Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in denver, CO

Polarpalooza!

by Aimee Giese

October 05, 2009

Organizations funded through the public's SCFD (Science & Cultural Facilities District) tax are hosting a variety of low cost and free events during the month of October to thank the citizens of the seven county district for their support. Events being offered are listed below.

October 7 - Denver Zoo Free Day
Over 60 SCFD funded organizations will be offering free performances, crafts, face paiting. Click for printable schedule.
Main Gate Performance Schedule:                                                    
9:00 - 9:30          Media/SCFD/Denver Zoo                                          
9:30 - 10:00        Denver March Pow Wow                                           
4:00 - 4:20          South Jeffco Youth Orchestra                                  
5:00 - 5:30          Aurora Symphony Orchestra                                             
5:30 - 6:00          Aurora Symphony Orchestra            
All Day                Aurora Fox

Conoco Zoo Gardens Performance Schedule:                                               
9:40 - 10:00         Tango Colorado                                                         
10:40 - 11:00       Belliston Ballet   
11:40 - 12:00       Aurora Dance Arts                                                
12:40 - 1:00         CM Dance                                                                   
2:20 - 2:40           Colorado Chamber Players
2:40 - 3:00           Hannah Kahn Dance Company                              
3:40 - 4:20           Aurora Fox                                                                            
4:00 - 4:20           Rocky Mountain Arts Assoc.                                              
4:40 - 5:00           Kim Robards Dance    
5:00 - 5:20           Rocky Mountain Children's Choir
5:40 - 6:00           Longmont Chorale
Wild Encounters Theater Performance Schedule:
9:20 - 9:40           Children's Museum of Denver
10:20 - 10:40       Think 360
11:20 - 11:40        Parker Arts Council
1:20 - 1:40            Parker Arts Council
2:20 - 2:40           Denver Zoo

Wildlife Theater Performance Schedule:
10:00 - 10:20      Augustana Arts
11:00 - 11:20      Su Teatro    
1:00 - 1:20          Christian Youth Theater
2:00 - 2:20          A Child's Song
3:00 - 3:20          Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
5:00 - 5:20          Colorado Hebrew Chorale

Primate Panorama Performance Schedule:
11:30                Arvada Center for Arts & Humanities
2:00 - 2:30        Denver Urban Gardens
4:00 - 4:30       Colorado Children's Chorale

PLUS many organizations will be located throughout the Zoo providing interactive activities for the whole family.

Heritage Fine Arts Guild of Arapahoe County will be holding an Art Show at the Bemis Library.  The Library is located at 6014 S. Datura Street, Littleton. The juried show starts Sept 29th and runs to October 27th and is free and open to the public. The opening reception is Thurday October 1st from 6:30 to 8pm. Otherwise the lower gallery is open during all library hours. Come and experience all kinds of painting from watercolor and oil to acrylic and pastels.

October 1 -The Alliance Française will have a free happy hour French conversation night on Thursday. French Conversation Happy Hour. Practice your French and meet other Francophiles in the Denver area. 571 Galapago Street - 5-7pm - FREE, hors d'oeuvres and wine provided - RSVP:  303-831-0304, afd@afdenver.org

October 3 - Edelweiss Preservation Foundation - German Day - 11am - 10pm, 14197 E. Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012 Join us for German Music, Food and Drinks, German Entertainment, Military Tribute, Vendor Booths, German Reunifcation Day.

October 4 - Boulder History Museum offers the first Sunday of every month as a free day, Sundae Sundays. Guests will receive free admission to the Museum and free ice cream at the conclusion of their visit. We are located at: 12th an Euclid Ave. on ‘the Hill', Boulder - Free parking

October 4 - The Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys will be beginning our collaboration with Buntport Theater's tRUNks with free day activities at the Museum. Visitors to the Museum on Oct. 4 from 1-4 can make a mask and draw an entry for the Super Hero Drawing contest.

October 4 - The Boulder History Museum offers the first Sunday of every month as a free day. Guests will receive free admission to the Museum and free ice cream at the conclusion of their visit. 12th an Euclid Ave. on ‘the Hill', Boulder www.boulderhistory.org 303-449-3464 Free parking.

October 7 - 12:00 to 1:00 - Brown Bag Lecture - A panel of artist's from the Paint, Sculpt, Shoot exhibit will discuss the show and many of the events that lead up to the exhibit. The lectures are held at the Art Center on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:00pm and are free to the public. The Arts Evergreen is located at next to the Buchanan Rec. Ctr. on Hwy 74 and Squaw Pass Road). For more information call 303.674.0056 or visit www.evergreenarts.org.

October 7 - Broomfield Cultural Affairs is offering a FREE CU Jazz concert in the Broomfield Auditorium. This is a tribute to the great American songwriters and the music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and more. This event is sponsored in part by SCFD funds.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival will be offering free viewings of the Mobile Art Gallery to the public throughout the week of October 7th in celebration of Polarpalooza.  The Mobile Art Gallery will be on tour in Lakewood at Carmody Middle School which is located at 2050 S. Kipling Street.

October 8 - "Evening of Hebrew Round-Singing in the Sukkah" What: Annual Evening of Hebrew Round-Singing in the Sukkah, includes food, fun, and instant music-making! Where: 2 Ash Street, Denver When: 7:30 p.m. Who: For Singers and Listeners of All Ages Cost: Free and Open to the Public Sponsored by: the Colorado Hebrew Chorale Info: (303)355-0232 or visit www.coloradohebrewchorale.org

October 14 -NMAA presents - Marvels of Motion- Children will got on a journey thorugh the world of Newton's 3 laws of motion.  This interactive event is all about the fun-damentals of moving science.(Designed especially for young children) 10:00 am at the Perl Mack Community Center, 7125 Mariposa Street, Denver.

October 15 - Boulder International Film Festival is offering a free viewing of The Human Experience - 7PM, AT THE BOULDER PUBLIC LIBRARY AUDITORIUM - 1000 Canyon Boulevard

Spotlight on the Boulder International Film Festival - Directed by Charles Kinnane (USA - 2008) Drawing sellout audiences and a winner at dozens of film festivals around the world, this remarkable film is the story of a band of brothers who travel the world in search of answers to the questions: Who am I? Who is Man? Why do we search for meaning? Their journey brings them into the lives of the homeless on the streets of New York City, the orphans and disabled children of Peru, and the abandoned lepers in the forests of Ghana, Africa. What the young men discover changes them forever. Through one-on-one interviews and real-life encounters, the brothers are awakened to the beauty of the human person and the resilience of the human spirit. In English. (90 minutes)

October 20 - Edelweiss Preservation Foundation - GERMAN LANGUAGE FILM NIGHT "Monster's Inc." - 6:00 P.M. Front Range Community College - Room C1517 Great for kids or adults learning German as well a fun night for those who are fluent! FREE ADMISSION

October 20 - 21 - WOW Museum presents: Planet Earth - Curious about how to approach science with your kids?  Join us throughout the fall months for family science fun!  We will explore a different science topic each month!  Drop-in science is an informal interactive science program that is available for exploration from 10:00am-12:00pm and again from 2:00pm-4:00pm.   Included with Museum admission for the general public; free for Museum members!

October 21 - 12:00 to 1:00 - Brown Bag Lecture - Reno Carollo, sculptor, will be speaking about public sculpture and how people interact (and react) to various pieces of art found around Denver and our mountain community. The lectures are held at the Art Center on Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:00pm and are free to the public. The Arts Evergreen is located at next to the Buchanan Rec. Ctr. on Hwy 74 and Squaw Pass Road). For more information call 303.674.0056 or visit www.evergreenarts.org.

October 29 - 30 - 9am - 8pm and Saturday, October 31st 10a - 8p - Trick or Treat Street at The Children's Museum Denver - Get your little goblins, superheroes and fairies ready for the sweetest fall festival in town! Travel through the pumpkin patch down Cider Lane and onto a trick-or-treating adventure full of yummy treats, exciting entertainment and fun surprises. Try your luck at the monster carnival, hear stories about creatures and critters, make arts and crafts projects to take home, see theater, music and dance performances, and meet roaming costumed characters! For a full schedule of events, visit www.mychildsmuseum.org.

October 29 - Boulder International Film Festival if offering a free viewing of Sita Sings the Blue
7PM, AT THE BOULDER PUBLIC LIBRARY AUDITORIUM - 1000 Canyon Boulevard
Spotlight on the Boulder International Film Festival - Directed by Nina Paley (USA - 2007)Nina is an animator whose husband dumps her by email. Sita is a goddess dumped by her husband Rama. Why couldn't these two women, 3,000 years apart, make their marriages work? This award-winning, beautifully animated interpretation of parts of the Indian epic, Ramayana, was rendered on a laptop by a single animator mostly using Flash. Nina Paley lays down wildly imaginative musical interludes that use authentic 1920s blues recordings to link the narratives of these two unfortunate ladies. Why did Rama reject Sita? Why did the animator's husband reject the animator? Find out in this groundbreaking triumph of personal motion picture art. Winner of Best Animated Film at the Boulder International Film Festival and many awards from around the world.  (82 minutes)

October 30 - Friday - 5:00pm to 8:00pm - Evergreen Artists Association Fall Member Show - Members of the Evergreen Artists Association will exhibit their Fall Member Show from October 30 through November 20. The opening reception is Friday, October 30 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Center for the Arts Evergreen. The Art Center is located at 32003B Ellingwood Trail (Hwy. 74 & Squaw Pass Road - next to the Buchanan Rec. Center). www.evergreenarts.org

October 31 - The Littleton Symphony offers a free Children's Concert on Halloween, featuring the Colorado premiere of ‘The Composer is Dead' and various other spooky music. Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 South Datura, Littleton. Doors open at 2pm - Performance begins at 2:30pm

CYT Denver presents the musical comedy "THOROUGLY MODERN MILLIE". Performance dates are November 6, 7, 13 & 14th @ 7pm. Matinee performances on November 7 & 14th @ 2pm. Tickets are $12 if purchased online at www.cytdenver.org and $15 at the door. Shows are performed at the beautiful Pinnacle Dinner theatre in Littleton. 9136 w. Bowles ave. Littleton, Co. 80123

Win a $100 dinner at Strings Restaurant & support your community with tuggl.com

by Aimee Giese

September 03, 2009

There's a new way to find good local businesses in Colorado while supporting important causes in our community at the same time. Tuggl.com, based right in Denver at 30th & Larimer, helps you determine what mechanic, contractor, restaurant, or any other local business you should use based not only on the service they've provided our friends and neighbors, but also on what they're doing to give back to the community.

Tuggl has been hard at work for the last year creating a local business search site that helps people find trustworthy local businesses in an instant. For any business on Tuggl, you can see how they rate in terms of service, price, and quality compared to others in the same industry, and additionally, how they rate in giving - volunteering, donating, providing pro-bono support - to important community organizations, also compared to others in their industry.

Since launching to community organizations back in March of this year, Tuggl has brought in over 100 important causes including community foundations, homeless shelters, food banks, and schools, and found more than 1,000 local businesses in every category who are doing something to give back. You can find your favorite local cause to search for businesses they recommend, connect with Facebook to find out who your friends use, or just go with the best business by their "Tuggl rating," Tuggl's index of a business's service and giving rank compared to their industry.

WIN A $100 GIFT CARD TO STRINGS!
Tuggl.com ultimately hopes to prove that becoming a "Tugglr" (Don't use an "e" there!) will make your life easier and better while helping improve our community at the same time. They're officially launching the service, and as part of that are running a "tuggl tastr" contest - an opportunity for you to try Tuggl and perhaps one of Denver's best restaurants at the same time! From now through Friday, September 4, 2009 at midnight, every Tuggl business review that's tweeted on Twitter including "#tuggl" is an entry for you to win a $100 gift card to Strings Restaurant. Additionally, tuggl and local web design firm HotPress Web have agreed to donate $1 combined for each of the first 500 reviews done to the Rocky Mountain Institute of International Education, Twitter or not. Either way, a great reason to try Tuggl!

Josh Clauss, Tuggl's communications & communities guy, invites you to friend him on Facebook to see how tuggl works with your Facebook friends. He's big on cafes, so look that up to get a good idea of what's possible!

Tuggl invites you to follow them on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook as well. 

The Denver Preschool Program

by Aimee Giese

June 09, 2009

In Denver, preschool education is recession-proof.
-- by James Mejía

A few years back, many of you Denver residents likely voted for a ballot initiative called "1A Preschool Matters," which would create an innovative program to provide access to quality early education for children in their final year of preschool. Thankfully, the initiative passed, because today it matters more than ever.

Now in its second year of operation, the Denver Preschool Program, or DPP, provides financial assistance to all Denver families, regardless of income, so our children can attend the very best preschool programs our city has to offer. What does this mean for you? If you live in the Denver city limits and your child is in his or her final year of preschool at a DPP-enrolled program, you are eligible for a monthly tuition credit ranging from $34 to $1,250, depending on household income, family size, the quality rating of the school your child attends, and whether your child attends a part-day, full-day or extended-day program.

In addition to offering financial assistance to Denver families, DPP also provides grants to any licensed preschool provider that agrees to participate in a quality improvement program. This includes public, private or home-based preschools. These grants are then used for classroom materials, curriculum improvements and teacher professional development. In this manner, DPP aims to accomplish much more than just enrolling kids in preschool - it aims to give them the best possible preschool education available.

Colorado kindergarten teachers report that one in three children begin the school year unprepared to learn. By enrolling our kids in the quality preschool that DPP helps create, we're laying the foundation for the knowledge, social skills and confidence that will pave the way for success throughout their entire lives.

To view a listing of participating preschools, download an application or calculate your tuition credit eligibility, visit the DPP website at www.dpp.org. If your child's preschool is not on the list, talk to your preschool director and ask them to enroll. DPP enrolls new families and preschool providers 12 months out of the year, so it's never too late to start taking advantage of the extraordinary benefits the program provides.

In today's economy, every little bit helps, and no one should ever have to make the difficult decision of whether or not to send a child to preschool. Thankfully, the Denver Preschool Program exists to ensure our kids get off to the right start.

The Most Germy & Least Germy Places To Take Your Kids In Denver!

by Aimee Giese

May 08, 2009

It's been kind of crazy watching the news lately huh? Fear of swine flu has made us wash our hands at an alarming rate. And while maybe the immediacy and access of news reports has driven the hysteria around H1N1 out of proportion compared to say, the REGULAR flu... it's still a good lesson for us all.

And something to think about when we take our kids out, especially kids who have compromised immune systems. For example, my neighbor is from Ireland - and his family was just visiting with kids in tow. I warned them! But they really wanted to visit the otherwise wonderful Children's Museum and expose themselves to all those American germs! Three days later they were in the emergency room with the worst cold of their lives and severe trouble breathing.

Now, don't get me wrong. Of course the Children's Museum makes every effort to keep the place clean and sanitized. They even ask that you place any toy that's ventured into a mouth in their convenient basket to be cleaned by staff before returning to play. But with that many kids in confined space, coming together from all over Denver, to share germs from every sector? It's unavoidable.

The other places it's unavoidable? The over-sized food at Cherry Creek mall. And especially, especially, any indoor playground at a fast food restaurant. BALL PITS! Oh my word.

So what can you do? As I mentioned, don't go when your child is sick or has a compromised immune system. And when you do go, bring your own cleaning supplies. These places really do try to supply you with wipes or hand santizer, but it's often gone in 3 seconds flat.

So where can you go that has LESS germs? Think big and outdoors. The Denver Zoo, outdoor parks like City Park and Washington Park, The Denver Botanic Gardens ... and afterward, STILL give a quick rundown with the wet wipes.

And speaking of, Wet Ones would like to help you out in that regard. Go here and get a $1.00 coupon for their Antibacterial Wipes. Awesome! Every bit helps, right?

The Public Library: What All Does It Offer?

by Aimee Giese

March 25, 2009

Denver is is very lucky in many ways - and one of the ways we are VERY lucky is our huge public library system. AND! Not only do we have a huge library system by location (see listings below), the offerings from the Library is amazing.

First and foremost, we can't forget the Central location at 14th and Lincoln which was designed by Michael Graves (yes, THAT Michael Graves of Target fame). This location is clearly an architectural wonder - but also is so centrally located, a quick trip to the Capital and the Denver Art Museum is also a hop, skip and a jump away. But the Central location also has great activities planned nearly every Saturday. I can't tell you how many times my husband and son attended Book Babies when Declan was very young. In fact, we still stay in touch with friends we made through that program.

The good news for those not close to the downtown location is that ALL public libraries in Denver have fun things going on, ALL the time. Check their official web site for a continually updated list of activities. From storytimes, magic shows to special classes - [and oh yeah - BOOKS]... the library offers so many things to enrich our kids lives. And nearly all of it is completely FREE.

Talk about an amazing resource.

CURRENT DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCATIONS:

The Central Library
10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy. (80204), 720-865-1111, TTY: 720-865-1472

Athmar Park Branch Library
1055 S. Tejon St. at W. Mississippi Ave. (80223), 720-865-0230

Bear Valley Branch Library
5171 W. Dartmouth Ave at S. Sheridan Blvd. (80236), 720-865-0975

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library
2401 Welton Street (80205), 720-865-2401

Byers Branch Library
675 Santa Fe Dr. at W. 7th Ave. (80204), 720-865-0160

Eugene Field Branch Library
810 S. University Blvd. at E. Ohio Ave. (80209), 303-777-2301, TTY: 303-733-7435

Ford-Warren Branch Library
2825 High St. at E. 28th Ave. (80205), 720-865-0920

Hadley Branch Library
1890 S. Grove St. at W. Jewell Ave. (80219), 720-865-0170, TTY: 303-935-4267

Montbello Branch Library
12955 Albrook Dr. (80239), 720-865-0200

Pauline Robinson Branch Library
5575 E. 33rd Avenue at Holly St. (80207), 303-370-1530

Ross-Barnum Branch Library
3570 W. First Ave. at Lowell Blvd. (80219), 720-865-0145

Ross-Broadway Branch Library
33 E. Bayaud Ave. at S. Lincoln St. (80209), 720-865-0135

Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library
305 Milwaukee St. at E. 3rd Ave. (80206), 720-865-0120

Ross-University Hills Branch Library
4310 E. Amherst Ave. at S. Birch St. (80222), 720-865-0955

Schlessman Family Branch Library
100 Poplar Street (1st and Quebec) (80220), 720-865-0000, TTY: 720-865-0045

Smiley Branch Library
4501 W. 46th Ave. at Utica St. (80212), 720-865-0260

Valdez-Perry Branch Library
4690 Vine St. at 47th Ave. (80216), 303-295-4302

Virginia Village Branch Library
1500 S. Dahlia St. at E. Florida Ave. (80222), 720-865-0940, TTY: 303-504-5790

Westwood Branch Library
1000 S. Lowell Blvd. (80219), 720-865-0215

Woodbury Branch Library
3265 Federal Blvd at W. 33rd Ave. (80211), 720-865-0930 

Early Childhood Education Rally Results!

by Aimee Giese

March 20, 2009

Thanks so much to everyone who has supported the Early Education Association of Colorado! Here is a follow-up from the rally last week from Kathryn Hammerbeck. ~ Aimee

Early childhood education is important to me
By Kathryn Hammerbeck
Executive Director, Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado

What a great sight to see - Colorado children covering the west steps of the Capitol chanting along with local childcare providers - "ECE [early childhood education] is important to me!" Thanks to all those who signed our petition and participated in the rally last Thursday, March 12th we have gained a great deal of attention and support.

Senate Majority Leader Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) kicked off the rally, stating that he would not support any budget cuts to early childhood education programs. Senator Shaffer told the crowd that no single issue is more important to him. Gladys Wilson, President and CEO of Qualistar Early Learning, followed stating, "We need to maintain current funding levels for early childhood education programs. These children only get one chance to be three years old, or four or five years old." Tony Gagliardi, Colorado Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, spoke about how early childhood education is an important part of workforce development. Finally, Megan Ferland, President and CEO of the Colorado Children's Campaign, pointed out that, "Research has shown that 85 percent of brain development occurs by age three, so there are tremendous potential ramifications for impacting lifetime outcomes in early childhood education and care."

The rally was a big step in gaining awareness and support. If you have not already, please sign the online petition and show our legislative leaders how many Coloradans support early childhood education. Please pass it on to anyone else who supports our cause.

Also, join our Facebook group so you can stay up to date on our progress. As I have said, many voices speaking together yields a powerful message, and considering we're up against almost every other program in the state, we need your help.

Rally for Early Childhood Ed at the Capitol March 12!

by Aimee Giese

March 11, 2009

I am proud to have a guest blogger today from the Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado. Please join her in supporting this important cause, and if you can make it - come down to the rally at the Capital on Thursday, Marsh 12th. I wish I could join you, however I will be en route to Austin for SXSW. But trust me, I will be there in spirit!

Rally at the Capitol March 12!

By Kathryn Hammerbeck
Executive Director, Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado

Who takes care of your kids while you're at work is likely one of those decisions you've spent countless hours considering. You want someone you trust, someone who doesn't just plant your kids in front of a television, and someone who helps your child get ready for the day they head off to school.

That's why we're holding a rally at the Capitol this Thursday, March 12. With Colorado facing a budget shortfall of over $600 million, funding for the Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) and Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) is in line to get cut. We believe the most important learning happens in early childhood. Kids who are enrolled in early education programs have substantially lower dropout rates, are more likely to attend college, and develop a love of lifelong learning. Our goal is to ensure that children of working parents have the best opportunity to succeed.

That's why we're reaching out to teachers, non-profit organizations, and moms just like you to join us in support of early childhood education programs.  We've set up a Facebook group to keep everyone up to date on our progress, and an online petition to show our Legislature how many people support early childhood education.

We'd love for you to sign our petition and show your support. And please pass it on to anyone else who supports our cause. Many voices speaking together yields a powerful message, and considering we're up against almost every other program in the state, we need all the help we can get.

Thanks for all your support, and we'll see you at the Capitol on March 12!

A Great Time For Giving

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

December 15, 2008

I feel so fortunate. Right now, in general, my family is financially secure and we are doing OK. Sure, we are not rich, but as I watch the news and see the economic trauma around the country, I can't help but wonder what else we can do to help others - and in turn, teach my son the value of charity as well. Tis the season and all, right? But how do we go about it? Donate Money We already have  Read more...

National Fire Safety Week

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

October 08, 2008

We all want to keep our house safe, right? Not only for (or, especially for!) our children, but for homes and cherished memories. And this week is National Fire Safety Week, so it is a good time to talk about ways to protect these treasured aspects of our lives. Their web site has lots of great resources for families that are fun as well as useful - and I will also echo their main safety tips  Read more...

Start a Babysitting Club in Your Neighborhood!

by Aimee Greeblemonkey

July 14, 2008

Right after we had Declan, our next door neighbor came up to us and asked, in a very cryptic tone no less, "So, do you have a bunch of babysitters lined up for your son? Cause I have something you might be interested in." It sounded all black market and creepy! We were intrigued! Come to find out, he was involved in a babysitting club in our neighborhood. The basics were this: - Families were  Read more...