Denver Activities

Westin Family Weekends: Our Fun Denver Staycation

One of the many little slivers of wisdom I share with my kids is how lucky they are to grow up close to a major city. There are countless ways to explore cultural offerings and we are a family that loves to take advantage of all Denver has to offer. But there’s a downside. We never get the chance to play tourist in our own city. Recently, we had the opportunity to see Denver through a fresh lens. When kids enter a hotel room, the best thing to do is stand back and watch their reactions. It’s a BED! And another?! It’s a window! Look at these little SOAPS! They like to christen the bathroom, try on the robes, stake a claim on a bed, and determine what to order from the room service menu, if presented with such a magical opportunity. I still feel this way when I travel, sometimes. There is so...

History Colorado’s new exhibit is all about food

The History Colorado Center is pulling back the tablecloth this summer on a topic close to most everyone’s heart. And stomach. “You can’t talk about human history without talking about food,” said environmental educator Liz Cook. ” Food: Our Global Kitchen” opens May 31 and runs through Sept. 1, coming to Colorado from the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The exhibit, the Denver museum’s first major traveling show, is a full-sensory experience, tracing food’s journey from seed to market, kitchen to table, from early man to even Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. And, yes, that means you get to eat in a museum, courtesy of daily food samplings from Whole Foods Market, the exhibit’s local presenting sponsor. Not having food wa...

Elitch Gardens Announces New 7-Story Thrill Ride: The Brain Drain

If I didn’t already lose my marbles last summer when I rode Elitch Gardens’ monster coaster Mind Eraser for the first time, I have another chance. The amusement and water park announced yesterday their new thrill ride for the 2014 season: the Brain Drain. Does anyone else find it worrisome their ride names are dedicated unto the loss of brain power? Sure to deliver heart-pounding thrills, this new 7-story ride does wild, thunderous loops that send riders forwards, backwards and head-over-heels in an adrenaline-packed 360° revolution. Riders must be 48-inches tall. Go here to watch a simulation of the ride on YouTube. “As we celebrate our 124th birthday, we are extremely excited to add the first thrill ride in a decade to the theme park,” said Tracy Durham, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water ...

Weekly Event Round-up: Schoolhouse Rock Live, a Sock Hop and More!

Ongoing. Journey to the Middle East in “Arabia,” the latest IMAX spectacle at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Opening Friday, the film explores the region’s long human history and often-harsh geography. From a Bedouin tent in the desert to the millions of Muslims on their pilgrimage to Mecca, “Arabia” shows the diverse ways people live in the Middle East. Expect to be wowed by “Arabia”’s stunning landscapes — and seascapes — on the giant IMAX screen. 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. daily, with additional 7 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.; 303-322-7009. IMAX-only tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Museum members receive a discount. For more information and to buy advance tickets, visit...

Class acts for creative families: Fun Family Classes!

Theresa Nuber can’t sing. Fortunately, her duet partner hasn’t noticed. Every Thursday morning, Nuber and her 18-month-old daughter, Eva, attend The Music Train, a family music class in their neighborhood. From sign language to tumbling, family classes aren’t just for Type-A competitive parents. Some stay-at-home moms relish the social benefits of a scheduled group activity, and working parents appreciate outings that optimize precious time with their kids. Nuber sought out The Music Train despite the indignity of being released by her own grade-school piano teacher for lack of “ear.” “Honestly, I was thinking music class would be grueling, listening to baby music constantly,” says the Denver mom. “But I knew it would be good for Eva, so I fo...