Events

Stay in the know of family-friendly Colorado events with our weekly event round-up. Published every Wednesday.

Tips For a Successful Fourth of July

Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday celebrated in honor of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. The purpose: to declare the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Each of the Thirteen Colonies partied in style on that day decades ago, as predicted by John Adams himself in a letter to his wife. We will do it again this year give thanks on July 4th for the amazing gift of freedom our country is founded upon, and as moms, we’re going to do what we can to make it the best one ever for our families!

Event Round-Up: Colorado Symphony, Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Ice Cream Social & More!

Sunday. Independence Day gets the classical treatment when the Colorado Symphony presents its “Independence Eve” concert at Civic Center Park. The huge outdoor show features the orchestra playing al fresco under a portable bandshell. Right behind the orchestra, the Civic Center building will be lit up with a choreographed light show—and you’d better believe there will be fireworks. The musical program includes plenty of rousing, patriotic favorites under the direction of resident conductor Scott O’Neil. Arrive early with folding chairs and blankets to get the best seats, and don’t worry about dinner—food will be available onsite. Latecomers can spread out and catch the show from the steps of the state capitol building, too. 8 p.m. Sunday. Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Avenue. Admi...

KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race: The Coolest Kids Race on the Planet?

When I heard about the inaugural KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race last year, I knew my 6-year-old daughter Hadley simply had to try it. This is her year. On Saturday, August 13, 2011, kids ages six through 12 will get a fun introduction to adventure racing. Teams of two work together to navigate a variety of sports and and problem-solving challenges, including mountain biking, hiking, tubing, archery, a low ropes course, a zip line, a climbing wall, a Tarzan swing, a giant slip-n-slide and more. Competitors will be divided into three waves based on age and will start at set intervals. An after party and awards ceremony will take place immediately following the race. I don’t know about you but I wish they had this race for adults! Despite the fun factor, I had fears my 6-year-old was rea...

Denver Deal: Kennedy Golf, Cherry Creek Arts Fest, Salads & More!

Happy Fourth of July!  I hope you have some fantastic plans.  I know my kids and I will do all that we can to put as much fun into this weekend as we possibly can.  We may visit the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.  We will be seeing the HUGE fireworks display at the Colorado Rockies game.  We may even make it to Keystone or Frisco to see the fireworks over Lake Dillon!  Whatever you choose to do with your family enjoy the time together and remember we live in an AMAZING country. Kennedy Golf Course The Kennedy Golf Course, located at 10500 East Hampden Avenue,  is currently running a super deal.  Junior golfers (any golfer under 18 years old)  From June 1st- August 31st, children play free on the Par 3 course with the paid admission of a parent. Cherry Creek Arts Festival For three days during...

Denver Area Farmers Market Round-up

‘Tis the season to get out and go and there is no better place to do it than at the many area Farmer’s Markets. Besides just fresh, locally grown produce, Farmer’s Markets are a great place for children to learn (check-out Teaching Children a Fresh Perspective With Fresh Flowers and Fresh Produce). Mile High Mamas has compiled an extensive list of Denver-area Farmer’s Markets. Be sure to tell us your favorite and if we missed anyone.

Event Round-up: Greeley Stampede, Oktoberfest, Midsummer Festival & More!

Through July 4. That thunderous sound in the distance is the crowds heading to the 89th annual Greeley Stampede. The two-week extravaganza features Western fun for all ages, from petting zoos and mutton bustin’ to bullriding and dinner theater. Live music’s always a draw at the Stampede: This year’s lineup includes Rodney Atkins, Little Big Town, Clint Black and, for the rock ‘n’ rollers, Cheap Trick. Naturally, the grand finale comes on the 4th of July with a big fireworks display. Find a full schedule of events at greeleystampede.org. 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday, 4 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday. Island Grove Park, 600 N. 14th Ave., Greeley. Grounds admission is $5 for guests ages 13 to 60, $2 for guests ages 6 to 12 and 61 an...

Theatre-Hikes Colorado: Into the woods with Hansel and Gretel

Chautauqua is the splendid setting for Theatre-Hike Colorado's presentation of Hansel and Gretel.

Who Was the “Rightest of the Right?” Find Out on our June 26 “Marriage Ref” Appearance!

It is official: My husband Jamie and I will be appearing on the premiere of NBC’s The Marriage Ref on Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 9 p.m. If you’re not familiar with this Jerry Seinfeld-produced comedy, real couples with funny disputes appear in-studio in front of a panel of celebrity judges where they chose a winner. At the end of each episode, the studio audience votes to make one of the winners “The Rightest of The Right.” That person will receive $25,000 and their very own billboard, in their hometown, declaring they are right. Of course, I cannot disclose the outcome (something to do with NBC’s 800-page legal contract) but I am thrilled to give you a behind-the-scenes look at appearing on this hilarious network show to debate (what else?): My husband’s ...

Cities of Splendor Takes Families to Italy and Beyond

“Mom, what is chastity?” my 1st-grader asked. It’s not the question to expect when in a gallery at the Denver Art Museum. We were standing in front of centuries-old painted panels from Mantua. They depicted Love, Time, Fame, Chastity, Death, Faith. I told him it meant purity. Thankfully, that satisfied him enough that we could resume our trip across the ocean and back in time. We were in Renaissance, Italy, thanks to the Cities of Splendor: A Journey Through Renaissance Italy hosted by the DAM. Recently, I took my 6 oldest children to explore this astonishing and revolutionary art. During the Renaissance, there was an explosion of technique, subject matter, and most importantly deep talent and dedication. This movement of art was centered in Italy, primarily in the great ...

Event Round-up: Highlands Street Fair, Ice Age Fever & More!

Saturday-Sunday. Ice Age fever is raging in Snowmass—join the fun at the Ice Age Spectacular. Presented along with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Spectacular celebrates the 2010 discovery of hundreds of prehistoric fossils in Snowmass. Visitors can touch real fossils uncovered nearby, watch a live broadcast of the dig site in progress and dig around for some “fossils” of their own. The village mall will be hopping with activities, too, like games, jugglers, clowns and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Silvertree Conference Center, 100 Elbert Lane; 970-923-3520. Admission is free. snowmassvillage.com Saturday. Buy Dad a beer and a hot dog at the Highlands Street Fair. Now in its 28th year, the festival gathers local merchants and artisans to celebr...

Lazy Summer Days…in Highlands Ranch

School is out for summer…yet somehow things don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. I feel blessed to have so many exciting activities ahead, but sometimes a day at home sounds like a vacation. Oh, the many things I would do with a beautiful summer day – nothing on the agenda – in the Ranch ~ Highlands Ranch. Explore Nature One of our favorite escapes is to the “swamp” near our home. There are several small ponds and parks along the paved trails in Highlands Ranch, making for a quick and easy escape from suburban life. We like to explore the natural habitat – attempting to capture frogs, looking for snakes and feeding the ducks. It’s an easy way to sneak in a science and nature lesson without the kids realizing that they’re learning. Civic Green Park Civic Green is another ...

We Run Denver: How you can help at-risk kids run the race of their lives

Recently men and women from all over the states ran though rain and sleet to complete the Colfax marathon in Denver. Soon, we will be adding a new set of faces to that finish line! Our story: Jenifer was all limbs and sick of her classmates teasing her about her height. She learned to use those limbs to her advantage though long-distance running. I found my inspiration in a bunch of teenagers running and cheering everyone on while I was struggling to finish my first marathon. Together, we are starting a non-profit in Denver that trains at-risk students to run marathons: We Run Denver! We Run