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ideaLABs: Learn about 3D printing, creating games, producing videos for free

Mile High Mamas has been on the hunt for affordable and free entertainment for Denver families this summer.  And there’s nobody that does it better than the ideaLAB’s MakerCamp, a free opportunity for youth to do a deeper dive exploring specific projects and learn new skills, tools, or technology at various public library locations.

What is an ideaLAB?

ideaLABs are makerspaces: free community spaces to make things. Do you need to produce videos, create games, make music, or learn about electronics?  They aim to provide the tools and resources you need to make your projects happen. The tools available vary from lab to lab – please check the equipment and software lists to find the space that has what you need. The lab is free to anyone – no library card necessary!

Where are they and when are they open?

There are ideaLABs across the Denver Public Library system. Equipment varies by location.

Make with them this summer!

Each of otheir branch ideaLABs will host a series of workshops on various topics.  No pre-registration nor prior experience is required, but attendance will be limited, see the links below for more details.

  • Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library
    Tuesday, July 12 – Saturday, July 16
  • Montbello Branch Library
    Tuesday, July 19 – Saturday, July 23
  • Hampden Branch Library
    Tuesday, July 26 – Saturday July 30
    1 PM – 2:30 PM
    Ages 9+
  • Sam Gary Branch Library
    Tuesday, August 9 – Saturday, August 13

Learn Something New

Join an upcoming DIY program, check out their Instructables page for step-by-step tutorials for a variety of projects, or watch one of their YouTube videos. Tired of screens and videos? They’re producing Make It Cards in English and Spanish – project ideas using easy-to-find supplies. Find them distributed at our bookmobile visits, on our Instructables page,

Join the Avalanche Victory Parade and Rally in Denver!

The Colorado Avalanche have taken us on quite the journey this season and there’s nothing quite like the summit of being Stanley Cup champions! 

Victory night was a huge party and that will continue on Thursday with the downtown Denver takeover! 

Avalanche Victory Rally and Parade Details

Grab the kids and head downtown on Thursday, June 30, 2022. The schedule:

  • 9 a.m. The party gets started at Civic Center Park at 9 a.m. with live music. Video from the parade and clips from the Avalanche’s 2022 season will be projected for all to enjoy.
  • 10 a.m. the Avs will parade from Union Station, at 17th and Wynkoop streets, down 17th Street to Broadway, and down Broadway to Civic Center Park for the massive rally. Catch them at the start and end or somewhere along the route.
  • The rally officially starts at noon and ends by 1 p.m.

Expect crowds. Big crowds. even hundreds of thousands of fans. Civic Center Park will open at 5 a.m. and the City expects the diehards to arrive even earlier so be prepared and have fun on this momentous occasion.

Go, Avs! 

Photo: NHL

 

Deals: Avalanche Parade, 4th of July and More!

Woah! What a fun week full of celebrations we will have. The Avalanche Parade will be on Thursday and then all the fun of the 4th of July is this weekend and into early next week!

Avalanche Parade. If you are looking for something fun to do which is FREE. What about celebrating our Stanley Cup Champions (yeah, it feels good to say that). The parade will start at Union Station and will make it’s way to Civic Center Park. The Parade is Thursday and starts at 10 a.m. YAY Avs! Get all the details here.

Fireworks. There are a lot of fireworks displays throughout town like the usual 4th of July celebrations. My favorite one is the one at Clement Park. It normally takes place on the 3rd (so smart – since we stay out late and most of us get the 4th off). This year the event will take place on Friday, July 1. See our full list here.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival. July 1-3 Cherry Creek will feature the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Free music, culinary arts, and loads of fun family-friendly activities. Engage with 250 national and international artists. And it appears that they have moved the event back to its rightful spot on the streets of Cherry Creek North (last year it was in a parking lot). Also, bounce into the shops for their deals (the next weekend will be the sidewalk sale).

Krispy Kreme. The donut shop loves to celebrate a holiday. They have some fun 4th of July-themed donuts (Stars &  Stripes Heart; Star-Spangled Sprinkle; Soaring Firework Heart; and Patriotic Cookies & Kreme). July 1-4 when you buy a dozen you get a dozen of their original glazed for FREE!

Dunkin’ Donuts Cold Brew. Dunkin’ Donuts is introducing their Brown Sugar Cream Cold Brew and through July 19 you can get a medium cold brew for $3 at Dunkin.

7-Eleven Awards App. So it used to be that you could only enjoy the free Slurpee on July 11 (get it, 7-Eleven), but since the introduction of their app – you can save big all summer. Score pizza slices 2/$1; Get a smll Slurpee for only $1 through June 28; Salted Caramel Coffee or Lavender Honeybee Buzz for just $1 iced and add two pumps of lavender syrup and one pump honey syrup. Plus, you can save on gas too (11 cents off per gallon for your first 7 trips!)

Bath and Body Works. Bath and Body Works is wrapping up their semi-annual sale. There are lots of great scents on sale – plus, you can now use your save $10 off when you purchase $40 coupon on top! (Make sure you find the coupon though – because they will need to ring it through).

Target School Supplies. Summer is not really even into full swing yet, but you can stock up on school supplies at Target for as little as 25 cents each. Crayons, pencils, notebooks and more. (This remains my sister’s favorite thing).

Paws of Fury Movie. Enter to win reserved seats at the advance screening of PAWS OF FURY: THE LEGEND OF HANK on Saturday, July 9th at the Regal Continental at 10am! Email AlliedDenver303@gmail.com with subject line: “PoF MHM” Include in the body of the email your name and how many people are in your family. Winners will be notified via email no later than 7/6. #PawsOfFury in theaters July 15th!

Catalytic Converter ID. If you’ve watched the news recently, you would know that there is a run on people stealing catalytic converters  (more than a 1500% increase over 2019). AAA and more than 150 auto repair facilities will apply a non-removable, chemically etched ID number – those numbers are searchable and trackable.

 

Guide to Outdoor Family Movies in Denver

With inflation doing what it is this summer, I am more appreciative of the free events that we have all summer long. You can catch a free movie and make a picnic for the family with very little cost for a full night’s entertainment.

Bring your blanket, folding chair or we had a good chuckle over this heated stadium bleacher seat with a folder portable chair and 5 reclining positions (it costs less than you might think; perhaps the perfect gift this summer, along with an awesome date night to see your favorite band?)

In addition to these free movie options, there are also some great deals for discounted tickets at various theaters across town.

  • Regal Cinemas has the Summer Movie Express for the first show of every Tuesday and Wednesday tickets are just $2 each.
  • AMC Theaters. Enjoy first run movies for as little ast $6.50 every Tuesday at AMC. Or see the Fan Faves – movies back on the big screen for just $5.
  • Regal Cinema. Regal Crown Club Value days are every Tuesday with tickets for loyalty club members starting at $5 (more for special formats -3D, 4D, & IMAX)
  • Cinemark Summer Movies Clubhouse. For just $1.50 per ticket, enjoy a great movie each Wednesday. Shows include: June 22 – Angry Birds; June 29- Scoob!; July 6 – Sing 2; July 13 – Paw Patrol; July 20- Tom & Jerry;
  • Film on the Rocks. If you are looking to sort of upscale your outdoor movie experience, get a ticket to the Film on The Rocks. Movies are shown at Red Rocks. Each movie is preceded by a local band. But tickets are $16 pp. Shows are: July 18 – The Sandlot; July 25 – The Greatest Showman; August 1 – Summer of Soul; & August 15 – Dune.

Also, don’t miss our guide to outdoor family concerts in Denver this summer. 

 Outdoor Movies in Denver

June

July

August

September

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. While clicking these links won’t cost you extra money, they help us keep this site up and running. See our disclosure policy. 

Xfinity Brings the Best Kids Content to On-the-Go Families this Summer

Summer is in full swing! It’s sometimes tricky being a parent as we juggle playdates, camps, screen time and, let’s face it, sheer exhaustion. For those times we all need a break–and those rare rainy days in Denver–Xfinity On Demand is THE premier destination with thousands of hours of family-friendly TV shows and films available on TV, online and through the Xfinity Stream App.

And, unlike many streaming services that can sometimes feel like quantity over quality, Xfinity On Demand offers choices for all ages from every major kids network. Favorites like Nickelodeon, Disney, Sprout, Cartoon Network, PBS Kids and more, plus top shows including Dora the Explorer, Angry Birds, Sofia the First, Phineas and Ferb, Sid the Science Kid, the Chica Show and Pajanimals are staples of the Xfinity kids content library.  

Explore Kids Zone on Xfinity X1

We all worry about what our kids are watching. Kids Zone is a feature that offers a safe environment for children to browse, shuffle and watch live TV, Xfinity On Demand content and DVR recordings that are appropriate for kids ages 12 and under. Learn more about how to do that here.KidsZone Xfinity

Family-friendly kids TV and movies available on Peacock

Great summer programming isn’t just for the kids! Peacock, the streaming service from NBCUniversal, has thousands of hours of entertainment for kids big and small. From classic movies to current shows, Peacock has something every kid will like – and even some grown-ups, too! Learn more about Peacock’s family-friendly library here.

Watch full episodes of The Kids Tonight Show

Are you a fan of late-night TV? Now, your kids can enjoy The Kids Tonight Show, a Peacock original series where talented pre-teens anchor segments and sketches, give monologues, play games and interview the world’s biggest stars in the first late-night talk show for kids, by kids. Learn more here. The Kids Tonight Show

Stay informed with NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition

Am I the only one who is concerned that my kids’ main news source is TikTok? Thankfully, the NBC News family has put together content to explain current events in a kid-friendly way. Watch a digest of the top headlines, broken down for kids to best understand the world today: https://www.nbcnews.com/nightlykids

Time to get excited—Apple TV+ is now available on Xfinity.

There’s always a new movie to discover and hit shows to dive into with Apple TV+, now available on Xfinity. You’ll enjoy Apple Original series and films, from riveting dramas to hit comedies, and groundbreaking documentaries to kids’ favorites — with new originals added every month.

Check out these classic titles for kid-friendly viewing:Apple+ TV Kids Show

  • Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show (Season One): Jack McBrayer stars as the most thoughtful and caring resident of Clover Grove — follow his day-to-day adventures where he inspires everyone with compassion, creativity, and imagination.
  • Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (Season One): Jim Henson’s fun-loving, musical Fraggles are back. Join Gobo, Red, Wembley, Mokey, Boober, and new Fraggle friends on hilarious, epic adventures about the magic that happens when we celebrate and care for our interconnected world.
  • The Snoopy Show (Season One): The world’s most iconic dog is ready for his close-up. Dive into new adventures with the happy-dancing, high-flying, big-dreaming beagle, who’s joined by best friend Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang on Apple TV+.

In partnership with Mile High Mamas

Denver’s Darling BookBar Publishes Children’s Book: Signings This Weekend!

When Nicole Sullivan opened BookBar on northwest Denver’s Tennyson street in 2013, she couldn’t have anticipated what would follow: in 2020 the launch of BookGive, a nonprofit that distributes books in Denver, and then the founding of BookBar Press, an indie press to publish books, and, most recently, in late 2021, the purchase of the beloved children’s bookstore, The Bookies, after the passing of founder and owner Sue Lubeck.

And now another new direction for the BookBar brand: BookBar Press has just released its very first children’s book, a funny middle-grade read for ages 8-12 called Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian by Wendi Aarons.

Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian is the story of a 12-year-old girl comedian who is forced to retire from professional comedy and live a regular life for the first time only to discover her toughest audience yet: middle school.

“As an indie bookseller, I was motivated to launch an indie press to share the stories that aren’t being told by big publishers,” said Sullivan. “When I first met author and humorist Wendi Aarons she talked about how, as a kid, she was told girls couldn’t be funny. She’s heard similar comments from other women…but also from the kids she teaches in comedy-writing camp today.” 

“It really irked me when Wendi shared that her agent had heard feedback about Ginger repeated by many big publishers: ‘We’d love it if only the main character were a boy.’ I know very well that most of the funny books for this age feature a boy as the main character. All I could think was, ‘When are we going to stop telling girls they can’t be funny? Girls need to see themselves on the pages of funny books too.’”

And now they will…Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian debuted this week and can be purchased at BookBar, The Bookies and anywhere else books are sold. 

Denver kids will also have the opportunity to meet the author at both bookstores, and even to take a free comedy-writing class with her through local nonprofit, Denver Writes:

Sat, June 25, 10:30 am, The Bookies: Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian interactive event with author Wendi Aarons

Sun, June 26, 6 pm, BookBar: Conversation and Celebration with author Wendi Aarons

Mon, June 27, 4:30 pm Denver Writes at BookBar: Comedy-writing workshop with Wendi Aarons 

 RSVP at the BookBar or just show up…it’s the perfect opportunity to tickle your tween’s funny bone!

 

Denver’s best family-friendly summer festivals 2022

Summer in Denver is in full swing and so are the many family-friendly festivals in the Mile High City including a Unicorn Festival, taco tasting for taco lovers, the Colorado Renaissance Festival and more! Don’t miss these fantastic events that include arts, entertainment, food and more. 

Also, don’t miss our Summer Activity Guide with 250+ ideas, Denver Free Days to our area museums and Denver Playgrounds & Parks: A guide to the best play areas in metro Denver. 

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

WHEN: Thru Aug. 7, 2022
WHERE: University of Colorado, Boulder
For more than 60 seasons, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has delighted audiences with classic theatre under the stars. This year’s season includes “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” “All’s Well That Ends Well,” “The Book of Will,” “Coriolanus” and “The Alchemist.”

Colorado Renaissance Festival

WHEN: June 18–Aug. 7, 2022
WHERE: Larkspur
This season we will take you on a magical tour through time and legend. As you wander down the village streets and pathways of the Colorado Renaissance Festival, experience a 16th-century Renaissance amusement park! Ready thyself to revel with master revelers, watch artisans create original works of their ancient craft and be taken in by the tantalizing aromas of roast turkey legs, steak on a stake, fresh baked goods and much more. Featuring a cast of hundreds of authentically costumed merrymakers living and working throughout the village and performing, continuously, upon the Festival’s stages.

Top Taco

WHEN: June 23, 2022
WHERE: Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, Greenwood Village
Festival-goers sample unlimited taco tastes from more than 60 restaurants and signature tequila cocktails from some of the best bartenders in Denver. Vote for your favorites to crown four categories of awards: Top Creative Taco, Top Traditional Taco, Top Vegetarian Taco and Top Cocktail. With five stages of amazing music, creative tequila lounge areas, an entire tent dedicated to mezcal tasting and some of the best chefs and mixologists in the city, Top Taco has become the can’t-miss summer event in Denver!

Denver Fringe Festival

WHEN: June 23–26, 2022
WHERE: River North Art District – RiNo
The Denver Fringe Festival is an annual performing arts festival featuring original theatre, comedy, improv, cabaret, magic, dance, aerial, circus and more at venues throughout Five Points and the RiNo Art District.

Highlands Street Fair

WHEN: June 25, 2022
WHERE: Highland Square
Head to the free Highlands Street Fair to enjoy live music, food from local restaurants, great shopping and more! Support local business and the local Denver community to start your summer on a high note.

Cherry Blossom Festival

WHEN: June 25–26, 2022
WHERE: Sakura Square
Fans of taiko drumming, teriyaki chicken, sake and Japanese artwork and wares won’t want to miss this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival – “Sakura Matsuri” in Japanese. The annual event celebrates the Japanese heritage and culture through live entertainment, food and drink, a marketplace and informative exhibits and demonstrations.

Colorado Tiny House Festival

WHEN: June 25–26, 2022
WHERE: Riverdale Regional Park, Brighton
Tour tiny house models, container homes, bus and van conversions, yurts, tents, tipis, teardrops, overland and expedition trailers, custom campers, RVs and more! You’ll learn from industry experts during incredible speaking presentations and meet professional builders and people who have DIY-built their own tiny home who can answer your questions.

Unicorn Festival

WHEN: June 25–26, 2022
WHERE: Clement Park, Littleton
Spend a beautiful weekend in a magical world! Ongoing entertainment and activities include multiple unicorn corrals and photo ops, sing-alongs and stories, princess meet and greets, a castle maze and dragon slide obstacle course, fairyland face painters, food trucks and more!

JULY

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

WHEN: July 1–3, 2022
WHERE: Cherry Creek North
The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is an innovative outdoor fine art event featuring 220 juried artist exhibitors selling original artworks, family-friendly art activities for people of all ages, live music, immersive art experiences and amazing food and drink. The three-day event gives patrons the rare and special opportunity to meet and purchase art from artists from around the country.

Fan Expo

WHEN: July 1–3, 2022
WHERE: Colorado Convention Center
Experience the ultimate playground for comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming. Three days of citywide events, family-friendly attractions and world-renowned celebrities await you at Fan Expo!

Central City Opera’s 2022 Festival

WHEN: July 2–31, 2022
WHERE: Central City Opera House, Central City
Central City Opera’s summer festival is a four-week extravaganza of storytelling and powerful voices, featuring classical music’s biggest talents. Central City Opera’s 90th season will include mainstage productions of the classic operetta “Die Fledermaus” and the modern musical, “The Light in the Piazza.” The moving Holocaust remembrance opera “Two Remain” rounds out the 90th Anniversary season.

Colorado Black Arts Festival

WHEN: July 8–10, 2022
WHERE: City Park
The Colorado Black Arts Festival proudly presents its 36th annual celebration of African American art and culture, a Colorado experience like no other!

Blues and BBQ

WHEN: July 16, 2022
WHERE: Citizens Park, Edgewater
Carve out a spot in your calendar for a full day of blues music and delicious, juicy BBQ.

Mile High Global Bazaar

WHEN: July 16–17, 2022
WHERE: Skyline Park
The Mile High Global Bazaar is a three-day, annual celebration of international cultures, arts, crafts, merchandise, food and music. The event will consist of exhibitors from around the globe representing a vast array of cultures and goods. Denver is home to more than two million people representing a vast array of cultures and countries from around the world. 

RiNo Showcase

WHEN: July 17, 2022
WHERE: Number Thirty Eight
RiNo Showcase is an annual series of festival-link events where locals creatives can share and sell their work. Artists and vendors always keep 100% of their profits.

Cheeseman Park Art Festival

WHEN: July 23–24, 2022
WHERE: Cheesman Park
This show was just nationally ranked as one of the Top 100 Shows of the Decade by Sunshine Artist Magazine! A charming event with an outstanding lineup of artists and craftsmen, the Cheesman Park Art Fest has you culturally covered from live music beneath the trees to Denver’s best food trucks! All of the booths showcase handmade juried works of art and craft. From jewelry and pottery, to oil paintings and woodwork, there’s something for everyone!

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

WHEN: July 23–24, 2022
WHERE: Cheesman Park
Join Colorado’s annual celebration of Asian and Asian American heritage with the biggest dragon boat festival in the U.S.! 

The Big Eat

WHEN: July 28, 2022
WHERE: DPAC/Denver Performing Arts Complex
The Big Eat, hosted inside The Galleria at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, is a one-night showcase of the Denver area’s vibrant and dynamic independent dining scene. Featuring small bites and sips from more than 60 independent food and beverage providers, guests experience the city’s diverse array of local and international cuisines, all while supporting Colorado’s food community.

16th Street Fair

WHEN: July 30–31, 2022
WHERE: 16th Street Mall – Pedestrian Mall
The annual 16th Street Fair is a celebration of fine art, handcrafted goods and the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver. Take a stroll along the 16th Street Mall to enjoy a showcase of emerging artists and designers producing original and unique handmade goods in a wide array of media. This is Downtown Denver’s premier art and craft festival located in the city center along the busiest pedestrian street in the state!

AUGUST

Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department and Annual Mountain Festival

WHEN: Aug. 1–Sept. 10, 2022
WHERE: 10830 Rist Canyon Rd., Bellvue
Benefitting the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department, events include a full day’s lineup of performers, demonstrations, booths and activities for the entire family. Other festival favorites include a used book sale, silent auction, bake and plant sales, craft and art vendors, food trucks, educational booths and demonstrations. Admission, parking, a hayride shuttle to/from the parking area, live musical entertainment and ice cream all are free of charge.

Colorado State Fair

WHEN: Aug. 26–Sept. 5, 2022
WHERE: Colorado State Fairgrounds, Pueblo
The annual Colorado State Fair creates an entertaining, inspiring and educational inter-generational experience highlighting the preservation, promotion and exposition of our State’s vibrant and diverse agriculture, industry and culture.

RiNo Showcase

WHEN: Aug. 27, 2022
WHERE: Number Thirty Eight
RiNo Showcase is an annual series of festival-link events where local creatives can share and sell their work. Artists and vendors always keep 100 percent of their profits.

 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. While clicking these links won’t cost you extra money, they help us keep this site up and running. See our disclosure policy.

 

It’s a Summer of Adventure at the Denver Public Library!

A summer of adventure…and the library?
 
That’s right! The Denver Public Library has kicked off its annual Summer of Adventure program for youth. Summer of Adventure helps to improve children’s literacy and learning skills through activities, entertainment, and incentives all summer long. 
 
All youth from birth to 12th grade can participate in the program. Participants can read, make or explore and complete activities in an Adventure Guide to finish the program. Upon completion, participants receive a prize after July 1. Participants will also be entered to win gift cards to local businesses or family passes to local cultural institutions. 

Also, if you’re looking for other summer fun, don’t miss Denver’s best outdoor concerts, as well as The Ultimate Denver Summer Activity Guide (250+ ideas).

If inflation is hitting you hard, check out Denver Free Days for 2022. And a reminder that with the Denver Card, all youth, ages 5-18, can get free access to recreation centers, pools and cultural facilities. Experience what makes Denver great.

Summer of Adventure in Denver

This year, Summer of Adventure features four free family movie nights under the stars at several Denver parks. 
 
Movies in the Park
Fun at 7 p.m., Showtime at dusk
First come, first served
 
Thursday, June 30 
Encanto [Spanish subtitles]
Argo Park 
4700 Logan St. (near Washington St. and East 47th Ave.)
 
Thursday, July 14
Encanto (Spanish) [English subtitles]
Harvey Park 
2120 S. Tennyson Way (next to recreation center near W. Evans Ave.)
 
Thursday, July 28
Raya and the Last Dragon [Spanish subtitles]
Montbello Rec Center 
15555 E. 53rd Ave. (Amphitheater)
 
This year’s program runs from June 3 to August 13. Participants can register and pick up their adventure guide at any branch location or register at summerofadventure.org. Registration prizes along with the Adventure Guide are also available for pick up at all branch locations.
 
Denver Public Library’s annual Summer of Adventure is a great way to prevent what’s known as the “summer slide”. It is estimated that youth lose between one and three months in academic skills, when not engaged in summer learning opportunities. Summer of Adventure helps make summer vacations impactful for youth by keeping them engaged in activities that are of interest to them. 
 
“We’re thrilled to kick off our annual Summer of Adventure program,” said Yanira Duarte, program coordinator for Summer of Adventure. “We look forward to bringing the fun and adventure back in person to our library branches.  We are excited to reconnect with our community.” 

Denver Summer Activities

The Ultimate Denver Summer Activity Guide (250+ ideas)

Guide to Denver’s Splash Parks and Spray Fountains

Cool Off This Summer at Colorado’s Best Beaches

25 great fishing ponds in Denver

South Platte River Trail’s 25+ best parks, trails, restaurants and museums

Borrow a Colorado State Parks Pass from Your Library

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. While clicking these links won’t cost you extra money, they help us keep this site up and running. See our disclosure policy. 

Get free access to Denver’s pools, cultural facilities and rec centers with MY Denver Card

With the current (hopefully temporary) state of inflation in the nation, summer 2022 is shaping up to be really expensive.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! the MY Denver Card is your library and recreation card all in one!

Also, don’t miss Denver Free Days for 2022 and learn more about the library’s free Adventure and Exploration Passes and scroll to the bottom for even more ideas.

MY Denver Card

Youth, ages 5 – 18, can have a key to the city with a MY Denver Card in hand! Youth will get free access to recreation centers, swimming pools and various cultural facilities where they can participate in healthy, safe and fun activities afterschool, during school and summer breaks, and on the weekends.

Recreation Centers for Arts, Education, Sports and Swimming

Cardholders can access any of Denver’s 24 recreation centers, including 13 indoor swimming pools, and 16 outdoor pools, which are open during the summer months, all at no cost. The MY Denver Card also provides an awesome variety of “structured” programs led by qualified staff members at 24 recreation centers. Visit Denver Parks and Recreation for additional program and membership information.

Arts, Theater and Museums

Take a trip with friends or family to any of Denver’s cultural and seasonal facilities listed below. Our partners offer free admission to exhibits, programs, activities and events at no cost to MY Denver cardholders. Restrictions and limitations vary for each site.

MY Denver Card

Library Activities and Events

The MY Denver Card replaces any previously-issued card from Denver Public Library. To activate library privileges, present your MY Denver Card at any Denver Public Library location. The fun includes IdeaLAB (a state-of-the-art digital media center that provides teens access to professional-level equipment and software to create and record music and videos, explore digital art and create video games), Reading Rocket Bookmobiles, Summer of Reading and more. 

Go to DenverGov.org  for more information. 

Other Denver Museums and Attractions

Denver CurlingDenver’s best museums for kids.

 Keep exploring with the Essential Denver: Discovery and Exploration Guide (many attractions are free!)  

‘Snow Days’ debuts at the Denver Children’s Museum: 8 must-see attractions.

Check out a sewing machine, Colorado State Park pass, Go-Pro and more for FREE from the Denver Public Library.

Denver’s best new playgrounds and this guide to Denver Playgrounds & Parks. 

15 Quirky Roadside Attractions in Colorado and Secret Denver: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. While clicking these links won’t cost you extra money, they help us keep this site up and running. See our disclosure policy.

Deals: Free Stanley Cup Watch Party, National Smoothie Day & More!

I recently discovered new undergarments/loungewear company that I have literally fallen in love with – Boody (Get $15 off your first purchase using this link)! I have tried their underwear and bra. The comfort is AWESOME. I can’t wait to get some of the loungewear (Happy Birthday to myself). The fabric is so soft – it’s made of bamboo! Plus, it is good for the environment and it is a B Corp certified company. (B Corp is a really hard designation to get – but it basically says that you are excellent in workers’ rights, community, environment and customers with ethical and sustainable practices). They have women’s, men’s, maternity and baby products.

 Free Stanley Cup Watch Party. Even though the Avalanche are at two away games – you can still feel the excitement of being among other fans watching the game at the giant watch parties at Tivoli Quad (on the Metro Campus). The event is free – which sure beats the cost of a ticket to the game. It is standing room only (SRO) and we recommend you get there early.

 Nintendo Switch Road Trip. Nintendo Switch is taking a road trip that lands in Denver at the Park Meadows Mall on June 23-25. Play the new Nintendo Switch OLED model with hands-on family playtime. The event is free but you do have to nintendo.com/events/road-trip.

 Chipotle. Every Monday in June, get a free queso Blanco small side or topping for free with the purchase of an entrée.

 Michael’s Camp Creatology. From June 20 to July 15 explore classes for kids in-stores or live online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday!

 National Smoothie Day. June 21 is not just the first actual day of summer or the longest day of the year – but it is also National Smoothie Day!

  • Join Jamba Juice’s Jamba Rewards for 50% off any smoothie – or if you are already a member get a $4 medium smoothie on June 21.
  • Enter to win $621 from Naked Juice (because it is on June (6)/21) by tweeting your best blender breakup line  @NakedJuice with #BlenderBreakout and #Sweepstakes to enter
  • When you get a 20 oz or larger, you can get a 20 oz Lunar Lemonade for just $1 donation to Alex’s Lemonade Stand charity.
  • At Smoothie King, buy one get one free 20 oz smoothie when you are a member of their rewards and order through the app.
  • Tropical Smoothie Café Trop Rewards members get a free 24 oz smoothie with any food purchase on June 21.

 Amazon Prime Day. With everyone shopping online these days – will Amazon Prime Day be as big as Cyber Monday? Maybe – but we know for certain, that you can score some great deals through their two-day sale. The sale will run from 12 a.m. PT on Tuesday, July 12 to 11:59 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 13. If you are not already an Amazon Prime member you can sign up for a free 30-day trial before the sale begins!

 Bath and Body Works. Bath and Body works is having its semi-annual sale. Items are marked down by 75% off! Plus, score an extra 20% off sale items when you use the promo code SALEAWAY (in-store you will need to find an email with the offer).

 Tiny House Festival. Colorado Tiny House Festival, the region’s largest alternative and tiny home living event returning for its fifth year on June 25 & 26. Use this link to access tickets for $5 off until June 24. It is so amazing to see how much they really can compact into such small spaces!

 Copper Mountain Summer. If you think the mountains are only for winter and skiing you’d be wrong! Copper Mountain announced their summer which includes awesome concerts (AJR will finish out the summer) at the Sept 9-11 Union Peak Festival and a great deal all summer long with the Summer Activity Passes (just $79) which includes chairlift rides, climbing wall ascents, two runs through Woodward Wreck Tangle, a ride on the Rocky Mountain Coaster, and access too activities on West Lake – Family pass is just $249).

 Shutterfly Freebies. Last summer for my cousin’s wedding I gave them photo gifts of a set of mugs with their photo on it – it was FREE (except shipping) at Shutterfly. Shutterfly is doing the same promotion again this summer. Just use the promo code SUMMER when you check out and get up to 5 free personalized photo items!

 Free Concerts. Have you checked out our list of concerts for this summer? It is chock-full of events in nearly every corner of the city on almost any night of the summer, you can find free music to enjoy outside! 

Free Movies. If you are looking for something fun to do this summer that doesn’t cost, go to one of the many outdoor movies. We have compiled a whole list of them that we’ll publish this week!