Saturday. After a popular run in 2012, the Children’s Museum of Denver relaunches its “3, 2, 1 … Blast Off!” exhibit. Created in conjunction with United Launch Alliance, “Blast Off!” teaches kids about the basics of rocket science by letting them build and launch their own rockets. The new version of “Blast Off!” includes two giant-size models of real-life rockets, plus a vaulted ceiling for vertical rocket launches — the previous space allowed only for horizontal flights. Museum members are invited to arrive at 9 a.m. Saturday for a special members-only hour before the museum opens. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Children’s Museum of Denver, 2121 Children’s Museum Drive; 303-433-7444. $9 for guests ages 2 to 59; $7 for 1-year-olds and seniors age 60 and older. mychildsmuseum.org.

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

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.

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

Buffalo Bill Birthday Celebration. Celebrate Buffalo Bill’s birthday with the Buffalo Bill Museum on Sunday, February 24 from noon-3 p.m. Admission to the event and the Museum is FREE all day. This will also open our new exhibit “OSKATE WICASA: One who performs,” Learn more about the Native Americans who performed with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. At noon sing “Happy Birthday” to Buffalo Bill and enjoy free cake and ice cream. Compete in the annual buffalo chip throwing contest and other activities that include a performance by Native American dancers, all members of Denver’s march Pow Wow celebration. Weather permitting, they will be painting and erecting a new Lakota style tepee in from of the Museum. For more information regarding the FREE event, call 303-526-0744 or go here http://www.buffalobill.org.

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/

Award-winning children’s musician at the Denver Public Library.  On March 9, award-winning musician and author Jim Gill is bringing his Family Room Tour to the Denver Public Library at 2 p.m. He will strum energetic rhythms on his banjo while everyone claps, sings, dances and even sneezes along to the silly and inspiring musical games that he creates. This interactive concert is free to the public and suitable for kids birth to three years old.   denverlibrary.org; Denver Central Library, B2 Conference Center, Broadway and 14^th.

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

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Also, don’t miss these events from Jeffco parks. LMNC programs are FREE and registration is required unless otherwise noted. Register online or by calling 720-497-7600. Looking for a program for your class, scout troop, or other group? Visit their website or call to learn about group programs.

 NASA’s GRAIL Mission to the Moon

6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 (Lookout Mountain Nature Center)

 Gem and Mineral Show

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23  (Fairgrounds)

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24

 Night Sky Nebulae

7 p.m. Friday, March 1 (Pine Valley Ranch Park)

 Join Astronomy Team members for an engaging discussion and view of objects classified as nebulae. Tour the historic William Baehr Observatory and, weather permitting, view through telescopes. (Ages 10+.)

 Toddler Times: Amazing Antlered Animals

10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Saturday, March 2 (Lookout Mountain Nature Center)

Take a gentle hike, hear a story and make a craft as you learn all about elk and deer. (Ages 2-5, with an adult.)

Toddler Times: Amazing Antlered Animals

10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Thursday, March 7 (Lookout Mountain Nature Center)

Take a gentle hike, hear a story and make a craft as you learn all about elk and deer. (Ages 2-5, with an adult.)

  Jr. Astronomers: Celestial Scavenger Hunt

6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 (Alderfer/Three Sisters Park)

Kids are invited to a night sky treasure hunt. Join Astronomy Team members for an interactive, engaging look at the night sky with activities, telescopes, games and more. (Ages 6-10, with an adult.)

 War of 1812 Program

2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 9 (Hiwan Homestead Museum)

Find the answer to fascinating questions about this important and forgotten conflict, which is often dubbed our Second War for Independence. Pre-registration required. 

 G.O. Club

1 p.m. Saturday, March 16 (Lookout Mountain Nature Center)

The Get Outdoors (G.O.) and Explore Club programs are unstructured, playful nature excursions that feature activities for parents to help their children connect with the natural world. (All ages.)