September is probably my favorite month. School is in session and we are back on a schedule. Although I miss spending so much time with my kids, I definitely am a schedule kind of chick. In September, we experience some of the finest weather all year (IMO, anyway). Even an unexpected snow is fun because I haven’t spent months shoveling (or, more accurately, watching my husband shoveling) and bundling up. The leaves start to turn, especially at higher altitudes, and those shimmering aspens always take my breath away.

If you haven’t visited yet this season, make some time this month to go to The Hudson Gardens & Event Center. Well known for its summer concert series, The Hudson Gardens is also a great place to explore nature, enjoy a picnic lunch on the grass, and get some great ideas for your own garden. To celebrate its 15th birthday, The Hudson Gardens is offering daily admission this year for just $1.50 per person!

Kids will get a kick out of the Plant Zoo, featuring Lamb’s Ear, Snapdragons, Porcupine Grass, Ostrich Fern, and many other “animals” on display. The Garden Railroad features miniature trains running through an elaborate display of bridges, waterfalls, and plants. (NOTE: This is a model railroad, not a train for riding.) Make sure you pick up a FREE Family Explorer Pack from the Visitor Center to enhance your experience. We loved the Frog Hunt pack. This time of year is also a great time to borrow the Leaf Lookout pack.

Once you’ve put The Hudson Gardens on your calendar, consider making time for these other September Adventures too:

★ The Colorado State Fair in Pueblo takes place through September 5. Friday, September 2 is a special Back-to-School Discount Day.
★ Try something completely different this Labor Day by attending an 1880s Vintage Baseball Game at Rock Ledge Ranch in Colorado Springs. The Ranch, a living history farm and museum that depicts life in the Pikes Peak region from 1775 to the early 1900s, is near the entrance to the Garden of the Gods, so you can add a hike or a drive through the park to your day.
★ The new Lone Tree Arts Center will feature extensive educational and family programming. Family programming kicks off with two FREE performances by Colorado’s own Doctor Noize on Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the outdoor Terrace Theater. Your whole family will be a-dancin’ and a-shakin’ by the end of the show! (Note: Although the event is free, adults and children still require a ticket, which can be reserved online or by calling the Center.)
★ Young engineers won’t want to miss a Day Out with Thomas at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. This super-popular event takes place from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each weekend this month starting September 10.
★ Learn about American Indian Culture at the 21st Annual Friendship Powwow & American Indian Cultural Celebration on Sunday, September 11 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Denver Art Museum (http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home). This FREE family-friendly event includes dancing, crafts, artists and artisans, and fry bread!
★ Say goodbye to summer at the Summerset Festival at Robert F. Clement Park in Littleton September 16-18. One look at the Schedule of Events proves there really is something for everyone at this weekend festival.
★ The whole family can stay fit by participating in the Hop, Skip, and a Jump Start at the Children’s Museum of Denver on Sunday, September 18 starting at 9:00 AM. Enjoy the stroller-friendly 5K along the South Platte River, or cheer on your kids as they race through the Infant Crawl, Toddler Trot, or Kid Course.
★ Welcome fall during the Harvest at the Homestead at the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora on Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Prairie wagon rides, live music, homemade applesauce and an apple cider press, and the best Zuke Shoot in town will make this a day to remember.
★ Who says Oktoberfest has to be in October? Denver’s Oktoberfest offers FREE admission, live music, food, and fun. The event takes place September 16-18, and September 23-25. Enjoy fireworks at dusk on Saturday, September 24 or root for your favorite wiener dog at the Long Dog Derby on Sunday, September 25.

Kyrie Collins is a local mom and the author of Playdate with Denver & Colorado’s Front Range, an adventure guide for parents, grandparents, and caregivers featuring nearly 200 local destinations. The mother of two energetic boys, she finds peace in her days with the aid of dark chocolate and/or red wine. To learn more about her book, please visit www.playdatewithdenver.com.