GPS Adventures at the Wildlife Museum. Starting on Feb. 9, the Wildlife Experience opens its newest exhibit, which sets you on a course for hidden treasure… all you need is a GPS unit and a sense of adventure. This life-sized maze exhibition introduces visitors to cutting-edge Global Positioning Systems (GPS) through Geocaching – a family friendly treasure hunting game.  More than four million people around the world are on the hunt for over a million hidden treasures.  In addition to hidden booty, these geocachers are finding the real treasure: reconnecting with family, community and nature in a meaningful way.

WinterFest Weekend, Pagosa Springs (February 7 – 10). Join in three snow-filled days of fun as Pagosa Springs celebrates winter. Some events include Nordic races for kids and adults, Anything Goes Downhill Sled Race, Snow Sculpting Contest, Snowshoe Stop and more.

Colorado Garden & Home Show. Sure, we’re in the throes of winter but nothing says “hello spring!” like the Colorado Garden & Home Show. An impressive 400,000 square feet of the Colorado Convention Center will transform into a virtual marketplace of garden and home improvement ideas Feb. 9 – 17, 2013. More than 600 companies from 25 states and Canada will introduce new technologies and trends in landscaping, gardening, energy-efficient heating and cooling products, window treatments, siding, flooring, lighting, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, patio furniture, gutters, sound systems, storage systems, greenhouses, decks, spas and more. Kids 12 and under are free.

RidgeGate Free Kids Expo. On Feb. 9, South Suburban’s Lone Tree Recreation Center will present the second annual RidgeGate Free Kids Expo from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. featuring kid-friendly activities and resources for parents. There will be a variety of booths featuring programs in cultural arts, summer camps and more. Another attraction will be South Suburban’s Living Well van at the adjacent Prairie Sky Park.  The van will host interactive Wii games and a host of activities, including giant stacking cups, hula hoops, jump ropes and athletic balls. http://www.sspr.org/

Chinese New  Year’s at Zengo. It’s not very often a restaurant makes my pick as an event but one of my favorite restaurants is featuring a family-friendly Chinese New Year celebration around Luck, Wealth, Longevity and Prosperity.  A couple of  months ago, my family fell in love with Zengo’s bottomless brunch that includes unlimited small plates and breakfast drinks. On Feb. 10, six Lion dancers will perform from 12:30 – 1 p.m. to welcome the New Year. Fortune cookies will be given out with the chance to win small plates and drinks. Zengo will be featuring the Chinese New Year’s brunch Feb 10, Feb. 16 and 17. Brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. $35 adults; $10 children. www.richardsandoval.com/zengodenver

Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age. On Feb. 15, return to the Ice Age at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Marvel at life-size models of awe-inspiring Ice Age animals, fossil tusks and skulls, interactive videos, and hands-on activities. Examine the differences between mammoths—beasts weighing up to eight tons, bearing tusks up to 16 feet long—and mastodons, their shorter, stockier cousins. The 13,000-square-foot exhibition also looks at the role human predation, climate change, and other factors may have played in the eventual extinction of these giants. Tickets will go on sale Feb. 1. www.dmns.org/mammoths

YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch Share the Love Weekend. If you love getting outdoors and sharing the love, don’t miss this fun weekend at Snow Mountain Ranch near Granby and Winter Park Feb. 15-17. In addition to Nordic skiing, tubing, skating, roller-skating, swimming (and more), learn how to make friendship bracelets, craft some heartfelt valentine cards, split a milkshake for two at the Buckboard Grill and shoot an arrow like Cupid at their new archery range. http://blog.ymcarockies.org/

Titans of the Ice Age 3D at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Opens February 15.  Titans of the Ice Age 3D transports you back 10,000 years before modern civilization to the beautiful and otherworldly landscapes of North America, Europe, and Asia. Peer through the 3D canvas as dazzling computer-generated imagery brings this mysterious era and its giant animals to life. You will  come face to face with saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and woolly mammoths as they share the land with early humans who both feared and relied upon these majestic beasts. Experience this dynamic chapter in the age-old story of human ingenuity, a “trial by ice” that compelled our ancestors to seek understanding and meaning in nature. www.dmns.org

 NEW! Flight of the Butterflies 3D at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Opens February 15. A scientific adventure. A compelling detective story. A stunning sight to see. Flight of the Butterflies 3D is all this and more. Dr. Fred Urquhart spent nearly 40 years working to discover the monarch butterflies’ secret hideaway and solve the mystery of their unique migration path. In this dazzling 3D film, you will experience the inspiring story of this scientist’s passion and see up close the lifecycle of these beautiful creatures. Get a butterfly’s-view of the world as you fly over North America and into the isolated mountaintops in Mexico where you will encounter hundreds of millions of fluttering monarchs. www.dmns.org

The Westin Riverfront Fire & Ice in Nottingham Park. The Town of Avon will be blasting off more than 10,000 shells of fireworks on President’s Day weekend with the special event, “The Westin Riverfront Fire & Ice in Nottingham Park.” On Sunday, Feb. 17, six world-renowned ice carving masters will battle it out at a carving competition at 3 p.m., followed by a larger than life Ice Bon Fire, balloon sculptors, fire and light hula-hoop artists and live music from Turntable Review. The grand finale is Avon’s legendary fireworks display. Starting at 6:30 p.m., this will be the largest winter fireworks show in the Colorado Rockies set to a musical score and broadcast locally on KZYR 97.7.

Baby & Kidz Expo. This event on Feb. 23 at the National Western Complex is a kid extravaganza with bouncy castles, family stage entertainment including science experiments, a magic show, diaper derby, toddler derby, karate and more. A number of vendors will be on-hand including schools (preschool, charter, home school, after school), camps, birthday information, family vacations, deals, theatre, music and dance, a petting zoo and pony rides. Adults are $10, seniors $5 and kids 12 and under are free. http://www.theexpopros.com/denver.html

Yo Gabba Gabba. Join DJ Lance Rock and those crazy colorful characters Brobee, Foofa, Toodee, Muno and Plex as they dance and sing live on stage in “Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: Get the Sillies Out!” Feb. 24 at 2 and 5 p.m. The tour based on the award-winning, live-action Nick Jr. preschool series will bring its musical style to the Paramount Theater (1621 Glenarm Place Denver, CO 80202). Tickets start at $25. http://www.tickethorse.com

Winter Beauty in Denver’s Parks. The Mile High City boasts more than 4,000 acres of traditional parks and parkways, which include 2,500 urban natural acres. In the winter, they take on a wondrous glow, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing. Stroll through City Park during this season and take in gorgeous views of the skyline, framed by the Rocky Mountains. Cheesman Park positively glitters in winter, with large snowy expanses stretching out in front of you. Snowball fight, anyone? www.denver.org/what-to-do/sports-recreation/denver-parks-outdoors

The Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville (March 1 – 3). Ski joring is a competition where a horse and rider pull a skier at a fast pace through a course that features gates, jumps and rings. The skier is timed through the course, and penalties are assessed by missing gates or jumps, and by missing or dropping any of the rings. Additional activities include a children’s parade, Nordic and winter mountain bike races and more.

YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Family Magic Festival. On March 1-3, family members will witness and learn amazing magic tricks through demonstrations and instruction.  Take a peek inside a real magician’s bag and learn tips and trick for your own magic show.  Other activities include swimming, roller skating and crafts. All inclusive rates include 5 meals, activities and two  nights in a lodge room.
http://www.ymcarockies.org/

Peter and the Wolf. On March 17 at 2:30 p.m., the Colorado Symphony presents kid-favorite Peter and the Wolf, Prokofiev’s fun musical tale in which Peter and a myriad of animals are brought to life by the instruments. Also featured is Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals in an ‘animated’ program perfect for young and old alike at Boettcher Concert Hall. Tickets start at $13. http://tickets.coloradosymphony.org