21 of Denver’s best family events this week
posted by: Amber Johnson
Don’t miss the National Western Stock Show, Denver International Sportsmen’s Exposition, the Preschool Showcase at the Denver Zoo and more. See our event calendar for full listings.
Denver International Sportsmen’s Exposition at Colorado Convention Center
Jan 9 – 12
Colorado offers an unprecedented number of outdoor pursuits and matching consumer participants. This is why ISE’s longest-running expo continues to expand—product offerings, destinations, activities, number of attendees. Hunting and fishing remain core. Several generations of outdoor enthusiasts from Colorado and the seven bordering states attend, while the expo’s Youth Fair, hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, educates and inspires thousands of future outdoor enthusiasts
Free Day at Four Mile Historic Park
Jan 10, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Free Day.
Free Day at Denver Zoo
Jan 10, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission to Denver Zoo Free!
Colorado Avalanche vs. Pittsburgh Penguins at Pepsi Center
Jan 10, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Colorado Avalanche vs. Pittsburgh Penguins live at the Pepsi Center!
Denver Preschool Program’s 8th annual Preschool Showcase at Denver Zoo – Norgren Hall
Jan 11, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Denver Preschool Program (DPP) will host its 8th annual Preschool Showcase in January. We hope you’ll join us in spreading the news about this FREE event, at which all Denver families can find out how to access preschool tuition support and meet quality-rated preschools in and around the Denver area.
Free Day at Longmont Museum
Jan 11, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Longmont Museum, housed in a distinctive contemporary building, features changing exhibits in history, art, and science, as well as the award-winning Front Range Rising, a long-term exhibit on the history and culture of this region. The Museum also features the 250-seat Stewart Auditorium and Cone-Shortall stage, the Swan Atrium, and the Kaiser Permanente Education Center. The Museum hosts hands-on education programs for all ages, indoor and outdoor concerts and performances, film series, lectures and historic tours, and a gift shop featuring local history books, souvenirs, and exhibit-related materials.
National Western Stock Show & Rodeo at National Western Complex
Jan 11, 10:00 am – Jan 26 @ 11:00 pm
Bulls and broncs, cowboys and cowgirls – rodeo’s biggest superstars perform amazing feats of athleticism during each performance of this professional rodeo. Showcasing the elegance and athleticism of the world’s top reining horses, the hard-hitting competition of Denver Professional Bull Riders Chute-Out and the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, this event has something for everyone.
HONK! Aurora Fox Arts Center
Jan 11 – 26
Based on the Hans Christen Andersen story of The Ugly Duckling, Honk! follows the story of Ugly, a unique kind of fowl, as he strays from his home on the farm. He meets an interesting array of new friends, avoids the threat of a hungry Cat, and discovers that being different isn’t bad, it’s just…different
Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at Pepsi Center
Jan 11, 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Family Night – Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Theme Night: Western Night.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers at Pepsi Center
Jan 12, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Los Angeles Clippers vs Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Family Night w/ Purchase of Promotional Offer.
ONGOING EVENTS
A Christmas Story Escape
Nov. 29 – Jan. 15, 2020
Based upon the classic holiday film, A Christmas Story Escape follows 9-year old Ralphie Parker’s quest for the one thing he wants for Christmas: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Ralphie is discouraged, but not defeated, by his mother, his teacher, and even a department store Santa Claus who all give him the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Can you find clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to help Ralphie find his precious Christmas present before time runs out? Go on…we TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU! escapeworksdenver.com
Night Light Denver at the Daniels & Fisher Tower
Nov. 7 – Jan. 31, 2020
The Denver Theatre District’s ongoing, year-round projection mapping installation will be projected on the Arapahoe Street side of the Daniels & Fisher Tower every Thursday through Saturday evening. Night Lights Denver will include rotating content, designed by artists and the community, featuring a wide range of art. nightlightsdenver.com
Mile High Tree
Nov. 30 – Jan. 31
Denver’s holiday season just got bigger and brighter with the spectacular new Mile High Tree! Experience the Mile High Tree by stepping inside this brilliantly lit, 110-foot tall immersive holiday tree, opening November 30 in Sculpture Park at Denver Performing Arts Complex – free every evening for the whole family! Amazing lights and music shows take place every 30 minutes along with holiday treats, drinks and photo ops. www.denver.org/milehighholidays/tree
Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park
Nov. 26, 2019 – Feb 16, 2020
The Downtown Denver Partnership proudly invites you and your family to join us at the Downtown Denver Rink at Skyline Park – Downtown’s destination for fun this winter. Winter of 2019 celebrates one decade of the Downtown Denver Rink which offers free ice skating seven days a week from November to February. Entry is free! Skate rentals are $7 for kids 12 & under and $9 for adults 13 & older. Purchase your season pass at the Rink for $35 for kids 12 and under and $50 for adults. Skaters are welcome to bring their own skates.
Goodnight Moon at the DPAC/The Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre
October 4, 2019 – February 16, 2020
A musical twist on the beloved bedtime story. For the past 72 years, families around the world have made Goodnight Moon a part of their bedtime ritual. Now, the beloved children’s book comes to life on stage for a musical adventure! As the clock strikes seven o’clock, it’s time for Bunny to go to sleep. Say goodnight with magical moments filled with songs, kittens and mittens, bears and chairs, a red balloon, a quiet old lady, and – of course – the moon in this delightful tale. denvercenter.org
A musical twist on the beloved bedtime story. For the past 72 years, families around the world have made Goodnight Moon a part of their bedtime ritual. Now, the beloved children’s book comes to life on stage for a musical adventure! As the clock strikes seven o’clock, it’s time for Bunny to go to sleep. Say goodnight with magical moments filled with songs, kittens and mittens, bears and chairs, a red balloon, a quiet old lady, and – of course – the moon in this delightful tale. denvercenter.org
The Science Behind Pixar at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Oct. 11 – April 5, 2020
Enjoy a unique look into the Pixar process, and explore the science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and their characters with The Science Behind Pixar. This interactive exhibition showcases the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts used by the artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar’s award-winning films to the big screen. dmns.org
VR Arcade
Oct. 26 – March 8, 2020
Come on in, jump on board, and have some fun in VR Arcade. The pop-up experience uses virtual reality technology that lets you explore wherever your curiosity leads. VR Arcade features a four-person Virtual Reality Transporter ride, an individual Birdly flight, and six bays for individual VR opportunities.
Jeff & Paige Winter Concert Series at Gunbarrel Brewing Co.
Jan. 4 – March 7, 2020
A live, indoor science/nature-kids’ concert at this spacious, family-owned brewery. Ample seating, food truck, arcade, games and great beers. https://www.eventbrite.com
The Velveteen Rabbit at the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities
Jan. 30 – May 20, 2020
When a rocking horse tells an old-fashioned velveteen rabbit that toys become real when they are truly loved, the stuffed animal jumps at the opportunity to be the favorite playmate of a young boy. But when the boy gets sick, their friendship is tested and both learn a lesson in loyalty and what being “real” truly means. This musical adaptation of Margery Williams’ 1922 classic The Velveteen Rabbit presents an updated version of one of the most celebrated children’s tales of our time. Filled with longing and the companionship that fulfills it, the story presents an appreciation for childhood that is sincere and filled with fun and magic. This timeless tale shows the transformative power of love, and will touch anyone who has ever had a beloved childhood toy.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
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