24 family events in Denver this week
posted by: Amber Johnson
Don’t miss the National Western Stock Show & Show, free day at the Denver Zoo, Carnival of the Animals and Peter & the Wolf, Martin Luther King Marade and more. See our event calendar for additional information.
National Western Stock Show & Rodeo at National Western Complex
Jan 11 – 26
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. Don’t miss our Guide to the National Western Stock Show.
Free Day at Plains Conservation Center
Jan 16, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
This Aurora-based center helps students and adults grow their knowledge and appreciation of the prairie ecosystem and the cultural history of Colorado through a variety of educational programs managed by Denver Botanic Gardens. In cooperation with the City of Aurora.
Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks at Pepsi Center
Jan 16, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks live at the Pepsi Center!
Matilda at Parker Arts Center
Jan 17 – 19
This award-winning musical tells the story of an extraordinary young girl who, armed with astonishing wit, intelligence, an extraordinary imagination, and psychokinetic powers, takes a stand. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, Matilda The Musical is a joyous girl-power romp. Children and adults alike will be delighted.
Free Day at Denver Zoo
Jan 18, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission to Denver Zoo free.
Superheroes Unite at Southridge Recreation Center
Jan 18, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Your little superhero will enjoy a morning of food, fun, and SUPERHEROES! Join us for an awesome morning with Spiderman as he puts your little superhero through superhero training. Guests will enjoy superhero snacks, beverages, and a small token to take home. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and each participant must purchase a ticket (children and adults). Dressing up in your favorite superhero costume is encouraged.
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues at Pepsi Center
Jan 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues live at the Pepsi Center!
Hansel and Gretel – Family Day at Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Jan 18, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Starring Opera Colorado’s Artists in Residence, Family Day provides you and your children the opportunity to see the company’s touring production sung in English. Explore the wonders of opera and the Ellie Caulkins Opera House—on stage!
Carnival of the Animals and Peter & the Wolf at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium
Jan 18, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Elliot Moore, conductor, Amber Salaz, narrator. SAINT-SAËNS Selections from Carnival of the Animals with poetry by Jack Prelutsky. PROKOFIEV Peter and the Wolf.
Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers at Pepsi Center
Jan 19, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Indiana Pacers vs Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Family Night w/ Purchase of Promotional Offer.
Sensory-friendly Diorama Halls for Families at Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS)
Jan 19, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Enjoy some low-sensory time in our famous diorama halls with reduced sound, increased lighting, and a supportive environment for families with sensory integration issues.
Free Day at Denver Botanic Gardens York Street
Jan 20, 10:00 am – 4:00 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.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Rings at Pepsi Center
Jan 20, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings live at the Pepsi Center!
Celebrate the largest Martin Luther King Jr. march and rally in the United States. Participants gather at City Park and march to Civic Center Park, where a large rally commemorates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Winter Break at the DAM at Denver Art Museum
Jan 21 – Feb 5
Join us for Winter Break at the DAM (Dec. 21-Jan. 5, closed Dec. 25) with Create-n-Takes and the First Light Family Space available daily. Watch for performances of Art Emergency: Monet Edition weekdays during the break, except for Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1. Stop in whenever the museum is open for hands-on creativity in the Paint Studio with artist demonstrations from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All break week activities are included in general admission, which is free for kids 18 and younger.
ONGOING EVENTS
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.