Dr. Paddy absolutely loves winter sports and it’s one of the reasons he moved to Denver and become an Englewood and Central Park pediatric dentist. Yet, as much as he adores snow, Denver’s awesome all year long. Plus, he knows once February rolls around, kids can get a little stir crazy in between cold-weather adventures.
So, he’ll join the parents in the countdown to spring and in honor of the approaching season, we’ve put together a preview of upcoming opportunities for family fun. Of course, there are an array of cheap activities for kids in Englewood, Central Park and downtown Denver but Kids Mile High Pediatric Dentistry is always up for a challenge, which is why we’re focusing only on free spring activities for kids.
Children’s Festival of Stories
McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver – While the first annual Children’s Festival of Stories is technically a few days shy of spring, we love the idea and it’s close enough so it makes our list of free Denver activities for kids. Historic Elitch Theatre and Second Star to the Right are joining forces to put on this celebration of stories and reading at the McNichols Civic Center Building, which was actually the home of Denver’s first public library at one time.
The festival will be held on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 with an evening event for adults on Friday, March 16. Festivities will include all sorts of fun performances and activities, including appearances by children’s book authors and illustrators.
On Saturday, March 17 from 9am to 4pm, young readers (infancy through 14-years-old) as well as parents, fans of children’s books and educators can enjoy interactive storytimes, book signings, panel presentations, performances, creation stations and more. On Sunday, March 18 between 10am and 3pm, there will be free workshops for writers and artists eight-years-old and up. Kids (and parents!) can hone their craft and have a blast learning and creating. Registration is required for the workshops.
Go on an Art Walk
Luckily, finding free Central Park, CO spring activities for kids aren’t hard to find when you have such a vibrant community. Combine fresh air, exercise and culture by going on an art walk. Central Park has 16 public art pieces with work from artists around the country that will pique your child’s curiosity. Use the Central Park public art map to create a route or just freestyle one.
Family Day at the Opera
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 1385 Curtis Street, Denver – If you want to do something unique, let the kids experience the opera at the free Family Day event on Saturday, March 24. You’ll get the chance to take in a production sung in English by Opera Colorado’s Young Artists and also explore the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Cinderella will be performed at 10am and a performance of The Elixir of Love will be held at 1pm. An hour prior to each performance, there will be kid-friendly refreshments and activities. Reservations are required, so scoop up your free tickets online starting March 1.
Easter Egg Hunts
Good, old-fashioned Easter egg hunts are the perfect free spring activities for kids in Denver. The Central Park Egg Scramble will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 10am at Runway 35 (8863 E. 47th Avenue, Denver). It’s open to children and adults of all ages.
The Englewood Great Egg Scramble at Belleview Park (5001 S. Inca Drive, Englewood) will also be held on Saturday, March 24 at 10am. This one’s for kids ages one through eight (children will be grouped according to age). The event is free but donations will be accepted. The rain date is scheduled for Saturday, March 31.
Mommy and Me Movement & Creative Art Class
McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver – The McNichols Civic Center Building is really the place to be this spring but what else is new? Anyway, the amazing Rebecca Kanov, founder of Arts & Minds, teaches free Denver mommy and me classes focused on movement and creative arts for parents and children (crawlers through four-years-old) at McNichols.
Children will get an introduction to dance, sensory play, breathing and yoga. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 11am through May 22. Complete the one-time waiver and register for the class by emailing info@artsandmindskids.com and confirming the date and number of tiny tots you’ll be bringing.
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Spring Break at the Library
Englewood Library, 1000 Englewood Parkway – Looking for free Englewood spring activities for kids to keep your brood entertained during spring break this year? The Englewood Public Library will hold programs for children Monday, March 26 through Friday, March 30 at 1pm. The events will be tied to STEM, art, music and reading. There’s nothing wrong with keeping the learning going even when school’s out.
Life-Size Candy Land
Sam Gary Branch Library, 2961 Rosyln Street, Central Park, Denver – The Sam Gary Branch Library is an excellent place to find free activities for kids in Central Park, including regular storytimes. However, there’s one event scheduled this spring that’s a childhood dream come true: a life-sized game of Candy Land! The game, which is geared towards children ages three through eight, will be held on Friday, April 20 from 6 to 8pm in the library’s meeting room. For details on how to sign up, call the branch at (720) 865-0325.
Free Days at the Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York Street, Denver – The Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the top five botanic gardens in the country and it’s also home to the smaller, 3-acre Mordecai Children’s Garden, which is full of hands-on experiences and play. There are free days where admission doesn’t cost a dime throughout the year.
This spring, they’re scheduled for Sunday, April 8 and Tuesday, June 5. Can’t make those dates? The Chatfield Farms outpost in Littleton (8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road) will have free days on Tuesdays, March 6, April 3 and June 5.
Earth Day Celebration
Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant, 2900 S. Platte River Drive, Englewood – Round up the family on Sunday, April 22 and celebrate Earth Day by giving the South Platte River a little TLC. This free Englewood, CO family event will involve a river walk and community clean up along a one-mile section of the river. Trash bags, vests, trash pickers and safety gloves will be provided as well as a light lunch after the work is done. For more information, contact Deb Parker at (303) 762-2638.
Día del Niño (Day of the Child) Celebrations
Denver – There are two fun, free Denver family events on Sunday, April 29 in honor of Día del Niño, a celebration of children observed by countries around the world. There will be a festival at the History Colorado Center (1200 N. Broadway) from 10am to 5pm with art-making activities and performances.
In partnership with the Denver Art Museum and other cultural organizations, The Clyfford Still Museum (1250 Bannock Street) will hold Día del Niño Family Day from 10am to 4pm. Watch live performances in the Museum’s forecourt and do art projects and activities before exploring the museum’s galleries. No registration necessary; just show up and celebrate!
