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Some school districts quit healthier lunch program

After just one year, some schools around the country are dropping out of the healthier new federal lunch program, complaining that so many students turned up their noses at meals packed with whole grains, fruits and vegetables that the cafeterias were losing money.

Federal officials say they don’t have exact numbers but have seen isolated reports of schools cutting ties with the $11 billion National School Lunch Program, which reimburses schools for meals served and gives them access to lower-priced food.

Districts that rejected the program say the reimbursement was not enough to offset losses from students who began avoiding the lunch line and bringing food from home or, in some cases, going hungry.

I Won A Trip to See Taylor Swift in Los Angeles: A Mother-daughter Adventure!

So you know those contests that they have on the radio: “Win a trip to see some super artist in some tropical sounding location.” I have to admit, that sometimes I think it is not really possible to actually WIN one of those trips. That, in addition, to the fact that I am probably the most unlucky person there is!

I was at a “Live at Five” concert with Alice 105.9 radio station. I had gone because they had an artist performing there that had won American Idol, Lee Dewyze. I thought that in and of itself was pretty cool. Free concert! I’m in! While I was there I put my name on a piece of paper. They were giving away two trips – one to see Bon Jovi in New Jersey and the other to see Taylor Swift in Los Angeles. As I wrote my name down, I said out loud, “I would rather win the Taylor trip cause I’d rather go to L.A.”

Douglas County schools pilot color-coded student personality tests

Colors have taken on a new meaning in the Douglas County School District.

Children are not just learning about the vibrant green hue that comes from mixing yellow and blue on a color wheel. They are using colors to describe the way they think, behave and learn.

The 65,000-student school district is piloting a program at 14 campuses in which sixth-graders answer 84 questions that include how comfortable they are with switching back and forth between tasks, whether they will start a project before they have a plan and if they worry about how their actions affect others.

Based on their answers, students get a color-coded profile that outlines their preferred way of thinking by assigning percentages to four categories: social, structural, conceptual and analytical.

Summit View Elementary School fifth-grader Kelli Ell is primarily green, a structural thinker, which means she is practical, likes guidelines and prefers a hands-on approach.

“It says that I’m a lot of green, but I think that I’m a little less because sometimes my desk inside gets a little messy,” she said.

District officials said the program, which was developed by a company called Emergenetics International, offers an innovative tool for teachers to better communicate with children and to craft lessons that reflect different learning styles.

Kathy Reoh, a fourth-grade teacher at Summit View, said she uses the profiles to tailor her teaching approach in a way that honors her students’ thinking styles.

“Up until this point, when I opened a student’s file, the only data I had was tests and some teacher’s notes to show me who these kids are,” Reoh said. “This is who the kids really are. This gives me a fresh approach on how I can reach them and help them to learn more.”

The Douglas County School District invested more than $86,000 in the program for children. The district has spent more than $176,000 since 2009 on adult profiles, which CLICK TO READ ON

Postcards to Denver from a 10-Year-Old and His Mom

From western New York:

“The farm has ten chickens and two bunny rabbits. My chicken’s name is Geraldine. The rabbits are Sam and Matilda. I miss our dog. She would have so much fun here, but we were worried she would eat the chickens.”

“I forgot what it feels like to stay in bed long enough to listen to the birds, watch the sun move across the room and let my muscles stretch awake one at a time.”

From Snowmass, Colorado:

“Mom and Dad made us go on a hike. Why does anybody like hiking? You go up and up and up, and they keep saying it’s beautiful, which… who cares?! Then mom counts her mosquito bites. It would be more fun if we could bring the dog.”

From Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado:

Labor Day 2013: 10 ways to celebrate summer’s end in Colorado

Labor Day carries a lot of weight as the unofficial end of summer, considering the crush of festivals, picnics, concerts and parties that get piled onto the three-day weekend.

But figuring out which events you should attend doesn’t have to feel like work. Here’s our quick-hit guide to doing Labor Day 10 ways with a minimum of fatigue.

1. Get high at Mount Evans

The window of weather that allows motorists to drive 60 miles west to the top of Mount Evans’ 14,264-foot summit is quickly closing, so if you still haven’t experienced the highest paved road in North America, this weekend is your last chance (until next year). On the way, stop at Echo Lake or Summit Lake to hike, fish or marvel at the stunning mountain and alpine tundra ecosystems. $10 per vehicle. 303-567-3000 or fs.usda.gov.

2. Face the music in Aspen/Snowmass

Quiz: What Kind of School Parent are You?

Your kids are back in school! Take a few moments to consider where you fall in the big spectrum of parents. What kind of school parent are you?

1. There’s a “Join the PTA” banner on a table at school registration. You…

a) Use the fire exit to avoid making eye contact. Why can’t they do it all online?
b) Pick up a few information sheets and perhaps sign up to help with a class party or two.
c) Admire the banner. You made it. Look at those full color brochures. You made them. In fact, you are the one sitting behind the table, which you made.

2. It’s time for the first class party!

Denver Deal: Labor Day is Ski Sale Season!!

If you and your family are planning to ski this winter – now is the time to be thinking about deals and where you will want to ski.

Jr. Trade in Program

Colorado Ski & Golf (Ski & Sport) locations offer a  uniquely affordable ski rental program was created to insure that children’s equipment is as modestly priced as possible. After the first season’s rental, a complete package for used equipment that includes skis, boots and poles is only $49.99 per year. A mandatory binding check adds $15. Equipment can be exchanged as often as needed during the season to make sure the size and fit remains comfortable—free. The first year kids are registered in Junior Trade In, the cost is $99.99 for used equipment and then each year, a refit into a different set of used equipment is 50 percent off–$49.99. The deal remains in effect for as long as the child continues to rent through the Colorado Ski & Golf program.

School of Shred/5th Grade Passport

There are two different programs that allow the state’s 5th graders to ski/snowboard for FREE! School of Shred is the Vail Resorts program (Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone & Arapahoe Basin) that is free for BOTH 5th and 6th graders. You have to show proof of your child being in that grade at any Colorado Ski & Golf Location (and occasionally at special events) then they are allowed to ski 4 times at each resort for free.

5th Grade Passport is the program by Colorado Ski Country which allows 5th Graders (and 6th graders for a nominal $99 annual fee) to ski at areas like Aspen, Steamboat, Crested Butte, Eldora, Winter Park, Copper & Loveland. Applications are mail in process available starting in September.

*There does not seem to be any restrictions about using BOTH programs.

Ski Rex

Skiers and snowboarders will want to hit the line early on Saturday of Labor Day weekend for the big tent sale at the Aurora Colorado Ski & Golf location. Deals on skis, snowboards, clothes, helmets, and accessories will be 30-75% off! Merchandise is overstocked and specially purchased stuff that are last season’s styles and models. New stuff will be at pre-season sale prices.

Christy Sports Powder Daze

Save up to 70% off  apparel and equipment plus get some amazing deals from ski resorts August 23 through Labor Day Weekend at Christy Sports near Park Meadows.

Arapahoe Basin

Arapahoe Basin’s ski sale specials include fully transferable 4-Packs for $139. In addition, at Christy Sports’ Park Meadows location, the Elevation 4-Pass plus one half-off lift ticket for a friend will be on sale for $119.

Copper Mountain

Copper’s legendary Four Pack ($149) guarantees four days of skiing and riding at Copper Mountain, with no blackout dates during the 2013/2014 season. Plus, no blackout dates.  Adults (18-69): $369;  Teens (13-17): $299; Children (6-12): $209; Seniors (65+): $249; Ages five & under FREE.

Loveland

Skiers and snowboarders visiting Loveland’s booth at the first shows of the season (Ski Rex, Sniagrab, Powder Daze) can take advantage of special offers, including a $10 savings on 4-Pak purchases, great deals on new gear, and special offers only available through Labor Day Weekend. Loveland 4-Paks are unique as they are actual lift tickets that can be used by anyone on any day of the 2013-2014 season. With no restrictions and no blackouts, 4-Paks are only available through November 24, 2013. Also, at the sales, skiers and riders can play Loveland Lotto for their chance to win a Season Pass, lift tickets, lesson packages, $10 Beau Jo’s gift cards, limited edition Loveland head/neck scarfs and more.

Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass encompasses 5 mountains in Colorado including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin (the actually have 18 ski areas some in Utah, Lake Tahoe, Michigan and internationally as well). They have several different pass products depending on which mountains you want access to (and how much access ie. Unrestricted/Unlimited). Vail Resorts sells their passes at Colorado Ski & Golf (Ski & Sport) locations locally and REI near Park Meadows (on weekends). The most popular pass is the Epic Local currently at $529 for adults; $409 for teens and $269 for kids.

Winter Park

The 2013/14 Winter Park/Mary Jane season passes feature unrestricted access to Winter Park’s cruisers and groomers as well as the challenging bump and tree skiing at Mary Jane. Current prices for Winter Park season passes are guaranteed through September 3. Adults (ages 18 – 69): $369; Teens (ages 13-17): $299; Children (ages 6-12): $219; Ages five & under: $30

Email me if you know of any great Denver deals!

Don’t want to miss any of Mile High Mamas’ contests and events? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you can forward these great deals to your friends.

If you’re a twit follow me on Twitter (GeeWhy93).  If I find a great deal during the week, I’ll tweet it out.

Denver Deals: Kids’ Nite Out Across America, McDonalds Free Breakfast & Ski Deals

The Taste of Colorado is this weekend. The line-up is full of all kinds of free entertainment (big-name acts), kid’s play area, booths and more. At Civic Center Park through Labor Day Weekend.

People really do win those trips from radio stations! Stay tuned for details about my trip to Los Angeles to see Taylor Swift this last weekend. It was so much fun and an amazing trip that my daughter and I will not soon forget!

School of Rock

School of Rock is proud to introduce Little Wing, a preschool music program. Music is an avenue into a little soul with untapped ideas, images, and movement. The classrooms infused with rock music allows these little artists explore rhythm patterns, tonal processing, basic music syntax, and make emotional connections to music. Sign up for a FREE demo to be held on Tuesday, September 3rd at 6 p.m. at the School of Rock – 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209

Colorado Mills Super Sale

Colorado Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in Colorado, will offer some of the best end-of-summer deals during its Labor Day Super Sale Weekend, beginning Friday, August 30 through Monday, September 2. Snag some even deeper discounts on a stuff throughout the holiday weekend.

McDonalds Free Breakfast

Participating Colorado McDonald’s restaurants will be giving a FREE breakfast to  K – 8th graders the morning of September 4th. In an effort to help showcase the importance of a good breakfast for students, McDonald’s is providing a free Egg McMuffin or Egg White Delight McMuffin and milk or Minute Maid orange juice to children 15 and under accompanied by a parent/guardian. I just might be able to get my daughter out of bed for this!

CorePower Yoga

CorePower Yoga is extending the MileHighMamas deal through this month. Go to any of the southern locations (Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Aurora) of CorePower and ask for the MileHighMamas deal. It is just $52.80 for a 10 punch pass. (Normally well over that!)  You can then use the punch pass at ANY of the CorePower locations.

Chasing Ice Free Movie Screening Chasing Ice is a film about acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog and his revolutionary time-lapse cameras used to capture a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers. His videos compress years into seconds and capture mountains of ice in motion as they disappear. There will be a quick survey before and after the FREE movie. The screening will take place on August 29 at 7 p.m. at the Mercury Cafe (2199 California St. Denver CO, 80205)
A1st Choice Cleaning
All good things must come to an end – as does our Summer fun. The kids are packed and ready for School. Now, we get to clean up after all those: Long Summer nights, BBQ’s and the easy flow of Summer Living. A great way for YOU to get the school year started right – is a fresh clean home. A 1st Choice Cleaning is offering a great deal – eight hour clean for $135.00 (reg.$334). This never expires once purchased (can be used for 2-4hr cleans).
Fall Consignments We have found all the fall consignment sales in one handy spot. Visit often! Sales pick up again the week after Labor Day Weekend including: September 6-7. Haute Tots Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-5 p.m. (half-price sale) $1 admission at  Arvada United Methodist Church in Arvada and September 7. Darling Doubles 8 a.m.-12 p.m.; 12 p.m.-1 p.m. (half-price sale) $2 admission at Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton.
Free events this week:
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Cheap Checklist:
Sweet symphony  I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream. But no need to yell to get this freebie. Instead, chill out and enjoy the sweet sounds of the Aurora Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet as the Gardens On Havana retail center hosts its final free Rose Garden concert of the season on Aug. 27. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the first 400 people in attendance receive a free ice cream sundae with all the toppings. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, or even picnic dinner. East Mississippi and Havana St., Aurora, 303-360-7505.
Parental time out Need an “adults-only” night on the town? Kids’ Nite Out Across America is a low-cost, supervised evening program designed for children ages 7 to 14. On Aug. 30, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the program gives parents and their wallets a break with free admission (regularly $10 per child) at its Westminster location – City Park Recreation Center (10455 Sheridan Blvd.) The same promo is available on Aug. 31 in Loveland at the Chilson Recreation Center (700 E. Fourth St.) Kids’ Nite Out provides a safe environment for children to enjoy games, music, sports and more. Drop-ins are welcome, but save time by registering in advance online. kidsniteout.org
Bargain blockbusters It’s not often you can gaze at the stars for so cheap. Every Sunday, Regal Cinemas offers Value Days, when tickets for all movies (including new releases) are just $5 each. The blockbuster savings are available at Greenwood Plaza Stadium 12 (8141 E. Arapahoe Road in Englewood), Meadows Stadium 12 (9355 Park Meadows Drive in Littleton) and Twin Peaks 10 (1250 S. Hover Road in Longmont.) There is an upcharge of $3.50 per ticket for 3-D films. However, the $5 fare is the lowest ticket price the theatre chain offers. Longmont residents are even more fortunate because Twin Peaks offers the promo every Tuesday, too. tinyurl.com/regalvalue

By Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez
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It’s that time of year again – now is the time to get all your ski deals! If you plan on skiing/snowboarding this year look at all the great deals that we have rounded up already. http://www.milehighmamas.com/blog/2013/08/27/denver-deal-labor-day-starts-ski-sales/

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Email me if you know of any great Denver deals!

Don’t want to miss any of Mile High Mamas’ contests and events? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you can forward these great deals to your friends.

If you’re a twit follow me on Twitter (GeeWhy93).  If I find a great deal during the week, I’ll tweet it out.

Why one mother says induced labor isn’t a good idea

A new study recently came out linking autism to labor induction. I will not get into the weeds right now on that particular study, but it got me thinking again about labor induction, a topic that I cover at some length in “Expecting Better.”

When I was 39 weeks pregnant, my doctor offered to schedule an induction at my due date. This is common now, although that wasn’t always the case. In 1990, fewer than 10 percent of births followed medical induction of labor; by 2009, this number had risen to 25 percent. This increase has occurred across the board, not just for babies who are overdue. In 1990, only 7 percent of births at 39 weeks of pregnancy were induced, but 23 percent were induced by 2009.

Sometimes, labor is induced for medical reasons — the baby isn’t doing well or a condition threatens mom’s health. This, obviously, makes a lot of sense, and we are lucky to have the option. But this wasn’t the case for me; my doctor was effectively offering an elective induction: I could choose to have the baby at 40 weeks, rather than wait for her to arrive on her own. And by 39 weeks I was definitely tired of being pregnant, and Penelope was plenty big. But still I said no, and here are the two reasons why.

Events: A Taste of Colorado, free festivals and more

Taste of Colorado. A Labor Day tradition in Denver, Taste of Colorado not only has more than 50 of Colorado’s favorite food establishments and 280 Marketplace booths but loads of family-friend events. Featured acts, including Wayne and Wingnut’s “Red Hot Chili Puppets” Comedy Ventriloquist, Bekah Smith’s One-Woman Circus Adventure, and Mr. Kneeel’s Hip Hop for Families, are set to appear on the Comfort Dental KidzStage. Children and adults can stay busy for hours with carnival rides, games, educational exhibits, and more.  The KidZone presented by MIX 100 is a family-friendly area offering play equipment and table tennis. There will also be a great variety of free, hands-on craft activities for children of all ages, presented by 101.9 WAY-FM. KidZone hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 30; and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat., Aug. 31 through Mon., Sept. 2. The four-day, free admission, food, music, and entertainment festival will take place in Downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park. www.atasteofcolorado.com

5th Annual Smokin’ Brew BBQ. On Friday Aug. 30- Sunday Sept. 1, meat-lovers unite at this KCBS-Sanctioned BBQ competition in Parker, Colo. There will also be teams that will be vendors at the Smokin’ Brew offering samples of brisket, pulled pork, chicken and sausage, not to mention music all three days of the event. For the kids there will be bounce houses and some kid friendly food vendors. http://www.ourparkercolorado.com/smokin-brew-bbq-competition-labor-day-weekend/

Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain’s Labor Day tradition, Copper Country, is a free Labor Day festival tradition celebrating the best of the American spirit. Incredible live music, an arts festival, and Copper Kids Arts & Crafts come together to make this Labor Day weekend event ideal for the entire family. This year’s lineup includes Savannah Jack, The Long Players, Michael McDonald, Texaco Country Showdown and headliner Kenny Rogers. More information can be found at CopperCountryFest.com.

Durango Mountain Resort. Durango Mountain Resort is open weekends and Labor Day now through September 29. Visitors can enjoy a bevy of adventure activities including a new ropes obstacle course, new water runners, mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, an alpine slide, climbing wall, bungee trampolines and more. Guests can take advantage of lodging packages starting at $38 per person, per night, and enjoy two nights lodging and Total Adventure Tickets for the entire family, which include Alpine Slide rides, miniature golf and other activities like the bungee trampoline, the new ropes obstacle course, climbing wall, the new Water Runners, and more.  www.DurangoMountainResort.com

The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into the intimate 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. Starring Nino the clown, the circus is propelled by a central story (as opposed to individual acts) that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation. Tickets are $20 for VIP chair seating or $15 for general admission, and children under 2 are free. There will be one performance Labor Day weekend on Friday, three performances on Saturday and Sunday and one performance on Sunday providing guests ample opportunities to see the show during their Labor Day weekend at Winter Park. For more information, visit WinterParkResort.com/events-and-activities.
The Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre presents “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Emperor Mullinium is the original “Fashionista” and thinks more of his clothes than his own people!  Is that any way for an Emperor to behave?  We think not!  It’s up to the audience to help him get his priorities straight.  “The Emperor’s New Clothes” runs through August 31, 2013 with performances every Saturday at 1:30 PM. Tickets: $8 for children and adults, $7 for seniors (62 and up). Special rates for groups of ten or more children apply. Weekday performances are available, but vary, so call for information. For reservations, call 303-279-7800. Heritage Square Music Hall Children’s Theatre is located at 18301 W. Colfax D-103, Golden, CO 80401. More information at www.hsmusichall.com
Be sure to see Peter and the Starcatcher Aug. 15 through Sept. 1 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. A grownup’s prequel to the beloved story of Peter Pan, Broadway’s most mayhem-filled evening of madcap fun launches its national tour in Denver. With enormous talent, ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination, experience the story of a nameless boy who becomes Peter Pan.
Denver’s Annual Rocky Mountain PBS KIDS Fun Fest. On Sept. 7, Rocky Mountain PBS is hosting a fantastic FREE party for families. Ideal for kids preschool age through sixth grade, the event will host PBS characters such as Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Word Girl and Sid the Science Kid. Entertainment from the stage includes performances by outstanding local talent guaranteed to get everyone moving. Healthy refreshments will be offered and kids will enjoy moving around to different activity areas featuring Discovery Street, PBS Healthy Kids Go, PBS Science KIDS, PBS KIDS Create and PBS ABCs & 123s KIDS. The event will be held at Rocky Mountain PBS, 1089 Bannock Street, Denver from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. http://www.rmpbs.org/funfest
Free Library Concert. On Saturday, September 7, the Denver Public Library is hosting a free concert with award-winning children’s musician Jim Gill. Suitable for families with kids ages birth – three, the interactive show will feature energetic rhythms on Jim’s banjo while everyone claps, sings, dances and even sneezes along to the silly and inspiring musical games that he creates.  The concert will take place at the Denver Central Library, B2 Conference Center, 10 W. 14th Ave Parkway (at Broadway), 2 p.m. FREE, no RSVP required. http://denverlibrary.org/jim-gills-family-room-tour
Denver Art Museum Friendship Powwow. On Sept. 7, experience powwow dance and pageantry, participate in a community mural project, enter to win prize drawings, browse vendor booths, and enjoy your first (or 101st) piece of fry bread at the Denver Art Museum.
http://www.denverartmuseum.org/calendar/23rd-annual-denver-art-museum-friendship-powwow
Festival Italiano. On Sept. 7-8, the annual Festival Italiano Food & Wine Festival at Belmar Center is a fun-filled celebration of all things Italian. The event will feature over 70 of the finest Italian food, wine and artisan vendors from the area who will sell ceramics, gelato, sausage, baked goods, pasta, flowers, herbs, sculpture, antique maps, produce, pizza and much more. www.belmarcolorado.com/sub/event/festival_italiano/index.html
Kids Running America. Registration continues through Sept. 16: Registration is open for the KRA Fall Marathon Running Program, an incremental running program designed for kids to run 26.2 miles over a 10- to 12-week time frame, finishing their final mile at Washington Park on Oct. 27. The registration fee is $30 and includes the program, a mileage-tracking system, virtual running map, training incentives, entry into the Final Mile Event, race-day goodie bag, finisher’s medal, T-shirt and certificate of completion. Individuals and teams may register.
 Nick Cave: Soundsuits at the Denver Art Museum. Through September 22, renowned contemporary artist Nick Cave will debut a new body of work at the Denver Art Museum in the summer of 2013. The exhibition features a combination of multimedia elements and performances along with a selection of figurative sculptures the artist dubbed “Soundsuits.”
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org 
Hike & Seek. National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest conservation organization, is pleased to announce the fourth annual Hike & Seek event on Sept. 28 9 a.m.-noon at South Platte Park, in Littleton. Hike & Seek is a family outing that inspires a child’s sense of adventure by combining a nature hike and scavenger hunt. The event brings families together for a few hours in the great outdoors for some fresh fall air and fun and provides an opportunity to rediscover nature. People are encouraged to sign up at www.hikeandseek.org early to buy tickets and then show up ready to spend some family time in nature.
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Nature Programs

Also, don’t miss this event 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.

Preschool Nature Nuts: Wild Homes
Thursday, September 5
10:15 or 11:15 AM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Wild homes can be anywhere. Discover which animals live in the dirt, dead trees, nests, and hives. Create a collage and search for these wild homes outside.
Kids ages 3-5 with an adult.

Preschool Nature Nuts: Wild Homes
Saturday, September 7
10:15 or 11:15 AM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Wild homes can be anywhere. Discover which animals live in the dirt, dead trees, nests, and hives. Create a collage and search for these wild homes outside.
Kids ages 3-5 with an adult.

Fall Wildflowers
Sunday, September 8
9:00 – 11:00 AM South Valley Park
Walk with a Native Plant Master and discover the importance of our native plants to wildlife and humans.
Ages 13-adult.

They Eat What?! Hike & Family Picnic
Saturday, September 14
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Flying J Ranch Park
You won’t believe what some creatures consider food. Join this interactive, savory look at wildlife feeding habits before we dive into our own picnic lunches.
All ages.

Fall Stories
Sunday, September 15
2:00 – 3:30 PM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Take a short walk to discover what is interesting in the pine woods on that day, then come inside for a story about nature and place.
Ages 6-adult.

Toddler Nature Nuts: Wild Homes
Thursday, September 19
10:15 or 11:15 AM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Wild homes can be anywhere. Discover which animals live in the dirt, dead trees, nests, and hives. Create a collage and search for these wild homes outside.
Kids 2-years old with an adult.

Harvest Moon Rise
Friday, September 20
7:00 – 8:30 PM Deer Creek Canyon Park
Enjoy an evening hike to a ridge top as we watch the Harvest Moon rise over the plains. Learn about phases, features and traditional Harvest Moon tales.
Ages 6-adult.

Jr. Naturalists: Fabulous Fliers
Saturday, September 21
1:00 – 2:30 PM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Ever want to soar like an eagle or be as graceful as a dragonfly? Join us and learn how birds, bats and insects make it look so easy.
Kids ages 6-10 w/ adult.

Aspens: The Greatest Survivors
Sunday, September 22
1:00 – 3:00 PM Meyer Ranch Park
Our beautiful Rocky Mountain Aspens with thin trunks and dainty leaves are no weaklings. In the fall, you are charmed by their color. Now learn why they may be the mightiest tree in nature.
Ages 6-adult.

40th Anniversary Exhibit   
March 19 to November 17 (Hiwan Homestead Museum)
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jefferson County Historical Society and Jefferson County Open Space, which was voted into existence in 1972 and began receiving funds in 1973. Displays will center on important points in history, interesting facts about the development of Open Space and a variety of memorabilia.
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Ongoing Fun for the Whole Family

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park May – October

The nation’s ONLY downtown theme and water park opens for the season on May 4. With more than 45 thrilling rides, plus a splash-filled, 10-acre Water Park, musical stages, stunt shows, arcades and the StarToon Studios (a kiddie area with pint-sized fun), there’s something at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park for just about everyone. New additions this year include a new family-friendly rollercoaster Blazin’ Buckaroo and seven new shows including the must-see Cirque Conjure in the Trocadero Theater, a sophisticated combination of illusions, music, dance and comedy parents and kids will enjoy.   elitchgardens.com

Spun: Adventures in Textiles
Through September 22, Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) takes a wide-ranging look at textiles from pre-Columbian weavings to modern fiber art, Navajo blankets to an examination of clothing in art and photography.
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org

Catalyst: Colorado Sculpture
Through January 12, 2014, Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates the achievements and vision of Colorado sculptors in this astonishing outdoor group exhibition. Twelve artists view the garden spaces differently, altering the landscape with amazing 3-D work.
More Info: www.botanicgardens.org