September 16, 2009

Family friendly events to enjoy this fall

By Denver Catholic Register

Autumn, which officially begins on Sept. 22, means the days get shorter and cooler.  But that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do around town. Below is a list of some of the family-friendly activities which are available in the coming weeks.

Explore a corn maze
The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield’s annual Corn Maze will puzzle and excite kids of all ages.  This year, the winding pathways are cut in the shape of a Tylosaurus, in honor of the 2009 exhibit, “Jurassic Gardens.”  Activities for junior archeologists include the Dino Discovery area where children can dig for dinosaurs and sift through fossils. Also available will be glitter tattoos, face painting and a pumpkin walk.  Hayrides and pony rides can be had for an additional cost.  Open weekends through Oct. 31, hours are Fridays, 4-10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays noon-10 p.m.  Admission prices and information are available online at botanicgardens.org. Call 220-865-3500. Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is located at 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road in Littleton.

A pumpkin awaits
Four Mile Historic park’s annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival is back, and this year has been expanded to two days.  Enter the pie eating contest or cake walk.  Create your very own scarecrow, listen to music, play games, build crafts and, of course, pick a pumpkin.  Come hungry as there will be plenty of food to sample, including homemade caramel apples, Native American fry bread and other goodies.  The Pumpkin Harvest Festival will run Oct. 3 and 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  Admission is free.  For more information, call 720-865-0800. Four Mile Historic Park is located at 715 S. Forest St. in Denver. 

Buffalo Bill Fall Roundup
Give your inner-cowboy a taste of the Wild West this year during the Buffalo Bill Museum’s Fall Roundup on Lookout Mountain.  Step up to the chuck wagon and sample delicious buffalo meat in a brisket, sausage or stew.  There will be singing cowboys, Western re-enactments and other demonstrations.  There’s a charge of $12.95 for a sampler plate of buffalo meat, $3.95 for smaller sampler portions, but all entertainment, demonstrations and admission to the museum will be free.  The Buffalo Bill Roundup is set for Sept. 27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Buffalo Bill Museum, 987 ½ Lookout Mountain Road, Golden.  Call 303-526-0744 for details.

Attention gardeners
More than 18,000 bulbs, plants, trees and shrubs will be available at the Denver Botanic Gardens annual Fall Plant and Bulb Sale.  The best in fall gardening needs can be found for that special place in your garden or yard.  Horticulturists will be on hand to answer all your questions. Come learn which plant is the best for your fall and winter garden. The sale will be held in the amphitheater at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., Denver, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. until everything is sold.  Admission is free. For more information, call 720-865-3500.

Step back to 19th century
colonial market
The Tesoro Cultural Center presents an 1830s Rendezvous and Spanish Colonial Market in Morrison.  The event includes Spanish artists, San Isidro Farmer’s Market, trappers and traders and much more.  There will be live entertainment, storytelling, art demonstrations, burro races and concessions throughout the weekend.  Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, children under 12 admitted free.  The market will be held Sept. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Fort, 19192 Highway 8, Morrison.  Call 303-839-1671 for more information.