Happy Halloween and important reminders!

For children with autism, holidays like Halloween can sometimes be more stressful than they are fun.

However, one Hawaii-based mom is determined to make sure her 3-year-old son — who is autistic and nonverbal — doesn’t have to worry about having a fun time while trick-or-treating this year.

“My son is 3 years old and has autism. He is nonverbal. Last year houses will wait for him to say TRICK OR TREAT in order for him to get a piece of candy and there I go explaining the situation for the next 5 blocks,” Omairis Taylor wrote on Facebook last week. “This year we will be trying the BLUE BUCKET to signify he has autism.”

The blue buckets are meant to alert candy givers that the child might have autism, may be non-verbal, and can’t say things like “trick-or-treat” or “Happy Halloween.”

And if your child has a food allergy? The Teal Pumpkin Project is an effort by the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization to raise awareness of food allergies and promote inclusion of all trick-or-treaters during the Halloween season. This project originated as a local activity by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee and has since become a worldwide event. According to FARE, teal is the color for food allergy awareness and has been used to raise awareness about food-related medical conditions for 20 years. Those who participate in the project place a teal painted pumpkin outside their door and provide non-food treats to trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

And if you have teen trick-or-treaters come to your door?

And this important PSA: Never be sorry.

Happy Halloween, Mamas!

26 family-friendly events in Denver this week

It’s Denver Arts Week (with free night at the museum), Dis de los Muertos, Confluence Park Public Art Tour and more. See our event calendar for full listings and our guide to Colorado’s best fall colors, festivals and corn mazes and Harvest Fun: Colorado’s best pumpkin patches, farm stands and U-Pick Tours.

Pumpkin Nights at Adams County Fairgrounds and Regional Park Complex
Oct 17 – Nov 3
Pumpkin Nights is returning this fall and bringing even more magic than ever before to Denver from Thursday, October 17 to Sunday, November 3! Taking place at the Adams County Fairgrounds and Regional Park Complex, visitors will experience new interactive Halloween experiences and festival activities unlike anything else. Pumpkin Nights transports guests into an enchanted world with dazzling, multi-sensory Halloween displays and seven Pumpkin Lands created with more than 3,000 artistically hand-carved real and synthetic pumpkins.

Tricks and Treats at FCMoD at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Oct 31, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Join us for Tricks and Treats at FCMoD! Don your most boo-tiful or frightful costumes and head to FCMoD for an experience you’ll not soon forget! With Halloween-themed activities spread throughout the museum, and trick-or-treating stations to discover, the whole family will be ghoulishly entertained!

Free Day at Museo de las Americas
Nov 1, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Located in the heart of the Art District on Santa Fe, Museo de las Americas is the premier Latin American art museum in the Rocky Mountain region. Museo de las Americas is dedicated to educate our community through collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the diverse arts and cultures of the Americas from ancient to contemporary, through innovative exhibitions and programs.

Denver Arts Week at Denver Metro
Nov 1 – Nov 9
The 13th annual Denver Arts Week is an eight-day celebration of all things art in The Mile High City, running from November 1-9, 2019. The program, presented by VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau, features more than 300 events at a wide variety of art galleries, museums, theaters and concert halls many of which are deeply discounted.

Altares Vivos: Honor y Resistencia (Day of the Dead) at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center
Nov 1, 5:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Living Altars, Family Activities and Tradition at Su Teatro’s Day of the Dead. Come down to Su Teatro for a fun celebration! Perfect for every age. We will have a giant altar and inside altars, where you can bring items and pictures of your loved ones

Dia de los Muertos Art & Street Party at 40 West Arts District
Nov 1, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
40 West Arts was voted Westword Magazine’s ‘Best Arts District’ in 2019 and this event is not-to-be-missed. Watch Aztec dancers in traditional costume and see fire artists, who will be on hand spinning fire to brighten the winter night in a display of light and shadow. This kid & family-friendly event will also showcase piñatas, Diá de los Muertos face painting, live music, and create & take art stations. Have your tarot cards read, see altars throughout the district, sip beer and wine while you’re here, or enjoy a bite at a local food truck.

Dis de los Muertos at Lakewood Arts at Lakewood Arts
Nov 1 – Nov 7
Get in on the Día de los Muertos fun with Lakewood Arts, located in 40 West Arts District. Lakewood’s oldest continuously-operating arts organization is kicking things off on First Friday with tarot-card readings, a make-your-own mask station and face painting.

Up Pat Bedtime at Clyfford Still Museum
Nov 1, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Have you ever wondered what Clyfford Still’s paintings look like through the eyes of a child? Join 10-year-old Still superfan Harrison as he takes us on a journey through his interpretations of Still’s work. Included with Museum admission, registration is required. Kids 17 and under are always free, adults are $5 on Fridays.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars at Pepsi Center
Nov 1, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars live at the Pepsi Center!

Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Nov 1 – Nov 2
Christopher Dragon, conductor. Returning by popular demand, see one of Tim Burton’s most celebrated films like never before! The full-feature film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be projected on the big screen with dialogue, singing, and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman’s darkly charming score played live by your Colorado Symphony. Families are welcome and costumes are encouraged. After all, this is Halloween!

Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Denver Botanic Gardens
Nov 2, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Denver Botanic Gardens’ observance of Día de los Muertos will be celebrated this year with indoor screenings of Disney’s Pixar film “Coco.” Seating is limited, so arrive early to shop the mercado and to get your face painted before the film. While you’re here, enjoy the display of ofrendas created by members of the Denver community and a special holiday exhibition in the Bonsai Pavilion.

Free Day at Denver Art Museum
Nov 2, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
General admission to the Denver Art Museum is FREE to all youth age 18 and under every day, granting more kids access to art than ever before. General admission is free on the first Saturday of the month thanks to Your 6 Hometown Toyota Stores and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Free Day at Clyfford Still Museum
Nov 2, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Considered one of the most important painters of the 20th century, Clyfford Still (1904–1980) was among the first generation of Abstract Expressionist artists who developed a new and powerful approach to painting in the years immediately following World War II.

Urban Holiday Market at Skyline Park
Nov 2 – 3
The Urban Holiday Market is the official annual kickoff to the holiday shopping season. This gargantuan showcase of one of-a-kind seasonal items, high quality handcrafted goods, and fabulous holiday gift ideas is not to be missed. This free event is the place to get all of your holiday shopping done in one fun filled weekend. You will be astonished at the diverse collection of local art, crafts, holiday gifts, and specialty foods that will be found at this open air Holiday Festival in the center of Downtown Denver.

Day of the Dead Celebration: Family Fiesta at Downtown Longmont
Nov 2, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Longmont Museum is joining forces with the Firehouse Art Center, Longmont Downtown Development Authority, and El Comité de Longmont to bring you the biggest and best Día de los Muertos celebration Longmont has ever seen—all held downtown!

Denver Children’s Choir at Museo de las Americas
Nov 2, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Hear the voices of the Timberline Ensemble of the Denver Children’s Choir sing in the wonderful art spaces of the Museo de las Americas on Saturday, November 2 at 4:00 PM. Admission is free as a part of Denver Arts Week!

Fourth Annual Day of the Dead Block Party at Thornton Arts and Culture Center
Nov 2, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Annual celebration features mariachi performances, Catrina fashion show, art splatter station, plus holiday food and drink. A specially-designed community altar by artist Shirlee Miyaki will be set up in the TACC for ofrendas. The 2019 Day of the Dead poster contest is now open; submissions can be sent to [email protected] by September 30.

The Okee Dokee Brothers Family Concert at Central Presbyterian Church (presented by Swallow Hill Music)
Nov 2, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
As childhood friends growing up in Denver Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. Now, as the GRAMMY® Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they have put this passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music.

Dioramart: Transforming the wildlife halls through art at Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS)
Nov 2, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Local artists will activate our spaces with light, sound, movement, color, story, and passion – uniting the arts with nature and science in the Museum’s wildlife halls during DioramART.

Night at the Museums: Black American West Museum at Black American West Museum
Nov 2, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Watch African-American history come alive through re-enactments, videos and the stories told throughout this museum in Historic Five Points.

Confluence Park Public Art Tour at Confluence Park
Nov 3 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
This tour visits several public artworks in Confluence Park starting at “Sing and Glide” near the Starbucks/REI store. The tour then travels over the confluence of the Platte River and Cherry Creek, visiting numerous murals along the way. The tour ventures past the Denver Museum of Contemporary art and crosses Millennium Bridge before returning to Confluence Park.

Halloween Spooktacular at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Nov 3, 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Bertie Baigent, conductor. It’s a spooktacular event for all boys and ghouls! This family-favorite concert features music from films, television, and more! Costumes are encouraged — the best of the bunch will be invited to show off their creations on stage for the whole crowd! It’s a ghastly-good time for every little monster and their mummy!

Free Days at Chatfield Farms
Nov 5 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free Days occur throughout the year, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). No tickets are needed for admission to Free Days. Free Days are for regular Gardens hours only and do not include ticketed events.

ONGOING EVENTS

Images from the Tracks at the Colorado Railroad Museum
January 28, 2019 – January 5, 2020
One of the foremost photographers to photograph the great American West, William Henry Jackson’s images had an immense influence on the public’s perception of the American West. A portion of those images were captured here in Colorado as Jackson traveled throughout the west by rail. This exhibit not only showcases the Museum’s collection of Jackson photographs but provides visitors with the opportunity to visit the rail car he traveled and lived in – the Denver & Rio Grande Western business car – the Rico.

Marine Biologist for a Day at the Downtown Aquarium
Jan 1- Dec 31, 2019
See if you have what it takes to become a Marine Biologist! Spend a day behind the scenes where all the scientific action happens. Experience close encounters with exotic species from the deep sea to shallow reef and everywhere in between. You’ll even get to dissect a squid! Program includes guided tour, biologist dive show, squid dissection, animal feedings and much more! T-shirts & lunch included.

First Light Family Space at the Denver Art Museum
June 1-Dec. 31, 2019
Step into the shining world of the new First Light Family Space and try hands-on activities inspired by the exhibition, The Light Show. Trace a shadow, make a mirror, play with patterns and create a colorful city. The museum of free for kids under 18 for kids. Have fun learning about artwork with gallery games similar to I spy, bingo, and memory matching with Gallery Games. Create Playdate’s artmaking with little ones is on the second Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. DenverArtMuseum.org.

30 Best Places to Go Sledding in Colorado

Updated January 2023.

When the snow flies in Colorado, consider seeking out a sled at one of these locations for some old-fashioned fun. There is myriad of sledding hills–some public, some secret. Here are a handful of our favorite spots. Some offer sled rentals: others are BYOS.

These are the best sledding hills all over Colorado. All parks are free unless otherwise noted.

Also, a fun new pastime is going on a hike with your family and sledding down the trail after. This Eurosoed Mrikan Missile Sled is on my wish list for sure and wherever you go, be sure to check for avalanche safety if you’re in a high-risk area.

Where Are the Best Sledding Hills Near Denver?

Denver

This may come as a surprise to sledding enthusiasts in the Mile High City: It’s technically against the rules to sled in city parks unless it has been specifically sanctioned by city officials but they turn a blind eye to it.

Congress Park. This hill is small but mighty near East Eighth Avenue and York Street. Barnum Park, which offers a fantastic view of the downtown Denver skyline, is located just west of Federal Boulevard and north of West Sixth Avenue; Jefferson Park, a low-key hill surrounded by trees near West 23rd Avenue and Eliot Street.

Ruby Hill Park, Denver. After a fresh snowfall, it’s common to find such outlaw fun-lovers at Ruby Hill Park which is the result of a partnership between the city of Denver and Winter Park Resort. Workers start making snow in January for skiing and snowboarding, and other parts of the park are designated for sledding. Lights operate until 9 p.m. so you can get your nighttime glide in as well. The intersection of Platte River Drive and Jewell Avenue.

Sledding Hill Park, Littleton. With a name like this, the sledding has to be good, right? This north-facing park is gloriously undeveloped except for a few park benches and the best parking is found at Eagle Meadows or Sanctuary Park. S. Kipling Parkway and Ken Caryl Avenue, Littleton

Kroh Park, Loveland. This sledding hill is the most popular in the city and is widely used in the summer for soccer, fishing and baseball. 5200 N. Garfield Ave., Loveland

Boulder

The jewel in the crown is the all-ages Scott Carpenter Park, 1505 30th St., a former landfill where for some 40 years Boulderites have learned the fine art of sledding. Another option is South Boulder’s Harlow Platts Park, at Greenbriar Boulevard and Gillespie Drive. Those with tiny sledders should head to Foothills Community Park, 800 Cherry Ave., or Meadow Glen, on Pennsylvania Avenue east of 55th Street. Sledding also is allowed, and especially fun for adults, when there is snow, at Colorado Chautauqua, 900 Baseline Road. Pull into the drive, and stop at the ranger station to see which permitted sledding areas are posted on any given day.

Lafayette

Autumn Ash Park, off North 111th Street at Beacon Hill and Lucerne drives, has a nice hilly slope perfect for family sledding with young children. There’s also Wanaka Lake Park, 705 Caria Drive, south from Baseline Road or west from Public Road onto Emma Street. Sled off the dam on the northeast side of the lake. Slide down the little slopes that go from the lake down to the lower trail, especially with smaller children. Another major area is immediately west of Indian Peaks Drive on the south side of Baseline Road

Where Are the Best Sledding Hills in Colorado?

Aspen

At the Aspen Recreation Center, less than mile up Maroon Creek Road just before Aspen Highlands, a gorgeous backdrop of Pyramid Peak and a down-valley view await your sledding pleasure on the free, Whoa Nelly! sledding hill. If you forget your sled, you can rent at the Rec Center. And if you want to do a little ice skating, the ARC- tic Pond is at the bottom of the hill.

Breckenridge

Carter Park, smack in the middle of town at the south end of High Street, features a walk-up, ride-down sledding hill on a former ski hill. There are no rentals, but snow tubes and sleds are available for purchase at the City Market and Food Kingdom grocery stores in town.

Colorado Springs

The spot is the Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center, 3920 Dublin Blvd. This is a good-sized hill and the most popular place in town for those heading for sledding.

Copper Mountain

You could go the classic straight lane route, or you can up your game with Copper. After a day on the slopes, kick off those ski boots and gather your family and head to the hill. Sign your waiver, pay and test out your handpicked tube on Copper’s banked curves. Be sure to try the Rocky Mountain Coaster and the Alpine Rush Zipline that soars over Copper’s West Lake.

Crested Butte

The Crested Butte Nordic Center, corner of Second and White- rock streets, is on the free bus route and is the site of Big Mine Park, so you can sled on history, where coal was once mined and cooked in coke ovens. Local kids sled on snowbanks around town, most notably, those near the Crested Butte Community School, 818 Red Lady Ave.

Durango

The Chapman Hill ski and skate area, 500 Florida Road, has a small sledding hill ideal for tots next to its two-rope tow ski hill. Afterward, you can cozy up next to the fireplace inside the pavilion.

Frisco

The town may not be a premier ski destination, but at Frisco Adventure Park on the town’s Recreation Way, the tubing hill provides downhill excitement. Similar to those at several Colorado ski areas, the tubing hill, on Colorado 9 across from the hospital, offers six lanes of 1,200-foot-long rides, with lifts on a Magic Carpet and inner tube rentals. With a minimum height limit of 42 inches, the tubing is mostly for those over 4 years of age. Clusters of up to four are allowed for families who want hand-holding on the way down. For those who like their sledding the old-fashioned way, a sledding hill is nearby.

Fort Collins

Edora Park is a huge Frisbee golf course in the summer and is an epic sledding hill in the winter with just enough pitch for thrills but not too steep for hiking back up. 1420 E. Stuart St. Just west of the Lory Student Center at Colorado State University you’ll find a manmade lagoon framed by great sledding. If you want a gentle slop, check-out City Park at 1500 W. Mulberry Street.

Glenwood Springs

Locals in the know head to Four Mile Park, on the road to the Sunlight Mountain Resort and Ski Area, a nice easy drive to all-ages sledding. Another hot spot is Canyon Creek. To get there from Interstate 70, take Exit 111 (South Canyon) 0.2 miles, turn at South Canyon Creek Road and go 0.4 miles. Bear right and continue on what becomes County Road 134 past the landfill and watch for the sledding hill.

Keystone

Adventure Point at Keystone offers the most epic paid Mountaintop Tubing Hill with multiple lanes, lift-assist and loads of area activities like skating on Keystone Lake and the world’s largest snow fort atop Dercum Mountain.

Leadville

Go Dutch for the ultimate high, fast ride at Leadville’s newly improved Dutch Henry Hill, with tubing lanes and a free sledding hill where no metal or wooden sleds are allowed. The area is a one-minute drive south of downtown Leadville on U.S. 24.

Silverton

Kendall Mountain Ski Area is best known for being family and beginner-friendly at a fraction of the cost of other Colorado ski resorts. Sledding, skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed any time!

Steamboat Springs

Who can go wrong with a cool name like Yee-Haw Hill at Saddleback Ranch? This paid sledding hill is groomed and equipped with a state-of-the-art tube-tow lift system that attaches itself to the tube to transport you back to the top. 37350 RCR 179, Steamboat Springs.

Telluride

Leave it to a place like Telluride (and really, there is no place like Telluride) to offer a sledding hill in the middle of town. Firecracker Hill, on the southern end of Town Park, is fun for kids of all ages, with gradual and steeper slopes. The Telluride Nordic Center, also in Town Park, offers sled rentals. Coffee shops with wonderful hot chocolate abound in this town. And the free Galloping Goose bus makes a continuous loop through town, stopping by the gondola, as well.

Vail

Vail’s Adventure Ridge is home to tubing, ski biking, kids snowmobiling, a bungee trampoline, and snowshoeing. The 900-foot long Eagle’s Nest tubing hill has several lanes to enjoy, music playing, and thrilling runs.

Winter Park

The Coco-Cola Tube Park at Winter Park Resort features four individual lanes, exciting banked curves, and a covered conveyor lift ride back to the top. Tubing reservations must be made in advance. Nearby, Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby is run by the YMCA of the Rockies. You’ll find a great tubing hill and views of the surrounding mountains that will knock your mittens off. Next to the tubing hill is an ice-skating rink pavilion and an extensive Nordic skiing network.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Skating in Colorado

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10 delicious soup recipes for cold fall nights

Sure, we love our chicken noodle soup and chili but I’m all about adding new soups to our autumn meal rotation. Don’t miss these 10 delicious soup recipes.

First up, Autumn Minestrone Soup from Cooking Classy. This gorgeous version uses kale, butternut squash and zucchini which certainly boosts the health-value!

If you are looking for a low-carb hit, try DamnDelicious.net’s Cauliflower Chowder. With bacon, garlic, and lots of chopped cauliflower, you won’t even miss those extra carbohydrates.

She Wears Many Hats brings us a perfectly simple version of Egg Drop Soup. According to my sister, bone broth made from Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken will yield completely irresistible (and immune-boosting) results.

Even my four year old loves a good split-pea soup (it might be because we call it “Hulk Soup”), and Valerie’s Kitchen shares a great classic slow-cooker version of this frugal favorite. Always save and freeze your ham bones for hearty meals like this!

Toot Sweet 4 Two pairs leftover Thanksgiving turkey with this chunky fall pasta (purchased at World Market) for a nourishing Harvest Turkey Soup. Thanks for tipping us to that pasta, Carole, my kids will love it!

When I think of comfort food, I think of Chicken Pot Pie, so I can’t wait to try this Chicken Pot Pie Soup from Kitchen Dreaming. With chicken breast, nutmeg and heavy cream, this may not be the healthiest recipe on the block, but I’m sure it won’t disappoint!

I’m a sucker for tomato and pasta soups so I couldn’t click this Creamy Tomato Tortellini from Gal on a Mission fast enough. With fresh herbs and three cheese tortellini I’m sure this would be a big hit for the whole family.

Diethood serves up a hearty Smoked Sausage, Kale & Potato Soup that looks divine (and surprisingly healthy). The best part is, this recipe can be completed in less than 30 minutes!

Pepper Jack Chicken Fajita Soup from Carlsbad Craving’s sounds like something I need to try. Immediately. Lots of flavorful ingredients and garnished with sour cream; what could possibly be better on a cool autumn evening?

Emotional Risks and Real-life Consequences of Online Life

Recently at a screening at a school of Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER, the principal told me she had a group of boys who were posting inappropriate things about each other on social media. When she told the boys that this could come back to haunt them—i.e., things can last forever on the internet—they responded:

“Yeah, we hear that, but we never hear a story of anything bad happening.”

I encourage you to listen with your teens to an episode of a podcast about an emotional story of a student who posts inappropriate comments in a “private” group chat and the subsequent severe consequences.

In today’s Tech Talk Tuesday, I explore the huge range of emotions that kids and teens experience from interactions online. It is so important to start a conversation about these emotions, so they can learn to better cope with painful situations elicited from internet interactions, be it small or big. READ MORE

Also, don’t miss Online Behavior, Real-Life Consequences: The Unfolding Of A Social Media Scandal.

-Delaney Ruston, MD

Host a screening of Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress and/or Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age to help spark change.

Deals: FREE Night at the Museums, Free Days & more!

I received a fun box of goodies from The Outlets of Castle Rock this last week. Not only was the box great fun to open and see what all was in it (Banana Republic animal print scarf, beanies from both Mountain Khakis and Arcteryx, Harry and David chocolates, Asics socks, necklace from Loft Outlet, and Vera Bradley lanyard and zip case). I also got an invitation to go shopping! In the box, I also received several gift cards which I’m super excited to go cash in – Asics, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Mountain Khaki’s, and a center certificate. When you are planning your holiday excursions – don’t forget you can SAVE a ton of money by shopping at the outlet…then maybe you can save enough to get a little something for yourself!

Craft Shows:

· Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show is Friday, Nov. 1- Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Denver Mart. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Get discount here.

· Holiday Food & Gift Festival is Friday, Nov. 15 – Sunday, Nov. 17 at the National Western Complex. Get $3 off with this coupon.

· Applewood Arts Festivals. Several shows through Denver area Starting Nov 2 & 3 at Highlands Ranch High School.

Free Days. The first of the month usually sees a lot of free days. November is no exception. November 1 –Museo de las Americas; November 2 – Clyfford Still Museum; Denver Art Museum; Denver Museum of Nature and Science; November 4 – Denver Zoo; November 5 -(4 -8 p.m.) Children’s Museum of Denver; Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms; November 8 – Denver Zoo; Four Mile Historic Park (12-4 p.m.)

Night at the Museums. One of the highlights of Denver’s Arts Week is the Night at the Museums – Saturday, November 2 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Explore Denver’s world-class museums for FREE! The shuttles will make it easy to see every one of them in one night!

H&M Opens at Premium Outlets. Some retail stores Grand Opening events are better than others. H&M’s newest location will open November 2 at 12 noon at the Denver Premium Outlets located at 13801 Grant St. in Thornton. They will offer the first 100 shoppers in line an H&M Access to Fashion Pass, valued between $10 and $500. After the first 100 shoppers in line, customers will receive a $10 Access to Fashion Pass. Plus, when you garment recycle on opening day, you can also enter to win a gift card from $50 to $250.

National Sandwich Day: I love National Days of pretty much anything because they typically mean DEALS! National Sandwich Day is on Sunday, November 3. Here are some of the best deals:

· Firehouse Subs. Get a free medium sub with purchase of another sub, chips and drink.

· Quizno’s. Get an 8” sub for just $6

· Snarf’s. Buy One Get One Free sub when you follow Snarf’s on social media.

· Jimmy John’s. The new Little John Sandwich is just $3 on National Sandwich Day.

Doritos Locos Taco at Taco Bell. Because a base was stolen during Game One of the World Series, we get a FREE Doritos Locos Taco at Taco Bell on October 30^th (from 2 – 6 p.m.)! No coupon or purchase required.

IHOP. IHOP is already in the Halloween spirit. The new Addams Family Menu is here and right now, IHOP is offering a free Kooky Kids Combo with any adult entrée purchase from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. through November 3.

Noodles & Company Halloween. During the really busy time of Halloween, get a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an entree when you download the Noodles & Company App by October 29. This offer is good October 30 through Nov 2.

Chipotle. Chipotle enjoys a Boorito on October 31^st from 3 p.m. to close. Get a Burritos, Bowls, Salads or Tacos for Only $4 Each when you (or your littles) are in your Halloween costume(s). In store offer only. Limit one Boorito per person.

Ben and Jerry’s Non-Dairy Scoop. Ben & Jerry’s is celebrating World Vegan Day by offering up a FREE Scoop of Non-Dairy Ice Cream on November 1st! Just stop by your local Ben & Jerry’s shop that day from 4 to 8 p.m. to get your free scoop. Spread the word!

Peet’s Coffee. Download the Peetnick App (for Peet’s Coffee) and use the code to ENROLL when you enroll in the program. Get a $5 credit (good for a free drink).

Pumpkin Nights. I love being outside on a chilly fall evening, what I don’t love is haunted houses – especially with little ones. That is one of the reasons I really like Pumpkin Nights, October 17-November 3 at Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton. The Halloween display is dazzling, multi-sensory seven Pumpkin Lands created with hand-carved real and synthetic pumpkins. Celebrate in Pumpkin Central with engaging activities including a Spirit of Pumpkin Fire Show, delicious tastes and treats, outdoor movie screenings, and more.

Bass Pro Shop Halloween Celebration. Bass Pro Shop has a whole week of celebration for Halloween, October 25-31. Enjoy lots of fun including photos, crafts, ring-toss, costume parade, and trick or treats. All the fun – and indoors!

Million Meals at the Movies is a family movie night and story-time at The Elaine Wolf Theatre at the JCC on Saturday, November 16th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The event is FREE to attend but tax-deductible donations to No Kid Hungry will be welcomed (every $5 donated can help provide up to 50 meals for a child who is facing hunger!) RSVP here.

Free Music Book. Stephan Hume with Littleton School of Music is so passionate about music that he wants to send you a free copy of his book, I Fell in Love with Music. He shares how music actually saved his life and what you can do at home to help your child love music. He knows first-hand how powerful music can be in positioning a youngster for lifelong success. Go here to sign up for your free book!

Ski Deals. Labor Day weekend also ushers in thoughts of the ski season. Now is the time to get your season passes! No matter where you choose to ski/snowboard.

· 5^thand 6^th Grade Passport. Colorado Ski Country (including most of the other Colorado Ski Areas – Arapahoe Basin, Copper, Cooper, Granby, Sunlight, Steamboat, Winter Park, Aspen, Snowmass, Monarch, Telluride, Eldora) is available for 5^th graders who get three days of skiing at each of the resorts, free beginner lesson, and equipment on the day of that lesson for FREE. Sixth-Graders can take advantage of FOUR days at each of the resorts and lesson for just $110.

· Junior Trade at Epic Mountain Gear is the place to get the kids ski equipment. Here’s how it works: You buy used ski equipment from the store. Use it all season long (and even bring it in for a trade if your kids outgrow it). Bring it back at the end of the season for credit of 50% of your purchase price. It prices out at just two times of rental equipment.

The Three Cs: How to Parent Successfully

Numerous studies suggest that the best-adjusted children are reared by parents who find a way to combine warmth and sensitivity with clear behavioral expectations. Parents may find the Four C’s to be a helpful acronym:

Care (showing acceptance and affection)
Consistency (maintaining a stable environment)
Choices (allowing the child to develop autonomy)
Consequences (applying repercussions of choices, whether positive or negative)

To parent effectively, it’s not enough to simply avoid the obvious dangers like abuse, neglect, or overindulgence. Indeed, The National Academy of Sciences delineates four major responsibilities for parents: maintaining children’s health and safety, promoting their emotional well-being, instilling social skills, and preparing children intellectually.

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The Best Ways for Overcoming Sensory Issues at the Dentist

There are a lot of sensory issues that are involved with going to the dentist. There are bright lights, loud noises, and strange tastes and smells. Some children may have sensory issues making it difficult for them to comfortably visit the dentist. Luckily, as a parent, there are many things you can try to help your child overcome any fears or sensory issues your child has at the dentist. This article talks about the best ways for working through sensory issues so your child can have a positive dental visit.

Practice at home

Practicing at home is one great way to begin working through your child’s sensory issues and start teaching them the importance of dental care. Start by using visuals to help your child see what happens at the dentist. Read storybooks and watch videos about dental visits to give them a chance to see what it’s like before they head to their own appointment.

One method that many parents have had success in is turning a dental visit into a role-playing game with your child. You can play the dentist and your child can play the patient. This is a fun and interactive way for them to practice what it will feel like to be at the dentist. They can work on laying with their feet out flat and their hands on their stomach. You can also work on opening their mouth wide. Making this into a fun game can help them become comfortable when they have to stay in this position at their appointment.

Schedule a familiarization appointment

Another thing that will help your child overcome their sensory issues is scheduling a familiarization appointment. These appointments give your child an opportunity to see the dental office before any work is done on their teeth. Most dentists are more than willing to schedule appointments like this, so calls yours to get one set up. It allows your child to meet the staff members and experience some of the sensory elements before their teeth are worked on. If your child can become familiar with the environment before their appointment they will be more comfortable on the day of their dental visit.

Talk to your dentist

Finally, talk with your dentist about ways to overcome your child’s sensory issues. They are a great resource for information and advice on working through issues and answering any questions you may have. It’s important to have your child visit a dentist every six months to ensure their mouth is healthy. Your dentist will want to make sure they are comfortable at each visit and will be willing to make any accommodations catered towards your child’s needs.

Dentists often make different accommodations during a child’s appointment depending on their needs. Some common ways dentists work to improve a child’s dental experience are: using a toothpaste flavor that your child prefers, having your child use a soft blanket during the appointment, wearing sunglasses to help with the bright lights, and/or using headphones to play calming music. If there is something you feel that will help your child, just ask your dentist and they will be happy to help you.

The dentist office can be an overwhelming place for anybody. However, sometimes children struggle with the sensory issues that are associated with dental visits. Thankfully, there are ways to overcome these issues and turn the dentist into a positive place. The dentist office can be a great learning experience for you and your child, and your dentist will work to make the visit be as comfortable as possible. Hopefully, these tips have given you a foundation that will help make your child’s dental visits be great.

Dr. Greg Grillo has been practicing family dentistry for over 17 years in Washington State. He especially enjoys caring for growing families in his practice and remains passionate about incorporating new technologies into his work that enhance the patient experience.

9 creepy Colorado places for Halloween

The season of fright is upon us.

Halloween candy has hit the grocery store shelves, spooky decorations are popping up in neighborhoods and the time for watching your favorite scary movie has arrived.

And for those of us who enjoy the thrill of being scared, Colorado is home to some scary haunted houses and other spooky events.

DMNS Scientists Make Groundbreaking Discovery

Sixty-six million years ago, a meteorite larger than Mount Everest slammed into Earth and 75 percent of species went extinct in a geologic blink of an eye, including nonavian dinosaurs. For decades, scientists worked to determine how the planet and living creatures rebounded, yet continued to know very little about the recovery. Until now.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science recently announced a significant scientific discovery made by Museum curators Drs. Tyler Lyson and Ian Miller, along with other colleagues from our own earth sciences team and across the country. Thanks to their research at a site named Corral Bluffs, near Colorado Springs, their understanding of how mammals evolved and came to thrive after the asteroid impact and extinction of the dinosaurs is snapping into focus. This discovery will rewrite textbooks.

Their peer-reviewed paper was published last week in Science Magazine, one of the world’s top academic publications.

For the first time, exceptionally preserved animal and plant fossils from the critical first million years after the asteroid impact shine a light on how life emerged from our planet’s darkest hour.

Experience this science from every available angle:

Visit After the Asteroid: Earth’s Comeback Story, the Museum’s pop-up exhibition located on Level 1, off of the Space Odyssey tunnel, where you’ll see some of the fossils!
Visit the website to virtually explore the discovery.
Watch the Facebook Live broadcast from NOVA’s Facebook page at 1:30 p.m. today.

Stream the PBS NOVA documentary “Rise of the Mammals,” beginning this afternoon, or watch the national broadcast on Oct. 30 (check local listings for showtimes).