Spring is always a great time of year in Colorado. It is the time of the year when the Colorado weather can’t make up its mind… is it going to snow or pretend it’s a warm summer day. The good news is that you can get in all kinds of activities this time of year from skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding to baseball, hitting the parks, and hiking. Whatever you do, get outside, cure those winter blues, and check off as many items as you can from this Denver area spring bucket list.
Colorado Rapids – The Rapids kicked off their first regular season home game on March 4th against New England Revolution. With the season running all the way until October, this is a great family activity for spring, summer, and fall.
Colorado Railroad Museum – The railroad museum is a favorite for kids with plenty of trains to look at and climb around in. They have their “Ride the Rails” day on March 4th, as well as a free day through the SCFD that is March 8th.
Denver Museum of Nature & Science – The science museum is a great place for families to play and learn. Their new Viking exhibit starts March 10th. They also have some great IMAX movies running now. Extreme Weather runs until April 13th, Wild Africa runs until June 15th, and Dream Big: Engineering our World running now with no end date listed.
Enjoy some of the warm spring days by getting out of the house and exploring some of Denver’s most unusual playgrounds.
Denver Zoo – The Denver Zoo is a family favorite year round, but be sure to check out their Spring Safari Camps that run March 27th-31st during spring break, as well as their “Spring Break: Journey to Asia” day on March 25th.
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum – The air and space museum has some fun upcoming events, as well. March 25th is their “Kids Day,” where they have kid focused activities. April 30th is their Star Wars at the Hangar event, where there will be Star Wars games, meet R2-D2 and see an X-wing starfighter.
Get up to the mountains and enjoy the last of the snow by planning a snowshoe day with the kids or maybe some other family friendly winter activities.
Boulder Arts Week – Did you know Boulder has the 8th largest art community in the country? Come celebrate Boulder’s art community during the week of March 31st – April 8th with exhibitions, performances, art walks, dance, theater, and artist demonstrations.
Denver Art Museum – For all of you Star Wars fans out there, don’t forget to visit the Power of Costume exhibit at the Denver Art Museum that is running until April 2nd with over 70 original costumes. Also, don’t forget that the museum offers free admission the first Saturday of every month, with storytelling and kid-friendly exhibits. This does not include admission to the special Star Wars exhibit.
Take a Hike – Enjoy one of these many kid-friendly hikes throughout the Denver metro area.
Arvada Kite Festival – Who doesn’t enjoy flying a kite? What’s even better is a whole sky filled with colorful kites. Scheduled for April 2nd this year, go fly a kite and enjoy this free family festival, that includes music, food vendors, community booths, and other fun activities. The festival is held at the Stenger Soccer Complex.
Colorado Rockies – Nothing says spring like opening day at the baseball park. Come cheer on your Colorado Rockies with the whole family. The Rockies home opener is Friday, April 7th against the Dodgers.
Teach the kids how to geocache or go letterboxing. Both are great ways to get kids outdoors and having fun.
Jeffco Open Space Events – Jefferson County offers many educational programs great for the whole family. Spring programs this year include “Coyotes and Their Odd Behaviors” on March 19th, “Preschool Nature Nuts: Bluebirds” on April 5th and 6th, and “The Moon and Jupiter” on April 29th.
All-Star Rodeo Weekend – The ultimate pro rodeo competition, with All-Star contestants from around the globe this year will be held at the National Western Complex on April 14th & 15th.
Enjoy Easter weekend with plenty of Easter Egg Hunts around Denver. Dates and locations to come.
Colorado School of Mines Edays – A fun spring tradition for the whole family in Golden. Engineer Days includes fireworks, a cardboard canoe race, a soapbox derby, and a trebuchet launching competition. The competitions are entered by Mines’ students only, but watching it all is great family fun. This year the festival runs April 20th-23rd.
Elitch Gardens – This family fun theme park opens for the season on April 30th this year, so that you can start enjoying all they have to offer this spring and summer.
Cinco De Mayo Festival – Running May 6th & 7th, this celebration includes a green chile cook-off, taco eating challenge, chihuahua races, tons of entertainment, and the traditional parade.
Five Points Jazz Festival – Celebrate jazz in the Denver Five Points neighborhood, once known for its jazz clubs. This year’s festival, held on May 21st, will include food vendors and, of course, plenty of live music.
Boulder Creek Festival – The traditional rubber ducky race at this free festival is great fun for the family. Besides the race, the festival offers over 9 separate event areas, 500 vendors, 4 performance stages, and carnival rides. May 27th-29th.
Take advantage of the nice weather to visit local Farmer’s Markets in the Denver area.
City Park Ice Cream Social – June 3rd from 6-9pm, an annual event provided by the City Park Alliance and City Council District 8. Includes free ice cream provided by Boulder Ice Cream, face painting, entertainers, and a concert with The Denver Municipal Band.
Inevitably the spring brings some intermittent bad weather, just when you are expecting summer. Use these days to enjoy some rainy/snowy day activities.
Denver Day of Rock – Five stages of free music come to Denver every Memorial Day weekend, offering family friendly entertainment, while also raising money to support non-profits. Check out this years line up of 25 bands for the May 27th performance.
Denver Arts Festival – The 19th annual Denver Arts Festival will be held this year on May 27th & 28th. This annual event celebrating fine arts and crafts is held at Stapleton’s Conservatory Green Plaza in Northfield.
Denver Chalk Art Festival – Say goodbye to spring with some outdoor culture for the adults and fun for the whole family. Running June 3rd & 4th, this festival turns Larimer Square into an art museum. Kids love checking out the fascinating chalk drawings, while parents can enjoy the wine pavilions and live music
Botanic Gardens – Nothing says spring like flowers in bloom. Head to the Botanic Gardens to let the kids run off some energy. Also, be sure to check out their family friendly concert series, their plant sale on May 12 & 13th, and their upcoming exhibit of Alexander Calder sculptures.
