Month: May 2020

Disney World Reopening: 10 Things That Will be Different

Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney recently shared that Disney magic is coming back with a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11.  According to Jim MacPhee, Senior Vice President of Operations, cast members will work with guests to make the experience as real, and as magical, as possible. They hope everyone will do their part to bring the magic of Disney World back into this new environment. Here are 10 ways Disney magic will look a lot different: 1. Face coverings will be required. All guests over the age of 3 2. There will be no parades or fireworks. Disney’s famous parades and fireworks shows draw tightly packed crowds, so the com...

What happens when kids can’t go to school but parents have to go to work?

The American economy is built on the idea that children go to school and parents can go out and work. That’s just not the case right now. It certainly hasn’t panned out that way for Laura McLean of Montrose. “I’m currently in a master’s program for library science and landed a position at the Montrose Regional Library as an adult services librarian,” she said. The new position doubled her salary, a vast improvement for a single mom in a situation she described as “working poor.” Her previous jobs were at the grocery or the local school district. She had tried to make a career jump like this for a long time, and now that it’s here there’s a big downside. Whereas her work schedule used to align with her daughters’ schedules, now she has to be in the office every other...

Let’s Walk! A Place to Honor and a Place to Play

The Big Dry Creek Trail has taken us from Standley Lake’s scenic shores to eye-popping underpass art. We walked buzzy Butterfly Pavilion-skirting trails and feasted on more cool murals, all in the name of exploratory walking. The next sliver of the trail features an opportunity to honor. With Memorial Day in the rearview mirror and Independence Day on the horizon, consider visiting Westminster’s Armed Forces Tribute Garden as part of your family outside time.  Six branches of the armed forces are honored in this contemplative space just off the Big Dry Creek Trail. Normally, there is a large fountain flowing. Striking statuary rests on top, depicting the bond between soldiers as they mourn their lost. Flags flap in the wind. It is a place to quietly honor those who have served.  ...

Ultimate Colorado Family Vacation Guide: 100+ Activities (COVID-approved)

In part two of five of the Best of Summer 2020, we have listed town information for Boulder, Grand Lake, Twin Lakes, Colorado Springs, Leadville and Loveland along with numerous outfitter updates. There are over 100+ vacation ideas below including rafting, golf, swim, fish, kayak, hike, SUP, train excursions and more. Also included are the most remote and wide-open places in the State. Next time, we’ll update you on mountain resorts including Vail, Glenwood Springs, Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, Silverthorne, Aspen, Snowmass and more. And in case you missed it, check-out Family Travel: Colorado’s Top Five Lodging Suggestions for Summer 2020.  Stay healthy and safe – Julie  ===== BOULDER Hiking Mamas, and their strollers, packs, gear & dogs, who are headed to Chau...

Get ready for Free Fishing Weekend, coming up June 6-7

The fish are starting to bite at waters all around the state. To give everyone an opportunity to get out and get some hits, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is inviting residents and nonresident anglers of all ages to participate in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 6 to 7. The free fishing weekend is a great w​ay to get outside with family and friends and take adva​​ntag​e of Colorado’s extensive opportunities to fish for a myriad of cold and warm water fish species​​.​ Tips & Hotspots There are many resources that Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers to help those interested in fishing throughout the state: ​Fishing Report– This report offers a weekly fishing report from lakes all around Colorado Fishing Atlas– This is an interactive map that shows the many...

Children’s Day Camps To Open In June, But Overnight Camps Still On Hold

Summer day camps in Colorado are allowed to start June 1, 2020. Gov. Jared Polis announced guidelines on Monday that give the greenlight to day camps, but residential camps must wait. The decision on whether overnight camps can open in July and August will come in a few weeks. The guidelines require day camps to maintain physical distancing and maximum group sizes of 25 children outdoors and 10 children per room indoors. Employees must wear masks where possible, and campers must wear masks during transportation to and from the camp. “Colorado kids will be able to enjoy day camps and youth sports camps this summer in as safe a manner as possible,” Polis said in a statement. “The risk, though less, is still very real, and it’s up to families to make the best decisions that work for...

Family Travel: Colorado’s Top Five Lodging Suggestions for Summer 2020

This could be the longest EVER summer for Mile High Mamas and shall never be forgotten, nor should it. Please stay safe, healthy and adventurous Mamas. We checked with the Colorado Tourism Board on May 21, 2020. This is the most up-to-date information we can provide to families about our favorite destinations throughout the State. Today we’re featuring our top five hotels/resorts to book this summer. Tomorrow look for updated information on towns and destinations. And then we’ll feature our favorite outdoor summer activities and more updates about Colorado summer. Here’s to one, crazy, long summer. -Julie! ======= Message from the Colorado Tourism Board “As Colorado continues to take positive steps toward reactivating our economy, the health and safety of both residents and visitors remain...

Let’s Walk! An Adventure for Busy Bees Near the Butterfly Pavilion

That buzz in the air might have something to do with the end of school and the approach of hot summer days. Or, maybe you are nearing Westminster’s popular Butterfly Pavilion? That buzz could be actual bees flying out of their building situated right on The Big Dry Creek Trail. This week’s stretch of trail skips over some of the more residential portions, landing in the parking lot just south of the Pavilion’s building. Signage will let you know you are in the right place. The Big Dry Creek Exploration Trail is a handy sliver where you can get fresh air, exercise, and learn a little about local ecosystems. This trail within the trail system is dotted with informational signs about the animals, plants, and other ecological features of the area. At publishing time, the Butterfly Pavilion is ...

Denver’s best events for Memorial Day Weekend 2020

Ready to celebrate? When Memorial Day weekend (May 22–25, 2020) rolls around in Denver, we go big. Check-out these awesome events from Visit Denver that are open for your enjoyment. Be sure to also see our 2020 Denver Summer Activity Guide for more ideas.  MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS SHIKI DREAMS WHEN: May 14–July 5, 2020 WHERE: 2219 E. 21st Ave. In this 1,200-square-foot pop-up installation, you’ll follow Shiki, a spiritual yeti guide and leader of the Spirits of the Forest. The immersive experience explores the dreams of this wise spirit in a multi-sensory experience of stunning creativity.  NIGHT LIGHTS DENVER WHEN: May 9–Dec. 31, 2020  WHERE: Daniels & Fisher Tower Night Lights Denver features rotating content designed by local artists and the community a...

20 delicious recipes for Memorial Day weekend

It has been a rough couple of months and do you know what we all need? Good food. And lots of it.  I don’t know about you but Memorial Day weekend marks the official first day of summer for me and that means firing up the grill and bringing out my summer-lovin’ cookbooks. Here are 20 fantastic recipes your whole family will love.       Jalapeno Bacon Burger – Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts   Sweet Maple Barbecue Chicken Kebobs – A Dash of Sanity     Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad with Artichokes, Tomatoes, and Peas – Domestic Superhero    Berry Swirl Cheesecake – Wine & Glue      Blackened Chicken & Quinoa Salad – Fake Ginger   Creamy Pea Salad – Love Bakes Good Cakes &nbs...

2020 Denver Summer Activity Guide (150+ activities!)

Breaking news: Summer isn’t canceled. Sure, it may look a bit different in the times of COVID-19 but there will still be plenty of outdoor and indoor fun for kids of all ages.  With the help of our readers (yes, that’s you!) Mile High Mamas has compiled a list of fun activities in the Denver area this summer.  All of these places and activities in one handy list!?  Awesome! You’ll just need to double-check about temporary closures prior to attending. See something that isn’t on the list? Let us know, and we’ll add it! Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often. It’s your Summer 2020 Guide to Fun in Denver.  Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this article for our recommendations for Denver’s best hikes, splash parks, waterfalls and more.  In...

Water World announces it will not open for the 2020 summer season

Say it ain’t so! For the first time in more than 40 years, Hyland Hills Water World announced today it will not open for the 2020 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are deeply disappointed to have to make this decision,” said park spokesperson, Joann Cortéz, “Water World is a summer institution in Colorado, and for many individuals and families, it’s just not summer without Water World.”   While there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through the use of pool water, guidance indicates that a water park the size and scope of Water World would not be permitted to open within the park’s short summer operating season. Our 70-acre park plans for up to 500,000 visitors each year in a typical 90 to 93-day season.  Water World staff sought guidance from waterpar...