Events: Corn Maze, Denver Arts Festival, Day Out With Thomas

Corn Maze at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Starting Sept. 13, the Gardens’ annual eight-acre corn maze is one of the most attended in the country and features a new design every year. A classic labyrinth of winding pathways is designed to mimic the Colorado state flag. Admission also includes access to the spider web, a mini-maze for children 12 and under and much more. Sept. 13 to Oct. 27: Fridays, 4-9 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 9 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 6 p.m. $12; $10 Adult Member, Senior, Military; $8 Child ages 3-12; $6 Child Member; Free for children 2 and younger. http://www.botanicgardens.org/our-gardens/chatfield

Denver Arts Festival. Denver Arts Festival at Sloan’s Lake hosts its first national juried fine arts festival Sept. 14th and 15th in Denver’s second largest city park. This free, family-friendly festival includes national fine arts exhibits, two-day music stages featuring local artists, Sunset Concert featuring national recording artist Chuck Pyle, children’s Creative Station tent and canine agility demonstrations by K-9’s for a Cause. Fun for all ages! http://www.coloradoeventsandfestivals.com/

Day Out With Thomas. Thomas the Tank Engine™ is coming to the Colorado Railroad Museum  Sept. 14-29 (weekends) for the Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 with all of his fans. Ride behind a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends, around the Colorado Railroad Museum’s grounds and meet Sir Topham Hatt. Kids under two are free; go here for hours and ticket pricing.

Kids Running America. Registration continues through Sept. 16: Registration is open for the KRA Fall Marathon Running Program, an incremental running program designed for kids to run 26.2 miles over a 10- to 12-week time frame, finishing their final mile at Washington Park on Oct. 27. The registration fee is $30 and includes the program, a mileage-tracking system, virtual running map, training incentives, entry into the Final Mile Event, race-day goodie bag, finisher’s medal, T-shirt and certificate of completion. Individuals and teams may register.

 Nick Cave: Soundsuits at the Denver Art Museum. Through September 22, renowned contemporary artist Nick Cave will debut a new body of work at the Denver Art Museum in the summer of 2013. The exhibition features a combination of multimedia elements and performances along with a selection of figurative sculptures the artist dubbed “Soundsuits.”
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org 

2013 Mom’preneur Marketplace. Don’t miss this unique shopping opportunity to peruse and buy hand-made goods, jewelry, clothing, baby items, home décor and many other gifts and products all from “Mom owned” businesses. The event is free and the first 300 shoppers are given goodies bags. It takes place along with UPark school’s Fun Run and Carnival. All proceeds from this event go to support University Park Elementary School. http://www.uparkmoms.org/moms2013.htmls

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Festival. Don’t miss this great family event Saturday Sept 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Jared’s Nursery, Gift & Garden. See giant pumpkins and other giant and/or mutant vegetables and help raise money for St Jude’s. Visit Jared’s Galleria of Ghouls, a straw maze, check out the obstacle course, participate or watch the doggie costume contest, and many other free activities. For a small fee there is a bouncy castle, face painting and a petting zoo. A variety of food vendors will offer great items to dazzle your senses. 10500 W Bowles Ave  Littleton.  http://www.jaredsgarden.com/

Hike & Seek. National Wildlife Federation (NWF), America’s largest conservation organization, is pleased to announce the fourth annual Hike & Seek event on Sept. 28 9 a.m.-noon at South Platte Park, in Littleton. Hike & Seek is a family outing that inspires a child’s sense of adventure by combining a nature hike and scavenger hunt. The event brings families together for a few hours in the great outdoors for some fresh fall air and fun and provides an opportunity to rediscover nature. People are encouraged to sign up at www.hikeandseek.org early to buy tickets and then show up ready to spend some family time in nature.

Astronomy Day. Sunday, September 29, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science will partner with the Denver Astronomical Society for a day of astronomical activities.  Space scientists, space educator, and space explorers will give presentations in Space Odyssey. Weather permitting, solar telescopes will allow for safe viewing of the Sun. Check dmns.org for more details.

Lakewood’s Fall Festival Cider Days. Lakewood’s signature family event Oct. 5 and 6 celebrates Lakewood’s agricultural heritage in the picture perfect setting of Belmar Park.  Cheer at the tractor pull, take a mule-drawn wagon ride, press your apples into cider, make the most of being a kid on the barrel train, climbing wall and inflatable amusements, explore the various buildings that make up the 20^th Century Museum, enjoy the great entertainment and check out the exhibits and craft demonstrations.  Don’t forget to reap the bounty of the fall harvest by saving room for some tasty treats! Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 at Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St. (Wadsworth Boulevard and Ohio Avenue).  Admission is $7 adults, $4 children ages 3 to 12.

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Nature Programs

Also, don’t miss this event from Jeffco parks. LMNC programs are FREE and registration is required unless otherwise noted. Register online or by calling 720-497-7600. Looking for a program for your class, scout troop, or other group? Visit their website or call to learn about group programs.

They Eat What?! Hike & Family Picnic

Saturday, September 14
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Flying J Ranch Park
You won’t believe what some creatures consider food. Join this interactive, savory look at wildlife feeding habits before we dive into our own picnic lunches.
All ages.

Fall Stories
Sunday, September 15
2:00 – 3:30 PM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Take a short walk to discover what is interesting in the pine woods on that day, then come inside for a story about nature and place.
Ages 6-adult.

Toddler Nature Nuts: Wild Homes
Thursday, September 19
10:15 or 11:15 AM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Wild homes can be anywhere. Discover which animals live in the dirt, dead trees, nests, and hives. Create a collage and search for these wild homes outside.
Kids 2-years old with an adult.

Harvest Moon Rise
Friday, September 20
7:00 – 8:30 PM Deer Creek Canyon Park
Enjoy an evening hike to a ridge top as we watch the Harvest Moon rise over the plains. Learn about phases, features and traditional Harvest Moon tales.
Ages 6-adult.

Jr. Naturalists: Fabulous Fliers
Saturday, September 21
1:00 – 2:30 PM Lookout Mountain Nature Center
Ever want to soar like an eagle or be as graceful as a dragonfly? Join us and learn how birds, bats and insects make it look so easy.
Kids ages 6-10 w/ adult.

Aspens: The Greatest Survivors
Sunday, September 22
1:00 – 3:00 PM Meyer Ranch Park
Our beautiful Rocky Mountain Aspens with thin trunks and dainty leaves are no weaklings. In the fall, you are charmed by their color. Now learn why they may be the mightiest tree in nature.
Ages 6-adult.

40th Anniversary Exhibit   
March 19 to November 17 (Hiwan Homestead Museum)
Come celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jefferson County Historical Society and Jefferson County Open Space, which was voted into existence in 1972 and began receiving funds in 1973. Displays will center on important points in history, interesting facts about the development of Open Space and a variety of memorabilia.
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Ongoing Fun for the Whole Family

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park May – October

The nation’s ONLY downtown theme and water park will stay open weekends through the end of October. With more than 45 thrilling rides, musical stages, stunt shows, arcades and the StarToon Studios (a kiddie area with pint-sized fun), there’s something at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park for just about everyone. New additions this year include a new family-friendly rollercoaster Blazin’ Buckaroo and seven new shows including the must-see Cirque Conjure in the Trocadero Theater, a sophisticated combination of illusions, music, dance and comedy parents and kids will enjoy. Stay tuned for information on Fright Fest!  elitchgardens.com

Spun: Adventures in Textiles
Through September 22, Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) takes a wide-ranging look at textiles from pre-Columbian weavings to modern fiber art, Navajo blankets to an examination of clothing in art and photography.
More Info: www.denverartmuseum.org

Catalyst: Colorado Sculpture
Through January 12, 2014, Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates the achievements and vision of Colorado sculptors in this astonishing outdoor group exhibition. Twelve artists view the garden spaces differently, altering the landscape with amazing 3-D work.
More Info: www.botanicgardens.org