Jared’s 7th Annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Festival. On Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. children of all ages are invited to see the largest pumpkins in Colorado, where it is rumored there will be a record-breaking 1,400-pound pumpkin. In addition to the weigh-off, Jared’s Nursery has many free activities including a Galleria of Ghouls, straw maze, obstacle course, a dog costume contest and a chili cook-off between noon and 4 p.m. Other fun (for a nominal fee) includes face painting, a bouncy castle, petting zoo and pumpkin carving with Master Carver Barry Brown from 1-2 p.m. Jared’s Nursery is in Littleton, 10500 W. Bowles Avenue, starting at 10 a.m. with the junior division, followed by the giant pumpkins at 11 a.m. coloradopumpkins.com
The National Wildlife Federations’s Hike & Seek Event. A cross between a nature hike and scavenger hunt, this outdoor adventures brings kids and their families together in the great outdoors for fresh air and fun on Saturday, September 29. The event will take approximately 2-3 hours and participants must arrive between 9-10 a.m. Interactive nature stations provide an entertaining learning experience for kids 2-10 years. Registration is required. Car on Nature Center 3000 W Carson Drive, Littleton. 9 a.m.-noon. hikeandseek.org
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s new show DRAGONS is coming to the Denver Coliseum September 27 – October 7, 2012. This visual spectacle honors The Year of the Dragon and circus performers from the farthest reaches of the earth have assembled to showcase their astounding acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. DRAGONS is a never-before-seen blend of renowned spiritual and real-life legends. Children and adult discounts are available. http://www.ringling.com/
Crawl-A-See-Em-Exhibit. The Butterfly Pavilion is celebrating the grand reopening of this fun exhibit on Saturday, September 29 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore three natural habitats and learn about native includes including Rosie (the famous tarantula). http://www.butterflies.org/
Kids Adventure Night. Want a break from the kids but want to be sure they’ll have a blast? The Family Sport Center’s adventure night on September 28 from 6-9 p.m. offers supervised play that includes laser tag, rock wall, bumper cars, and techno and video games in the eXwerGameZone. For kids ages 6-9 and cost is $12 for non-resident, $10 for residents. 6901 S. Peoria Street, Centennial. Register at sspr.org.
Autumn Heritage Day at the Walker Ranch Homestead. Take a step into the past on Sunday, September 30–the 19th-century to be exact. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., role play with costumed volunteers as they churn butter, cook a meal in the log house’s woodstove and see a blacksmith at work. At 1 p.m., there will also be a vintage baseball game. Cost is FREE, 7701 Flagstaff Mountain Road, Boulder. http://www.bouldercounty.org