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 14th.
Outdoor Divas Demo Day, Loveland
The Outdoor Divas visits Loveland for a women’s specific demo day on March 7. This is your chance to come and try all the latest womens ski equipment before you buy it. For more information on brands and models which will be available to test, please contact Outdoor Divas. There is no cost to participate, although a drivers license and credit card are required for deposit as is a valid lift ticket. For more information please visit http://www.outdoordivas.com/
ArenaCross. Air! Danger! It’s what makes Arenacross the premier indoor, off-road motorcycle racing championship. March 15-17 this event at the Denver Coliseum will give fans the on-track feel of horsepower and gravity. Fans will be treated to an exciting new competitive format in 2013 with a pair of high-octane 12-lap Main Events during each night of racing on the highly-technical, air-inducing tracks of Arenacross. Fans can also get a one-of-a-kind chance to meet the riders and feel the dirt at the Track Party, full of interactive experiences and the unique chance to see Arenacross up close and personal. http://www.arenacross.com
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display, Steamboat Springs. On March 17, the Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School treats tourists and locals to spectacular on-snow parades down the mountain lit only by torches. The parades are in celebration of a holiday or local event throughout the season. In conjunction with the torchlight parades, a fireworks display will illuminate the sky providing a perfect ending to the evening. The best viewing for these free, all ages events is from the Bear River Deck (adjacent to Gondola Square) or from Gondola Square, both at the base of the ski area. For more information please visit http://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/events/2013/02/torchlight-parade-and-fireworks-display.aspx
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
Littleton Youth Ballet will be performing The Wizard of Oz on March 16 and 17, designed to entertain children and adults alike! This magical production features talented young dancers as well as beautiful scenery and costumes. Follow Dorothy and her friends as the journey to the Emerald City and discover that there really is no place like home. The event will be at the Lone Tree Art Center and tickets are $14-21. littletonyouthballet.org
No Dogs Allowed at the Arvada Center. From Feb. 7 – April 13. Leaving the Bronx for a day at the lake is a rare treat for Iris and her close-knit extended family. Despite Papi’s instructions to pack light, Mami brings enough food for a week and Iris sneaks in the family dog – after all El Exigente is part of the family! The drive to the lake is filled with all sorts of misadventure, but the family finally arrives at their destination, only to discover there are … No Dogs Allowed! Good humor prevails as everyone comes together to save the day in this warm and cheery family venture. Tickets $8 and $10. Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
http://arvadacenter.org/on-stage/no-dogs-allowed
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
Daily. 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.
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
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
Disney on Ice Treasure Trove. On April 4-7 at the Denver Coliseum, get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses –Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook and his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land. Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice and the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards. Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime. http://www.Ticketmaster.com/Treasure
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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.
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.)