June 30, 2010

Family friendly activities abound this summer

By Denver Catholic Register

School is out and that means many people are looking for something to do this summer. The following is a list of some of the events and attractions that you and your family can enjoy for free or a nominal fee.

Fly to Neverland
Now on stage through the end of the summer at Boulder Dinner Theatre: “Peter Pan.”  Follow Wendy, Michael and John as they journey to Neverland with “the boy who won’t grow up” and who battles his archenemy Captain Hook.  Performances are Tuesday through Sunday. Group rates are available.  Call the box office for ticket information, 303-449-6000 or go online to www.bouldersdinnertheatre.com.

Take me out to the ballgame
Is there anything that says “summer” more than sitting under the afternoon sun watching a baseball game?  If you can’t remember the last time you saw a pitchers’ duel with a cold soft drink and bag of peanuts in your hand then it’s time to gather up the kids and head downtown to Coors Field.  Check out www.col orado.rockies.com for a wide variety of ticket prices.

Blockbuster in the park
Again this year Denver Parks and Recreation will be hosting the annual Blockbuster Movies in the Parks.  Having started June 12 and continuing through the end of summer, movies will be shown on 24-foot-wide inflatable screens at some of Denver’s parks on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Grab your lawn chair, a bag of popcorn and come view such classics as “Field of Dreams,” “Goonies,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” “Hook” and “The Wizard of Oz.”  There is no charge for this sensational summer entertainment.  A full list of shows and park locations is available online at www.denvergov.org/parksandrec.

Colorado Railroad Museum
All aboard for yesteryear!  For more than 50 years, people have come out to the Colorado Railroad Museum for a look into the history of the “Iron Horse” and how it helped to build the country.  Stop into the train depot, climb aboard some of the many railcars and even have a birthday party for 20 people in the caboose.  The Colorado Railroad Museum at 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden, is open year round.  For more information, call 303-279-4591 or go online to www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
“Together through Art” is the theme of this year’s Cherry Creek Arts Festival, a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts.  The three-day event will include cuisine, live music, artistic demonstrations and interactive “ART-tivities.” The festival will be held July 3-5 in Denver’s Cherry Creek North Shopping District between Clayton and Steele streets. Admission is free.  Visit www.cherryarts.org.

Wildlife as it should be seen
Show the family wildlife in their natural habitat at the Rocky Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Commerce City.  Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m., visitors will see a variety of deer, bison, fish, birds and reptiles.  Entrance to the park is located at E. 56th Avenue and Havana. Call 303-289-0930 for more information and nature programs.

Farmers Markets
The many farmers markets spread throughout the Mile High City this summer aren’t just about locally grown farm-fresh produce, delicious baked goods and good-to-the-last bite prepared foods.  Each Denver Farmers Market is a festive, weekly street fair with live entertainment, family-friendly activities and a vibrant crowd of locals.  For a list of markets around town, go online to www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/denver-farmers-markets.

Vacation for the ears
Kick off the birthday of our nation’s birthday with an Independence Eve concert July 3 performed by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in Civic Center Park with the area’s biggest and best fireworks display.  Find out more online at www.coloradosymphony.org.