Family-Friendly Halloween Events – In and Around Boulder

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Boulder Families

Halloween is around the corner! Can’t wait? Don’t know what kids do on Halloween around Boulder? Take a look at what’s brewing…

Munchkin Masquerade: Head to the Pearl Street Mall for safe & fun trick or treating! Each year, Downtown Boulder is invaded by thousands of tiny ghosts & goblins, dinosaurs & dragons, fairies & princes, super heroes and animals of every size trick-or-treating along Pearl Street. Recommended for children ages 12 and under. More info here

Halloween Journey: Truly a magical, one-of-a-kind, halloween experience for kids! The Boulder Valley Waldorf School campus is transformed into a magical world through which children and parents may travel. The individual presentations touch hearts with messages of wisdom and humor, and images of light that will live on through the cold and dark season of the year. This enchanting experience is lovely alternative to the popular and often gory Halloween experience of modern culture. Purchase tickets ahead of time – they sell out! More info here

Longmont Halloween Parade and Trick or Treat Street: Fun parade for all ages! Dress up in your Halloween Costume, march on Main Street and visit Downtown participating merchants for Trick or Treat Street immediately following the parade. Kids of all ages can be a part of this costume foot parade. No registration is required! Strollers or wagons are recommended for tiny feet. Dogs must be leashed. 9:30 am Line-up in front of the St. Vrain Memorial Building, 700 Longs Peak Ave. 10:00 am Foot Parade Start! Come in costume! More info here

Louisville’s Monster Dash: A kids fun run, 5k and 10k
Come enjoy 2 fast, trail courses out on the Coal Creek Trails of Louisville. The 5k Fun Run will have just a 175 foot elevation gain out East on the trail, and the 10k Trail Race will head West on the trail through 3 parks, a small pond and some single-track…..look out for the Witches. More info here

Louisville Halloween Festival and Trick-or-Treat: Trick or treating & activities for the whole family! The 6th Annual Halloween Festival will feature over 25 vendors, arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, Witch “Crafts” and games inside the Pinball Shoppe. Post event activities will include BBQ Hot Dogs, costume contests and post Party at Pinball Shoppe. Kids Trick-or-Treating is in Old Town from 5pm-6pm with more stores providing activities and treats this year. More info here

What else is out there for kids and families on Halloween? Where are you going? What are you doing? Let me know and I’ll make sure to help get the word out about all the great family-friendly Halloween events around town.

Why I Am Getting My Kids Outdoors This Summer!

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Boulder Families

Boulder County is a mecca of outdoor activities. Why is it that we parents find ourselves begging our kids to get off technology on a regular basis? At least I do. I love getting my kids out the door and into the backyard, on a hike, on their mountain bikes, or anywhere other than indoors as often as possible!

The summer is a great time to get the kids outside and engaged in authentic learning opportunities – the kind that present themselves all the time in the outdoors. I get the brochures for STEM and engineering focused camps and these all look amazing, but I say summer is a time to get outside, leave the traditional classroom behind, and explore a more authentic and engaging “classroom” in the outdoors. This summer I’m getting my kids out the door and learning more about themselves through outdoor experiences! It is time to get our kids out the door and into the outdoors this summer!

Authentic outdoor education programs offer our kids incredible opportunities to push themselves and develop the whole person by allowing them to:

Be without technology and fully engage!
Build confidence and grit doing things things that are fun but tough!
Be bold and try new things!
Engage in healthy risk taking – the activities have high perceived risk, but low real danger!

The outdoors is a seriously powerful tool for personal growth and empowerment for our kids! I want my kids to face challenges and learn that they can push through them. I want my kids to have to engage fully by leaving all the distractions of technology behind. I also know with two boys they need outlets for taking risks in a healthy environment. I believe these are all best accomplished through purposeful engagement in outdoor adventures. This is why I’m turning to some engaging outdoor opportunities for my kids this summer. Let the outdoors be their teacher!

There are so many ways to get our kids going – even at really young ages! Think of the options: Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Biking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Hiking, Mountaineering, and many many more! Get the kids out there however you do it – on your own or with a camp program this summer. Of course it depends on how old your kids are and their innate interests, but you can find so many opportunities for authentic learning in the outdoors around Boulder County!

Photo Credit to Avid4 Adventure

I did some research and I found Avid4 Adventure. I knew they were around but I had not really looked at outdoor camps until now. This summer my 12 year old will be rock climbing with Avid 4 – scaling walls and meeting new friends. He will be scaling walls and pushing himself beyond the limits he currently perceives. He will be getting out of his comfort zone. He will be getting scraped up. He will be exhausted when he gets home after long hikes to climbing spots. I believe he will come back each day with his cup full of life and ready for more adventures. Here’s to summer outdoor adventures!

More details about Avid4 Adventure in case you think your kids are ready for an outdoor challenge this summer. They offer really professional programs and believe in authentic education through outdoor adventures. Avid4 offers day and overnight programs for all outdoor enthusiast kids and those who just want to dip their toes in the water so to speak. I love Avid4’s philosophy and professionalism! Check out their great general [kids try a little of everything] and sport specific outdoor programs for kids pre-K through 11th grade at their two Boulder County bases of operation:

Avid4 Adventure offers camps out of two local locations that may be interesting for Boulder Families – Boulder Camps and Lafayette Camps @ Avid4 Adventure

Are your kids going to camp this summer? Any great outdoor learning experiences to share with the rest of us?

#Kids #SummerCamp #Summer #Boulder #GetOutdoors

Too Much Candy? Here Are A Few Ideas Of What To Do With That Loot!

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Boulder Families

Too much candy? Not sure what to do with it? Here are 2 alternatives if you just have too much of a good thing…

The Candy Fairy

Your child can put out a bag of candy by the side of her bed and in the morning it is magically gone and the Candy Fairy has left something in its place — a book, a nerf football, a new paint set….

The Halloween Candy Buy Back Program:

Your child can take in candy to one of the two local dentists below in change for cold, hard cash– call for details

Dental Horizons–Tues Nov. 5, 4-6pm
600 S. Airport Rd., Suite 200-A
Longmont, CO, 80503
Phone: (303) 776-3320
Email: kathleenb@dental-horizons.com
www.dental-horizons.com

Colorado Healthy Smiles–Fri. Nov. 1, 4-5pm
380 Empire Rd., Suite 140
LAFAYETTE, CO, 80026
Phone: 303-469-3344
Email: molly@coloradohealthysmiles.com
www.coloradohealthysmiles.com

Family Friendly Halloween Happenings Around Boulder

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Boulder Families

Halloween is right around the corner. Here is a list of family-friendly Halloween events going on around town. Please feel free to email me if you have additions to make to this list. I hope everyone has a safe, fun, fantastic Halloween!!!!

This post replaces the usual Boulder Families Weekly Events Listing.

2013 Family Friendly Halloween Events
Event	Date[s]	Location	Notes
South Boulder Pumpkin Patch	10/19	3845 Sanford Ave, Boulder, CO 80303	Pumpkin decorating, activities, etc. 11:00am to 2:00pm Event Website
Ghost Walk, Ghost Talk	10/26 & 10/27	Call 303.444.5192 or click here to purchase tickets	A tour of distinctive, ghostly homes with spooky tales to tell. Family friendly, so you can bring the kids. 5:30 to 9:00pm Event Website
8th Annual Kappa Halloween House	10/27	1134 University Ave, Boulder, CO 80302	Great event for Kids under 10 More details here Noon to 4pm
Boulder High School Kid Friendly Haunted House	10/26	Boulder High School Boulder, CO	The lights will be on, the actors will tone down their scare factor. There will be a chance to meet the actors & the kids can chat with them, & opportunities for trick or treating. 7:00 to 10:00pm
Munchkin Masquerade	10/31	Pearl Street Mall Downtown Boulder	Pearl Street Mall transforms into a kid-friendly mecca with candy for all the kiddos. 3:00 to 6:00pm Event Website
Halloween at the Y	10/28	Arapahoe Y Lafayette, CO	Join the Lafayette Y for Halloween Hullabaloo. Venture into the haunted house (not for the timid), enjoy carnival games, explore the cookie forest and light up the night in our new glow-in-the-dark room. Oh, and don’t forget the bone-chilling fun on the ice rink! Free for members and non-members. 5:30 to 7:30pm YMCA Website
WOW! Museum Family Halloween Party	10/27	WOW! Museum Lafayette, CO	Pumpkin painting, Halloween crafts, face painting, an ooey gooey science demonstration and giveaways. 10 to Noon WOW! Website
Bug-a-Boo at the Butterfly Pavillion	10/19 & 10/20	Westminster, CO	Costumes, Candy, Crawlies! 9:00am to 5:00pm both days Event Website
Boulder Parks and Recreation’s Halloween Carnival	10/25	South Boulder Recreation Center	Kids ages 3 to 8 3:00 to 5:00pm Event Website

Get Ready, Get Set: Screen Free Week Is Coming…

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Boulder Families

Screen Free Week is coming up, April 29 through May 5, 2013. This is the nationally organized week dedicated to getting us all to turn off electronics and commit to play, read, create, and get physically active!

But wait, how could we get along in this world without our multiple gadgets and screens? How many times do you find yourself just checking that last email as you are trying to rush your kids out the door? Let’s take this week and power down! Let’s roll model how to be present and unplug!

I was excited to hear that the City of Lafayette’s Bob Berger Recreation Center is offering kids K-12 a free week pass to the Rec Center if they register and commit to go screen free. More information and to register for the FREE REC CENTER WEEK PASS here.

Want more information on how to go screen free? Ideas for homes, schools, and communities can be found at screenfree.org. http://screenfree.org or visit them on Facebook.

What To Do With The Kids When It’s Cold Outside: Ideas and Inspirations!

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Boulder Families

The winter can seem long and cold. When you have got young ones it is always a good idea to have some indoor activities in your bag of tricks. Here are some ideas to help you get the kids moving and engaged.

Swimming Pools

Rock Clubs

The Spot
Boulder Rock Club
ABC Kids Climbing: This program is kid specific!

Gymnastics/Activities

North Boulder Recreation Center: Drop-in on Saturdays with your kids to let them get their wiggles out for a few hours.
CATS: Drop in on Saturdays Noon to 2:00pm
Shredder Gym: Skate boarding, skiing, snow boarding practice & open gym
Boulder JCC: Offers open gym in their tumble room

Museums

CU Museum of Natural History: Open daily. Special family events.
BMOCA: Open daily.
WOW! Children’s Museum: Open daily. Special children’s events.
NCAR: Hands on exhibits & public tours

Tours

Celestial Seasonings: Ongoing tours of this tea making facility
Leanin Tree Museum: Open daily.

Libraries

Boulder Public Libraries: Ongoing programs & children’s area [Main Library, George Reynolds Branch, Meadows Branch]
Lafayette Public Library: Ongoing programs & children’s area
Louisville Public Library: Ongoing programs & children’s area

Parenting Support Groups

Boulder JCC: Drop-in, On-going support groups and classes
Parenting Place: Drop-in, On-going support groups and classes

Boulder Family Events: December 7 to December 13, 2012

Posted on December 7, 2012 by Boulder Families

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

CU Museum of Natural History Family Day
Longmont Lights: A weekend holiday parade. This one looks great! Santa, free hot cocoa carts, Santa’s workshop, Reindeer visits, sleigh rides, food trucks, mini train rides, and much more!
Lafayette: Home for the Holidays. Free holiday gift wrapping, visit santa, chili dinner, caroling, & dog contest. Festival Plaza, Lafayette. Free. All ages. Noon to 7:30pm.
CU Museum of Natural History: Family Day, Finding Patterns in Nature. These are engaging, interactive family events offered on campus [always fun with kids!]. Free. All ages.
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
Saturday Storytime at the Downtown Boulder Library. Enjoy stories, songs, finger plays. Free. All ages. 10:15am.

Sunday, December 9

FREE Day at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The last one of the year!
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 10

Rise and Shine Storytime @ Barnes & Noble. 9:30am. Don’t forget the fun train table!
Monday Storytime at the Main Boulder Library. Free. All ages. 10:00 to 10:45am.
Monday Milk and Cookies at Becoming Mothers. If you are a nursing mama this is a great way to gather with others, share, ask any questions you may have, etc…
After Nappers Toddler Circle at Parenting Place. Toddlers 10 to 24 mos. Free. 2:30 to 4:00pm

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

Cruisers and Crawlers @ Main Boulder Library. Toddlers ages 9 to 24 months and their caregivers. 10:15am.
Wednesday Storytime @ Main Boulder Library. 10:15 to 11:00am. Free. Ongoing.
Family Garden Story and Song Time with Kristin at Barnes and Nobles. Free. All ages. 1:00pm.

Thursday, December 13

LEGO Club at George Reynolds Branch Library. Does your child love LEGO’s? Do they love stories? If you answered yes, this is the place for them! Registration NOT required, just show up for a fun experience. Free. All ages. 4:00 to 5:30pm.
Thursday Storytime @ the Main Boulder Library. Enjoy stories and songs for all ages. Free. 10:15am.
Toddler Time @ the Main Boulder Library. For toddlers 18 to 36 months and their caregivers. First 3 Thursdays of the month. 10:15 to 11:00am.
Parents with Infants Support Group at Parenting Place. Free. Newborn to 9 mos. 10:30 to Noon.

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

Bolder Families

Travel & Adventure for the Whole Family!