It’s the Winter Solstice today!

Saturday, December 22

  • St. Nick on the Bricks. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. This is the last day. 11:00am to 2:00pm at 1301 Pearl Street
  • Amazing Ornaments and Gift Tags. These will make great gifts or hang them from the tree. WOW Children’s Museum. 11:00 to 1:00pm.
  • Saturday Storytime at the Downtown Boulder Library. Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, December 23

  • Holiday Hike with OSMP staff. This is a nighttime holiday hike at Chautauqua where you can enjoy caroling to the deer and take in spectacular views of Boulder’s holiday lights along the way. Meet at the Ranger Cottage at Chautauqua. Hot chocolate provided before and after this easy hike. Bring treats to share with all! Please dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear. Trails may be slick and icy, so strap-on traction for your boots is HIGHLY recommended. Free. 6:00 to 8:00pm
  • 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.”

Monday, December 24

Tuesday, December 25    Merry Christmas! 

Wednesday, December 26

Thursday, December 27

  • Creekwalk Storytime: Who’s Here For Winter? Back by popular demand, families, join together for a story and activities including an outdoor exploration along Boulder Creek. Dress for the weather, and please remember to leave four-footed family members at home. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am.
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 #December

Boulder Family Events: December 14 to December 20, 2012

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Friday, December 14

Saturday, December 15

  • FamilyDance Planet. FamilyDance Planet is a monthly dance party for families!
    As we near the longest night of the year, we dance to remember our light within!
    We welcome live DJ Mark Whaley … spinning dancing grooves for the whole family.
  • St. Nick on the Bricks. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. 11:00am to 2:00pm at 1301 Pearl Street
  • French/English Storytime. Join this great bilingual reading. Free. 10:15 to 11:00am
  • Saturday Storytime at the Downtown Boulder Library. Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, December 16

  • Nature for Parents and Kids: Oh Deer! Prance into the woods and enjoy a little magic with Debora Martin, Early Childhood Educator/Volunteer Naturalist. We’ll put on our headbands, pretend we’re a herd of deer, play a game and learn a song while in their habitat! Meet at the Lehigh Street entrance to Shanahan Ridge (search 1903 Lehigh Street in Boulder, where Lehigh and Lafayette Streets intersect) for an easy hike. Ages 6+. Free. 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, December 17

Tuesday, December 18

Wednesday, December 19

Thursday, December 20

What is your family up to this weekend? 
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 #December

Boulder Family Events: December 7 to December 13, 2012

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Special Events This Week: Longmont Lights Holiday Parade, Pajama Night, Family Day at the CU Museum of Natural History, FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Lafayette Home for the Holidays, St. Nick on the Bricks, LEGO Club!, & Menorah Lighting on Pearl Street Mall

Friday, December 7

  • Friday Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.
  • Family Game Night at Meadows Branch Library. Try some new games and spend time together as a family! 4:30 to 6:30pm. Free.
  • Longmont Lights: A weekend holiday parade. This one looks great! Longmont Lights Parade, visit Santa, free hot cocoa carts, Santa’s workshop, Reindeer visits, sleigh rides, food trucks, mini train rides, and much more! Free event. 5:00 to 8:00pm
  • Pajama Night at the Downtown Boulder Library. Imagination Makers Theater Company present the play, Dreams, where kids imagine a world where there are pet tigers, and vending machines that dispense food for the homeless! What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Pajamas preferred. Free. Ages  to 12. 7:00 to 8:00pm

Saturday, December 8

Sunday, December 9

Monday, December 10

Tuesday, December 11

  • Menorah Lighting on Pearl Street Mall. Meet on the 1300 block of Pearl Street to light an 8 ft high menorah in honor of Chanukah. Enjoy a special concert following the lighting by artist Steve Brodsky, complete with fresh donuts, hot drinks, a dreidle guessing game and much more fun!  Special Chanukah lightup necklaces for the first 150 participants. Free. All ages. 5:30pm.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. 10:15am
  • Lap Babies at the Main Boulder Library. A program for babies birth to 12 months and their caregivers.

Wednesday, December 12

Thursday, December 13

What is your family up to this weekend? 
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 #December

Fisher Auto: Bringing the Keeping Kids Safe Project to Boulder

keepingkidssafeThis Friday & Saturday Fisher Auto is bringing The Keeping Kids Safe Project to Boulder.  This is a FREE event where you can have your children’s vital information collected: finger prints and images. You are given these items for safe keeping. I hate to be a part of fueling the fear factor around child abductions, but considering the incident that happened very near us recently I think this may be a valuable resource for families. Even if it is just for piece of mind.

Information from Fisher Auto’s website:

What: S.I.P. Kids will be on hand running the event and taking FBI quality digital fingerprints and photographs of your children.  This inkless digital capture device will provide high quality images that will be added to your child’s file.  This file is then provided to the parent to store for safe-keeping.  The only record taken is sent directly home – we do not database any information.  In case of an emergency, parents will then be able to turn this file over to the authorities anywhere in the world to instantly aid in the investigation, saving crucial time and resources.

Why: Many children are reported missing in the USA each year.  Although some are found within a few minutes or hours police officials say that time is critical in the recovery of a missing child.  A major source of wasted time is in the gathering of resources, fingerprints, statistical information and photographs which can be avoided by providing a pre-made file to the authorities.

When: Friday, 12/7, 3 to 7pm & Saturday, 12/8, 10am to 4pm

Where: Fisher Auto at 6025 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder

Boulder Family Events: November 30 to December 6, 2012

Special Events This Week: FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum, Rudolph Dash 5k Walk/Run, Lights of December Parade, CU Wizards–Bio Chem!, St. Nick on the Bricks, & Author Reading of Pigs Over Boulder 2, 

Friday, November 30

Saturday, December 1

Sunday, December 2

  • 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, December 3

Tuesday, December 4

Wednesday, December 5

Thursday, December 6

Upcoming Family Events:

December 9: FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

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 #November #December

Boulder Family Events: November 23 to November 29, 2012

Special Events This Week: St. Nick on the Bricks, FREE Day at the Zoo, & Boulder Folders

Friday, November 23

  • St. Nick on the Bricks. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. 11:00am to 2:00pm at 1301 Pearl Street
  • Friday Children’s Storytime at the Main Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing activity.

Saturday, November 24

  • St. Nick on the Bricks. Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. 11:00am to 2:00pm at 1301 Pearl Street
  • Boulder Folders @ the Main Boulder Library. Children and adults age 10 and over come learn to fold origami. Bring paper if you have it. 10:15am to Noon.
  • Saturday Storytime @ the Main Boulder Library. Listen to stories and enjoy a morning at the library. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, November 25

  • 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, November 26

Tuesday, November 27

  • Yikes, I have nothing to share today!

Wednesday, November 28

Thursday, November 29

Upcoming Family Events:
December 1:
  • FREE Day at the Denver Art Museum
  • Lights of December Parade 6:00pm Downtown Boulder
  • CU Wizards: Bio Chem for Kids! 9:30am on campus

December 5: Boulder Children’s Author Kerry MacLean will read Pigs Over Boulder 2 at the Boulder Bookstore

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 #November

BVSD Open Enrollment Time Is Here!

Open Enrollment. These two words bring strong emotions to the parents of Boulder. For some who chose to enroll their kids in their neighborhood school, open enrollment in the Boulder Valley School District [BVSD] is not a big deal. Phew! For the 40% of us who do open enroll our children it can be stressful.

So what is open enrollment in BVSD? Any child can go to any school based on availability by entering their child into the lottery system called, Open Enrollment. All families in BVSD can look at all schools to see which one seems to meet their child[ren]’s needs best. There are many choices [charter schools, focus schools, and neighborhood schools] and each has it’s benefits and drawbacks. But ultimately many of us choose to open enroll our children to try and find the best fit. For more details on open enrollment click here.

There are two main types of BVSD schools:

1. Neighborhood Schools: These are the schools that are designated for your neighborhood. Your child can always get into these schools if you live within the boundaries. You DO NOT need to open enroll to these schools if you are in the neighborhood, but you CAN if you want your child to go to the school, but you are not in the designated boundary.

2. Focus/Charter Schools: These are open enrollment schools that serve ALL of BVSD. There are NO designated neighborhood boundaries for Focus and Charter schools. You MUST open enroll to these schools. 

To help you visualize the open enrollment process here is the BVDS open enrollment flow chart:

For Boulder Families with younger children there are a few schools that have open enrollment options for preschool, such as Community Montessori. For these schools, open enrolling at preschool age is the best way to secure a slot for your child. So even if your child is too young for elementary schools, taking a look at the open enrollment process can be really helpful.

Open enrollment happens for a limited time. You MUST apply to open enroll your child between November 26, 2012 and January 18, 2013. For more details on the dates click here. To get an open enrollment application head to the BVSD website starting November 26, 2012. Good luck to everyone open enrolling a child this year!